 | Deer Creek Parkway (North section, Provo/Jordan River Parkway) This broad gravel path is part of the Provo River Parkway - Jordan River Parkway system. It runs the hillside above the northern shore of Deer Creek Reservoir. Length is 7.5 miles, with about 400 feet of total climbing. It can be ridden as an out-and-back (15 miles), or as a shuttled ride. A loop ride would involve high-speed highway, and is not recommended. The trail is about 10 feet wide, consisting of roadbed-type crushed rock overtop of a plastic liner. While mostly straight, there are occasional sharp turns during descents into small canyons. |
| While it might seem the ideal family ride, the gravel surface makes it harder work for tiny tires and little legs. There are some slightly-steep sections that require good braking control and balance, to avoid dumping in the gravel. While it has potential as a family ride, I can only recommend it for more-skilled strong youngsters. Tiny guys should go in the bike trailer or a trail-a-bike until the surface is paved or worked-in better. From 11 am to 4 pm on sunny days, there's a vicious "thermal" wind blowing from west to east. The best riding time is early morning or later afternoon -- or plan on riding from the dam to the northern trailhead so the wind is at your back. |
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 | Getting there:
From US-40, turn north on U-113.
Zero your odometer. Drive 2 miles, then turn left immediately after
crossing the railroad tracks. Turn left at the stop sign 1/2 mile later.
As the road curves to the right about 0.2 miles later, spot a horse hitch
area on your left then a railroad stop with parking. Immediately after,
there's a road on the left with a small sign indicating it's the
Provo/Jordan River Parkway Deer Creek Northern Trailhead. After turning
left into the road, keep straight, to the left of the horse corral, and
park at the end. The trailhead is the small metal gate at the right. 2007 note: The southern end is effectively hidden within a mess of construction for the new highway. You'll need to ride from the northern trailhead. Copyright 2007 Mad Scientist Software Inc Trail conditions change, and the layout of a trail may change without notice. Use this trail guide at your own risk. |