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Box Elder County has numerous possibilities for bicycle rides. Four bicycle routes are described here: Click here to request a map Note: Provide your own transportation on one-way routes. Under the “I” Loop Description: The “I” is a large painted I on the Rocks east of Brigham City. It represents the now closed Intermountain School for Indians. The ride starts on a paved road but soon turns off on a gravel road then a jeep trail. It extends from the mouth of Box Elder Canyon to Perry Canyon along the bench formed by prehistoric Lake Bonneville, then continues from Perry Canyon along Highway 89 back to the start. The change in elevation is over 800 feet, starting at approximately 4360 feet and rises to approximately 5180 feet on the “I” Road. Directions: Start at 1100 South and Main Street (Highway 89) on Brigham City. Park in the lot back of Vesco's. Head east approximately one mile. Before the highway goes down into the canyon, turn right on a gravel road keeping to the left at the Y. Continue east about 1/4 mile to a flat open area (a good alternate place to park and to start and finish the loop). From here you will head up a steep rutted road. Take the second trail, which is a jeep road, and goes on the upper bench under the “I” on the mountain. Follow this double track winding through some streams and up a few hills. Stay on the road while descending to Perry Canyon's stream. Cross the stream and head down the Canyon where you will cross the stream again before the small pond. Here a paved road goes west to Highway 89. Turn right and follow the highway for approximately 3 1/2 miles to the start. | Under the “I” Loop | Brigham City to Golden Spike National Historic Site | | Willard Peak Road | Brigham City to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge | Willard Peak Road Description: Willard Peak Road begins on the south side of Mantua. It goes generally south and dead-ends at the top on Inspiration Point near Willard Peak. The road is approximately 12 miles long and gains about 4200 feet in elevation. This road can accommodate all levels of riding skills. The skill level is determined by how far one would be willing to climb in elevation. The road is fairly well maintained and can be traveled by any high clearance vehicle. The scenery can be matched by very few places. One would be hard-pressed to ride the entire 12 miles without seeing wildlife. Deer, moose, elk, bobcats, and others are often seen. Along the 12-mile route there are many spurs ranging from extremely challenging to leisurely and serene. Directions: Exit Highway 89 at Mantua and go to the south end of town to the LDS Chapel. Proceed south on Willard Peak Road. There are several distinguishing landmarks on the route. The first, about 1 1/2 miles from the chapel is a very flat camping area known as Doc’s Flat. At the east end is a developed spring lending a delicious drink for a thirsty rider. The second landmark is upper Doc’s Flat about 1/2 mile up the road. This is another popular camping area. Ascending upward approximately 2 1/2 miles from the chapel there are two sets of switch-backs At the top of these there is a side spur. To the right you will find a very well-traveled trail that descends down the canyon and is a delightful downhill ride coupled with nature's beauty that returns you to Doc’s Flat area. You will find many of these spurs on the ride to the summit ranging from extremely challenging to beautiful and serene. A caution in taking these spurs. Be careful not to become disoriented. Some of these lead in a circle and you could become quite confused in this back country. Those who choose to bypass the spur and continue to the end of Willard Peak Road will enjoy a magnificent view of the Wasatch Mountains, Cache Valley, and the Great Salt Lake. Just prior to reaching Inspiration Point you will find another developed spring for a well-deserved drink. After the view and a rest, a rider can enjoy a 12-mile downhill with speeds averaging 20 to 40 MPH if desired. Another word of caution for bicyclists. The Willard Peak Road is shared with automobiles and OHV traffic. Keep all safety factors in mind and always wear a helmet. | Under the “I” Loop | Brigham City to Golden Spike National Historic Site | | Willard Peak Road | Brigham City to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge | Brigham City to Golden Spike National Historic Site Description: The ride from Brigham City to the Golden Spike National Historic Site is on a paved state and county road. It is generally flat except for the climb to Promontory Summit. The traffic is light, except during a shift change at Thiokol it can be extremely heavy one way. The road passes irrigated farms near Corinne and wetlands further west. It passes near the Thiokol Rocket Manufacturing Plant then rises to the Promontory Summit near the historic site. There are several side bicycle routes inside the Golden Spike National Historic Site. Inquire at the Visitors Center for description and location. Directions: Start at the Willows Golf Course parking lot in North Brigham City at the junction of Highways 38 and 13 or in a parking lot five miles west on Highway 13 in Corinne. One half mile past the parking lot in Corinne the road Y's; stay left on Highway 83. The road is fairly straight and flat. Twelve miles out is Stinky Springs. There is no sign or buildings per say, but you can stop and soak your feet if you can stand the odor. The road then winds around the base of Little Mountain. The next ten miles travels through the wetlands and the public shooting grounds. Thiokol builds their rocket motors in this area. You will see their buildings and structures on the right-hand side of the road. At about 24 miles from Brigham City make a left-hand turn to Promontory (if you miss this turn there is an impressive rocket motor display two miles further). Signs give directions to both the rocket display and the historic site. Two miles from the left turn toward the site you will start a steep climb of about 600 feet for two miles passing the big fill on your right. Continue to follow the signs for the next four miles to the Golden Spike National Historic Site. | Under the “I” Loop | Brigham City to Golden Spike National Historic Site | | Willard Peak Road | Brigham City to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge | Bear River Bird Refuge Road Description: The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is located west of Brigham City, Utah. It encompasses 72,000 acres of marsh, open water, mud flat and upland habitat for water fowl and other migratory birds. In addition, foxes, snakes, skunks, rodents and many interesting insect critters inhabit the area. A trip to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is like a mini safari with a variety and abundance of birds equaling or surpassing in quantity the large number of different kinds of animals that one might see on the Serengeti. A primary difference, however, is that the bird refuge is open to anyone who takes the time and effort to visit this beautiful and exciting attraction…without guides or gun bearers. A bicycle provides an ideal way to travel from Brigham City to the refuge and around the dike roadways. About ten miles of the road has a gravel surface that can be rough at times. It was damaged by the Great Salt Lake Flood of 1983 and has not been repaired. You might want to drive to the refuge and then bike around the dikes. Either way, bring plenty of drinking water, a hat, and some trail mix to keep your energy up. A bird book, binoculars, and insect repellent are useful accessories. Dogs are not allowed on the refuge. There are rest room facilities located at the entrance to the refuge (16 miles) and a kiosk where a bird list and general information is available. Prior to the 1983 flooding, service buildings and displays were at the entrance. Directions: Start at Main Street and Forest Street in the center of Brigham City. Travel west on Forest Street. Parking is available at Pioneer and Watkins Park on Sixth West and Forest Street. Pass the Historic Train Depot, and across the tracks; this is the future of a planned bike path to the I-15 Interchange overpass. From here the road continues about 16 miles to the bird refuge entrance. The refuge loop is approximately 12 miles on improved dirt roads starting and finishing at the entrance. To start the loop, follow the signs for motor vehicles. Cross the Bear River Bridge and head west. After about 3 1/2 miles the road turns southerly. The primary impoundment is on the left of the dike. In the springtime this stretch is especially interesting when the young Canadian Geese swim behind mom and dad; sometimes as many as 30 goslings will be with one set of parents. Kidnapping is a common practice but the kidnapped are cared for by the kidnapper as if they were their own goslings. About six miles from the start, the dike road heads easterly creating some beautiful panoramas of the Wasatch Mountains. The final major turn occurs after about 8 1/2 miles. The road heads northerly 3 1/2 miles to the refuge entrance, completing the loop. | Under the “I” Loop | Brigham City to Golden Spike National Historic Site | | Willard Peak Road | Brigham City to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge | |
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