Greater Zion has quietly become one of the top mountain biking destinations in the world. The combination of year-round riding weather, diverse terrain, and purpose-built trail systems draws riders from across the globe. From the legendary slickrock of Gooseberry Mesa to the flowy desert singletrack of Zen Trail, the region offers everything from beginner-friendly loops to expert-only technical challenges that have earned international recognition.
What makes Greater Zion exceptional for mountain biking is the sheer variety packed into a compact area. Within a 30-minute drive of St. George, riders can choose between slickrock, sand, clay, gravel, and hardpack surfaces. The trail systems connect and overlap, making multi-day riding trips easy to plan without repeating terrain.
World-Class Riding Destinations
Gooseberry Mesa
Consistently ranked among the top 10 mountain bike destinations in North America, Gooseberry Mesa sits atop a high mesa south of Hurricane with over 10 miles of trails across open slickrock. The signature experience is riding painted white lines across vast expanses of exposed Navajo sandstone with views stretching to Zion’s peaks. Riding is technical with consequence — drops, ledges, and exposure are real. Best suited for intermediate to expert riders. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions; summer is rideable at elevation.
JEM Trail (Joe’s Evil Mountain)
A 7-mile point-to-point (or shuttle) trail near Hurricane that transitions between desert hardpack and slickrock sections. The middle section features roller-coaster terrain with natural rock features that feel purpose-built. Difficulty ranges from moderate to difficult depending on line choices. Many riders combine JEM with Gooseberry Mesa for a full day of Hurricane-area riding.
Bear Claw Poppy Trail System
A 25-plus-mile multi-use trail system northwest of St. George built on desert terrain that’s home to the endangered dwarf bear claw poppy. The trails range from smooth flow trails to rocky technical sections, with options for all skill levels. This is prime desert riding — expect red sand, black lava rock, and views of Pine Valley Mountain. The system connects to additional BLM trails for extended rides.
Zen Trail
The go-to after-work ride for St. George locals, Zen Trail offers 5-plus miles of desert singletrack with multiple loop options. The trail flows through slickrock gardens, sandy washes, and rocky technical sections. Moderate difficulty with optional harder lines makes it accessible to intermediate riders while keeping experts engaged. Easy access from the south end of St. George.
Barrel Roll
A fun, feature-rich 3-mile trail popular with intermediate riders who enjoy natural rock features, drops, and rollers. The trail rewards a playful riding style and connects to the broader trail network for longer rides.
Riding by Skill Level
Beginner
Start with the smoother sections of Bear Claw Poppy (Jem Wash loop), the Pa’rus Trail in Zion (paved, scenic), or the beginner loops at Zen Trail. These trails build confidence on desert terrain without overwhelming exposure or technicality.
Intermediate
The full Zen Trail system, Barrel Roll, Chuckwalla Trail, and the outer loops of Bear Claw Poppy deliver satisfying rides with manageable challenges. Hurricane Rim offers long-distance riding with spectacular canyon views.
Advanced / Expert
Gooseberry Mesa is the benchmark. JEM Trail adds shuttle-style descending. The black diamond lines at Zen and Bear Claw test bike handling skills with ledges, drops, and off-camber slickrock.
Bike Shops and Rentals
Several shops in the St. George and Hurricane area offer full-suspension demo and rental bikes, trail-specific recommendations, and guided rides:
- Red Rock Bicycle Co. (St. George) — Full-service shop with premium rental fleet. Staff knows every trail in the region and will match you with the right route.
- Over the Edge Sports (Hurricane) — Specializes in Hurricane-area trails. Shuttle service to Gooseberry Mesa and JEM Trail available.
- Zion Cycles (Springdale) — Rentals and service near Zion’s south entrance. Good for Pa’rus Trail access and road cycling.
- Rapid Cycling (St. George) — Road and mountain bikes, group rides, race support.
Expect rental rates of – per day for a quality full-suspension trail bike. Reserve ahead during spring and fall peak seasons. For gear beyond bikes, check our Gear Shops & Outfitters guide.
Seasonal Riding Conditions
Spring (March – May)
Prime riding season. Temperatures are comfortable, trails are firm after winter moisture, and wildflowers dot the desert. Book accommodations and rentals early — this is peak visitation.
Summer (June – August)
Ride early morning (before 9 AM) or evening. Gooseberry Mesa and higher-elevation trails stay 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley floor. Monsoon rain from mid-July can make clay trails unrideable for hours — check conditions before heading out.
Fall (September – November)
The second prime season. October is arguably the best month for riding in Greater Zion — warm but not hot, dry trails, golden cottonwoods along the Virgin River.
Winter (December – February)
Lower-elevation trails around St. George are rideable year-round, with daytime highs of 50-60°F. Higher trails like Gooseberry may have ice or snow. Avoid riding muddy trails — ruts damage desert soil and can take years to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride mountain bikes in Zion National Park?
Mountain bikes are only allowed on the paved Pa’rus Trail and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive when the road is open to vehicles (November through March). All dirt trails in the park are closed to bikes.
Do I need a shuttle for Gooseberry Mesa?
Most riders drive to the Gooseberry trailhead (high-clearance vehicle recommended but not always required). Local shops offer shuttle service, which is especially useful for JEM Trail’s point-to-point layout.
What kind of bike do I need?
A full-suspension trail bike with 130-150mm travel handles most trails well. Hardtails work on smoother trails like Bear Claw Poppy and Zen but struggle on Gooseberry’s technical slickrock. Tubeless tires are strongly recommended — desert thorns and sharp rock cause frequent flats.
Are e-bikes allowed on these trails?
E-bike policies vary by land manager. Class 1 e-bikes (pedal assist only) are generally allowed on BLM trails including Bear Claw Poppy and Zen Trail. They are prohibited in Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park. Check current regulations before riding.
