The best cycling routes around Cedar City

Komoot offers over 8 touring cycling routes around Cedar City. These routes vary in difficulty and length, providing options for different skill levels and preferences.

Touring cycling around Cedar City features diverse terrain, including high-altitude plateaus, expansive national forests, and colorful sandstone formations. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, with routes ascending the Markagunt Plateau and traversing scenic byways that reach over 10,000 feet. Expect a mix of challenging climbs through red rock landscapes and dense forests, as well as more relaxed scenic loops.

Yes, Cedar City offers several easy routes suitable for beginners or families. The Lichen It Trail loop from Cedar Highlands is an easy 4.8-mile (7.7 km) trail. Additionally, within Cedar City, there are several miles of designated bike lanes and paved trails like the Coal Creek paved trail and the East Bench Trail, providing accessible options for shorter, less strenuous rides.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Cedar City – Coal Creek Trail loop from Cedar City is a difficult 32.9 km (20.4 miles) route with significant elevation gain. Many challenging routes involve ascending the Markagunt Plateau, offering substantial elevation changes through varied landscapes, including lava beds and dense forests. The scenic byways like S.R. 148 (Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway) and S.R. 143 (Patchwork Parkway) also provide demanding climbs and descents.

Yes, several routes in Cedar City are designed as loops. A popular option is the Coal Creek Trail – East Bench Trail loop from Cedar City, which is a moderate 12.3-mile (19.8 km) path combining urban and natural scenery. Another is the View from Bicentennial Park – East Bench Trail loop from Cedar City, offering a moderate 17.6 km (10.9 miles) ride.

Cedar City's routes offer stunning views and access to unique natural features. You can experience the vibrant geological formations of Cedar Breaks National Monument from routes along the Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway. The Dixie National Forest provides alpine backdrops of ponderosa pines and aspens. For specific points of interest, consider visiting the C-Overlook or exploring the Kanarra Creek Canyon & Waterfalls, which are accessible from the area.

The touring cycling routes in Cedar City are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from high-altitude plateaus to red rock canyons, and the stunning scenic byways that offer unparalleled views. The variety of routes catering to different ability levels is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, Cedar City is a gateway to several longer cycling experiences. The renowned 90-Mile Cycling Loop out of Cedar City takes riders through portions of the Markagunt Plateau, showcasing a series of three scenic byways. Another option is the 50-mile scenic cycling route through Parowan Gap, which is ideal for a more leisurely ride in spring and fall, winding through the Red Hills of the Escalante Desert.

The best time for touring cycling in Cedar City depends on the elevation. For high-altitude routes, such as those on the Markagunt Plateau or near Cedar Breaks National Monument, summer offers the most favorable conditions. For more leisurely rides at lower elevations, like the Parowan Gap route, spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.

Yes, within Cedar City, there are several miles of designated bike lanes and paved trails. The Coal Creek paved trail and the East Bench Trail are popular options for accessible, shorter rides, and they also connect to larger routes, offering a convenient way to explore the city and its immediate surroundings.

Absolutely. The Jones Iron Works Park to Coal Creek Trail is a 22.0-mile (35.4 km) route that connects a city park to the scenic Coal Creek Trail, offering a varied ride that transitions from urban areas to natural landscapes. This allows cyclists to experience both the city's amenities and the region's natural beauty.