The Rides
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1. Arches National Park: Arches Cruise
The Arches Cruise is a 46.4-mile out-and-back ride over rolling hills in Arches National Park, including a couple of out-and-back spurs. The stunning scenery — exotic enough for an Indiana Jones film (opening sequences in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) — makes this a must-do ride. The route opens with a dramatic climb — and closes with a similarly dramatic descent—on switchbacks. The route is entirely on National Park Service roads; hence, the pavement is generally smooth. The elevation ranges from 4,097 feet at the Arches National Park Visitor Center to 5,173 feet approaching Devils Garden.
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2. Canyonlands National Park: Island in the Sky Cruise
The Island in the Sky Cruise is a 51-mile out-and-back ride over undulating terrain between and through Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park. The elevation ranges from 5,639 feet at Upheaval Dome, in Canyonlands National Park, to 6,184 feet on Big Flat, on SR 313 between the Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point Parks. The route is entirely on state highways and national park roads, so the pavement is generally smooth. This is one of the few rides in this book that does not begin anywhere near a city or town. That said, be prepared for this route by bringing any provisions needed — there are only limited facilities along the way. Bring cash, too, to pay park entrance fees.
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3. Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument: Johnson Canyon Cruise
The Johnson Canyon Cruise is a 50.8-mile out-and-back course. The elevations range from 4,985 feet in Kanab to 5,950 feet at the turnaround. The ride begins at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center on the eastern edge of Kanab. The route spends very little time in Kanab, immediately heading toward the expansive sagebrush flats east of town and the wonderful landscape of the Grand Staircase.
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4. Dinosaur National Monument: Dinosaur Country Cruise
The Dinosaur Country Cruise is a 48.1-mile out-and-back ride over gently rolling hills and false flats. The ride journeys from Vernal, into the Dinosaur National Monument as far as the pavement stretches, and returns. The pavement surface is good along the outer ends of the route (i.e., in Vernal and approaching and in Dinosaur National Monument) but is fair to rough along Brush Creek Road, in the middle section of the course. There are ten cattle guard crossings. The elevation ranges from 5,359 feet in Vernal to 4,757 feet along SR 149 near Dinosaur National Monument.
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5. Capitol Reef National Park: Torrey to the Golden Throne
The relatively gentle ride is 16–20 miles one way, depending on where you start, and 32–40 miles for a round-trip ride from nearby Torrey, Utah. This is a high-altitude moderate course with rolling hills. The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive hovers around 5,300 feet above sea level, with the greatest elevation gain on the return trip to Torrey, which sits at 6,800 feet. Along the way: lots of stunning red rock scenery luring you to pull off the road and just enjoy the view.
A Note on Safety
General rules to follow when cycling in national parks and monuments include riding single file with the flow of traffic. Most of the time there are no designated bike lanes and road shoulders are often narrow, so please be alert for passing vehicles. It is strongly recommend that cyclists wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets and high visibility clothing.
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Cycling
There are many good reasons why Utah is world famous for its bike riding, both cycling and mountain. View maps and information, trails, resources and recommendations.
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Forever Mighty
As you plan your travels, have you considered ways you can visit more thoughtfully? There are lots of ways to minimize your impact, while maximizing your experience. This is a shared travel ethos we call Forever Mighty.
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Road to Mighty
Utah adventures range from satisfying solitude to amazing high adventure. Browse our suggested Southern Utah itineraries. Which vacation appeals to you?
Read the Stories
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10 Routes Chosen by Utah Cyclists
We reached out to cycling experts and enthusiasts — in some cases to people who literally wrote the book on cycling in Utah — to get a feel for some of Utah's best road cycling routes.
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A Biking Guide to the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail
Winding 28 miles through Northern Utah’s Summit County, the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail travels through some of the state’s most scenic terrain, from the storybook streets of Park City to rolling farmland and wildlife-rich wetlands near Silver Creek Canyon.
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A Classy Warm-Weather Weekend in Park City
When it comes to spending time in Park City — Utah’s snow sports —mecca I prefer the sunny, urbane side of mountain life. Happily, there’s plenty of fun to be had for those who are looking to experience the “city” side of Park City, sans snow.
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A Family Bike Tour of Salt Lake’s East Canyon
East Canyon has always been a path for travelers, from the Donner Party to Brigham Young to the Pony Express. In this modern-day tale of travel, a family of three takes on East Canyon by bicycle for a weekend camping trip. They discover historical markers, swimming spots, and lots of ice cream.
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A High Elevation Southern Utah Mountain Bike Adventure
Mountain biking in Southern Utah usually inspires visions of red rock destinations such as Moab and St. George. But as the heat of summer kicks in and the triple digit temps become more frequent, heading south to ride may seem out of reach. Fear not my friend, as there are some riding destinations within Southern Utah, where the elevation will keep you cool.
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A Local’s Guide to Logan: Northern Utah’s Outdoor Adventure College Town
Logan is teeming with some of the best arts, food and outdoor adventure opportunities in the state. Whether you’re passing through or just looking for new places to explore, here are some of the best ways to experience Logan.
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Adaptive Cycling in Colorful Cache Valley
Bob Wassom revisits his roots using adaptive cycling on an e-trike, through Cache Valley, Utah; a ride full of color, variety, scenery and history.
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AndShesDopeToo's Insider's Guide to Ogden
AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains.
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Cedar City to Cedar City 90-Mile Cycling Loop
The 90-mile Cedar City loop is one of Utah’s most challenging and scenic bike routes. Learn all about the route and plan your ride today!
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Cycling Scenic Byway 12: Escalante to Boulder
Looking for scenic bike rides in Utah? Scenic Byway 12 has all the breathtaking views (and riding) you could ever hope for. Get the scoop and get ready.
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Cycling the Alpine Loop
Describing one of his favorite sections on the Alpine Loop, professional cyclist TJ Eisenhart says, “You come around a right bend and the whole mountain range seems like it’s giving you a bear hug. It just opens up.”
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Cycling the Centennial Trail
The Centennial Trail forms a loop around Ogden, Utah, linking together the greenbelts along the Ogden and Weber rivers. Along the way, this network of trails brings cyclists to some of Ogden’s main attractions and provides a unique way to build a custom tour with stops at various points of interest.
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Cycling Zion: Earning the Descent
Watch Utah cyclist TJ Eisenhart climb Zion National Park’s Kolob Terrace Road. It’s a one-of-a-kind ride that transitions from red rock desert to green valley plateaus.
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Discovering Box Elder & Bear River Valley
A First-Hand Bikepacking Journey Through Northern Utah’s Bear River Valley
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How To Bikepack Utah Like a Girl Boss
Here are the key things you need to know as you start planning your first bikepacking trip.
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Insider's Guide to Salt Lake City Neighborhoods
Check out these neighborhoods on your next trip to Salt Lake City
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Riding With TJ Eisenhart
In 2016, pro cyclist and Utah native TJ Eisenhart had a breakout performance at the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, finishing 7th overall in the general classification as part of the BMC Racing Team and being recognized as a Fan Favorite.
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Road Cycling Base Camps
These are your cycling base camps. Perfect for ambitious riders, weekend warriors, groups or families looking for an array of shorter rides and day trips out of a single location, with plenty of additional activities available for days off the bike.
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Spreading the Joy of Adaptive Recreation
Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring.
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Taking Your Family Adventure Cycling
Want to know how to go bike touring with kids? Check out our guide to family adventure cycling in Utah and plan your trip today!
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The Tour of Utah: A Most Excellent Adventure
Find your spot at the host venues to see some of the world's best pro-cyclists in action.
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Top Road Cycle Touring Routes
The most serious cyclists among us are always looking for the opportunities to get out on the bike. But there are also life-list destinations you dream of riding. You follow the pros as they tear up the asphalt and get restless watching the aerial footage of the winding, rising landscapes.
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Tour de Farmtown: A City Slicker’s Guide to Cycling Cache Valley
Northern Utah's Cache Valley is small enough that you can cross its width and strike out six to seven farm towns in a single afternoon. At each point on the compass, there’s a new community to explore, all with rich pioneer histories. Perched in the north are the cow-dotted hills of Clarkston and Richmond. Ride to the center of the valley, and you’ll find yourself looping around the Bear River with a stellar view of the Wellsvilles and an occasional pelican or sand crane flapping overhead.
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Utah at 15 mph
When it comes to family bike tours, Utah is tough to beat. Learn how to plan a family-friendly bike tour and see what this state has to offer!
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Utah's Outdoors Are Wide Open for All Abilities
Utah’s National Ability Center is known for changing lives through its adaptive recreation programs. Truth is, just setting foot on the center’s 26-acre ranch can feel transformative.
Cycling the Road to Mighty
Experience professional-caliber cycling routes on the stunning roads of scenic Southern Utah.
Highlights
- Capitol Reef National Park
- All-American Road Scenic Byway 12
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Cedar Canyon
