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Glenwild Loop
The Glenwild Loop is an 8.4 mile intermediate-technical
loop, located just across I-80 from Park City. Starting at 6350 feet, the
loop has 800 feet of elevation change, with a total of 1200 feet of
climbing. A cutoff trail splits the loop in two, if you're looking for a
shorter ride. This ride also connects to the Stealth
and 24-7 trails.
View from the top of the ridge,
looking east over Parley's Summit. Photos and ride description originally June 26, 2002 by Bruce.
Updated information 2008.
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| Looking at the mountainside near the trailhead, the first
thought in your mind will be "I didn't come to Park City to ride in
sage brush!" But hang on. This trail is very much worth your time.
You'll pass through three ecosystems: sage and bitterbrush, sedges and
bottomland, and alpine transition zone with maples and oak. Wildflowers
include miniature penstemmon, larkspur, lupine, sticky geranium, yampa,
and even cactus.
The trailhead starts here at the
creek. Meadows of sedges grow among the brush in the valley just over the
next hill.
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For beginning riders, this trail is one of the easiest
technically of
the Park City area. (The stiff climb over the ridgeline may be
too much for those who are totally out of shape.) Advanced riders will
love the "hammer-down" sections, and can complete the loop in
around an hour. Most switchbacks have wide-radius turns that invite you to
hit them with speed.
Heading north across the valley, we'll
climb to the top of the ridgeline in the distance.
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| This trail is the first major Park City ride to melt out in
the spring. However, there are some clay sections that will bog your tires
if the trail is soft. I suggest you boogie right through the lowland
section (the spot with the sedges and many bridges). If you tarry, the
bugs will eat you.
Surprising for Park City? A prickly
pear cactus blooms along Glenwild Trail. This trail features different
ecosystems, as the high plains desert meets lowland swamp near alpine
highlands.
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The trail is easy to follow: when you come to a road, the
trail continues straight across. The intersection with the cutoff trail at
N 40° 44.372' W 111° 32.482', however, requires a little explanation.
Counterclockwise: the cutoff trail will merge on your left as you near a
road at mile 1.05. Then, after the descent from the high ridge, you'll
come onto a fire break at mile 5.9. The trail straight across the road is
the cutoff trail! To complete the full loop, turn hard right and roll down
the firebreak, which turns into singletrack after about 100 yards.
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Clockwise: you'll come up the firebreak at mile 2.5. Turn hard left
uphill. (The trail on the right is the cutoff trail.) Then at mile 7.4,
keep left downhill at the trail fork.
View back towards Park City. The spot
on the hillside at right is the Olympics Sports Park.
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Getting there: At the I-80 Park City exit, go
north (left from the exit if you're coming from SLC) to the frontage road.
Turn right. About 1/4 mile later at the second road on your left, turn
left. Spot the parking area, with bathroom and
trail map kiosk, just before the creek. GPS N 40° 43.662' W 111° 32.051'. Head up the road to
start your ride just past the bridge. Turn right on singletrack for a
counterclockwise loop, left for clockwise.
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Copyright 2002 Mad Scientist Software Inc
Updated 2008.
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