Mountain Biking in St. George, Utah

Iconic slickrock riding with white-knuckle ledges and stunning canyon views. Technical singletrack rated intermediate to advanced. 45 min from St. George. Widely considered one of the top MTB destinations in the world.

Extensive trail network near Hurricane with flowy singletrack, technical sections, and desert scenery. Trails for all skill levels from beginner loops to advanced descents. 20 min from St. George.

Purpose-built flow trails and technical desert riding in the Bear Claw Poppy trail system west of St. George. Barrel Roll is a local favorite for fast, bermed singletrack. Excellent beginner to intermediate options.

Convenient in-town trail system with smooth singletrack perfect for after-work rides. Connects to Bearclaw Poppy and other desert trail networks. Great for beginners and fitness rides.

Technical sandstone riding near Leeds with challenging terrain and spectacular views of the Pine Valley Mountains. Short but intense trails that reward skilled riders with a true desert adventure.

Diverse trail system on the west bench of St. George offering everything from smooth doubletrack to rocky technical singletrack. Desert tortoise habitat with seasonal closures. Open most of the year.

Local pump tracks, skills parks, and jump lines for riders looking to improve handling and have fun. Great for kids and adults alike. Check local parks for locations and hours.

Full-service bike shops offering high-end MTB rentals, e-bike rentals, shuttle services, and guided tours of the best local trails. Half-day and full-day options with expert local knowledge.

What are the best mountain biking trails near St. George?

The top MTB trails near St. George include Gooseberry Mesa (world-class slickrock), JEM Trail System near Hurricane (diverse singletrack for all levels), Barrel Roll in Bear Claw Poppy (flowy purpose-built trail), Green Valley Loop (convenient in-town riding), and Church Rocks near Leeds (technical sandstone). Difficulty ranges from beginner-friendly loops to expert-only ledge riding.

What difficulty levels are available for mountain biking in St. George?

St. George has MTB trails for every skill level. Beginners should start with Green Valley Loop or the easier sections of Bear Claw Poppy. Intermediate riders will love the JEM Trail System and Barrel Roll. Advanced and expert riders seek out Gooseberry Mesa slickrock, Church Rocks technical terrain, and the most challenging JEM and Bear Claw Poppy routes. Many trails have alternate lines for different skill levels.

Where can I rent a mountain bike in St. George?

Several full-service bike shops in St. George offer high-quality mountain bike rentals including hardtails, full-suspension bikes, and e-bikes. Popular shops include Red Rock Bicycle, Bicycles Unlimited, and Over the Edge Sports in Hurricane. Most shops also offer shuttle services to trailheads, trail maps, route recommendations, and guided tours. Reserve in advance during peak season (October-April).

What is the best season for mountain biking in St. George?

Fall (October-November) and spring (March-May) offer ideal riding temperatures of 55-80°F. Winter riding is excellent on sunny days with highs of 50-65°F, making St. George a top winter MTB destination. Summer is too hot for midday riding but early morning and evening rides are possible. Some trails like Bear Claw Poppy have seasonal closures for desert tortoise nesting (March-April).

Are e-bikes allowed on mountain bike trails in St. George?

E-bike policies vary by trail and land management agency. Many BLM trails in the St. George area allow Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes on the same trails as traditional mountain bikes. However, some trails and wilderness areas prohibit all motorized vehicles including e-bikes. Check with local bike shops or the BLM field office for current e-bike regulations on specific trails before riding.

Are there guided mountain bike tours in St. George?

Yes, several outfitters offer guided mountain bike tours ranging from half-day beginner introductions to multi-day backcountry adventures. Guides provide trail knowledge, safety instruction, bike setup assistance, and shuttle services. Popular guided rides include Gooseberry Mesa, JEM Trail, and customized rides based on skill level and interests. Some shops also offer skills clinics and women-specific riding groups.

St. George, Utah has cemented its status as a world-class mountain biking destination, drawing riders from across the globe to experience its unique combination of slickrock, desert singletrack, and purpose-built flow trails. Gooseberry Mesa, perched high above the Virgin River valley with sweeping views of Zion National Park, delivers some of the most exhilarating slickrock riding anywhere on Earth, with white-line ledge moves and technical challenges that have earned it a permanent spot on every serious mountain biker's bucket list. The JEM Trail System near Hurricane offers an extensive network of trails for all abilities, from smooth beginner loops to gnarly technical descents, while Barrel Roll in the Bear Claw Poppy system provides bermed, flowy singletrack that rivals the best machine-built trails in the country. Green Valley Loop and the broader Bear Claw Poppy network give St. George residents easy access to quality riding just minutes from home.

The mountain biking infrastructure in St. George rivals that of much larger cycling destinations. Multiple full-service bike shops offer high-end rental fleets including the latest full-suspension trail bikes and e-bikes, along with shuttle services to popular trailheads, expert route guidance, and professional bike fitting. Guided tours cater to visitors who want local knowledge and the best possible riding experience, with options ranging from half-day introductions suitable for families to multi-day backcountry adventures for experienced riders. The riding season extends nearly year-round thanks to St. George's mild winter climate, with fall and spring offering the most comfortable temperatures. Winter riding on sunny days regularly reaches the mid-50s to 60s, making St. George one of the few places in the western United States where mountain bikers can ride outdoors twelve months a year without extreme conditions.