No one knows for sure why this place is named after the Spanish term for "Mountain of Christ." However, one thing is clear -- this is a great place to ride in the fall because except during deer hunting season it is an uncrowded area and the bright autumn colors of the trees create spectacular scenery.Path rating: **
Scenic rating: ****
Distance: Variable. It's 42-miles, one-way from Huntsville to Woodruff or 26 miles from Huntsville to the Monte Cristo Summit. There are various side dirt roads to explore near the summit.
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet from Huntsville, 5,000-foot elevation to 9,000 feet. It would be 400-foot less climb starting your ride in South fork, just below Causey Reservoir.
Directions to reach the ride: Monte Cristo is in northeastern Weber County. Either go up Weber Canyon ((I-84) and go over Trapper's Loop to Huntsville and connect with U-39; or go up Ogden Canyon, accessible by 12th Street east to Ogden Valley. Either start your ride in Huntsville, or go east on U-39, following the recreation area signs.
Path description: All of this ride is on a good paved two-lane road. The only dirt roads would be if you take any sidetrips along the way -- and there are lots to choose from.
Expect a steep climb the last eight miles up to the Monte Cristo summit. Switchbacks in the road signal the start of this strenuous section.
This road is closed in winter, usually sometime in November until spring, at a snowmobile staging area found just before the start of the switchbacks.
Tidbits: This is a scenic byline, U-39, one of Utah's outdoor gems. The highway actually travels some 150 below the 9,148-foot Monte Cristo summit.
The "why" the name has several possibilities. One legend is that the road builders here read the book "Count of Monte Cristo" during their spare time and the name stuck.
Another is that early Spanish explorers here named the area and/or later trappers picked up the title.
The road over Monte Cristo was built in the 1930s and was improved and paved in 1960.
Cautions: Because much of this road is a high speed highway with some curves, care should be exercised to avoid conflicts with cars. Don't hog the road and beware of traffic coming in either direction.
Also, don't lose control of your bike on the return from Monte Cristo with the steep downgrade.
Highlights: Besides the great mountain scenery, probably only second to the east side of Mount Timpanogos, don't miss several dirt road sidetrips near the summit. A path to Mount McKinnon (elevation 9,081) and Dairy Ridge are all worth a ride.
Camping/water: The towns of Huntsville and Woodruff have the only stores and regular water available, but there are numerous public campgrounds along the way that could have seasonal water and restrooms. The highest campground, Monte Cristo, is 8,400-feet above sea level on the east side of the peak. Magpie and South Fork are a few of the other half-dozen campgrounds located at only 5,200-feet above sea level, but are closer to Huntsville.
For more information: Contact the Ogden Ranger District, 1-801-625-5112.