"In Southern Utah, mountain biking happens all year long thanks to the mild weather and various trails."
Winter Mountain Biking Trails in St. George, Moab, Cedar City and Bryce Canyon National Park
-
Agate Loop
This 1.7-mile trail is a proper beginner singletrack ride. You’ll hug the red cliffs of Southern Utah as you ride and finish the loop on flat terrain.
-
Big Rock Candy Mountain
This 7-mile trail is a smooth, paved path that’s perfect for beginners. It follows the Sevier River the whole way, so great views are guaranteed.
-
Thunder Mountain
West of Bryce Canyon National Park, you’ll find this 8-mile, singletrack trail with incredible views of Southern Utah’s red rocks and hoodoos.
-
Gooseberry Mesa
Not far from Zion National Park, Gooseberry Mesa offers small crowds and wide-open, undulating terrain.
Top 5 Rules of the Ride: How to Mountain Bike Responsibly on Utah Trails
Mountain biking is one of Utah’s most popular activities enjoyed by riders of all ages and skill levels. Be able to fly down that flow trail by, first, understanding and respecting the rules of the ride.
Weather to Expect in Southern Utah
Guide to Winter Weather in Southern Utah
St. George (Greater Zion): Trails rarely have snow and ice, but are muddy after significant precipitation. Averages 62/39 F (16/4 C) in the winter months.
Moab: Trails rarely have snow and ice, but are muddy after significant precipitation. Averages 56/35 F (13/2 C) in the winter months.
Cedar City & Bryce Canyon Area: Trails can have snow and ice. Muddy/damp trails are common after snow and rain. Averages 51/28 F (11/-2 C) in the winter months.
St. George: A Winter Mountain Biking Paradise
St. George, one of Southern Utah’s top base camps, is a mountain biker’s dream during winter. Thanks to its mild desert climate and low elevation (compared to Moab, Cedar City and Bryce Canyon), Greater Zion lets riders send it year-round, with winter temperatures averaging a comfortable 62°F (16°C) during the day and 300+ days of sunshine per year. Trails offer seasoned riders and beginners views of the breathtaking landscapes that make Greater Zion famous. Pair Greater Zion mountain biking with any Zion National Park adventure for a winter trip of a lifetime.
Tips for Winter Mountain Biking in St. George
Trail Conditions: While snow is rare in St. George, rain can leave trails muddy. Check trail conditions before heading out.
Timing: Take advantage of warmer afternoon temperatures and sunny days for the best riding conditions.
Stay Hydrated: Despite the cooler weather, the desert air can still dehydrate you. Pack plenty of water for your ride.
Support Local Shops: Many local bike shops in St. George offer trail maps, rentals, and gear recommendations for winter biking.
Read the Stories
-
3 Utah Bikepacking Routes for Beginners to Intermediates
Find a route for your next Utah bikepacking trip that promises immersion in history, culture and ridiculous scenic beauty.
-
6 Steps to a Family MTB Trip on Canyonlands' White Rim
Want to take the family mountain biking on the White Rim Trail? Tackle 100 miles of biking and three days of backcountry camping in Canyonlands with the kids.
-
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.
-
A Guided Ride on the Rolling Slickrock of Gooseberry Mesa
Utah resident and tour guide Katharina Merchant shares her "backyard" mountain biking
-
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.
-
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.
-
A Quick and Dirty Guide to Brian Head Area Mountain Biking
Whether you’re visiting the area for Brian Head’s seemingly endless bike options or making it part of a multi-stop Southern Utah adventure (Cedar Breaks National Monument is just five miles away), it’s a must-see for bikers of all abilities. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
-
Bikepacking Across the Aquarius Plateau
A 5-night bikepacking trail has opened up a beautiful swath of the Southern Utah landscape. Following trails from Brian Head to Boulder, riders can experience long days in the saddle, and then recuperate in backcountry huts stocked with creature comforts.
-
Bikepacking through Time in the San Rafael Swell
We're miles away from civilization here in southeastern Utah’s San Rafael Swell, and we carry everything we need on our bikes. This is the type of adventure I've longed for, a trip that reminds us of our self-worth, resilience, and how little we actually need to survive.
-
Dog-Friendly Utah: The Road to Mighty
Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Check it out and plan your trip!
-
Find a Winter Refresh in a Utah State Park
The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places.
-
How to Bikepack: Pro Tips for Planning a Multi-day Backcountry Ride
Want to learn how to bikepack? Check out these tips and bikepacking gear list from veteran rider Kurt Gensheimer and plan your own Utah bikepacking trip!
-
Knobby Tired Nomads: Bikepacking the Utah High Country
If you’re into bikepacking, Utah is a place you’ll want to check out. Read about a self-supported tour of Utah’s backcountry here, and start planning your trip.
-
Mission to Mars: Riding Gooseberry Mesa
You haven’t truly ridden a mountain bike until you’ve visited the stunning slickrock of Gooseberry Mesa. Learn more about this spectacular Utah trail.
-
Moab's Singletrack Renaissance
Moab isn’t just for burly Slickrock riders anymore. In the last few years, local groups have established dozens of miles of new mountain bike trails.
-
Ramble On: An Insider's Guide to Beaver County
Ramblers, also known as Beaver County, is an outdoor playground. From winter to summer, check out the top 10 things to see and do in Ramblers.
-
Ridin' Greater Zion
Southeastern Utah might be the state’s hidden gem of mountain biking. Learn about the top mountain biking trails in this area and plan a getaway you’ll never forget.
-
Seven Must-Ride Mountain Biking Trails in Utah
To help you plan a Utah mountain biking trip, we've assembled a list of seven of Utah’s best mountain biking trails followed by a roundup of Utah’s best fat-tire destinations.
-
Spreading the Joy of Adaptive Recreation
Meet three National Ability Center staffers who live outdoor adventuring.
-
The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
-
The Coyote Canyon Loop
An easy 20-minute trip south from Park City, the Coyote Canyon Trail is a gorgeous 20-mile loop that undulates through the sprawling expanses of Heber Valley and showcases some of its best features along the way.
-
Top 5 Rules of the Ride: How to Mountain Bike Responsibly on Utah Trails
Mountain biking is one of Utah’s most popular activities enjoyed by riders of all ages and skill levels. Be able to fly down that flow trail by, first, understanding and respecting the rules of the ride.
-
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.
-
Visions of Grandeur: Heaven and Hell on Two Wheels
The story of a women’s bikepacking trip unspoils 250 miles of the majesty of Bear Ears country, including three national monuments, one national recreation area and a national park.
-
Wild Heber: Close-to-Home Adventure
Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley’s state parks and national forest lands offer a world of adventure. Hike, bike, camp, kayak, watch wildlife and reel in blue-ribbon trout while learning about nature and how to protect it.
