American Fork Canyon, has some of the best singletrack riding around. We have ridden many of the trails from the famous ridge trail, to little known Ant's Knoll, but we had never ridden around Timpanogos. Most do this as a full loop, starting at Timpanogos park in Provo canyon, climbing the road to the summit, then hit dirt to finish the route around Timpanogos and back to the park.
I detest riding on asphalt, it ruins tires as well as my attitude, so I opted for a 1/2 R.A.T., beginning at the summit and riding around and down to Timpanogos park.
Knowing the canyon was closing soon and winter weather approaching as well, I saw an opening and took it. My wife dropped me off at the summit parking, where I climbed up to horse flats.
The Parking lot was full of Deer Hunters. I did see two other bikers, but they headed down the Ridge trail.
After Climbing to Horse Flats I followed the dirt road around, then reconnected with the GWT in front of Timp. The Views were gorgeous. (Next year we want to do it riding only the GWT and skipping the road altogether)
Reaching this point, I had not seen any others on the trails. The roads were full of Deer Hunters, and people were camped everywhere, but the trails were empty.
Here, because I had been sick for quite some time, I was debating on descending dry canyon or continuing the climb over big baldy saddle. A difficult, steep, but beautiful trail. Not wanting to give up, I continued on.
The trail begins Gentle and picturesque, then gets steeper, until it becomes completely unrideable.
Climbing here I ran into a scout troop, a real scout troop. (Not a, we-play-video-games-but-never-camp-or-hike-scout-group). I tried my best to stay ahead of them, not wanting to get passed. But in the end, the fastest scouts ended up beating me to the saddle.
I kept telling myself it was because I am sick and have been for quite sometime, I was pushing my bike, I had a heavier pack, blah, blah, blah, so many excuses.
In truth...I got beat to the top because I am fat and out of shape. Fat guy on a little bike kept going through my head. I need a smaller jersey...
I was happy to reach the saddle. From here the initial descent is steep and loose with some technical corners. It was a welcome reprieve from the climbing.
The trail quickly loses altitude for the next 5 or so miles down to Timpanogos park, extremely enjoyable!!
This is a great ride. It climbs about 3,000 vertical feet and descends around 5,000.
Worth riding, it is now a must do every year for us, as we keep exploring the canyons and mountains where we live, One Trail At A Time.
