Who are they
Mountain Trails Foundation is a member-driven, non-profit organization that is dedicated to building, maintaining, and protecting trails for non-motorized recreation in the Park City area.
Established in 1992 when Park City only had a few hand-cut trails that were primarily on private land, the Mountain Trail Foundation began advocating for trails and worked with local government entities, private landowners, and developers to expand the city’s trail system. Today, there is over 400 miles of non-motorized trails in Park City.
What they do
The Mountain Trails Foundation works together with “Trail Partners” in the community to garner support to carry-out their important work.
In the summer months, they work hard to make sure trails are accessible to mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners.
In the winter MTF grooms and maintains over 30 kilometers of Nordic ski trails and more than 10 miles of single-track trails for fat-tire biking, snowshoeing and winter trail running in Round Valley.
On the Mountain Trail Foundation website, you’ll find frequently updated trail condition reports and printable maps to help you find trails to explore. Additionally, you can sign up to receive text alerts so you’re always up to date.
Last, but certainly not least, there are a number of notable events hosted by the Mountain Trails Foundation:
1. Triple Trail Challenge
The Triple Trail Challenge is a 3 stage race that takes place over 9 weeks. Participants must complete all three events:
Round 1 – Round Valley Rambler
Round 2 – Jupiter Peak Steeplechase
Round 3 – Mid Mountain Marathon
2. Round Valley Rambler
The Round Valley Rambler is a foot race in the trails of Round Valley in early June. Participants can choose between two distances, 7K or half marathon, with the half marathon serving as the first leg of the Triple Trail Challenge.
3. Jupiter Peak Steeplechase
This July race is a favorite in Park City, attracting elite athletes and weekend warriors alike from across the country. Participants take to the 16-mile track loop that runs from Park City Mountain Resort to the top of Jupiter Peak.
4. Mid Mountain Marathon
Voted best trail marathon in Utah!
The Mid Mountain Marathon takes place mid-August. This 26.2-mile single-track marathon race starts are Silver Lake/Deer Valley through Park City Mountain Resort to the Utah Olympic Park Trail and finishes at the bottom of the Nordic jumps at the Utah Olympic Park.
5. Tour Des Suds
Taking place mid-September, this single-track mountain bike race is a 7-mile climb to the top of Guardsman Pass. Tour Des Suds is not your average mountain bike race, it doubles as a crazy costume party. Deck out yourself and your bike for this race and meet back at City Park for lunch, a brew, and other awesome activities.
Why we love them
One of the things residents of Park City love most about living here is the extensive trail system that provides a natural playground year-round. It’s also what attracts visitors from across the country.
The teamwork that has built Park City’s unrivaled trail system, fostered by the Mountain Trails Foundation since its inception, is a testament to the thriving community here.
What you can do to help
-
- Volunteer at one of their events
- Become an Ambassador
- Make a donation
- Become a member
- Adopt a trail
Check out Mountain Trails Foundation’s site to learn more and follow on Facebook for updates.