Northern Utah Trails
-
Eagle Rise Trail
Over the past few years and through the efforts of multiple Eagle Scout projects, the Eagle Rise trail system has been cut from land owned by Brigham City at the base of the mountain east of the Mantua Reservoir.
-
Logan Canyon Mountain Biking
In Logan, Utah, mountain biking is a popular pastime. Learn more about the wide variety of trails in the Logan Canyon area and plan your next ride.
-
McCoy Flats
The desert highlands on the northern edge of the Uinta Basin, just west of Vernal, are home to pronghorn, wind and the mountain bike track network of McCoy Flats. This non-motorized trail complex with up to 35 miles of interconnecting paths holds something for all abilities.
Southern Utah Trails
-
Amasa Back
Moab is considered one of the world’s premier mountain biking destinations offering a variety of options set against an amazing backdrop. The Amasa Back area is home to six trails, and a total of 14 miles, all sure to test your fitness and bike skills while simultaneously offering out-of-this-world scenery.
-
Gooseberry Mesa
Southwest of Moab, outside the little town of Hurricane, and not far from Zion National Park, Gooseberry Mesa offers some of the most exceptional slickrock riding around.
-
Magnificent Seven
The Magnificent Seven connects some of the best mountain bike trails Utah has to offer. Learn more, plan your trip and saddle up!
-
Mountain Biking the Slickrock Trail
Just outside Moab, this famous ride is technical, beautiful and not for the faint of heart.
-
Porcupine Rim and the Whole Enchilada
A challenging but scenic alpine mountain bike ride beckons skilled bikers. See why this trip down Porcupine Rim Trail and the Whole Enchilada is unforgettable!
-
Thunder Mountain Bike Trail
Located just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park, Thunder Mountain has spectacular trails, challenging riding, and thrilling vistas. Of the 24 miles of established singletrack around Red Canyon, none compare to the Thunder Mountain Trail.
-
Virgin River Rim Trail
The high altitude mountain bike path of the Virgin River Rim Trail runs its course through ancient forests, across alpine meadows, and offers vista after vista. Beginning at the edge of Cedar Mountain, on top of the Markagunt Plateau, the trail meanders 32 miles to the west taking you along the headwaters of the Virgin River before terminating in the heart of Cedar Canyon at Woods Ranch.
Winter Mountain Biking in Southern Utah
If you love mountain biking in the spring and summer, why not give it a try during the winter this year? In Southern Utah, mountain biking happens all year long thanks to the mild weather and various trails.
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!
-
Estrogen on Adrenaline: 48 Hours in Moab, Utah's Giant Playground
Looking for an unconventional girls weekend getaway? Get inspiration for an ultimate Moab mountain biking, stargazing, camping adventure here! Visit Utah.
-
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 Utah Like a Girl Boss
Here are the key things you need to know as you start planning your first bikepacking trip.
-
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.
-
Mountain Biking the Wood Hill Trail System
Luke’s Loop is one of several options in the Wood Hill trail system in central Utah, a favorite for locals and those just passing through.
-
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.
Top Mountain Biking Basecamps
Park City
Park City is the world's only IMBA Gold-level riding destination. IMBA bestowed this accolade on Park City for the diversity of trails, the bike-friendly culture, the proximity of the downtown to trailheads and the amenities for travelers. Park City has hundreds of miles of trails to explore, almost all of which can be easily accessed from downtown without needing a car. Cross-country riders will want to ascend Armstrong to jump on the Mid Mountain Trail, or climb higher to join the Wasatch Crest Trail. Downhill riders will want to look to the lift-served downhill trails at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley resorts and recreational riders will find the wider singletrack at Round Valley to be the perfect speed for a casual day on the trails.
Salt Lake City
While not quite as compact as Park City, Salt Lake City still offers great access from just about anywhere in the city. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) encircles the foothills to the east and north of the city with a growing network of roughly 100 miles of multiuse trails with dozens of trailheads throughout the valley. The most popular stretches for riders connect the Hogle Zoo with the University of Utah and another stretch between City Creek and Dry Creek Canyons, which includes the ever-popular Bobsled downhill trail. Little Cottonwood and Big Cottonwood canyons house several excellent cross-country trails in the national forest including the Wasatch Crest Trail and a growing array of singletrack rides at the area’s ski resorts: Brighton, Solitude, Alta and Snowbird. These higher-elevation rides are best late June through August when the snow has melted and the wildflowers carpet the open alpine meadows.
Ogden
A growing hub for outdoor industry companies, Ogden has attracted this clientele by offering a veritable product testing lab just outside the city with trailheads stretching from minutes outside downtown deep into the mountains. Generally less crowded than other central Wasatch destinations, riding in Ogden means you have more of the good stuff, all to yourself. For years, Ogden was known as the place to challenge yourself on tough hill climbs like the Skyline trail, but in recent years, flowing cross-country trails like Sardine Peak or Wheeler Creek have grown in popularity. Close to downtown, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail offers a quick getaway while the higher up Snowbasin Resort has 26 miles of singletrack on-mountain and connects with another 50 miles of Forest Service trails, making an excellent base for exploration.
Moab
Synonymous with mountain biking, Moab is known for the classics like Slickrock, Amasa Back and Porcupine Rim. Recently, bikers are rediscovering Moab for new single tracks like the Sovereign Trail, Mag 7 and HyMasa/Captain Ahab.
Most mountain bikers use the town of Moab as a basecamp and ride from town or car shuttle to nearby trailheads. The easiest trails to ride to from town are Pipe Dream, Hidden Valley, Amasa Back or the new variant HyMasa/Captain Ahab. The Sand Flats Recreation area is only a short drive from downtown, but is quite a climb by bike to reach the Slickrock and Porcupine Rim trailheads or one of the many variants to Porcupine that have become quite popular. For riders looking for more moderate Moab rides, look north of town to Klondike Bluff or nearby Baby Steps, both excellent introductions to Moab riding. The expanded Bar-M trails provide a winding network of singletrack trails with many options to vary the length and technical challenge. Late spring (March through May) offers great riding weather, with highs in the 60s and 70s.
St. George
St. George is quickly becoming a destination for year-round Utah mountain biking, led by the popularity of Gooseberry Mesa trail network, a technically challenging trail system with slickrock, singletrack and jaw-dropping views toward Zion National Park. In the region west of town, the network of Sidewinder and Barrel Roll offer more technically moderate trails high on the fun factor. With very temperate weather all winter long, St. George has become the go-to destination for early-spring, late-fall and winter mountain biking in Utah.
Brian Head
While it may not get the attention of Moab or Park City, Brian Head Resort should be near the top of the list for any rider. Located in the southwest part of the state, Brian Head is about a three-and-half-hour drive down I-15 from Salt Lake City, about a three-hour drive from Las Vegas and 80 minutes from St. George. While it has established a reputation as a well-loved (and crowd-free) ski destination with more than 360 inches of snow each year, Brian Head has also poured its energy into establishing one of the state’s best mountain bike parks once the white stuff has melted.
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. (Read: A Quick and Dirty Guide to Brian Head Area Mountain Biking)
Heber Valley
A hidden gem in Utah's mountain biking scene, the Heber Valley has great trails featuring multiple terrains without fighting the crowds. Visitors to Heber Valley fall in love with the dozens and dozens of miles of trails at the Wasatch Mountain State Park. The state park is home to one of the most iconic trails in Utah, the Wasatch Over Wasatch (WOW) Trail. This 12-mile trail is great for intermediate to expert riders as it dips through three different mountain experiences, from Alpine and thick Aspens to High Desert. Hardcore riders will earn their downhill reward but shuttling to the access points at the top is also an attractive way to experience the trail. Additionally, the Dutch Hollow System, and the Coyote Canyon Loop each offer over 20 miles of trails, giving the rider ample to explore.
01
Denver to Moab: A High-Octane Weekend Road Trip
Start planning your road trip from Denver to Moab with three days of mountain biking, hiking, skydiving, rafting and experiencing the best of Moab.
Highlights
- Colorado River Rafting
- Moab Mountain Biking
- Skydive Moab
- World-Renowned Mountain Biking
02
Slickrock Adventure
Discover how close Salt Lake City is to Arches and Canyonlands national parks in this three-day weekend filled with adventure options.
Highlights
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Moab Area Adventures
- White Rim Trail or Colorado River
03
Larger Than Life: Winter in Southwestern Utah
This desert is dramatic. In a really good way. Experience the towering heights of Zion, the depths of Buckskin Gulch, the dunes of Snow Canyon, the sunset over Gooseberry. Southern Utah’s wilds are wearing their winter splendor.
Highlights
- Zion National Park
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
- Mountain Biking on a Red Rock Mesa
- Hike Zion's Most Iconic Trails
