Looking down from the first climb, the lifts of Deer Valley sit next to the Snow...
Looking down from the first climb, the lifts of Deer Valley sit next to the Snow Park Lodge. Photos June 27, 2002 by Bruce.
The Solamere Loop starts at Deer Valley, runs up and down two mountains, around a third mountain, then up and over a fourth. It's great working on those summit attacks, while enjoying views over Deer Valley, Park City, and Jordanelle. Because of the steep grade and multiple switchbacks (around 80), I'd rate this trail advanced or upper-intermediate technical. Total climbing is 1200 feet, split between three hill-climbs, with base altitude of 7250 and peak of 7650. Distance around the loop is 7.2 miles.
The loop can be ridden either direction. Switchbacks tend to be a bit more angular and rough on the southern hillsides: if you like the tight switchbacks uphill, ride counterclockwise. If you like rounded turns uphill and can navigate right switchbacks downhill, go clockwise. Another factor: clockwise puts two of the climbs in the shade, if you're riding on a hot day.
Trail view on the south side: brush, sage, and flowers.
Trail view on the south side: brush, sage, and flowers.
Toadflax blooms in the June sunshine.
Toadflax blooms in the June sunshine.
At this altitude, southern slopes are brush and gambel oak. Northern slopes are quakies, maple, and choke cherry, with an occasional fir. Wildflowers abound, and include Wasatch penstemmon, larkspur, sticky geranium, and scarlet gilia (desert trumpet).
From the ridgetop, you'll be able to see Jordanelle Reservoir in Heber Valley. In the other direction, you'll look over Deer Valley Resort and the southern end of Park City.
Typical north slope trail view. Quakies, lupine, choke cherry, and deep grass.
Typical north slope trail view. Quakies, lupine, choke cherry, and deep grass.
From the hilltop, looking east over Jordanelle Reservoir.
From the hilltop, looking east over Jordanelle Reservoir.
Climbs are fairly stiff, with a rate of about 500 vertical feet per mile. But because they're fairly short (a mile or less), they make good "interval training" climbs. The trail surface can get loose and dusty, with a few loose rocks.
Trail notes, counterclockwise loop: 0.0 Out of parking lot, up street to south 50 feet        Trail on left, N 40° 38.304' W 111° 28.645'        Gap Trail 0.1  First fork, keep right (L=mountainside return) 1.0  Top of first mountain 1.7  Cross mountainside trail, cross road by gatehouse        Snowtop Trail 2.3  Top of second mountain 3.0  Bottom, begin Hidden Hollow Trail 3.5  Reach dead-end circle on pavement        Turn hard left on ST
3.8  Trail comes in from R 4.0  Fork, go R down to street (L=mountainside return)        Go right uphill at street, L at stop, L at 2nd stop        Singletrack on right, Solamere Connector 5.4  Reach ridgeline, watch for fork sharp L         N 40° 39.088' W 111° 28.937'        (If you cross a broad trail at 5.6, you missed it)        Gambel Oak Trail 6.1  Street, GPS N 40° 38.803' W 111° 29.346'        Turn L, then keep straight all the way back 7.2  Back at Snow Park Lodge
In Park City, follow the signs to Deer Valley Resort. Just after you turn past the Snow Park Lodge, turn left into the first parking lot. Get on your bike. As you leave the lot the way you came, turn left into the first street, and find the singletrack trail on your left about 50 feet up. GPS N 40° 38.304' W 111° 28.645'

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