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Utah
Washington County

Hurricane

The best cycling routes around Hurricane

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 10, 2026

If you've ever tried planning touring cycling around Hurricane, you know the sheer volume of routes can be overwhelming. It's tough to tell which paths are genuinely worth your effort and which are just filler. We get it, and we're here to help you cut through the noise.

At komoot, our community has ridden, reviewed, and curated the best touring cycling routes in the area. This guide is your shortcut to the highlights, saving you the guesswork and pointing you straight to the experiences that truly deliver. Expect dramatic red rock landscapes, expansive desert vistas, and the vibrant blue of reservoirs, with routes ranging from easy spins to more demanding climbs. For the best conditions, we recommend visiting in spring and fall when temperatures are mild.

If you only have time for one, we'd start with the Sand Hollow loop. This moderate 23.1-mile (37.2 km) route circles the reservoir, offering picturesque views without being overly strenuous. For a more challenging ride with extensive desert views and notable elevation changes, the Quail Creek loop is a fantastic 29.0-mile (46.7 km) option that’s well worth your legs. With more than 400 touring cyclists having explored Hurricane using komoot, you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Sand Hollow loop
  2. 2

    Quail Creek loop
  3. 3

    Gravel shortcut – Smith Mesa Road loop from Hurricane

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Sand Hollow loop

37.2 km

290 m

Moderate

Quail Creek loop

46.7 km

510 m

Hard

Gravel shortcut – Smith Mesa Road loop from Hurricane

78.7 km

1,240 m

Hard

View on Sand Hollow Reservoir – Sand Hollow State Park loop from Sand Hollow State Park

22.6 km

220 m

Moderate

Upper JEM Trail – Jem Trail (South) loop from Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve

21.5 km

260 m

Moderate

Bike loop from Sunrise Valley Park

8.25 km

20 m

Easy

Virgin River Trail – Virgin River Trail loop from Sunrise Valley Park

16.7 km

40 m

Easy

More Cowbell Trail loop from JEM Trailhead Parking

5.45 km

80 m

Hard

Virgin River Trail – Views of Virgin River loop from Sienna Hills

43.3 km

340 m

Moderate

Upper JEM Trail loop from Site 1

10.3 km

130 m

Easy

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1.

Sand Hollow loop

37.2km

02:14

290m

290m

The Sand Hollow loop offers a captivating touring cycling experience through Southern Utah's dramatic desert scenery. You'll pedal past vibrant red rocks and orange cliffs, with the striking turquoise waters of the Sand Hollow Reservoir providing a stunning contrast. The route is largely paved, making for a smooth ride as you take in views of the surrounding mountains and canyons.

This moderate 23.1-mile (37.2 km) ride involves about 952 feet (290 metres) of elevation gain, taking roughly 2 hours and 13 minutes to complete. The best times to visit are spring or fall for milder temperatures, though early morning rides are crucial during summer. Remember that an entrance fee is required as the route passes through Sand Hollow State Park.

What makes this loop particularly notable is the unique blend of desert and aquatic environments, where warm blue waters meet vivid red sandstone. The park is popular for its diverse outdoor activities, including the option for a refreshing swim in the reservoir after your ride, making it a distinctive outdoor destination.

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2.

Quail Creek loop

46.7km

02:56

510m

510m

The Quail Creek loop offers a truly distinctive touring cycling experience, where the deep blue waters of Quail Creek Reservoir meet the dramatic red rock formations of the desert Southwest. As you pedal, you'll witness a stunning palette of red, white, and orange cliffs, all set against the distant, majestic Pine Valley Mountains. This route is a visual feast, providing a constant interplay of color and texture that makes every mile engaging.

Prepare for a challenging ride; this difficult touring cycling route spans 29.0 miles (46.7 km) and includes a significant 1684 feet (513 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring about 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete. While it's primarily on paved surfaces, the climbs are substantial. Spring and fall are ideal for milder temperatures, though the route is accessible year-round, even holding up well in rainy conditions.

What makes this Quail Creek cycling route stand out is its unique blend of desert and water scenery, a contrast rarely found elsewhere. Beyond the ride itself, the area is known for its year-round accessibility and proximity to other recreational spots like Sand Hollow State Park, offering additional adventures should you choose to extend your trip.

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3.

Gravel shortcut – Smith Mesa Road loop from Hurricane

78.7km

06:48

1,240m

1,240m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

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4.

View on Sand Hollow Reservoir – Sand Hollow State Park loop from Sand Hollow State Park

22.6km

01:36

220m

220m

The Sand Hollow Reservoir loop offers a truly unique touring cycling experience, where the vibrant red sandstone and expansive sand dunes of the desert meet the clear, blue waters of the reservoir. As you pedal, you'll be treated to a constant visual feast, with the striking contrast between the deep blue water and the fiery red geological formations creating a memorable backdrop. This route is a moderate 14.0-mile (22.6 km) journey with 720 feet (219 metres) of elevation gain, making it a rewarding ride for those who appreciate dramatic desert scenery.

Planning your ride around Sand Hollow State Park means preparing for a popular spot, especially if you're aiming for scenic views. While the route is mostly paved, some sections around the park might be unpaved, so be ready for varied Sand Hollow State Park cycling terrain. Always carry ample water, as the desert climate demands good hydration, and consider starting early to enjoy cooler temperatures and potentially fewer crowds at popular viewpoints.

What makes this one of the best cycling routes in Sand Hollow is its blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Beyond cycling, the park is a hub for water sports and off-highway vehicle adventures, offering a refreshing escape in the desert. Its proximity to other major Southern Utah attractions also makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider region, adding to its appeal as a notable destination for cyclists.

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6.

Bike loop from Sunrise Valley Park

8.25km

00:29

20m

20m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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8.

More Cowbell Trail loop from JEM Trailhead Parking

5.45km

00:33

80m

80m

The More Cowbell Trail loop from JEM Trailhead Parking offers a scenic and approachable off-road cycling experience, despite its official "difficult" rating for touring bicycles. You'll ride smooth singletrack atop white ledges of Virgin Limestone, enjoying panoramic views of the Pine Valley Mountain range and even glimpses of Zion National Park in the distance. The route, which is 3.4 miles (5.4 km) long with 260 feet (79 metres) of elevation gain, is often completed in about 32 minutes, making it a quick and rewarding spin for those new to off-road touring.

To plan your visit, head to the JEM Trailhead Parking. The trail's clay base means it's best to check conditions after storms, as riding when wet can cause damage. While generally beginner-friendly, be aware of cliff edges and potential tripping hazards along the mesa's rim. This trail is particularly enjoyable in spring and summer when desert plants like prickly pear and sage are in bloom, offering a vibrant backdrop to your ride.

This loop is a standout in the Hurricane Cliffs trail system for its accessibility and stunning desert vistas. It's widely recognized as a great option for kids and beginners in mountain biking, and touring cyclists with a mountain bike or sturdy gravel setup will find it a pleasant diversion. The More Cowbell Trail can also be linked with other routes like JEM and Dead Ringer if you're looking to extend your adventure and explore more of the area's flowing singletrack.

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9.

Virgin River Trail – Views of Virgin River loop from Sienna Hills

43.3km

02:37

340m

340m

The Virgin River Trail – Views of Virgin River loop from Sienna Hills offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding along the river with impressive red rock cliffs and distant mountains as your backdrop. You'll cruise primarily on paved surfaces, including a memorable long boardwalk section that provides unique perspectives of the landscape. This moderate 26.9-mile (43.3 km) route, featuring 1132 feet (345 metres) of elevation gain and taking about 2 hours and 37 minutes, is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area, even passing by spots like Fossil Falls.

Planning your ride means considering the weather; summer days can be very hot with limited shade, so an early start and ample water are essential. The trail is well-equipped with amenities like restrooms and drinking water at Confluence Park, making it convenient for longer outings. While generally accessible, some short, steep grades add a bit of challenge, so be prepared for a varied workout. Parking near Sienna Hills provides easy access to this popular cycling route.

This trail is a key part of the extensive St. George trail system, connecting to other routes like the Santa Clara River Trail, which allows for extended adventures. It's a multi-use path, so you'll share it with various users, and while much of it is secluded, some sections run close to roadways. The Virgin River Trail landmarks viewpoints natural features make it a local favorite, offering a blend of natural scenery and urban convenience.

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10.

Upper JEM Trail loop from Site 1

10.3km

00:57

130m

130m

The Upper JEM Trail loop from Site 1 offers a taste of classic desert cycling, winding through smooth, flowy singletrack alongside dramatic shale rock formations and mini-cliffs. You'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mesas, the Virgin River, and even the distant sandstone towers of Zion National Park. This 6.4-mile (10.3 km) route, with an easy difficulty rating and 437 feet (133 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 57 minutes, but be ready for some rocky and technical sections that might challenge a traditional touring bicycle.

Planning your ride here means starting from a main trailhead, often referred to as Site 1, in the Hurricane Cliffs area. Since the trail is fully exposed to the sun, it's best to tackle it during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours, or in the spring and fall months, to avoid the intense summer heat. Always bring ample water, as there are no services on the trail itself, and no permits are needed for this popular cycling route.

The JEM Trail is a cornerstone of the Hurricane Cliffs trail system, celebrated as one of the first routes ridden by early mountain biking pioneers in the region. Its fast descents and breathtaking desert scenery have made it a highly regarded ride, often combined with other trails like Dead Ringer or Goosebumps for longer adventures. This loop provides a fantastic introduction to the area's unique geology and vibrant desert ecosystem.

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Tips from the Community

maniboyflex
January 15, 2025, Gravel shortcut

This gravel shortcut connects to the main road, a good opportunity for a change of terrain and a different perspective on the landscape.

1

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Kolob Terrace Road leads to the upper section of Zion National Park, offering stunning scenic views along the ride. The road has a steady incline and transitions to gravel, so be ready for a challenging climb.

0

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Lakes, mountains all beautiful and wonderful!

Translated by Google

0

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River Rock Roasting Company is a local favorite with coffee and full-size entrees. The cafe's back patio has a beautiful view of a canyon and the Virgin River, as well as mountain vistas in the background.

1

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If you need spare parts for your bike or even a rental bike, this is the place to go. Same applies if you need information about the trail conditions. The OTE crew will have the best advice. More information and opening hours are here: otesports.com/locations/hurricane

0

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Andrus
December 19, 2023, Sand Hollow State Park

No, it's not a mirage, Sand Hollow State Park is a real oasis in the desert. Popular for all kinds of outdoor activities you can stop by along your ride for a cool-down swim, enjoy the incredible views, or top up your water supply.

0

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With warm blue waters and red stone landscape Sand Hollow Reservoir is a popular destination for water enthusiasts. Located in Sand Hollow State Park, which is a great place to camp, picnic, boat, fish or ride ATVs.

0

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Quail Creek Reservoir sits in Quail Creek State Park and has some of the warmest water in the state. With the long warm weather season it's very popular with water sport and fisherman.

0

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available in Hurricane, and what are their difficulty levels?

Hurricane offers a diverse selection of 17 touring cycling routes. These include 5 easy routes, 7 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences.

Are there easy touring bike trails suitable for beginners in Hurricane?

Yes, Hurricane has 5 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An excellent option is the Virgin River Trail – Views of Virgin River loop from Washington, which is 12.9 miles (20.8 km) long and features minimal elevation changes.

What are some longer or more challenging touring cycling routes in Hurricane?

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Hurricane offers several difficult routes. The Sand Hollow State Park – Snow Canyon Road loop from Waddy's Corral is a substantial 67.7 miles (108.9 km) journey, while the Quail Creek loop provides extensive views over 29.0 miles (46.7 km) with notable elevation changes.

Are there touring bike trails that are loops around Hurricane?

Many of Hurricane's touring cycling routes are loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Popular loop options include the Sand Hollow loop, which circles the reservoir, and the Bloomington Park – Virgin River Trail loop from Sienna Hills, offering varied scenery.

What scenic viewpoints or attractions can I see along touring bike trails in Hurricane?

The Hurricane area is rich with natural beauty. Along your rides, you can discover stunning viewpoints like Gooseberry Point, offering panoramic vistas. The Virgin River Trail itself is a highlight, providing picturesque views of the river and surrounding desert landscape.

What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about touring cycling in Hurricane?

The touring cycling routes in Hurricane are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the unique desert landscapes, the scenic views of the reservoirs, and the diverse terrain that offers options for all abilities.

Are there touring bike trails in Hurricane that are suitable for families?

For families, the easier routes are generally best. The Virgin River Trail – Views of Virgin River loop from Washington is an excellent choice, being relatively flat and shorter, making it enjoyable for various ages and fitness levels. Always check the route details for distance and elevation to ensure it suits your family's capabilities.

What is the best time of year for touring bike trails in Hurricane?

The best time for touring cycling in Hurricane is typically during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are milder and more comfortable for cycling, avoiding the intense heat of summer and the cooler, potentially wet conditions of winter.

Are there options for touring bike trails in Hurricane during winter?

While winter can bring cooler temperatures, Hurricane generally experiences mild winters compared to many other regions. Cycling is often possible, especially on sunny days. However, it's advisable to check local weather forecasts for conditions and dress in layers. Some higher elevation areas might be colder, but many routes remain accessible.

Are there touring bike trails near Hurricane with parking available at the trailheads?

Many of the touring cycling routes around Hurricane, especially those near popular attractions like Sand Hollow State Park and Quail Creek Reservoir, offer designated parking areas at or near their trailheads. It's always recommended to check specific route details on komoot for precise parking information before you go.

What are the typical weather conditions to expect when touring biking in Hurricane?

Hurricane's climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. Expect abundant sunshine for most of the year. During spring and fall, temperatures are pleasant, ideal for cycling. Summer can be very hot, requiring early morning or late afternoon rides and plenty of hydration. Winter days are generally cool but often sunny.

Can I find touring bike trails in Hurricane that offer views of significant water bodies?

Absolutely. Many touring cycling routes in Hurricane feature stunning views of the region's significant water bodies. The Sand Hollow loop and the Quail Creek loop both offer extensive vistas of their respective reservoirs, providing a refreshing contrast to the desert landscape.

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