No trip to Southern Utah is complete without experiencing the outdoors at its finest. Very few regions of the country contain even a fraction of the natural riches that Brian Head and its surrounding areas possess. With this treasure trove of stunning landscapes, unique rock monuments, rolling deserts, and sprawling forests come a wide variety of activities for every level of adventurer. Those looking for something that combines extreme fitness with thrills and some technical difficulty should explore the Bunker Creek Mountain Bike Trail. You'll zip through forests, hills, and around mountain bends in between Brian Head and Panguitch Lake. If you're looking for more bike trails, outdoor activities, and other adventures in the southern region of the Beehive State, request our free Southern Utah Vacation Guide!
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What You Need to Know About Bunker Creek Mountain Bike Trail
Trail Details
Before heading out to ride the Bunker Creek Mountain Bike Trail, make sure you study the route and have the proper transportation to and from the beginning and end of the trail. Unlike some paths in the area, this is not a classic out-and-back trail. Plan to have the Brian Head Mountain Bike Shuttle drop you off at near Brian Head Peak, where you'll start your journey, and have it pick you up south of Panguitch Lake on Utah Highway 143. Once you get to Brian Head peak, you can start heading east on the 11.6-mile downhill journey. As you begin the fast ride through the first few miles of the trail, you'll encounter a variety of odd rocks, trees, and a few exhilarating drops before you come to a fork in the road where you will continue straight instead of branching off left or right. The next portion of the path is a fast straightaway through what was once a dense forest of spruce and aspen trees. A fire hit the forest in 2017 leaving deep scars and stalks of bare trees behind in some areas. There are a few slight turns here, but you can build up plenty of speed. The final five miles of the trail consists of a fast double track section before you arrive at Panguitch Lake.Difficulty
Bunker Creek Mountain Bike Trail is for intermediate bikers that can handle speed while also being able to traverse some rocky terrain at the beginning of the course. It's an excellent ride for those wanting to experience Brian Head backcountry but without the high intensity and difficulty of other nearby trails like Dark Hollow and Blowhard Mountain.Packing List
Depending on how many times you stop during your ride, the overall journey shouldn't take you more than three hours from start to finish. You should still make sure you properly pack before heading out on Bunker Creek Mountain Bike Trail. Here are some recommendations:- Plenty of water and snacks
- Rain jacket
- Cinch sack or carrier back
- Camera
- Sunscreen