Another advantage of a loop tour is that you can meet up with other tourists at any section of the loop and share the tour for a wile. They could be doing the same loop that you are and you can tell them what to expect up ahead and they can tell you the same. Strangely enough you are doing the same loop. However your adventure will be a different experience except for the part you are sharing.
One of my favorite things about a loop tour is the cost. If you leave from your home there is no cost for public transportation to and from your destination. You have left from your front door and are ending with the same door. Your have your gear so grab some food, plan out your water and don't forget the key to your front door.
Strawberry Loop Tour
Named after Strawberry Reservoir which is a huge body of water that you would pass by on this loop. If you leave from Spanish Fork, Utah the reservoir is geographically the half way point of the loop. A more common way to tackle this loop is to take the Front Runner (public train) to it's end point at the Provo, Utah depot. From there you can maneuver your way to the Provo River trail. I recommend a circumnavigation around the Provo Airport to get to the trail so you can experience the beauty of the marshlands right next to Utah Lake.
You can enter the Provo River Trail at it's end point passing the entrance to the Utah Lake State Park/Marina.
Riding on the Provo River Trail through the city of Provo is deceiving. It is easy to forget you are even in the city. The river cools the trail down a few degrees on hot days which makes for great riding conditions in the summer heat. If you have a navigator of some kind you can easily find places to eat close by the trail. If you do not you may have to plan ahead to find a place to eat close the trail. The trail passes by some parks if you want to eat some of the food you are carrying. The trail appears to end by a small waterfall near the LDS motion picture studios. Just head east (toward the mountain) a few blocks and the trail picks up again on University blvd/Canyon rd. Just stay on the west side of the road and the trail will pick up again. This paved bike trail will eventually take you up the Provo canyon all the way to Vivian park where you will have to continue up the canyon on the highway. Vivian Park is the last place to get potable water until you get to Heber. I recommend carrying a water filter on this trip although I have done it without one. Water can get a little tight by the time you get to the Hot Springs (no clean water there). The longest section without potable water is from Daniel's summit general store to some pavilion/camps about 15 miles past the hot springs. There is a ranger station at Strawberry Reservoir if it is open.
Before getting to the Dam you will have to make a right onto a very weathered road that is used by the rafters and kayakers. This road will take you underneath/accross the highway and past a swing gate that will lead you to the Provo Jordan rivertrail project.
The rest of this tour is covered in the Strawberry Loop blog. This is about a 100 to 120 mile loop with mixed terrain including: Paved road. paved bicycle trail, dirt road and single track. Expect heavy elevation climbs especially on the first half of the trip. This is a good three to four day trip for a novice rider. No skinny tires.
Diamond Loop
The Diamond Loop is named after the first turn off of highway 6 into a place called Diamond Fork. Don't expect to find Diamonds there because I believe it is named after the Diamond back rattle snake. Don't worry your little heart because after years and years of hiking, biking and fishing up there I have only ever seen one diamond back rattler in that area. However, I have been stalked by a cougar twice, both times were near Monks Hallow. Before turning left onto diamond fork road there is a little campground called Spanish Fork River Campground. They have primitive camping there for $2.00 a night. There are pretty nice bathrooms in the main camping area and potable water. It is likely that you will be woken up by a train at least one time during the night. Prepare yourself for the best is yet to come because often in the evening and in the morning you can hear the bugling elk herds passing just south of the campground. They are usually very close and can be seen nicely with some small binoculars. As you enter Diamond fork there will be plenty of mule deer and wild turkeys to satisfy your wild animal sightings. Take time to sample the free campgrounds and tie up any food at night for bears. I have never had a bear problems but one time I experience a full skunk invasion because I neglected to tie up some bread. One skunk was even in my pannier and he just looked at me without any fear as I shined the light at him.
In the early spring there are lots of beaver in the area past Diamond Fork. And after a grueling climb to the apex of the trek there is a very long and beautiful downhill as your reward. If you like fishing and wildlife then this 50 miler in three days is an awesome loop.
Loop touring is an amazing way to discover what is close by in your area. You might be surprised at how wonderful the place you live really is. Happy touring and be safe!
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