- Just one of the many activities in Zion, biking is a great way to get out of the car for some exercise.
- Biking is a popular way to experience the Zion Canyon, with easy side hikes.
- Gooseberry Mesa is an area of technical slick rock trails, challenging even the experts who visit.
Overview
In southern Utah, and specifically Zion, bikes are a familiar sight, given that the area is choke-full with mountain biking opportunities. The terrain can be as challenging as riders want, the views are incredible, and the paths well defined.
Where to go Biking
Zion mountain biking ranges from slow strolls through the scenery to blazing downhill single-tracks, where bikes approach motorcycle speeds. Take your pick from the many options, a few of which are detailed below.
Zion Canyon
While not the most difficult of trails, biking Zion on the Pa'rus Trail is a great 2 mile trip through the heart of the park. Wide enough to comfortably accommodate a bike trailer full of toddlers, the paved trail starts at the South Entrance to the park.
Continuing past the Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway, bikers should head up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping for a snack at the Zion Lodge for a half-way break. After a total of 6 miles, the trail ends at the Temple of Sinawava.
On both sections of the route, there are a number of trails to stop and check out. The side hikes are great breaks for kids and adults alike, adding some variety to the experience.
Virgin River Rim Trail
Break it up into sections, or do the entire 32.5 miles through Dixie National Forest. Either way, this trails winds through pine and fir forests, and passes panoramic canyon overlooks. The trail starts at Strawberry Point, 9 miles south of UT-14, and ends at Woods Ranch, located directly on UT-14.
Gooseberry Mesa
For those in the mountain biking world, this area is an up-and-coming location for riding slick rock, a technically challenging terrain for anyone on two wheels. Pass the pinions and junipers on the beautiful plateau south of Zion. Located south of Hurricane on UT-59.
JEM Trail
A sure-fire classic, the JEM trail is just under 13 miles long, riding along the Virgin River for some cliff-side, high-speed single track, meeting up with the Gould Rim Trail and passing China Wash. Find this trail outside La Verkin off UT-9.
St. George
For a day out on the bike, St. George has a large system of trails in and around the town. Explore some of the outlying areas, or just tootle around town for a quick ride.
Guided Tours & Rentals
With so many trails around the area, it's difficult to know which ones will be appropriate for the group. Take a look at the biking companies below to get some guidance.
