It was a quiet morning on the lake as my old Trek 6700 held the trail, descending through a shady hawthorn grove, then making a tight right turn onto a peninsula jutting into Jordanelle Reservoir. A few puffy clouds framed a blue-sky scene as a family of ducks slowly crossed a quiet side cove.
It was a great day for a bike ride.
The Jordanelle Perimeter Trail opened just a few years ago and is a beautifully winding trail from the west side of the reservoir, around the north to Ross Creek and down the east side to Rock Cliff. It is part of a growing network of trails along the Jordanelle that includes the Skyridge system high above the north side of the reservoir.
This summer I started mountain biking again. I was surprised by the prices of new bikes, so I had my 20+ year old bike refurbished by the bike technicians at Storm Cycle. Wow, what a difference! Now I actually have brakes and gears.
The entire Perimeter Trail seemed challenging, so I opted for an 8-mile ride from the west bank to Ross Creek. It was an undulating ride, perfect for my ability level, and a great outing for families.
For me, the adventure was as much about the story as the ride itself. I started at the top of the Rail Trail Road, which partially followed the path of the old Union Pacific Railroad branch and the mine stop at Keetley Station. The original branch was built in 1923, with ore from the Ontario Mine being hauled through a tunnel that ended at what is now US 40. In 1941, the line was extended to the Mayflower Mine. It was abandoned in 1972.
The deep red hawthorn berries caught my eye and provided shade as the trail wound its way to Crandall Point. When you head out onto the two peninsulas, be sure to follow the trail all the way to the tip – don’t be fooled into taking the shortcut.
Driving around the peninsula gives you a unique perspective of the reservoir. The main channel of the Jordanelle from north to south is the remnant of Ross Creek, a short stream that had its source just a few miles north and then joined the Provo River emerging from the area now known as Rock Cliff. Construction began in 1987 and the dam was completed in 1993, flooding the town of Keetley.
I just loved the flow of the course. Gonzo cyclists won’t be challenged here, but it’s a perfect family or moderate ride. Around every corner is another unique view of the reservoir or a look back at the ski slopes of Deer Valley’s East Village. The course designers did a great job of following the terrain, adapting to the topography in twists and turns, and leaving just enough ups and downs to make the trail enjoyable.
Near the eastern shore, the trail descends to water level along a peaceful, quiet cove on what was once Ross Creek, then quickly climbs the coast until the trail intersects the old highway.
It has been over 30 years since the last car drove down old Highway 40 to Keetley, Hailstone and on to Heber. As the trail crossed the slowly crumbling layer of blacktop with a yellow line down the middle, I paused to reflect on the past as the highway descended into the water.
DETAILS
Where to go: The Crandall Point Trailhead is an excellent trailhead with parking and restrooms. Exit US 40 at the Mayflower exit. The trail is not clearly marked, so plan ahead. It is on a trail off Old Keetley Road. There is a kiosk for state park fees, or you can use the online app. Better yet, get an annual pass. While there is no trailhead on SR 319 leading to the state park, you can drive along the Rail Trail Road, which follows the original turnoff from Keetley Station to Mayflower.
Path: Although you can easily do this section there and back, the route is also suitable for point-to-point travel, so consider a commute.
Children: Before you travel, learn about the history. Check out the historical overlay maps at gaiagps.com to see what it looked like before the dam in 1930 and 1980.
Travel time: This is a great early morning hike.
What you should bring with you: The trail is quite exposed, so bring water and apply sunscreen.
