Mountain Biking in Southern Utah

The Southern Utah landscape sets the stage for mountain biking. The surrounding area of Hurricane offers a plethora of mountain biking trails ranging from wide, gravel-packed trails suitable for families with young ones to rock scrambling climbs and dives recommended for experienced riders.

Whether you’re looking for a quick, enjoyable ride or a challenging, rock-hopping ascend, you’re certain to find a trail to meet your skill level within an hour's drive of WillowWind RV Park. The RV park rests between a handful of mountain biking shops in either direction, and they’re ready to cater to any skill level and group size. Some even offer drop-offs at trailheads, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on the experience if your vehicle cannot transport the bikes to the destination of your choosing.

Grandpa’s Pond & Chuckwalla Trail

For families with young children, you’ll find both Grandpa’s Pond Trail and Chuckwalla Trail about 30 minutes from WillowWind RV Park. Grandpa’s Pond is a city park with two trails. Of the two trails, the inner trail is recommended for beginners and the outer is open to all, but there is a bit of a hill to tackle. Both trails take about half an hour to complete. There are picnic tables and benches along the route if you need to rest or want to watch the sunset. If you’re looking for something with less foot traffic, enjoy the unique rock formations along the Chuckwalla Trail. This out-and-back trail is just under 2 miles long and there are restrooms nearby.

Virgin River Trail, White Reef Trail, & Snow Canyon West Canyon Trail

If you’re new to mountain biking or returning after a long break, the Virgin River Trail, White Reef Trail, or the Snow Canyon’s West Canyon Trail might be just the ticket to introduce you to the rolling landscape of southwest Utah. Virgin River Trail is less than 2 miles long and takes about 10 minutes to complete. This paved trail can be completed from both directions and have you back at WillowWind RV Park in around 20 minutes. White Reef trail is a 3-½ mile loop that can be completed in just under an hour and a half. If you’re up for visiting Snow Canyon State Park, you’ll enjoy the white and red-toned Navajo Sandstone canyon formed by blowing sand during the early Jurassic period. Snow Canyon State Park is home to the extinct Santa Clara volcano, lava tubes, lava flows, and sand dunes, making it an easy destination to spend the day at with various sites to explore.

Toe Trail & Owens Loop

Toe Trail is a popular 1.4-mile trail located near Snow Canyon State Park, a stroller-friendly trail with views of the Red Mountain Complex. The trailhead can be found outside of the fee area to the State Park. Owens Loop Trail is a less popular trail that can be found at Brooks Nature Trailhead, a .3-mile trek atop Red Hill. This 2.6-mile loop is a moderate route because there are some exposed cliffs and slick rocks so some experience is recommended.

Dutchman Trailhead, Sunshine Loop, & Zen Trail

Another full day of mountain biking and exploration can be found just south of St. George in Littlefield, Arizona. About a 45-minute drive from WillowWind RV Park and a little 4x4 action, you’ll find Dutchman Trailhead, a 9-mile easy trail with a side trip to Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. This trail connects to Sunshine loop, an 8-½ mile intermediate loop trail. It is recommended to bring a map as there are a lot of motorized trails in this area, making it easy to become lost, but proper preparation will bring you peace of mind to enjoy the day exploring this rugged area just south of the state line. Early risers will find Zen Trail a welcoming loop with varying terrain. This 6.3-mile course is best before late afternoon and can be completed in just under 3 hours.

Kentucky Lucky Chicken Trail & Barrel Roll Trail

For those seeking a true challenge, the Kentucky Lucky Chicken trail is a 3.8-mile loop that features steep and rocky climbs. It is recommended to begin this loop from a counterclockwise direction, the more challenging route. A true rockhopper will enjoy the undulating terrain of the Barrel Roll Trail. Despite the obstacles and protruding rocks, this trail could be tackled by an experienced beginner. At just under 6 miles, you can expect to spend under an hour on this trail.

Gooseberry Mesa

The Gooseberry Mesa network of mountain biking trails will surely keep you busy all day long, and it's less than an hour from WillowWind RV Park. This network is frequented by outdoor enthusiasts from around the world! This is a primitive site, so bring lots of water for the day. There are practice paths to warm you up for just about any trail within the Gooseberry Mesa area. White-painted markings help guide you through the trails and there are plenty of signs posted to help you navigate the different trails and routes. If you tackle the course in order, you’ll spend about 4 hours on the trail and cover 13 miles of varying landscape.

White Trail is an easy, old 4x4 road that becomes sandy and narrow at the Yellow Trail intersection. The South Rim Trail leads you to a lookout point before returning you to the North Rim and Windmill Trails, an out-and-back route that will bring you to Bowls and Ledges route. You are able to cut through and curate your own path if you’d prefer. Keep in mind that Gooseberry Mesa may not be accessible after a storm as the road becomes muddy and challenging - even for 4x4 vehicles.

Regardless of your experience level, you’ll be sure to return to a clean, safe, and relaxing stay at WillowWind RV Park to rest your legs and prepare for the next day’s adventures!

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/white-reef-trail-and-leeds-reef-trail-loop

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/virgin-river-9319/

https://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/snowcan.htm

https://www.blm.gov/visit/sunshine-loop-and-dutchman-mountain-bike-trails

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4183760/gooseberry-mesa-the-big-loop

https://www.go-utah.com/Sunshine-Loop-and-Dutchman-Mountain-Bike-Trails/#

https://hikestgeorge.com/hiking-trails/owens-loop-trail-via-brooks-nature-trail/

https://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/barrelroll.htm

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7021901/kentucky-lucky-chicken

http://www.redcliffsdesertreserve.com/toe

https://hikestgeorge.com/hiking-trails/chuckwalla-red-cliffs-desert-reserve/

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/grandpas-pond-trails