×
|
Rate it:
Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 6 mi (9.7 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +294/ -307 ft
Total: 88 riders
Mountain Biking Zen Trail
#32 of 710 mountain bike trails in Utah
This is a fairly technical ride. I would rate it 8/10 in technicality, but a 6/10 in aerobic difficulty because its so short. Super fun ride. Trail takes up up to a rim that overlooks the bearclaw poppy trail.
First added by McF182 on Dec 19, 2008. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (left) at the first light. Go over the hill and at the T intersection at the bottom of the hill turn right. Head northwest about two miles on Dixie Drive. Turn left at Canyon View Road, heading uphill toward the Green Valley Spa. (If you reach a "Green Valley Market" with gas pumps, you just passed it. Turn around and backtrack to the second road on your right.) Drive past the spa onto dirt at the end of the road. Turn right at the top of the mesa, then immediately left to drive down into the deep valley. Head for the big road that goes up the bluff, on the right side of The Gap -- the sandstone canyon. But just before that road starts to climb, mosey to the left and park where you can start riding up the doubletrack on the LEFT (south) side of the sandstone canyon.
Featured in
A rocky, technical delight. I did this after riding other trails in the area for over two hours so I was pretty worn out at the end. Some of the technical spots were a bit over my head for a first time ride. The view at the top of the mesa is well worth the effort to get there. As others have mentioned, route finding can be a challenge but you are in no danger of getting hopelessly lost as there are alternative routes to get down.
| ThankThis is my favorite trail in Southern Utah, and one of my top five in Utah (the others being Whole Enchilada and Captain Ahab in Moab, and Wasatch Crest and Bobsled in Salt Lake City). It's a challenge, but the entire trail is ridable (or walkable if you're uncomfortable with certain maneuvers), and it's as rewarding as they come (assuming you find riding challenging features rewarding!). Only complaint: wayfinding can be a challenge, to say the least. You're pretty much guaranteed to get lost a time or two until you learn the trail, but that's true of several trails in the St. George area. All things considered, Zen is a great trail and one I never miss when I'm in St. George.
| ThankSimply put, this is arguably the best trail in the Santa Clara/Green Valley area if... a semi technical rowdy descent is something you place high value in.
This trail has some technical moves and sections but it's all easily navigated (on or off bike) regardless of skill level but if you are a beginner, this ride will tax you. Also, plan on being out there a minimum of 1.5 hours. More experienced riders can crank out two laps in around two hours.
As some have said, it's not the best marked trail in the world, but it's typical for desert trail. You'll find your way and can't really get too lost. Just follow tire tread marks...
Trail starts at the bottom on the east side of the road up to the water tower and bear claw poppy upper trailhead. Park at bottom of this road. Cross ditch, head up double track and take first singletrack you see.
| ThankMethinks a "serious mountain biker" would have disc brakes......
| ThankGreat ride, single track, slick rock, tech stuff. great views. close to St. George
| ThankI really enjoyed this trail. Had lots of fun technical climbs some fun technical descending as well as some drops and step ups. It also had some fun fast downhill sections. Fun trail!
| ThankProbably my favorite trail ever. I ride Moab, Fruita, the Wasatch, etc.--I have yet to find a trail that I like more than Zen. The trail is easily accessible, the trail surface and route is phenomenal, and the views are unbeatable. There are 2-3 locations where route-finding can be a little tricky, but a quick look around and you'll find a cairn or tracks.
My only complaint is that it's short. But that means you can easily experience it twice if you want a two hour ride. Zen is as good as it gets.
| ThankThis trail rocks! Pun intended. Great short 6 mile loop took me 1 1/2 hours. Plan on a hike-a-bike or 2. Maps at BLM will help you not miss all the downhill singletrack. Excellent views from the top.
| ThankBeen out to Southern Utah numerous time sot ride but always spend my time in Hurricane and Virgin. Finally made it over to Zen and thought is was an awesome loop. Just perfect to get our legs in gear after the long drive from SoCal. Loved the techy stuff up top and especially across the bottom. Plenty of challenging features and some that will have 90% of all riders hike a biking!! Great ride if you only have a couple hours to kill with very easy access to parking from a main roadway.
| ThankShort ride with semi-technical spots but nothing to tough. Awesome views overlooking St. George and the surrounding area.
| ThankTrail begins with a wonderful climb. This trail deserves higher recognition.
| ThankI'm not sure if it's called Zen trail because you must be one with universe to enjoy it or not. It's not well marked at all and quite easy to get lost while riding it. If you can get a tour guide to lead you I bet this trail is a BLAST. Some singletrack with some rocks/slickrock added to the mix. There are plenty of play areas to get your freeride on but be careful, I can around a bush and almost fell off the rock! If you're looking for a meandering ride, this is a great trail to get it. If you're looking for a defined loop/trail, you'll need to look elsewhere.
| ThankWhile short and sporting little overall elevation change, this is one tough cookie. The initial climb will get your heart rate up,then the tech fest begins. There are lots of quick, sharp moves required and some real challenges along the way. This one is constantly abusive or entertaining depending on your point of view. CCW is definitely best as you get to climb the less interesting doubletrack and scream down some excellent singletrack. There is one major roller along the way which will spook most riders, but it's not as bad as it looks. This ride is a great addition to the St George lineup and very close to town for easy access (once you find the trailhead, which isn't exactly straightforward).
| ThankMany tech moves climbing and descending the slope. Almost no flat ground on the 6 miles of trail. It will work you for it length. Little shade in the trails center in a rock alcove. Trail climbs the hill and not well marked at that point.
| ThankUndiscovered GEM!