Chad , Mike
, and Gary pause on traverse ridge, with Lone
Peak (left) and Box Elder peak in the background.
January 8, 2000
| Hog Hollow Trail |
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The Hog Hollow Road begins at the northwest corner of Alpine (Utah Valley,
just south of Salt Lake). It climbs to Traverse Ridge, where you can look north over the
Salt Lake Valley, and south over Utah Valley. It's a nice 3-mile climb (1 rolling mile,
then 800 vertical feet over 2 miles). We recommend this road for advanced off-season
biking. Chad , Mike
, and Gary pause on traverse ridge, with Lone
Peak (left) and Box Elder peak in the background. |
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UtahMountainBiking.com is your source for bike trail info, repair instructions, feature articles, first aid, fitness, and goodies. |
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In winter and early spring, Hog Hollow is HEAVEN! While other trails are buried in the snow, Hog Hollow just gets better. It's a different ride every day: one day it's an easy cruise on hard-pack snow; the next it's a gooey mud slop-fest. One day it's a slush-digging fishtailing corn-snow ride; the next day it's a raging torrent of muddy water over hard ice ledges. On the lower trail, there are a couple of very large puddles. Roll around the rim. Or hit it full throttle. Photo at the Frozen Hog race, Feb 1, 2003. Hog Hollow is the site of the "Frozen Hog" winter mountain bike
race. |
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Intermediate riders do best to ride up early morning after a clear night,
while the surface is still frozen. Have a picnic, then ooze your way down after the sun
melts the surface. While within the athletic ability of a well-seasoned intermediate biker, winter riding can be frustrating for beginners. Winter on the Hog Hollow road is great fun, and easier than you think, but it's not for newcomers to the sport. Mike rolls down from the
summit. |
At the top of the ridge, you can admire the view over the Salt Lake Valley to the north. Or you can turn your attention to a football-field size mudbath in the flat area at the summit (GPS N 40° 29.197' W 111° 49.294'). From the summit, you can drop into Draper's Corner Canyon if you like. Corner Canyon is a smoother ride, less interesting bike-wise but with good views over the Salt Lake Valley. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a new addition, one mile from the bottom of Corner Canyon. From Traverse Ridge looking north into Corner Canyon towards |
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On mud days, be sure you have plenty of brake pad left. On the downhill, the mud wears your brakes down VERY fast. Don't feel guilty about "hurting the dirt." This road is used by ATVs and 4-diggers, so your puny bike tracks don't make any difference. Photo: Hog Hollow is the site of the Frozen Hog winter mountain bike race. A frigid festival for the fanatic. Photo February 6, 2004. |
For a longer ride, catch a trail going east from the summit and pick your way over the mountains. This route is the Alpine Perimeter (Alpine Days Race) Trail. Or drop down into Draper via Corner Canyon. About 2 miles down the canyon, find the trailhead for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for a 7-mile out-and-back. You may even meet the Mad Scientist and Jackie on the trail. A south wind drives the snow directly into Doc Argyle's face as he runs down the canyon. Photo April 3, 1999. |
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Getting there: Drive into Alpine from the south. At the
stop sign at 200 North, turn left (west) and drive 1/2 mile. Turn right up the hill. When
you see the big church, look for "Hog Hollow Road" on your left just before the
church. Drive 1/2 mile to the end of the pavement, and find a place to park (GPS N 40°
27.688' W 111° 47.525'). (Note 10/04: subdivision
construction has erased the direct connection between the paved road and
the dirt Hog Hollow road. You'll need to find your way to dirt on your
own.) Once on the Hog Hollow Road, ignore
smaller diverging roads, unless you want to play on them. The Corner Canyon end is found by taking Draper Blvd (123rd South) to 13th East, turning right down the hill, then east (left) at the traffic roundabout onto Pioneer Road. Go towards the mountains to 20th East, then turn right. When the road turns to dirt, find a place to park, and begin riding uphill (GPS N 40° 31.281' W 111° 50.081'). For a printable, one-page riding guide to this trail, click here! |
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