Alpine Loop |
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Description: This ride heads up American Fork Canyon, over the mountain and then down Provo Canyon.
Comments: This is another classic Salt Lake area ride. The route up American Fork Canyon is about 3,000 feet of climbing at an average of 6.7% grade. The reverse route is nice too.
Distance:
40.03 miles
GPS track log: Here (right click and select "Save Target As")
Total Elevation Gain: 4385 feet
Elevation Profile:
User Ratings
This is a fantastic ride - it just keeps going up and up! Beautiful scenery. I went early-season just before the loop opened for cars. Nearly ran into a moose about two miles from the top. We stared each other down briefly, but fortunately he turned and trotted off the road. If you go before the loop opens, be careful of downed trees and the debris left from cutting up any downed trees.
Posted Jan. 03, 2008 by Rich in AZ
The climb up American Fork Canyon is really spectacular and views from the top can't be beat. Unfortunately the traffic in Provo canyon and parts of the Utah Valley is pretty scary.
Posted Aug. 29, 2007 by DJohn
For an up and back, try starting at Vivian Park in Provo Canyon and ride up past Sundance to the Summit trailhead and back. Weekends can make for a lot of traffic, but this is such a beautiful ride, particularly in the Autumn. The initial couple of miles up to Sundance are kind of steep, but not oppressive.
Posted Jul. 19, 2007 by kbg
Another great area ride. To make it a little more challenging, ride up and over South Mountain (Suncrest), on the way to the loop, and then again on the way back.
Posted Jul. 09, 2007 by TrekGuy
Go in the Spring, when the snow is almost gone and before the Loop is open to cars.
Posted Jun. 19, 2007 by ralphs old bike
In my opinion, this is the best ride in the Salt Lake/Provo area. It is a nice long ascent no matter which side you decide to climb, and the scenery is fantastic. The only thing I don't like about it is the Provo Canyon traffic, but if you start the ride early, it isn't too much of a problem.
Posted Jun. 30, 2008 by Jeff
The ride was great. Beuatfil sceanery. If you end at the Provo side and go to vivian park there is another climb call south fork and after that you can ride Donw on the provo trial located in vivian park. The trial is for bikes, runners and walking.
Posted Jul. 27, 2009 by RJ
The key is to not do the loop. Just avoid the Provo Canyon side. There is a turnout right before the AF Canyon guard shack. Park there, ride up and over the top, turn around at Aspen Grove, and go back over the summit. Same amount of time as doing the loop, but all the views, and almost none of the scary traffic and bad shoulder. For extra water (and climbing) and almost car free riding, do the Cascade Springs spur.
Posted Aug. 14, 2009 by Todd
Wonderful ride, I parked on 92 and rode up to the top and then came back down the same way. I thought the ride was beautiful, the switch-backs are fun. This was a great work out, very steady and traffic was not that bad on the road. I will definately do this ride again, next time I will do the complete loop.
Posted Jun. 17, 2010 by Dan K - Buffalo, NY