One-Day Motorcycle Routes | Salt Lake Summer Edition, Vol. 2
- Utah Touring
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 19
We're reaching the end of hot summer days, but the weather is still perfect for day-long rides!
If you're traveling into the state and looking for an unforgettable ride that packs scenery, solitude, and riding enjoyment into a single day, the Salt Lake Valley is the perfect jumping-off point. Everything from alpine passes and remote dirt roads to scenic small towns and historic sites are within a day’s ride. As the second installment of our motorcycle routes series, we've hand-picked three new routes for you. Each one offers a different kind of adventure and captures a unique aspect of Utah’s stunning landscapes. Whether you're looking for a high-altitude climb, a quick canyon loop, or a journey through the Old West, you'll find an unforgettable route in the details below.
Read on to discover your next riding destination!
Mirror Lake
Round trip distance: 250 miles
Ride duration: 5.0 hours
For an unforgettable high-altitude adventure, the Mirror Lake Scenic Highway loop is a must-ride destination. This iconic route carves its way through the breathtaking Uinta Mountains, taking riders to elevations of over 10,000 feet. The road itself is a delight, with a fantastic mix of sweeping corners and tight switchbacks that cater to a sporty riding style.
As you climb, you'll be treated to stunning views of alpine meadows, thick pine forests, and dramatic mountain peaks. The highlight of the ride is the pristine Mirror Lake, a picture-perfect spot for a photo or break. Continue north and cross into Southwest Wyoming, or turn around and head back to Salt Lake.
In the heat of the summer, this is one of the best areas for camping with chilly nights and cold water lakes. There are a handful of established campgrounds along the route, or turn down a Forest Service road and find free dispersed camping spots in the Uintah-Cache National Forest.
Sites
The route's namesake is the pristine Mirror Lake, located at 10,000 feet and known for its clear reflection of the mountains and forests that surround it.
Bald Mountain Pass: This is Utah's highest paved road at an elevation of 10,715 feet!
Provo River Falls: A popular stop along the scenic byway with an overlook, some facilities, and a chance to swim and wade in the lower pools of the falls.
While Mirror Lake gets busy in the summer, there are several other lakes nearby that are just as picturesque but less busy, including Trial Lake, Lost Lake, and Moosehead Lake. Most are surrounded by developed campgrounds perfect for tent camping.
Notes
Even in the summer, nights can dip into the upper 30s. We suggest bringing a mid-layer if you expect to riding in the morning or evening, and cold weather gear if you're camping overnight.
Head north to continue to Evanston, Wyoming
This is a seasonal road that is closed between approximately October and May, so summer is your best bet!
Fees: The byway is free to ride, but recreational sites require a Park Pass and/or additional use fees
East Canyon
Round trip distance: 100 miles
Ride duration: 3.0 hours
If you live in Salt Lake City, this route is a classic. Get away from traffic and into the hills to experience winding roads, elevation changes, hills, wildlife, and reservoirs. This is one of my go-to loops when I need some fresh air but I'm tight on time.
As you crest the summit of Little Mountain Pass, the landscape dramatically opens up into the wide, peaceful valley of East Canyon. The twisty, engaging turns continue as you descend towards East Canyon Reservoir, a beautiful blue-green lake nestled among the hills. This section of the ride is a fantastic showcase of Utah's rural beauty, with rolling farmland and open skies. The journey continues through the quiet towns of Morgan and Henefer before you begin your return journey. The ride back retraces your route, allowing you to enjoy the same exhilarating curves and stunning scenery from a new perspective.
Traffic gets busy in Emigration Canyon over the weekends, so take it easy or detour taking I-80 to the East Canyon exit. Morgan is the place if you need gas or food in the middle of your ride. This route is beautiful in autumn but closes during the winter.
Sites:
Ruth's Diner in Emigration Canyon is a great place to fuel up before a ride or after a ride. Their shaded patio seating is located right next to Emigration Creek, for a cool & quiet getaway from the heat. They serve classic American cuisine including breakfast, and if you go on a night or weekend, you might catch some live music.
Tucked away in a canyon near Morgan, Taggart's Grill is another popular pit-stop for riders. Burgers, sandwiches, and barbeque - yes please! It gets busy on weekends, so expect a wait, or instead visit on a weekday.
Notes
Emigration Canyon was a popular route for pioneers and other westward-bound emigrants heading west. It is also the location where Brigham Young stopped and determined that Salt Lake was where the Mormon pioneers would settle, declaring from the pass "This is the right place. Drive on." Check out the historical markers placed along the canyon road.
Emigration and East Canyons are very popular bicyclist routes. Be aware that you may unexpectedly encounter them in corners, and give them space. Same goes for deer at dusk!
Fees: None, but access to East Canyon State Park requires an entry fee.
The "Wide Open Spaces" Dirt Loop
Round trip distance: 225 miles
Ride duration: 5-6 hours
If you want to ride through the history of the Old West only a few hours from downtown SLC, this is the route for you. Passing former mining towns, desert landscapes, and secluded byways both on and off-road, this ride is doable on your standard ADV motorcycles with 70/30 tires.
The canyon section near Terra is a section of the historic Lincoln Highway, one of America's first transcontinental roads designed for automobiles. Or go back further in time with a dirt detour down a segment of the Pony Express Trail. Stop and read the stone markers to learn more about the history of the short-lived service.
In the summer, roads will be dry but the air will be hot. Plan ahead and pack water, snacks, and sunscreen. If you're going alone, bring self-rescue equipment in case of a drop, breakdown, minor injury, or flat tire.
Sites
Eureka: Pass through a quiet, historic mining town that in the late 1800s was the financial center of the gold and silver Tintic Mining District, and home to the second ever JCPenney store (originally called the "Golden Rule Store"). Today, it's a sleepy little town tucked in the canyon with a few shops and restaurants, including the well-reviewed Cast Iron Bistro
Aunt Libby's Pet Cemetery: In the middle of what feels like nowhere, you'll find a humble cemetery originally built in 1888 that serves as the final resting place to Aunt Libby Rockwell's beloved dogs, as well as several family members.
Notes
This route takes you along the gated border of a US Army military facility. You are free to travel on these public roads, but obviously don't jump any fences and be cautious about what you are photographing. Don't be suspicious.
The dirt sections are what I would consider 2/5 difficulty. They are wide gravel roads, but you may encounter silty sections, or ascents/descents with loose gravel. There are many off-shoot roads and trails that may be more difficult so travel at your own risk.
If you plan on a day-long ride, bring a water bladder or Camelback to stay hydrated, some munchies, and a phone charger or USB cable. You do not want to get stranded!
Your best stops for fuel before exploring the desert are in: Dugway, Stockton, Eureka and Saratoga Springs. There are no fuel stations you can detour to within the blue route loop on the map.
Fees: None
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