5 Must-Ride Trails in southern utah
One of the most common questions we get is, "What trails should we ride?"
Southern Utah has a lot to offer when it comes to trails. We like to say that there is a little something for everyone regardless of how you like to ride. With that said, we wanted to create an easily accessible list of the trails we get asked about the most and are always at the forefront of what we recommend to riders discovering our area for the first time.
In no particular order...
southview trails
Cedar City is often overlooked by the heavier hitters in the area, but the city, in conjunction with local trail builders, IMBA and the BLM, put together a phenomenal trail system. With everything from flowing, easy green trails all the way up to double black diamonds, there is something for everyone with plenty of loop options to keep you interested. We highly recommend checking it out!
Best time to ride: May to October.
gooseberry mesa
The trail that put Southern Utah on the map, Gooseberry Mesa. Gooseberrry is a very unique trail system taking riders over slickrock patches just outside of Zion National Park. It's fun, scenic, and remains the most asked about trail in the area. It also stays at the top of the list for favorite rides.
Best time to ride: October through May.
bear claw poppy
The BLM keeps track of trail ridership in Washington County and the Bear Claw Poppy tops the list by a long shot for the most visits. The Bear Claw is where most local riders cut their teeth and it has a little something for everyone. With lots of alternative lines to choose from, it is a blast for both experienced and beginner riders.
Best time to ride: All year, just avoid it when it is wet or too hot.
blow hard
For the shuttle bros and gals, Blow Hard is hard to beat. The trail starts just outside of Cedar Breaks National Monument providing spectacular views. It's short, at 6.6 miles, but drops over 3500 feet taking riders through multiple ecosystems and trail styles. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's worth the ride!
Best time to ride: July to October
zen trail
Probably the most technical trail on our list, the Zen Trail will challenge even the crustiest of riders. It's 5.6 miles long, climbs about 1000 feet and is peppered with trail obstacles like Jacker Stacker, Commitment Issues, and SOB Hill. We highly recommend planning your ride to catch the sunrise from the overlook at the top. It's always worth it.
Best time to ride: All year, just avoid the hottest times of day.