Path rating: 2 stars, scenic value: 3 starsTRAPPERS LOOP: is a historic Indian/mountain man route between Weber and Morgan counties. It has two versions available: (1) A paved road, that opened in 1989, can be used by street and mountain bikes; (2) The original dirt road that's been used since the 1920s and that is recommended only for mountain bikes, trucks or motorcycles.
Distance: Trappers Loop is a variable ride, depending on the route taken. It is 9.5 miles, one way from Mountain Green to Ogden Valley, on the paved road. It is eight miles, one way on the dirt version -- recommended for mountain bikes only.
To bike the paved road, go east on I-84 up Weber Canyon and take the Mountain Green exit that says Huntsville. Go on a frontage road to the start of U-167. The road ends at the U-39 junction, just east of the Snowbasin turnoff.
For biking the dirt road Trappers Loop, go over U-167 into Ogden Valley and look for a dirt road on the south side of U-39, that's just east of the Jackson Fork Inn. This dirt road is about 600 yards east of the paved Trappers Loop.
Since only the north end is usually open, this is an in-and-out by the same point path.
Difficulty: Strenuous, with the paved road climbing 1,000 feet in a couple of miles and then dropping an equal amount. The dirt road version climbs 900 feet in four miles and then is fairly level as it traverses several hollows.
Time required: A several-hour ride for the fastest of bikers, with a half-day recommended to enjoy the views and even more time if the dirt road version is also traveled.
Cost/charges: None.
Cautions: The paved road is steep, and bikers should be cautious of speeding cars that may take turns in the road too fast. Also, the dirt road version is generally blocked off on the east side by a gate, so plan extra time in returning to the north end via the same route.
The dirt road can also be muddy during wet periods and has a few small streams to ford.
Scenic highlights: There's a spectacular panorama of the east side of the Wasatch Mountains always visible along the paved Trappers Loop that's second only in rugged backdrop to Mount Timpanogos. Mount Ogden is the loftiest summit to the west, looming above Snowbasin at 9,572 feet above sea level.
There are also some outstanding views of Pineview Reservoir.
The dirt road lacks some of those spectacular views but offers wildlife viewing possibilities and lots of serenity.
Tidbits: The dirt road isn't exactly the original Trappers Loop route, but it is a little closer than the paved road. Historians believe the original Shoshone trail was located between the paved and dirt road versions.
Ogden Valley is also another great place to bike, with a 15-mile loop around Pineview Reservoir and another challenging paved mountain road climb found on the road to Powder Mountain.
-- Lynn Arave