Biking in Utah

The area surrounding Brian Head and Cedar City is a designated destination for mountain biking, featuring lift access, comprehensive trail networks, and shuttle-supported downhill riding.

Brian Head: Lift-Serviced and High-Alpine Riding

Brian Head Resort leverages its high-altitude terrain (base at 9,800 ft) to offer specialized mountain biking as a major summer activity.

  • Mountain biking is one of the primary activities featured at the resort, often available on weekends. Scenic lift rides can be used to access higher trailheads. The resort also offers a Family Adventure Trail and mountain biking lessons.

  • Town Trails: Riders can explore dedicated Town Trails.

  • Rentals & Support: The Brian Head Resort Rental Shop provides mountain bike rentals. Local outfitters like Georg's Skis. Bikes & Lodging also rent mountain bikes and, notably, offer a Mountain Biking Shuttle Service. Gear is also available from Brianhead Sports and High Mountain Outfitters.

Cedar City: Extensive and Shuttle-Supported Trail Systems

Cedar City is a major biking gateway, providing access to organized systems suitable for all skill levels.

  • Iron Hills Trail System: This system caters to a wide range of riders, from beginner to advanced. It features multiple riding experiences and offers two specific shuttle options for downhill riders to easily access the trails: one at the Greens Lake Trailhead and another at the “C” Overlook Trailhead.

  • Three Peaks Recreation Area: This area includes the classic Three Peaks Loop, which is generally appropriate for upper-intermediate to advanced riders.

  • Variety of Trails: The trail inventory is extensive, including challenging routes like:

    • Lichen It, Lava Flow, and Black Ops (Intermediate/Difficult).

    • Boulder Dash (Very Difficult).

    • C-Trail (known for its steep grade down Cedar Mountain).

    • Manzanita (a traverse with beautiful vistas of Brian Head and Parowan Canyon).

  • Gravel Rides: The area also supports gravel cycling on routes such as the Red Creek Loop, Kolob Res., and Dry Lakes.

Dixie Forest and Bryce Gateway Cycling

This region focuses on scenic forest paths, non-motorized routes, and multi-use corridors that are ideal for longer, independent exploration.

  • Panguitch (Town and Lake): Panguitch provides access to over 37 miles of established recreational routes. These include the Bryce Canyon Shared Use Path and the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail.

  • Duck Creek Village: The Dixie National Forest offers thousands of miles of roads and trails, many of which are accessible by mountain bike. The area specifically features non-motorized trails that are enjoyed by bicyclists, horses, and foot traffic, with information available at the Duck Creek Visitor Center. 

Northern Utah Urban and Seasonal Cycling

  • Ogden: The city is situated at the base of the Wasatch Range, offering access to great hiking trails that are also utilized for biking, leading to mountain-top vistas and waterfalls.

  • Rentals in Ogden: Visitors can rent mountain bikes, including specialized options like the Farley 5 fat bike from Weber State's rental center, which is designed for winter biking or for extra grip in any season. Other local outlets provide standard mountain bike rentals for short-term (6-hour) or multi-day use.