Glenwild Loop

View from the top of the ridge, looking east over Parley's Summit. Photos and ride description originally June 26, 2002 by Bruce. Updated information 2008.

Glenwild Loop

The Glenwild Loop is an 8.4 mile intermediate-technical loop, located just across I-80 from Park City. Starting at 6350 feet, the loop has 800 feet of elevation change, with a total of 1200 feet of climbing. A cutoff trail splits the loop in two, if you're looking for a shorter ride. This ride also connects to the Stealth and 24-7 trails.

Looking at the mountainside near the trailhead, the first thought in your mind will be "I didn't come to Park City to ride in sage brush!" But hang on. This trail is very much worth your time. You'll pass through three ecosystems: sage and bitterbrush, sedges and bottomland, and alpine transition zone with maples and oak. Wildflowers include miniature penstemmon, larkspur, lupine, sticky geranium, yampa, and even cactus.

The trailhead starts here at the creek. Meadows of sedges grow among the brush in the valley just over the next hill.

Heading north across the valley, we'll climb to the top of the ridgeline in the distance.

For beginning riders, this trail is one of the easiest technically of the Park City area. (The stiff climb over the ridgeline may be too much for those who are totally out of shape.) Advanced riders will love the "hammer-down" sections, and can complete the loop in around an hour. Most switchbacks have wide-radius turns that invite you to hit them with speed.

This trail is the first major Park City ride to melt out in the spring. However, there are some clay sections that will bog your tires if the trail is soft. I suggest you boogie right through the lowland section (the spot with the sedges and many bridges). If you tarry, the bugs will eat you.

Surprising for Park City? A prickly pear cactus blooms along Glenwild Trail. This trail features different ecosystems, as the high plains desert meets lowland swamp near alpine highlands.

Typical scene on Glenwild.

The trail is easy to follow: when you come to a road, the trail continues straight across. The intersection with the cutoff trail at N 40° 44.372' W 111° 32.482', however, requires a little explanation.

Counterclockwise: the cutoff trail will merge on your left as you near a road at mile 1.05. Then, after the descent from the high ridge, you'll come onto a fire break at mile 5.9. The trail straight across the road is the cutoff trail! To complete the full loop, turn hard right and roll down the firebreak, which turns into singletrack after about 100 yards.

Clockwise: you'll come up the firebreak at mile 2.5. Turn hard left uphill. (The trail on the right is the cutoff trail.) Then at mile 7.4, keep left downhill at the trail fork.

The Glenwild Loop can be used to access the Cobblestone Loop , 24-7 and Bob's Basin Freeride , and Flying Dog . Please see the respective pages for information.

View back towards Park City. The spot on the hillside at right is the Olympics Sports Park.

Map of Glenwild

Getting there: At the I-80 Park City exit, go north (left from the exit if you're coming from SLC) to the frontage road. Turn right. About 1/4 mile later at the second road on your left, turn left. Spot the parking area, with bathroom and trail map kiosk, just before the creek. GPS N 40° 43.662' W 111° 32.051'. Head up the road to start your ride just past the bridge. Turn right on singletrack for a counterclockwise loop, left for clockwise.