If you have a need for speed, you may be into mountain biking. And if you’ve been in the sport for long, you know how thrilling it is to find a new trail. If your wheels have made ruts in your own local routes, it may be time to blaze a new path on the winding trails and downhill rides around Brian Head, Utah. Whether you’re a brand new mountain biker or a seasoned cyclist, it’s easy to live life on two wheels with the area’s best biking spots right in our backyard.
Bunker Creek Trail
Take your mountain biking to new heights at Brian Head Peak, where the Bunker Creek Trail begins at over 11,000 feet. This 12-mile singletrack run provides riders with sweeping views of red-rock country and a steady downhill route that plunges more than 3,000 feet to Panguitch Lake. The scenery changes dramatically as you descend, from ski hills to alpine meadows and lush spruce forests. Multiple forks let you customize your ride from a thrilling technical route to a cruiseable scenic drop. Shuttles are available to take you to the top, leaving you to enjoy the pure thrill of the downhill ride.
Brian Head Bike Park
If you’re looking for variety, look no further than Brian Head Resort. Once the snow melts, our hometown resort transforms into a mecca of mountain biking trails for riders of all ages and abilities. A high-speed chairlift takes you to the top of Navajo Peak, where you can explore more than 100 miles of downhill single track and cross-country trails that range in difficulty from easy to extreme. The park is open on weekends from June to September; you can purchase tickets on the resort website.
Navajo Lake Loop
Nestled in Dixie National Forest, Navajo Lake is a beautiful place for mountain biking. The Navajo Lake Loop trail combines the serenity of a lakeside trail with the excitement of dips and climbs through the aspen forest. The trail spans about 11.5 miles and is a relaxing ride with gentle terrain, perfect for the whole family.
Thunder Mountain Trail
A stone’s throw away in the Red Canyon area of Dixie National Forest lies Thunder Mountain Trail, an intermediate roller coaster ride through towering hoodoos and pine forests. The 8-mile singletrack flow trail features fun switchbacks, thrilling downhill drops, and breathtaking vistas. The trail’s unique red rock landscape and swooping hills and valleys make it a must-ride for any serious mountain biker. Gooseberry Mesa
A little further south, the Gooseberry Mesa near Zion National Park is a mountain biker's paradise. The trail system includes 9 interconnected trails and just under 18 miles to ride, but exercise caution– with a challenging mix of slickrock trails and sandy paths winding across the Mesa top, Gooseberry is a test for even experienced riders. However, the panoramic views of Zion's majestic peaks make every pedal stroke worth it.
Find the Perfect Place to Park Your Bike with Family Time Vacation Rentals
After a long day on the trails, stash your gear and rest your feet at a fantastic vacation property not far from the finish line. Our area properties are cozy, comfortable, and centrally located near some of the best mountain biking trails in the state. Bunker Creek is a 2-bedroom condo right across from the Giant Steps lift, providing easy access to the bike park and the trails of Brian Head Peak.