Mantua Reservoir Dike Trail

Joel Quinn and Gene Poncelet take a break from their usual hammerfest monster rides to check out the trails of Mantua with me. May 24, 2012.

Mantua Reservoir Dike Trail

Mantua Reservoir is a small scenic lake at the town of Mantua, a few miles up the canyon from Brigham City. The dike trail is a broad cindered path along the water's edge. The length is 4.2 miles, and the ride is absolutely flat and very easy. The ride is suitable for families with baby-trailers and even training wheels.

I suggest a counter-clockwise ride. There are three trailheads on the reservoir, all with bathrooms. Which trailhead you select will depend on what additional activities you plan for your family.

This is the trailhead at the southeast corner, which I recommend for biking-centric trips. It's quiet, uncrowded, and pretty.

Gene and Joel pedal along the eastern shore.

The southeast trailhead is secluded and quiet, with nearby fishing spots but no launching facilities. This would be my recommendation for bike-centered activity. You can reach it by pulling up onto the south dike road at the boat-launch area. (This is the only spot where vehicles are allowed on the dike. At this point the bike trail temporarily moves off the dike and runs alongside it.) Drive 0.9 miles east to the trailhead. This trailhead is also the closest to the new Eagle Rise singletrack.

There's a trailhead at the northwest corner with picnic tables. It's close to US-89 so it's a bit noisier. It can be a good choice if your kids want to play in the water at a safe distance from the boat-launch.

The southwest trailhead is the main boat-launch facility. In addition to bathrooms, there's a shaded pavilion. Parking may be in short supply at this trailhead on summer weekends.

A pelican rests in the water of the eastern shore.

View south from the northeast corner of the lake.

The western side of the reservoir is fairly open. When riding counterclockwise, this gives you great views of the mountains to the south of Mantua. Just after passing the boat launch, veer to your right onto the cindered bike path that runs alongside the dike, so you don't have to contend with cars driving on the dike to the southeast trailhead.

On the eastern side, trees line the space between dike and water. There are frequent peeks at pelicans, loons, and ducks.

Intermediate riders will want to add a trip on the Eagle Rise trail system, a series of singletrack loops at the southwest corner of the reservoir. These trails give you nice views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. Eagle Rise forks to your right (as you're riding counterclockwise) 0.3 miles from the southeast trailhead.

Looking northeast from the same spot, which is why I think counterclockwise is the more scenic route.

Mantua Reservoir

Getting there:
Exit I-15 at the first Brigham City exit (to Logan and US-91). Head east toward the mountains, and keep straight as you cross the main road into Brigham City and join US-89 heading up Sardine Canyon. From the freeway, drive 4.5 miles to the second Mantua (600 North) exit. Turn right, then right again on main street. The first trailhead (TH#1) is immediately on your left. As you pass the boat launch (TH#2), turn left and climb onto the dike N41 29.999 W111 56.522. Now drive 0.9 miles to the east and park in the paved parking area of TH#3 (N41 29.793 W111 55.562).

Camping: Mountain View campground, SE corner of lake
Water: Boat launch
Bathrooms: All three trailheads.