Overview
Lambert Park sits on the north edge of Alpine City at the base of East Mountain, and the Three Falls trail system represents what happens when a small city decides trail building is worth the investment. The 11-mile network is tight and well-maintained, running along the interface between the scrub oak foothills and the steeper terrain above — singletrack that feels groomed without feeling manufactured, with enough grade change to make the climbing meaningful and enough flow to make the descent something you look forward to during the uphill.
The trail takes its name from a series of seasonal waterfalls near the upper end of the loop — three distinct drops that are genuinely impressive in early season and honest about their limits by late summer. As a destination, they work better as a natural turnaround than as the whole reason to ride here. The real reason to ride here is the singletrack quality: packed dirt, well-drained, tight switchbacks through the oak brush, and views across Utah Valley toward Timpanogos that show up when you least expect them.
At 11.15 miles with 1,588 feet of gain, this lands squarely in the moderate category for an experienced trail rider and closer to the hard edge for a newer mountain biker. The climbs are sustained and the tech level is controlled — there are creek crossings that require some commitment but no outright expert-only features on the main loop.
The Route
The loop starts from the Lambert Park / Three Falls trailhead in Alpine, climbs via connecting singletrack to the falls area, and returns on the lower network to complete the circuit.
Miles 0–3: Lower Lambert Park Singletrack The opening miles wind through Gambel oak on the lower slopes of East Mountain, gaining elevation at a sustained but manageable rate. The trail width is broad-singletrack — enough to find a line on the technical sections without feeling exposed. This section is the most traveled part of the system and shows appropriate wear; the surface is compacted and reliable. A few creek crossings in the lower section require modest bike-handling attention depending on water level.
Miles 3–7: Mid-Mountain Climb The trail steepens and narrows in the middle section as it pushes toward the falls area. This is the honest work of the loop — longer sustained pitches with less opportunity to recover on flat sections. The scrub oak gives way to some pine cover at the upper elevations and the views east toward Lone Peak and west across Utah Valley open considerably. The trail surface here is drier and faster than the lower section.
Miles 7–8: Three Falls The falls appear at the upper turn of the loop — three distinct cascades in a tight drainage that fill with snowmelt through early summer and slow to a trickle by August. In May and June, the upper falls carry genuine volume and the moisture in the air around them is a welcome contrast to the climbing. This is the natural turnaround and rest point; the trail conditions beyond require judgment about fitness and time.
Miles 8–11: Return Descent The return on the lower system is where the trail shows its design quality — flowing singletrack with enough grade to carry speed without requiring constant braking. The switchbacks in the descent are well-built with appropriate berm and surface consistency. The creek crossings on the way down are easier to read than on the way up. The final stretch returns through the lower Lambert Park system to the trailhead.
What to Bring
- 1–2 bottles — the trail has creek crossings that are tempting water sources, but treat any creek water before drinking; carry enough for 90 minutes of effort
- Knee pads for newer riders — the technical sections are manageable but the consequence of a misjudged line is real; protection is sensible
- Trail running shoes or flat pedals — several creek crossings may require a foot-down; clipless pedals with stiff-soled shoes make the wet rocks more treacherous
Local Tips
- Best window: May through June when the falls are running and the trail is green, or September through October when the oak brush turns gold and the temperatures drop; avoid the trail for 48 hours after significant rain — it drains well but needs time
- Morning rides keep the descents drier and the lower crossings more manageable before afternoon heat dries the banks
- Combine it: The Three Falls system is developing connections toward the Corner Canyon trail network in Draper — a cross-canyon link-up is increasingly viable for strong riders
- Post-ride: Communal Bakehouse in American Fork is the closest quality food option, about ten minutes from the Alpine trailhead