MTB for Mere Mortals in the Shadow of Red Bull Rampage

Rip around desert mesas and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Zion National Park on these epic trails near Hurricane, Utah.

Greg Heil

Images

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Riding along the rim of Gooseberry Mesa. Photo by Leslie Kehmeier, Mapping Manager, International Mountain Bicycling Association. Photo courtesy BLM via Flickr Creative Commons.

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Riding at Gooseberry Mesa. Photo by Leslie Kehmeier, Mapping Manager, International Mountain Bicycling Association. Photo courtesy BLM via Flickr Creative Commons.

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Gooseberry Mesa slickrock. Photo by Leslie Kehmeier, Mapping Manager, International Mountain Bicycling Association. Photo courtesy BLM via Flickr Creative Commons.

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Sunset on Gooseberry Mesa. Photo by Leslie Kehmeier, Mapping Manager, International Mountain Bicycling Association. Photo courtesy BLM via Flickr Creative Commons.

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Riding along the rim of Gooseberry Mesa. Photo by Leslie Kehmeier, Mapping Manager, International Mountain Bicycling Association. Photo courtesy BLM via Flickr Creative Commons.

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Guacamole Rocks

by John Fisch

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by John Fisch

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by John Fisch

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Views of Zion from Guacamole Mesa

by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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Little Creek Rock Roller John Fisch

by John Fisch

Licence Free

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Little Creek Rock Step John Fisch

by John Fisch

Licence Free

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Little Creek Bridge

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Little Creek Long View

by John Fisch

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Flowy desert singletrack.

by Greg Heil

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Looking up at the mesa.

by Greg Heil

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by Greg Heil

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Pedalling along the rim.

by Greg Heil

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Zen Trail Overhang

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Zen Trail Climb

by John Fisch

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Suicidal Tendencies Overhang

by John Fisch

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Barrel Roll Trail with Mountain Backdrop

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Suicidal Tendencies Switchback

by John Fisch

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Suicidal Tendencies Climb/Descent

by John Fisch

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Precipice Trail - smooth section

by John Fisch

Description

The rocky desert mesas just outside of Zion National Park are best-known as the home of Red Bull Rampage—the most extreme mountain biking competition in the world. Rampage riders routinely throw themselves off humungous cliffs and send backflips over yawning canyon gaps—feats of bike handling and bravery that normal human beings will never be able to attain.

While Rampage-like stunts are so far above the level of the mountain biking masses, the desert zone surrounding Hurricane, Virgin, and St. George, Utah, is chock-full of stunning singletrack and desert slickrock riding. And the vast majority of it is completely attainable by mere mortals.

While you’ve undoubtedly heard of the iconic Gooseberry Mesa ride, the mountain biking near Hurricane goes much deeper and broader than just Gooseberry. Dig into the recommended routes in this guidebook for an expansive desert mountain biking experience to rival the biggest name destinations out there!

Adventures

Guacamole Mesa: Full Outer Loop

This ride links together the outer loop Guacamole trails into a great 11-mile ride—perfect for upper intermediates—with plenty of advanced options as well.

Jem Trails Loop

Flowy, easy-to-access singletrack with gorgeous views, and the occasional challenging section.

Barrel and Zen Double Loop

The Barrel/Zen route combines two popular loops to give technically-oriented riders a full smorgasbord of rocky, stunt-laden fun.

Santa Clara Preserve

This ride gives you a full overview of all the best trails in the Santa Clara Preserve, including a great variety of singletrack.