Stansbury Island, on the west end of the Great Salt Lake, can be biked almost all year. This is an advanced technical trail. Early spring and late fall are best. Most of the trail is on southern slopes, so snow melts quickly. After crossing the valley (seen here from the trailhead), the trail begins a brutal one-mile, 800-vertical foot climb to the top of the mountain. The loop (returning by dirt roads on the salt flats) is 10 miles.
Take I-80 westbound out of Salt Lake. About 30 minutes later, you'll reach the second Grantsville exit (#84, UT-138, near the Morton salt plant). After exiting, proceed straight (onto the crummy road) rather than turning towards Grantsville. Follow the road north as it turns into gravel and crosses the mud flats, about three miles. At the fork, stay left. There should be a "Stansbury Island Mountain Bike Trail" sign at this fork. (Look around -- this is where the trail returns after you come off the mountain.) Two miles later, you'll come to a four-way intersection. There may, or may not, be a stop sign there. Go straight through. 1.1 miles later, you should see a "Bike Trail" sign and a road branching off on the right. Turn right and drive a few hundred yards to the parking area. There are no fees (and no facilities of any kind).
Riding resources:
One-page (printable)
ride guide
GPS track file (right-click and select "Save Target as..."):
GPX
Topo map for printing:
View
Lodging, camping, shops:
Links to north SLC resources