East Park Loop
- Length:
- 32.5-36 miles
- Time:
- 3-4 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 8400 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 8400 - 9600 feet
- Season Availability:
- Spring, Summer, Fall
This trail winds through some of the most spectacular wildflower meadows in the area. In spring and early summer, the flowers are at their colorful peak, making the trail a feast for the senses. The trail follows dirt, gravel, and paved roads in the Ashley National Forest high in the Uinta Mountains. This is a long ride for advanced bikers. Be aware of logging trucks along the way. Several sections of the forest here have been, or are, in process of being logged.
From Vernal, head north 18 miles along US 191 and turn left (west) onto the Red Cloud Loop (FS 018). Park in the gravel parking area here. The trailhead is signed and the route follows bike trail signs. Following the route counterclockwise, head northwest up paved East Park Road for 9.5 miles to the East Park Campground turnoff. Water may be available at the campground in summer. The road changes to gravel and rolls west for 10 miles across several drainages to the Trout Creek guard station. Be aware of logging trucks in this area. Turn left at the guard station, following the bike signs back to US 191. After 7 miles the route crosses Big Brush Creek and continues for 4 miles through aspen groves, stands of lodge pole pine and sagebrush back to the highway and your vehicle.