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Gooseberry Mesa: Classic Loop

Hurricane

Rippled slickrock riding paired with extreme exposure and beautiful views from the mesa's rim.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
17 km
Ascent
257 m
Descent
257 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
1.6 km
High Point
1.7 km
Gradient
Gooseberry Mesa: Classic Loop Map

The classic Gooseberry Mesa Trail is still just as fun and entertaining as ever! The slickrock riding is reminiscent of the iconic Slickrock trail in Moab, but with a character all its own. The rock here is pocked and rippled, providing more technical challenges and tighter maneuvers than Slickrock.

Description

Eventually the trail breaks out of the shrubby pine trees and gains the rim of the mesa from whence it gets its name. From the rim, stunning panoramic views greet riders, including views toward the towering mountains and rocky spires of Zion National Park.

In places, the route runs right along the rim of Gooseberry Mesa, with thousand-foot cliffs guaranteeing a swift and sudden end for inattentive riders. While the slickrock next to the rim isn't extremely technical, the exposure is not to be trifled with.

Numerous routes exist on Gooseberry Mesa, with some comprised of more dirt and sand and less slickrock. Difficulties also vary, but the primary Gooseberry loop is of blue/black difficulty, aka upper intermediate/lower advanced.

Gooseberry Mesa is quite isolated and takes some significant effort to reach, but those efforts will reward you with fantastic mountain biking and stunning scenery!

Sources: https://www.recreation.gov/marketing.do?goto=acm/ExploreAndMore/exploreArticles/gooseberry-mesa-national-recreation-trail.htm

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

Extreme Exposure

4 out of 4

Some trail sections are extremely exposed where falling will almost certainly result in serious injury or death.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between March and November

Features

  • Technical
  • Wet-weather friendly
  • Drops
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area