The best cycling routes in Red Mountain Wilderness

There are over 20 touring cycling routes available in the Red Mountain Wilderness area, catering to various skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.3 stars.

Touring cycling routes in this region feature a striking landscape dominated by dramatic Navajo Sandstone formations, red sand, and slickrock. You'll encounter visual contrasts from black basalt flows overlying red and white sandstone. Elevations range from approximately 3,300 to 5,400 feet, providing varied terrain, often with moderate climbs.

The Red Mountain Wilderness area offers a range of difficulty levels for touring cyclists. You'll find 5 easy routes, 10 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes, ensuring options for different experience levels.

Given the desert climate, the best time for touring cycling is typically during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring (October to April). Summers can be extremely hot, making cycling challenging. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, there are routes suitable for families. For example, the Whiptail Trail – Snow Canyon Road loop from Eagle Rock is a moderate 6.2-mile (10.0 km) paved trail within Snow Canyon State Park, offering scenic views of red and white sandstone formations that can be enjoyed by families.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are loops. A popular option is the Red Mountain loop from Ivins, which is 10.1 miles (16.3 km) long and offers views of the distinctive red mountain landscape. Another is the Snow Canyon Road – Snow Canyon Scenic Road loop from Alborada, a moderate 10.6-mile (17.0 km) path with scenic views.

While cycling in the Red Mountain Wilderness area, you can expect to see dramatic Navajo Sandstone formations, striking red sand, and slickrock. Routes often provide views of black basalt flows contrasting with red and white sandstone. The area is also known for panoramic vistas, including distant views of Zion National Park and the Virgin River Gorge.

Cycling *within* the designated Red Mountain Wilderness itself is highly restricted, with non-motorized bikes permitted only on specific, often challenging, trails. However, opportunities for touring cycling exist in the surrounding Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Snow Canyon State Park. For detailed regulations and any potential permit requirements for specific areas, it's advisable to consult official sources like the Bureau of Land Management at blm.gov.

While many routes are moderate loops, you can combine routes or explore longer options in the surrounding areas. For instance, the Snow Canyon Road – Red Mountain loop from Ivins offers a longer ride at 16.9 miles (27.1 km), providing an extended experience through the scenic landscape.

While specific crowd levels can vary, exploring routes slightly off the main thoroughfares or during off-peak times can offer a more serene experience. The Red Mountain – South Black Rocks loop from Ivins, a 13.0-mile (20.9 km) route, might offer a quieter ride while still showcasing the region's unique geology.

Public transport options directly to trailheads within the Red Mountain Wilderness are limited. Most touring cyclists typically access the routes by car, parking near the starting points in towns like Ivins or Alborada, which are adjacent to the cycling areas.

The diverse desert environment means you might encounter various mammals such as mule deer, coyote, jackrabbit, and cottontail. Birdwatchers can look out for hawks, quails, road runners, sparrows, and hummingbirds. Reptiles like side-blotched, whiptail, desert spiny, and Great Basin collared lizards are also common.