5 of the best mountain bike trails in Utah

Utah.

Just speaking that name is enough to bring chills to mountain bikers from around the world. One of the most renowned mountain bike destinations of all time — Moab — is located here… and it’s well-represented on this list. But there are a plethora of other destinations, ranging in popularity: Park City, Saint George/Hurricane, Richfield, Vernal, Salt Lake City… and other lesser-known locales as well.

With topography ranging from lush, high alpine mountains to low, dry desert, Utah might just be one of the most diverse states in the nation — although California and Colorado could put in bids as well. Still, that diversity means that within a few hours of driving, you can partake in wildly different mountain biking experiences, all within the same state.

Thanks to all of these great destinations and this fantastic diversity, a top 5 list can hardly do Utah justice. But if you’re looking for some great trails to get you started, none of these recommendations will steer you wrong.

1. The Whole Enchilada, Moab

The Whole Enchilada is the crown jewel of Moab mountain biking and “arguably the most famous trail in the MTB world,” according to Mark Sevenoff, Marketing Director for Western Spirit Cycling and Outerbike, and longtime Moab local. In fact, I chose it as one of my favorite trails of all time. This 27-mile route drops over 7,000 vertical feet and passes through almost every climate zone imaginable. Topping out above treeline, the trail descends through a high-alpine pine forest, into a massive aspen grove, down into scrub oaks and scrub brush, into a high-desert environment along UPS/LPS, into a low-desert environment completely devoid of vegetation, and ends at the Colorado River in the bottom of the canyon. There may not be a more varied half-day mountain bike route the entire world over!

Since our original list was published, Moab Trail Mix has built an alternate ending to the Whole Enchilada known as the “Raptor Route.” While this new singletrack descent is designed to be an easier bail-out option for riders who are in over their heads, it still isn’t “easy!” For riders who’ve ridden the Enchilada many times over, the Raptor Route provides welcome variety through a whole new epic MTB experience in Moab.

2. The Wasatch Crest, Park City

The Wasatch Crest is the best-known high alpine ride in Utah. This epic shuttle begins on Guardsman’s Pass above Park City and then traverses along a vaulted ridgeline with stunning views in all directions.

There are two main options to finish the descent: pedal along the Crest and then descend toward Park City (about 3,000 feet of descent from high point to low point), or descend the other side of the mountain range, all the way down to Salt Lake City (about 5,000 feet of descent from high point to low point). If descending on the Park City side, riders will drop into the massive Park City trail network, which provides a plethora of options for finishing the route. Just make sure that you know where your car is located and that the trail you’re taking is sending you in the correct direction!

3. Captain Ahab, Moab

The Amasa Back 4×4 route is one of the historic mountain bike rides that put Moab on the map. While the 4×4 road is still a fun descent, the true standout in the Amasa Back area is the iconic Captain Ahab descent. “Purpose built (by hand!) with a rock whale in the middle. What’s not to like?” asked Sevenoff. “Lots of bonus lines and (this year) rideable all 365 days.”

Personally, I’ve proclaimed the Hymasa/Captain Ahab loop one of my favorite loop-style mountain bike rides to date. The combination of fantastic slickrock climbing, stunning views, and rowdy descending with endless line choices is tough to beat.

If you’re looking for even more challenge in this network, be sure to link Rockstacker to Jackson’s for one of the rowdiest lines in Moab.

4. Gooseberry Mesa, Hurricane

Gooseberry Mesa is a long-standing iconic mountain bike route, and for good reason: the epic views of Zion National Park coupled with entertaining slickrock riding and sweet singletrack is a combination that’s impossible not to love.

“Gooseberry and the other mesa trails in Southwest Utah are different from every other trail I’ve ever ridden,” said Kevin Christopherson, President of the Trail Alliance of Southern Utah (TASU). “They test your skills without serious injury because of the slow speeds, the scenery is amazing, and the camping is great. You can camp for a week on Gooseberry and never ride the same trail twice. Gander, Grafton, and Wire Mesa can all be ridden from your camp on the Goose.”

5. Spinal Tap, Richfield

The top-to-bottom Spinal Tap Trail, also known as “The Full Epidural,” is a new addition to this top five list. To break into Utah’s top five, you know it has to be damn good!

This new shuttle run was completed in 2021, and the stats speak for themselves: 18 miles of singletrack with a mere 450 feet of climbing and over 4,700 feet of descending. The trail is located in Richfield, UT, which is about two and a half hours south of Salt Lake City.

While some “shuttle runs” are actually point-to-point cross-country rides, Spinal Tap is a died-in-the-wool enduro shuttle. The trail character changes dramatically from top to bottom: it begins high in the aspens and meadows at almost 9,700 feet and then drops into a rocky, arid desert landscape reminiscent of Moab. The trail character changes too, with flowy alpine singletrack up high, endless rollers, berms, and jumps in the middle, and rocky slabs, drops, and chunder down low. The diversity is superb, with the professionally built jumps and berms in the mid-section lending it a character that is distinct from old-school classics like the Whole Enchilada.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but for epic shuttle downhill, I think the Richfield trails are more fun than The Whole Enchilada,” said Christopherson.

Runners-up:

1. Slickrock, Moab
2. Corner Canyon, Draper
3. Hell Hole, St. George
4. Little Creek Mesa, Hurricane
5. Mag 7, Moab

Your turn: What are your favorite mountain bike trails in Utah?

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