This ride wasn’t just an adventure; it was a long-overdue reunion. It was September of 2024, and after months of planning, the five of us finally made it happen. Joining me was a good friend from Boston and two buddies from Park City. Along the way, we met another group of riders from Southern California—a serendipitous meeting that sparked fast friendships and plans for future rides.
We’d been talking about this trip for a couple of years, tossing around the idea over texts and calls. Now, it was real. Five friends, bikes strapped to a battered old truck, headed toward Southern Utah with nothing but a vague plan and trail maps promising adventure. The destination: the Aquarius Trail System, a place none of us had ridden but all of us had dreamed about.
The Ascent: A Test of Grit and Friendship
Day one at Bryan Head Ski Resort started with a climb, some plateau riding, a long single track downhill and some fast, tree lined grippy dirt! After the plateau, we were winding through ponderosa pines on a dirt path that took us to amazing views, perfect trails, conditions and an amazing lake.
The elevation was typical for Utah and overall, day one exceeded expectations.
At one point, we passed the Southern California group, who were pulled over to take in the view. Friendly banter quickly turned into an impromptu trail meetup. We decided to ride together for a stretch, sharing snacks and stories as we pushed upward.
The Plateau: A View That Stopped Us Cold
After a bitof an uphill grind to the summit of Bryan Head we reached the top. As we stepped off our bikes, the scene before us stopped us in our tracks. From the edge of the Aquarius Plateau, the world seemed to stretch forever: dense forests, jagged peaks, and canyons that swallowed the horizon.
No one spoke at first. It wasn’t just the view that rendered us silent—it was the realization that this moment, this place, was one of those rare, life-affirming experiences.
Dr. Matt broke the silence with a few photos, though we all agreed nothing could truly capture the magic of being there. The Southern California crew caught up with us, and for a while, we simply stood together, letting the grandeur of the plateau wash over us.
The Descent: A Dance with Gravity
The ride down was as FAST. Gravity took the reins as the trail pitched steeply, weaving through rock gardens and hairpin turns.
Tom and Tom, our fearless Irish contingency, charged ahead, carving perfect lines through the technical terrain. Jake took it slower, savoring the rush and keeping an eye on the others as they disappeared into the canyon below.
The Southern California group stayed close, their energy infectious. At one point, one of them tackled a particularly gnarly rock drop that had us all cheering.
We stopped often to regroup, sharing breathless laughter and stories about near-misses and small victories. By the time we reached the bottom, our legs were shaky, and our faces were streaked with dirt—but the smiles were unstoppable.
The Aftermath: Dusty, Tired, and Unstoppable
As the sun dipped low, painting the horizon in gold and crimson, we rolled back to the trailhead. Tired but exhilarated, we lingered, reluctant to let the day end.
That evening, we gathered around a campfire with our new friends from Southern California, swapping stories from the trail. Connor’s daring drop, Jake’s close call with a cactus, and the stunning view from the plateau were all retold with laughter and embellishment.
For me, this ride wasn’t just about the scenery or the adrenaline—it was about the people. Friends from all corners of the country came together, and new bonds were forged on the trail.
The entire ride last 5 days. The terrain is generally excellent, the scenery, amazing, and the storage containers turned sleeping units are more than acceptable. Overall, it exceeded expectations and highly recommended.
A Ride You’ll Never Forget
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Southern Utah, pack your bike, grab your crew, and head for the Aquarius Trail System. It’s more than a ride—it’s an experience that will leave you breathless in every sense of the word.
And if you’re like us, you might come away with more than dust on your gear. You’ll leave with stories, friendships, and memories you’ll carry for a lifetime. For our group, it’s safe to say that the Aquarius Trail wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of something much bigger.
Check out www.bigbeltbucklechallenge.com for additional details, contact information if you have any questions or other adventures.