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Classic shuttled Crest: Scott's Bypass, Puke Hill, Spine, Great Western, Little Water, GWT to Elbow Fork, Pavement out


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Map Key

22.7

Miles

36.6

KM

60%

Singletrack

9,881' 3,012 m

High

4,904' 1,495 m

Low

834' 254 m

Up

5,664' 1,726 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

22%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Drops/Jumps · Flow · Technical · Views

Upper Millcreek only allows bikes on EVEN days of the Month.

Overview

Northern Utah's most famous ride: Puke Hill, The Spine, Wasatch Crest Trail to Millcreek Canyon.

Need to Know

Bikes allowed on EVEN days on the Upper Millcreek Canyon trails. Odd days recommended to head east to Canyons from base of Murdock Peak or west onto Mill D to Desolation Lake, just north of Desolation Peak

Description

Book your shuttle with Big Rack Shuttle (or others) or get someone to drop you off at the top of Guardsman's Pass, start on Scott's Bypass to Puke Hill, climb up to the Wasatch Crest Trail, enjoy the views and a few other shorter climbs as you work your way north along the Crest of the Wasatch mountain divide. Views of PCMR and Canyons to your right (east) and views of Brighton, Solitude, and Big Cottonwood Canyon to your left (west).

Pass Desolation Peak, enjoy the view above the lake, and send "the Spine" down to the Mill D turnoff. Stay right to continue going north on Crest until you drop into the top of the Millcreek Canyon (alternate descent is down Millcreek Meadows).

Once you finish the Crest Trail at a 'T-intersection going east (right) will drop you into 'The Canyons' ski resort, so stay left (west) and drop down the Great Western trail. The trail here used to be an old mining road (doubletrack), is smooth, and sight lines are long, so you can really fly. Keep descending as you work around a few small reroutes in the trail the USFS recently put in to keep riders out of the water (creek).

Descend Little Water trail for a faster, rowdy descent (watch for hikers common on this section). Less-experienced riders may descend Big Water as an easier alternate. Pass the Upper Millcreek Canyon Parking Lot, and if you still want more, descend the newer singletrack 'Big Water/Elbow Fork Connector' (GWT) to Elbow fork.

Most riders opt out of descending Pipeline and take the pavement out the Canyon and back to the car, but adventurous riders may choose to take Mill Creek Pipeline all the way to the mouth of Millcreek Canyon and descend Rattlesnake. A classic alternate ending to Crest that all riders should do at least once.

Contacts

Shared By:

J Williams

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#3270

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#169

in Utah

#3,270

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0 Since Sep 4, 2024
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Photos

Great tour of the Crest!
Nov 18, 2013 near Snyderv…, UT
Near the top of the Wasatch Crest Trail, looking down into Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Sep 4, 2016 near Park City, UT
Beginning one of the many descents on the Wasatch Crest Trail with Solitude Ski Area in the background.
Sep 4, 2016 near Park City, UT
Flowy singletrack, what is not to like?
Oct 12, 2016 near Snyderv…, UT
The balancing act on top of the spine section of the Wasatch Crest Trail. Photo by Mike Swim // mikezswim.com
Jun 13, 2018 near Snyderv…, UT
Best ride of the year.
Sep 4, 2024 near Snyderv…, UT

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