The best MTB trails around Cedar City

The Cedar Mountain loop via Turnpike offers a quintessential high desert mountain biking experience near Cedar City, Utah. You'll navigate primarily singletrack trails winding through juniper and pinion pine, with expansive views of the valley and striking eastern cliffs, particularly along the southern half of the Turnpike Trail. The terrain features mild elevation changes and some flat, rolling rocky sections, providing a flowing ride that's both engaging and accessible for a wide range of riders.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with the Southview trailhead providing ample parking, a bathroom with running water, and a bike repair stand. Given the minimal shade, it's wise to tackle this 21.9-mile (35.2 km) route, which involves 2,726 feet (831 metres) of climbing and takes about 3 hours and 31 minutes, during cooler parts of the day. Remember to bring plenty of water, especially on warm afternoons, to stay hydrated on this moderate difficulty trail.

This loop is a fantastic option for early-intermediate to strong-beginner mountain bikers looking for a cross-country training ground or simply a scenic outing. It's part of the Iron Hills Trail System, and the Turnpike trail itself acts as a key connector, allowing you to link up with more challenging routes like Elevate and Black Ops if you're seeking a longer adventure. E-bikes are permitted, and leashed dogs are welcome, making it a versatile choice for many.

The Cedar Highlands loop offers a dynamic and engaging mountain biking experience within the extensive Iron Hills Trail System near Cedar City, Utah. This moderate 11.1-mile (17.8 km) route features a diverse mix of singletrack and forest roads, with smooth, flowy sections and technical challenges. You'll enjoy fantastic views of Cedar City and the valley below, especially vibrant during autumn, as the scenery transitions from high desert to forested mountain slopes. With 1363 feet (415 metres) of climbing, it typically takes about 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride, you'll find that the lower desert trails, including this loop, are often accessible year-round, weather permitting. It's important to avoid riding in muddy conditions to help preserve the machine-built trails. While the Cedar Highlands loop itself is rated moderate, be aware that combining it with other routes like the C-Trail can increase the difficulty, demanding good fitness and advanced riding skills.

This popular mountain biking route is a highlight of the well-designed Iron Hills Trail System. It connects to other trails such as the C-Trail, Green Hollow, and Lava Flow, offering plenty of options for extended adventures. The Highlands Trail section, known for its jumps, drops, and berms, is a particular favorite for descents from the north, adding to the varied experience of the area.

The 13th Hole and Ghost Flats Trails loop near Cedar City offers a diverse mountain biking experience, transitioning from the fun, winding singletrack of the 13th Hole Trail, with its juniper and pinion pine forests and views over Cedar City, to the raw, technical challenge of Ghost Flats. You'll encounter terrain ranging from ancient Jurassic Period clay and rock to loose angular boulders and "chunk" on the demanding downhill sections. The changing scenery includes glimpses into the canyon behind The Red Hill, making for a dynamic ride.

This difficult 17.4-mile (27.9 km) mountain bike loop, with its 3203 feet (976 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes to complete. It's best suited for experienced riders seeking a significant technical challenge, particularly on the Black Diamond-rated Ghost Flats segment. As part of the Iron Hills Trail System, the trailhead is generally accessible, but always ensure your bike is ready for the varied terrain and carry ample water, especially during warmer periods.

What makes this route stand out is its stark contrast: the 13th Hole Trail provides a more approachable, scenic ride, while Ghost Flats delivers a thrilling, expert-level downhill. This combination allows riders to experience both flowy sections and highly technical descents within a single loop. The geological features, including the Jurassic Period clay and rock, add a unique natural history element to the ride, making it more than just a physical test.

The 13th Hole Trail via Razorback Wash Trail loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience through Cedar City's vibrant red rock landscape. You'll navigate a moderate 9.3-mile (14.9 km) route, gaining 1116 feet (340 metres) as you wind through juniper and pinion pine forests, then tackle the more technical sections of Razorback Wash with its distinctive "razorback cliffs" and sandy patches. The changing terrain and colorful geological features make for an engaging ride, perfect for intermediate riders or experienced beginners looking for a challenge.

Plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this loop, which is conveniently located just a few minutes from downtown Cedar City. The trailhead provides excellent amenities including paved parking, restrooms, and water, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. Riding the loop counter-clockwise is often suggested to maximize the scenic views and enjoy the flow of the climbs and descents.

This trail is a highlight of the Thunderbird Gardens Trail System, known for its accessibility and diverse features. It's a multi-use path, so you might share the singletrack with hikers and trail runners, adding to the community feel. The blend of smooth and technical sections, coupled with the stunning views of the red hills and Cedar City below, makes this loop a standout option for mountain biking trails near 13th Hole Trail Razorback Wash.

The Lightning Switch and Ghost Flats Loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience near Cedar City, Utah, blending challenging climbs with technical descents. You'll navigate through varied landscapes of pinion pine and juniper, with the ground shifting between dirt and rock, often displaying distinctive salmon and dirty-white colors. As you ascend, the views open up, providing sweeping panoramas over the valley and glimpses of landmarks like The Red Hill and even the Cedar City Temple in the distance.

Planning your ride, know that this 9.0 miles (14.6 km) loop with 2269 feet (692 metres) of elevation gain is best tackled between late April and October, though some years allow for riding from March to November. The entire route is rated moderate, but be aware that the Ghost Flats descent is significantly more technical than the Lightning Switch climb. Always carry enough water, as sun exposure is ample throughout the 1 hours and 54 minutes estimated ride time.

This loop is a standout part of the larger Iron Hills Trail System, known for its unique combination of scenic vistas and technical challenges. While the Lightning Switch climb is a rewarding test for intermediate riders, the Ghost Flats descent is rated Black Diamond for physical difficulty and Double Black Diamond for technical challenge, making it a true test for advanced mountain bikers. Some locals even opt to ride Lightning Switch as an out-and-back to avoid the most technical sections.