For those who follow my adventures, you know that the West holds a special place in my heart. From its varied terrain to lush forests, arid deserts, majestic mountains, and deep canyons, there’s truly something for everyone in this region. That’s why Southern Utah has become one of my go-to spots for epic mountain biking trips, especially in spring, when the weather is perfect—mild, sunny, and with long days that give you more time to explore.
If you’re looking for a spring adventure that challenges you, pushes your limits, and rewards you with jaw-dropping landscapes, here are the top spots in Southern Utah that promise long, tough rides with stunning scenery.
1. Moab – Whole Enchilada
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: ~26 miles (42 km)
Terrain: Technical, steep, varied
Highlight: Known for its challenging terrain and dramatic views, the Whole Enchilada in Moab is a must for any serious rider. Starting high in the mountains, the trail offers everything from alpine meadows to red rock deserts. It’s a ride that requires technical skill, endurance, and a taste for adventure.
Why it’s great for long, hard riding:
This shuttle-supported trail delivers an epic descent, taking you from high-altitude forests to desert terrain. You’ll face technical rock gardens, steep climbs, and fast descents, making it a truly challenging and exhilarating ride.
Spring Tip: Spring brings ideal weather—cooler at the higher elevations and warm enough in the desert to make it a great time to tackle this beast of a ride.
2. Moab – Slickrock Trail
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 10.5 miles (16.9 km)
Terrain: Rocky, steep, and technical
Highlight: If you’re looking for an iconic challenge, the Slickrock Trail in Moab is world-renowned for its technical difficulty and vast desert vistas. The terrain is tough, making it a test of endurance and bike handling.
Why it’s great for long, hard riding:
Slickrock is an intense ride filled with steep climbs and descents, plus slick rock sections that test your precision and stamina. With 360-degree views of the desert, it’s a ride that combines technical challenges with spectacular scenery.
Spring Tip: Spring’s mild temperatures and long days offer perfect conditions for taking your time to conquer this challenging trail.
3. Hurricane – JEM Trail and Gould’s Rim
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Length: 15–25 miles (24–40 km)
Terrain: Desert singletrack, flowy, technical climbs
Highlight: The JEM Trail and Gould’s Rim in Hurricane offer a fun mix of flowy trails and technical climbs. Located near Zion National Park, these trails combine speed with challenges and panoramic views of the desert and canyon landscapes.
Why it’s great for long, hard riding:
The network of trails in this area offers variety—flowy sections for speed and tough climbs for stamina. Gould’s Rim, in particular, offers steep terrain to push your limits.
Spring Tip: Spring weather in Hurricane is warm, but not overwhelming, making it ideal for an all-day riding adventure.
4. Bryce Canyon – Thunder Mountain Trail
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Length: ~10 miles (16 km)
Terrain: Singletrack, steep climbs, rocky features
Highlight: The Thunder Mountain Trail in Bryce Canyon offers a short but tough ride, with technical rock sections, flowy descents, and incredible views of the canyon’s unique red rock formations.
Why it’s great for long, hard riding:
The trail features steep climbs and rocky sections that require skill and strength, while the descent offers a mix of fast and technical riding.
Spring Tip: While mornings can be chilly, spring’s long days are perfect for early starts and plenty of time on the trail.
5. St. George – The Paradise Canyon Loop
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: ~22 miles (35 km)
Terrain: Rock, sand, and desert trails
Highlight: The Paradise Canyon Loop offers a full-body workout with technical rock gardens, steep climbs, and fast descents. Located in St. George, this loop challenges your stamina and bike handling skills while rewarding you with beautiful desert vistas.
Why it’s great for long, hard riding:
Long climbs, deep sand, and slickrock sections keep things interesting and tough, making this a ride that requires both endurance and skill.
Spring Tip: Spring is the best time to tackle this loop, with moderate temperatures and long daylight hours to make the most of the trail.
6. Zion National Park – Kolob Canyon Trails
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Length: 15-20 miles (24-32 km)
Terrain: Steep climbs, rocky, remote
Highlight: The Kolob Canyon area in Zion offers a less crowded, rugged mountain biking experience. With steep climbs, sharp switchbacks, and stunning desert views, these trails offer a thrilling challenge for seasoned riders.
Why it’s great for long, hard riding:
The terrain here is remote and rugged, with technical descents and long, tough climbs that will keep you on your toes. The scenery of Zion’s red rock formations and deep canyons makes every climb worth the effort.
Spring Tip: Spring offers fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy the solitude of Zion while pushing your limits on these remote trails.
General Tips for Spring Riding in Southern Utah:
- Start Early: Take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and the long spring days.
- Stay Hydrated: The desert air is dry, so bring plenty of water and a hydration pack.
- Be Prepared: Some of these trails can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to have a map or GPS.
- Layer Up: Mornings and evenings can be chilly, but midday heat can creep up fast. Dress in layers to stay comfortable.
- Leave No Trace: Protect the fragile desert ecosystems by respecting the trails and cleaning up after yourself.
These trails will challenge you and your friends with long, tough rides through some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the U.S. Whether you’re tackling iconic trails in Moab, cruising through the desert in St. George, or exploring hidden gems in Zion and Bryce Canyon, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for these incredible mountain biking destinations.