The Front 9

The Front 9 is an exciting intermediate singletrack trail ideal for dirt bike enthusiasts seeking a challenging, fast-paced ride through the scenic Lake Mountains. Starting from the Soldiers Pass parking area just south of the range, this 7.9-mile route immediately drops into a wash filled with deep whoops and loose, softball-sized rocks that demand constant attention to avoid pinch flats. The trail winds northward, climbing from a starting elevation of 4,772 feet to a peak of 5,978 feet, with a cumulative elevation gain of over 2,000 feet. Riders will navigate a series of roller-coaster ridges and a particularly steep, loose-gravel hill climb about halfway through that requires steady throttle control to conquer. At the summit of the main hill climb, riders are rewarded with spectacular, panoramic views of Utah Lake and the surrounding desert valley. The technical rating of 4 reflects the route's tight singletrack sections, persistent whoops, and loose surfaces that are best suited for capable off-road motorcycles rather than wider four-wheel-drive vehicles or SxSs. While the route is generally rideable from spring through late fall, summer temperatures can be intense in this fully exposed desert landscape, making early morning rides ideal. The trail concludes along the western slopes of the Lake Mountains, offering an excellent test of suspension and hill-climbing ability on Utah's rugged public lands.