Brian Head Mountain Biking


Brian Head is southwest Utah's premier mountain biking area referred to by Outdoor Action Magazine as "Downhill of the Gods". Located at 10,000 feet, Brian Head has over 100 miles of downhill, single-track and an additional 100 miles of cross-country trails. Brian Head Resort features Utah's largest mountain bike park with 5,000 ft descents and pro designed freestyle elements. Many of Brian Head's trails are accessed by a pre-arranged shuttle or by the ski chairlift on the weekends. Brian Head town features three full service bike shops, with rentals, gears maps and shuttles to many of the trail heads. Nearby Cedar City has three bike shops to serve both mountain bike and road cycling enthusiasts.

Strenuous - 10 Miles

The Navajo Point Loop receives an advanced rating because you ascend 600 vertical feet on a dirt road, over the course of one mile. The remaining portion of the trail is intermediate. Offering one of the most scenic overlooks in the area, the climb is worth it. Following the signs from the Bear Flat Campground up the dirt road, you will need to watch for signs marking the single track trail that loops behind Navajo Mountain. After looping the mountaintop, you will head north toward the Navajo Chair 4 area, where the trail thunders down hill to meet up with the Town Trail. Heading south, will take you back to the Mountain Bike Park.

Easy to Moderate - 6 Miles

Color Country heads south from the top of the chairlift, with stunning views of Cedar Breaks National Monument, and the red rock vistas of Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area. As you descend the trail, you will pass an alpine pond in a lush meadow; further down you will ride along the edge of a small reservoir and into the forest. After riding out of the trees, you will follow the ridge, back into the ski area boundary as it snakes down the mountain, returning you to the bottom of the lift.

Moderate to Strenuous - 4.5 Miles

Heading north as you get off the chairlift, this trail starts out rough, as you roll your way just beneath the 500-foot lichen covered cliffs of the Brian Head Peak. Eventually it turns back and heads for the trees, near Chair 5. From here it takes on a new character. With tabletop jumps, banked turns, and rollers the rest of the way down! This section of the Timberline trail is where our down hill races occur, and is a favorite of the locals.

Moderate to Strenuous - 11 Miles

Give yourself about one to two hours to complete this loop. Starting out on the Timberline trail, watch for Scout Camp Loop signs about one mile into the trail. After negotiating the logging roads, you will find yourself in Munoz Meadows, where you will intersect with the Dark Hollow trail. Following this trail into the woods you will see signs for Scout Camp Loop. Heading uphill, you will soon come to Hendrickson Lake on your left. Pass the lake, stay to your right, and then a signed junction awaits you. Riding along the meadow towards the Thunder Ridge Scout Camp area, go about a half-mile until there is a break in the fence and a sign for Brian Head, 3 Miles. If you come to Hwy 143 you went too far. Staying on the single track, a couple of miles later this loops you back into the Town Trail.

Popular Trails Surrounding Brian Head

Moderate - 12 Miles

Ascending to the rim of the Markagunt plateau you are treated with some bumpy, heart pounding descents that will bring you to a double track road. From here you will cross over the road, picking the single track back up in a forested meadow. You will see signs for the Left Fork, on your right and the Right Fork on your left. Taking the trail on your right (drainages are named from the bottom up), your will find more great drops, weaving you through a spectacular Aspen forest. At the bottom of this single track you will cross a stream, and go to your right, east on the double-track road. Do not be lulled into thinking that the fun is over. The next 5 miles of double-track are just as fun and challenging. Riding the Bunker Creek Road at the "Y" follow the signs for Panguitch Lake, until you come to highway 143. Using caution go left on the highway for about a half mile where you will see the Phillips 66 on your right. Pull in get a cool drink and wait for your shuttle back to the top.

Easy to Moderate - 12 Miles

This is an ideal trail for beginners and families. This one offers a smooth groomed tread and low grades. Trail can be accessed at several points and is a great trail when ridden from either direction. The trail encircles the picturesque Navajo Lake, riding through a spruce and aspen forest, through an ancient lava bed and miles of shoreline.

Moderate to Strenuous - 10 Miles

Enjoy incredible views of Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area and Cedar Breaks National Monument while riding this awesome single track trail. Descend through several switchbacks past a Doppler Radar station. About a mile past the Potato Hollow Trail junction you will veer left and follow the single track to Crystal Springs Road. Cross the dirt road and continue to Moot's Hollow. From here the trail rises and circles Wood Knoll, head down and follow the divide between Upper Moot's Hollow and Long Hollow. Crossing the National Forest Boundary, you will pass a sign for Blowhard Trial, head down the double track into Moot's Hollow. You will head across a dirt road and follow a rock ledge descending into Lower Moot's Hollow Gorge.

Strenuous - 33 Miles

The unbelievable views make the length of the trail completely worthwhile. Make this a two or three day ride-take your time to enjoy the spectacular views of the Virgin River and Zion National Park. Several camping options along the way make this a nice full weekend ride. Several trailheads give you access. From Strawberry Point, Navajo Lake, Cascade Falls and Wood's Ranch along scenic Highway 14.

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