Mountain biking in Utah
Utah is a mountain biking paradise, offering diverse trails that range from beginner-friendly routes to more expert-level, technical rides. From Moab’s iconic red rock landscapes to the alpine forests of the Wasatch Range, the state provides a wide variety of terrain for every type of rider. Here are some of the best places to go mountain biking in Utah, with links to maps and guides to help you plan your ride.
Best mountain biking areas in Utah
Moab
Moab is the mecca for mountain biking, with its famous slickrock and desert trails attracting riders from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping technical challenges or scenic rides with stunning vistas, Moab delivers.
- Famous Trails: Slickrock Trail, Porcupine Rim, Amasa Back
- Terrain: Slickrock, desert, canyon rims, and steep drops
- Map & Guide: Moab Mountain Biking Guide
Park City
Park City is a Gold-Level IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) riding destination, offering over 450 miles of continuous, high-quality trails. You’ll find everything from flowy singletrack to challenging technical sections.
- Famous Trails: Mid Mountain Trail, Armstrong Trail, Black Forest to Redbull Loop
- Terrain: Alpine forests, meadows, and high mountain passes
- Map & Guide: Park City Mountain Biking Guide
Hurricane & St. George
Located in Southern Utah, the Hurricane and St. George areas provide access to epic desert riding with technical slickrock sections and flowing singletrack.
- Famous Trails: Gooseberry Mesa, JEM Trail, Guacamole, North Rim Trail, Windmill
- Terrain: Slickrock, desert mesas, technical rock gardens
- Map & Guide: Hurricane Valley Mountain Biking Guide
Brian Head
Brian Head Resort, located in Southern Utah, offers incredible lift-served downhill mountain biking trails in the summer. Excellent cross-country trails also surround the area.
- Famous Trails: Bunker Creek, Dark Hollow, Blowhard
- Terrain: Alpine forests, volcanic rock, steep descents
- Map & Guide: Brian Head Mountain Biking Guide
Big Cotton Wood Canyon
Wasatch Crest is one of Utah’s most scenic and challenging rides, providing high-altitude singletrack and sweeping views of the Wasatch Range. This ride offers a mix of challenging climbs and fun descents.
- Famous Trails: Wasatch Crest Trail, Millcreek Loop, Honeycomb Canyon Loop
- Terrain: High alpine ridges, meadows, and forested areas
- Map & Guide: Wasatch Crest Mountain Biking Guide
Corner Canyon – Draper
Corner Canyon, located in Draper just south of Salt Lake City, offers a convenient mountain biking escape with trails for all skill levels. The trail system is well-maintained and provides stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley.
- Famous Trails: Rush Trail, Ann’s Trail, Ghost Falls
- Terrain: Singletrack, flowy trails, switchbacks, and shaded canyons
- Map & Guide: Corner Canyon Mountain Biking Guide
Snowbasin & Ogden Valley
Snowbasin Resort and the surrounding Ogden Valley offer excellent mountain biking trails, including downhill, cross-country, and scenic routes. During the summer, the resort offers lift-served access to some of the best high-alpine trails in Northern Utah.
- Famous Trails: Sardine Peak, Green Pond, Needles Trail
- Terrain: Alpine forests, lakes, wildflower meadows
- Map & Guide: Ogden Valley Mountain Biking Guide
Uintah Basin – Vernal
The Uintah Basin is becoming a rising star in Utah’s mountain biking scene, with miles of well-maintained trails still relatively undiscovered. The McCoy Flats area is especially popular with intermediate and advanced riders.
- Famous Trails: Serendipity, Jackalope, Slippery When Wet
- Terrain: Desert singletrack, slickrock, and flowy descents
- Map & Guide: McCoy Flats Mountain Biking Guide
Logan & Cache Valley
Northern Utah’s Cache Valley offers scenic and challenging rides, with trails weaving through canyons, forests, and along mountain ridges. These trails are perfect for those looking to escape the crowds while enjoying fantastic views.
- Famous Trails: Jardine Juniper, Logan River Trail, Providence Canyon
- Terrain: Forests, canyons, and ridgeline singletrack
- Map & Guide: Logan & Cache Valley Mountain Biking Guide
Additional mountain biking resources
- Utah Mountain Biking: A comprehensive resource for mountain biking trails across Utah, offering detailed trail descriptions, maps, and user reviews.
- Trailforks Utah: An interactive map covering Utah’s best mountain biking trails with real-time trail conditions and difficulty ratings.
- IMBA Trail Finder: Use this tool to find new trails and popular routes across Utah curated by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
- MTB Project: A community-driven platform featuring an extensive database of Utah’s mountain biking trails, GPS maps, photos, and rider-submitted reviews to help you plan your next adventure.
Tips for a safe and enjoyable ride
- Check Trail Conditions: Before you head out, check local trail conditions, especially if you’re riding in higher elevations where snow or rain can make trails impassable.
- Prepare for the Desert: In areas like Moab and St. George, pack plenty of water, wear sun protection, and be aware of heat exhaustion risks.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the land by staying on designated trails, packing out trash, and minimizing your environmental impact.
- Ride with a Buddy: While many trails are well-marked, some are remote and can be dangerous if you ride alone.
Explore Utah’s vast and varied landscapes on two wheels—an unforgettable mountain biking adventure awaits!