Top Mountain Biking Trails in St. George, Utah: A Guide to the Best Rides
Nestled in the red rock canyons of southern Utah, St. George is a dream destination for mountain bikers of all levels. With its sweeping views, unique geology, and various trails, St. George offers a perfect mix of thrilling technical routes, breathtaking red rock scenery, and diverse terrain that draws riders from all over. Whether you’re an experienced biker looking for technical challenges or a beginner wanting to soak in the stunning scenery, these top trails promise an unforgettable ride.
Popular Trail Systems
The trail network offers over 280 miles of mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty levels, passing through various landscapes including red rock canyons, desert scrub, and scenic mesas. Here are the most notable trails:
1. Bearclaw Poppy Trail
For those just dipping their toes into mountain biking or anyone wanting a flowy, fun ride, Bearclaw Poppy Trail is the perfect place to start. Named after a native wildflower, this trail offers a mix of rolling hills, swooping curves, and small jumps that make it enjoyable for riders of all levels. The terrain alternates between smooth, packed dirt and sections of “moonscape” rock, giving a playful mix of textures and scenery. The downhill segments offer enough excitement to keep even experienced riders engaged while being forgiving enough for beginners to learn and enjoy. It can be connected to Stucki Springs Trail and Zen Trail for more challenging rides. The trail features gradual-grade climbing, rollers, berms, and mellow drops.
- Length: 3.8-4.2 miles
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
- Rideable: Year-round
2. Zen Trail
This technical trail is where you should head if you crave challenges. This loop is a true test of skill, with plenty of steep climbs, rock gardens, and ledge drops to keep you on your toes. The Zen Trail offers a rugged experience that requires careful line selection and solid bike handling, with challenges like tight switchbacks, steep rocky climbs, and technical rock gardens, making it a favorite for more advanced riders. It’s named appropriately—the trail requires intense focus, but the rewarding views and the sense of accomplishment you feel as you navigate its twists and turns bring a zen-like satisfaction.
- Length: 5.7 miles
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Known for: Technical riding and exhausting terrain
3. Gooseberry Mesa
A short drive from St. George brings you to Gooseberry Mesa, a trail network that’s nothing short of iconic in the mountain biking world. The mesa’s trails are known for their classic slickrock riding, with stunning vistas of Zion National Park in the distance. The “Windmill” and “South Rim” sections are particularly popular, featuring a mix of flowy singletrack and slickrock stretches that let you glide effortlessly across the landscape. Gooseberry Mesa is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders, but it’s the panoramic views and the smooth slickrock paths that truly make this trail special.
4. Chuckwalla and Turtle Wall
These family trails are perfect for a mellow afternoon ride, with a total distance of approximately 4 miles and an estimated ride time of 1-2 hours. Chuckwalla starts with a gentle climb that winds its way through red sandstone formations and desert scrub. Once you reach Turtle Wall, the trail becomes a scenic cruise, with plenty of opportunities to take in the gorgeous surroundings. The trail is also known for being relatively family-friendly, so if you’re riding with kids or newcomers to the sport, this area makes for an ideal introduction.
- Paradise Rim/Turtle Wall: Local favorite, known for “super fun and fast chunk” and good for multiple laps
5. Barrel Roll Trail
This local favorite offers a well-rounded mix of moderate climbs, flowy descents, and some technical features. Located in the Santa Clara River Reserve, the trail is a lollipop loop that rewards riders with sweeping views of the surrounding mesas and valleys. The climb to the top is steady, and the descent is pure fun, with just enough technical challenge to make it exciting without being overwhelming. This trail is perfect for intermediate riders wanting to improve their game.
- Length: 5.8 miles
- Connected Trails: Barrel Trail (2.4 miles), Sidewinder (1.7 miles), Barrel Roll proper (5.8 miles)
6. Sidewinder Trail
For those who love speed and sweeping banked turns, Sidewinder is a must-ride. Part of the larger Bearclaw Poppy network, Sidewinder takes you on a twisting, winding descent that’s full of berms and natural jumps. The trail is fast and flowy, making it an adrenaline-packed ride that’s still accessible to various skill levels. This kind of trail makes you want to turn around and do it again as soon as you’ve finished.
Trail Networks by Distance
Longest Trails:
- Virgin River North Trail (29.3 km)
- Bearclaw, Stucki, Snakepit (29.0 km)
- Desert Canyons Trails (20 miles)
Trail Statistics
Difficulty Level | Number of Trails |
---|---|
Easy | 13 trails |
Intermediate | 41 trails |
Difficult | 16 trails |
Total | 70 trails |
Tips for Riding in St. George
Before heading out, it’s important to note that St. George’s desert environment means you need to be well-prepared. Bring plenty of water, as temperatures can soar, especially in summer. The best seasons to ride are fall, winter, and spring, when temperatures are cooler and the trails are less dusty. Be mindful of your impact on the environment and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the beauty of these unique landscapes for future riders.
Location and Access
The trail system serves as an ideal base for mountain biking adventures due to its convenient access to both urban amenities and natural attractions, allowing riders to enjoy a mix of adventure and comfort easily:
- Located one hour from Zion National Park
- Offers essential urban amenities
- Access to Snow Canyon State Park
- Multiple reservoirs and river access points for cooling off
Why St. George?
What makes St. George special isn’t just the trails—it’s the combination of scenery, climate, and community. The red rock desert, dotted with cacti and framed by towering mesas, creates a humbling and exhilarating backdrop. The mountain biking community here is incredibly welcoming, with local shops, guides, and fellow bikers ready to share tips or lend a hand.
Whether carving through slickrock on Gooseberry Mesa or cruising along the rolling hills of Bearclaw Poppy, St. George’s trails offer something for everyone. It’s no wonder mountain bikers return year after year, drawn by the call of the red rocks and the thrill of exploring some of Utah’s best terrain on two wheels.
Best Seasons for Riding
The area’s desert climate allows for year-round riding, with Bearclaw Poppy specifically noted as being accessible throughout all seasons. The region offers an escape from more crowded biking destinations like Moab while providing similarly impressive terrain and views.