The Skyline Trail begins just south of Soldier Summit in Utah County and runs south, tracing the top of the Wasatch Plateau, for over a hundred miles through Sanpete County to where it ends at I-70 in Sevier County. This route is often compared to the famous White Rim Trail in southeastern Utah, an incredibly scenic 4-day bike trip through desert redrock country. The Skyline Trail also gives mountain bikers the chance to do a multi-day either self, or vehicle supported trip, rolling through gorgeous alpine scenery at elevations that guarantee cool temperatures throughout the summer months. For the most part this is a good dirt road the entire way with sections that become rutted and potholed from weather, wear and tear. The section of the Skyline Trail described here begins just east of the town of Fairview, traces the central backbone of the plateau, ending near Ferron Reservoir at the head of Twelvemile Canyon. This ride can be done by experienced, advanced level riders equipped with panniers and the ability to carry all their gear, or it can ridden by anyone for any distance or length of time desired, with vehicle support.
DIRECTIONS: To begin, head east from the town of Fairview, up Fairview Canyon on UT 31. Continue on UT 31 as it turns south heading toward Huntington Reservoir and Electric Lake (the northern section of Skyline Drive comes in here from the left). Approximately one mile after the Fairview Lakes Overlook you will come to the Sanpete Valley Overlook. Just past this second overlook you will pick up Skyline Drive, also FS Road #150, heading south. The first part of this route is a roller coaster taking you up and down over several good hills. Start out slow as the air is thin up here and some of these climbs will require determination. Sections of this route can become treacherous due to clay-like mud that can freeze moving bike parts in a matter of minutes. Wrap around the west flank of North and South Tent Mountain at the top of Canal Canyon before coming to Big and Little Horseshoe, two glacially carved out mountains with summits over 11,000 feet. Ascending the backside of Big Horseshoe, a distinct geological feature, will provide spectacular views before a great four mile descent to Horseshoe Flats. From here continue to roll along until, reaching High Top, the highest point on Skyline Drive at 10,897 feet. It’s downhill from here to the turn-off to Ferron Reservoir and camp, or another three miles to the campground at Twelvemile Flat. Twelvemile Canyon Road will take you off the plateau to the the town of Mayfield.

Soldier Summit Route to U31 SW to Fairview