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An unexpected delight in a part of Utah little known for mountain biking.


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Map Key

28.7

Miles

46.2

KM

25%

Singletrack

9,020' 2,749 m

High

7,016' 2,139 m

Low

3,107' 947 m

Up

3,113' 949 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Some of the jeep road section after Mary's Lake could contain clayey soil that could make the road impassable during rain.

Overview

An uneventful 2000-foot climb up a wide gravel road takes you to Pete's Hole Reservoir, where 6.8 miles of Josephite Point Trail singletrack await. The singletrack is pleasant and scenic. There's hardly anything technical on it. At the end of the Josephite Point Trail, you descend to your car at Joe's Valley Reservoir. This ride is worth an overnight motel stay and a drive of an hour or two in my opinion. It seems to be little-known and I had the impression the bike shop in nearby Price, Utah, didn't have information on it. You'll be something of a pioneer in riding it, although it is featured in Gregg Bromka's book Mountain Biking Utah (Pequot Press, 1999 ed.) at pages 222-224 (map included).

There is plenty of car camping nearby (fee charged). You'll share the campground with many ATVers sitting around their giant pickup trucks and ATV trailers. The Josephite Point Trail, however, doesn't allow any motorized use.

Need to Know

Park when you reach the end of the pavement on Utah Highway 29, on the west side of Joe's Valley Reservoir.

Description

Begin with a middle-ring climb from the end of the paved part of Utah Highway 29. Scenic views of Joe's Valley Reservoir appear as you climb.

In about three miles you start heading along the northern edge of a scenic alpine valley that ends in about four or five miles. When you reach the end, the road reverses course and you're on the southern side, where you'll see alpine wildflowers and meadows.

In eight or nine miles you reach a signed turnoff to Pete's Hole Reservoir - Forest Road 0005. It's about a mile away, half down, half up. On the reservoir's far side, the Josephite Point Trail begins. Its 6.8 miles of singletrack contain much nice flowy trail through alpine meadows and wooded areas. Josephite Point Trail ends just before Mary's Lake, and you'll spend the next eight miles or so descending Forest Road 0041 and Forest Road 0170 - rough jeep roads that will take you back to Joe's Valley Reservoir.

Reportedly the Josephite Point Trail receives little use, but a local Forest Service ranger stated that it is maintained, and it showed signs of regular maintenance.

History & Background

There may be a couple of historical markers and/or exhibits along Utah Highway 29 in the vicinity of Joe's Valley Reservoir, but I don't recall for certain.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ted Stroll

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#3416

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#131

in Utah

#3,416

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4,045 Since Aug 9, 2014
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Photos

View of Joe's Valley Reservoir a mile (1.6 km) into the initial climb.
Aug 9, 2014 near Orangev…, UT
The Josephite Point Trail needed some maintenance in August of 2014 but was generally in good condition and showed signs of regular and adequate upkeep.
Aug 9, 2014 near Manti, UT
The Josephite Point Trail becomes somewhat more difficult as one progresses eastward.
Aug 9, 2014 near Manti, UT
Some portions of the Josephite Point Trail traverse alpine meadows similar to what one might see on the Doctor Park Trail in Gunnison County, Colo.
Aug 9, 2014 near Manti, UT
Most of the first one-third of the Josephite Point Trail is pleasant flowy singletrack.
Aug 9, 2014 near Manti, UT
Looking north to Joe's Valley Reservoir from the rough jeep road leading from Mary's Lake.
Aug 9, 2014 near Orangev…, UT

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