UTAH TRAIL REPORT:
Navigating Trail Closures & Upcoming Racing Conditions
As the winter thaws and nature reawakens, eager cyclists across Utah have emerged from a long hibernation, ready to conquer the trails once again. However, this year’s prolonged winter has left its mark, leaving many trails flooded and inaccessible and even a few fallen houses in the middle of the trails. In this article, we will help you navigate information and provide resources to help you better understand the conditions of bike trails, interview race directors for upcoming races, shed light on the reasons behind trail closures and flooding, and provide valuable resources to help you stay informed and find alternative routes until the trails are fully dry.
RESOURCES
Based on your area, there may be an official Instagram account dedicated to providing trail conditions. For example, in Draper, we have the account @drapercitytrailsandopenspace, which provides daily updates on trail conditions, upcoming dig days, and the opening of new trails.
In Park City, the Instagram account @mtntrailspc provides similar information and updates for trails in that region of Utah.
Covering the Heber and Midway Valley trails is the @wasatchtrailsfoundation. They’re the best resource in the area to get updates on trail conditions in both the summer and winter.
If your local trail system doesn’t have a social media page, you can use helpful tools like Trailforks, where cyclists provide timely updates on trail conditions. As a last resort, you can open your browser and log into the Facebook Page’ MTB Enthusiasts of Utah’ where you can ask Utah locals if Crest is open.
RACE UPDATES
Race organizers are diligently preparing for the upcoming cycling events that mark the highlight of the season for many enthusiasts. With race day looming on the horizon, we reached out to the race directors of the Dirty Dino and the Crusher in the Tushar to gauge their concerns and gather insights on how they plan to navigate the obstacles presented by Mother Nature.
June 17th, 2023 @ Vernal, UT
“I’m fully confident that the Dirty Dino will be epic this year, no matter what course we roll. We will make the final decisions the week before in accordance with the Forest Service, course safety, and the overall enjoyment and challenge of our riders as the deciding factors. Definitely plan on coming to play in Dinosaur Land with us!” – Breanne Nalder Harward Dirty Dino Race Director
July 8th, 2023 @ Beaver, UT
“So, I went for a ride up in the Tushars on Saturday, and myomy is there a lot of snow yet to come down up in them thar hills!
I was able to make it to about a mile shy of Kent’s Lake, which is right about where the 1st Aid Station lies.
Anyhow, I’m not too worried about what that means for our annual July romp.
Looking at the current Snotel data, we’re just a hair above (+2 “) where we were in 2011 for this same date on the calendar.
That said, I’ve never been in the habit of predicting the future where the weather is concerned, so we are working on getting our ducks in a row if we need to move some lingering drifts in some of the shaded areas.
I’ll head back up there in mid-June to see what condition our condition is in.
Till then, stay calm and C*R*U*S*H-ON” – Burke Swindlehurst Race Founder
While this unique and long winter’s aftermath of trail closures and flooding has presented significant challenges for cyclists and race organizers alike, resources and strategies are available to navigate these conditions. Be sure to use these resources and plan your rides and races before you go. Additionally, the insights from race directors provide reassurance that they are actively addressing the obstacles and adapting their plans to ensure a remarkable experience for participants. So, gear up, stay informed, and get ready to conquer the trails!
UTAH TRAIL REPORT:
Navigating Trail Closures & Upcoming Racing Conditions
As the winter thaws and nature reawakens, eager cyclists across Utah have emerged from a long hibernation, ready to conquer the trails once again. However, this year’s prolonged winter has left its mark, leaving many trails flooded and inaccessible and even a few fallen houses in the middle of the trails. In this article, we will help you navigate information and provide resources to help you better understand the conditions of bike trails, interview race directors for upcoming races, shed light on the reasons behind trail closures and flooding, and provide valuable resources to help you stay informed and find alternative routes until the trails are fully dry.
RESOURCES
Based on your area, there may be an official Instagram account dedicated to providing trail conditions. For example, in Draper, we have the account @drapercitytrailsandopenspace, which provides daily updates on trail conditions, upcoming dig days, and the opening of new trails.
In Park City, the Instagram account @mtntrailspc provides similar information and updates for trails in that region of Utah.
Covering the Heber and Midway Valley trails is the @wasatchtrailsfoundation. They’re the best resource in the area to get updates on trail conditions in both the summer and winter.
If your local trail system doesn’t have a social media page, you can use helpful tools like Trailforks, where cyclists provide timely updates on trail conditions. As a last resort, you can open your browser and log into the Facebook Page’ MTB Enthusiasts of Utah’ where you can ask Utah locals if Crest is open.
RACE UPDATES
Race organizers are diligently preparing for the upcoming cycling events that mark the highlight of the season for many enthusiasts. With race day looming on the horizon, we reached out to the race directors of the Dirty Dino and the Crusher in the Tushar to gauge their concerns and gather insights on how they plan to navigate the obstacles presented by Mother Nature.
June 17th, 2023 @ Vernal, UT
“I’m fully confident that the Dirty Dino will be epic this year, no matter what course we roll. We will make the final decisions the week before in accordance with the Forest Service, course safety, and the overall enjoyment and challenge of our riders as the deciding factors. Definitely plan on coming to play in Dinosaur Land with us!” – Breanne Nalder Harward Dirty Dino Race Director
July 8th, 2023 @ Beaver, UT
“So, I went for a ride up in the Tushars on Saturday, and myomy is there a lot of snow yet to come down up in them thar hills!
I was able to make it to about a mile shy of Kent’s Lake, which is right about where the 1st Aid Station lies.
Anyhow, I’m not too worried about what that means for our annual July romp.
Looking at the current Snotel data, we’re just a hair above (+2 “) where we were in 2011 for this same date on the calendar.
That said, I’ve never been in the habit of predicting the future where the weather is concerned, so we are working on getting our ducks in a row if we need to move some lingering drifts in some of the shaded areas.
I’ll head back up there in mid-June to see what condition our condition is in.
Till then, stay calm and C*R*U*S*H-ON” – Burke Swindlehurst Race Founder
While this unique and long winter’s aftermath of trail closures and flooding has presented significant challenges for cyclists and race organizers alike, resources and strategies are available to navigate these conditions. Be sure to use these resources and plan your rides and races before you go. Additionally, the insights from race directors provide reassurance that they are actively addressing the obstacles and adapting their plans to ensure a remarkable experience for participants. So, gear up, stay informed, and get ready to conquer the trails!