Lava Flow is an intermediate-friendly flow trail that twists through the cedar trees on the mountainside above the south edge of town. Interspersed between the flowy berms and jumps are chunks of rough lava rock that were spewed from an ancient volcano and now litter the mountainside. These lava rocks have been turned into optional rock gardens, jumps, and drops that allow riders to tailor the difficulty of this trail to their skill level. Less-skilled riders can bypass all of the rock obstacles, while more skilled riders will enjoy sending it off the many drops. Lava Flow is a study in modern trail design. This downhill-only trail is superbly constructed, and the alternate features and lines are worked seamlessly into the existing trail tread, providing a natural and enjoyable downhill mountain bike experience.

To get to the top of Lava Flow, you'll have to pedal up Lichen It: a superb singletrack trail that is, again, directional, but designed to be ridden uphill. With this use case in mind, Lichen It, switchbacks back and forth across the mountainside as it descends, and the grade is never too steep. This directional trail building style is actually relatively rare in the Rocky Mountain states, although you're likely to find it in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and East Coast. So seeing this modern trail design finally begin to work its way into the Rocky Mountains is a true treat.

Take note: Cedar City is on the rise!