Mission to Mars: Riding Gooseberry Mesa

Nestled between Zion National Park and Hurricane in Southern Utah, Gooseberry Mesa is an absolute classic mountain biking trail. Sweeping desert vistas and fun slickrock singletrack make this trail a must-do for riders who love varietal terrain. Good times are in store for riders regardless of which loop they choose

Written By Melissa McGibbon

Mountain Biking Utah's Gooseberry Mesa Trail with a Guide

View from the North Rim Trail.

Photo: Sandra Salvas

We may as well have been on Mars. Far away from any semblance of civilization and surrounded by a seemingly endless horizon of dramatic desert landscape, we had the place to ourselves. Is there anything so liberating as escaping the masses to quietly commune with nature in a vast expanse of stunningly beautiful desolate terrain? Granted, it was a Wednesday afternoon in the middle of July with temperatures soaring into the triple digits, but still. We were there to take a tour of the legendary Gooseberry Mesa mountain biking trail system near Hurricane, Utah.

Let’s set our stage: Massive exposed shelves reveal 240 million years of erosion and a departed ocean that left shoreline deposits and formed the hardened Shinarump conglomerate, which formed the cap of Gooseberry Mesa. Rising further, the bygone forest left behind petrified wood, which can be found lying on the mesa surface. Wavy bands of red sandstone mold the Moenkopi Formation that experienced riders familiarly know as slickrock. Swirls of piñons and junipers pepper the trails, while California condors circle above. A cottontail rabbit darts across the path. We peer closely at the rock as we spin by to see the sunbathing lizards. Stop for a quiet rest, a deer might make an appearance. Mind the cacti. Crashing is even less fun if you land in the prickly Claret Cup Cactus.

Crashing? It’s possible. These trails are not for everyone, as most are considered intermediate to advanced level riding.

"Far away from any semblance of civilization and surrounded by a seemingly endless horizon of dramatic desert landscape..."

View from the point, start of the South Rim trail.

This is a first-rate, looping trail system that allows for a variety of course options. If you ride the entire Big Loop Trail counterclockwise, you’ll complete just over 13 miles of intermediate and advanced technical riding connecting both the North Rim and South Rim sections. Alternatively, you can choose your own adventure by riding a combination of the trails to customize your mileage and difficulty preferences. Although both the Point and Overlook vantage points are out-and-back trails, they are absolutely worth the extra effort.

The trails are marked fairly well and easy to follow in most places, but cairns can always be missed. Some of the routes are marked with white paint spots to designate the trail. However, because you can ride in either direction, it’s important to use your navigational skills because it’s too easy to get turned around and the trailscapes can start to look homogenous real quick if you get lost.

The summer's mid-day heat made each pedal rotation a little more work, but the cache of Gooseberry Mesa is that it features roller coaster slickrock singletrack grandeur in lieu of lengthy ascents and descents, allowing riders to whistle while they work. The South Rim and Hidden Canyon loop is considered advanced technical and inspires a few come-to-Jesus moments along the way. Good thing it’s always an option to hop off your bike and walk the iffy sections that are close to the cliff side. The 1.8-mile North Rim is more suitable for intermediate riders and features short, steep climbs with no shortage of jaw-dropping vistas.

If you’re unsure of your ability, have a go at the moderate Practice Trail. It will give you a good idea of what’s in store. It’s also a great warm-up for the longer trails. Overall, no matter which trail you choose, Gooseberry Mesa is a classic trail that will reward you with epic views and darn good fun. Add it to your itinerary if you plan to ride in the area!

If You Go

Getting There

Getting to the Gooseberry Mesa trailhead can be a bit tricky. Even though we were on the right path, we second-guessed ourselves quite a few times as our car rocked and creaked side-to-side along the dusty dirt road. We almost turned around, but, fortunately, mere curiosity won out and we found our way to the trailhead. 4x4 is better than 2WD, and definitely do not attempt this drive if it’s muddy.

If you’re headed there from Zion National Park, go south on S.R. 9 until you get to Bridge Road in Rockville. Turn left onto Bridge Road and drive for 1.6 miles. Stay right at the intersection after the bridge. You’ll come to a T intersection, turn left onto Smithsonian Butte Road and continue for 4.9 miles until you get to Gooseberry Mesa Road. Turn right through the fence onto Gooseberry Road, pass the cattleguard and continue for another 3.6 miles until you get to the Y intersection where you’ll see the trail map and restrooms. If you’re coming from Hurricane, head east on Highway 59 for 14.5 miles and turn left onto Smithsonian Butte Road.

Where to Stay

Camping is allowed, but there are no designated camping grounds. There’s also no running water and there are no toilets available, so it’s a pack it in, pack it out situation. You can also camp at designated areas in Zion National Park. Campsite reservations are recommended.

What to Bring:

Water (more than you think you’ll need), snacks, electrolyte chews or energy gel, compass, trailmap, headlamp, spare tubes and inflators, travel medical kit, sunscreen.

Pro Tip:

If you pay attention, you’ll find dinosaur tracks!

About the Author – Melissa McGibbon

Melissa McGibbon is an award-winning freelance adventure travel writer and the senior editor at Outdoor Sports Guide Magazine. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Melissa also writes for Outside, Lonely Planet, Backpacker, Elevation Outdoors, and TripAdvisor among others. She is a Utah native and never tires of skiing, biking, hiking, climbing, and paddling in the Wasatch Mountains. Instagram: @misslmliss

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