13th Hole and Ghost Flats Trails loop

This loop combines two trails with very different difficulty levels. The 13th Hole Trail is generally considered easy to intermediate, suitable for experienced beginners and families. In contrast, the Ghost Flats Trail is rated black diamond and is considered difficult to expert, primarily a challenging downhill route with steep, loose sections. Combining them into one loop, as this Komoot tour does, results in a difficult overall experience, primarily due to the Ghost Flats section.

The Komoot tour estimates this 27.9 km (17.3 miles) loop takes approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes to complete. However, given the significant elevation gain of 976 meters (3,202 feet) and the technical difficulty of the Ghost Flats section, your actual time may vary based on your skill level and pace.

The 13th Hole Trail is accessible from a trailhead near the Cedar City Golf Course, which offers amenities like a kiosk, bathroom, water, and paved parking. The Ghost Flats Trailhead is also a key access point for that section of the loop.

No, there are generally no permits or entrance fees required for mountain biking on the trails within the Thunderbird Canyons Trail System, including the 13th Hole and Ghost Flats Trails. These are public multi-use trails.

Yes, both the 13th Hole and Ghost Flats Trails are multi-use and generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all waste.

The best time to ride these trails is typically during the spring and fall months when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot with limited shade, making early morning or late afternoon rides preferable. Winter riding may be possible depending on snow accumulation, but conditions can be variable.

You can expect sweeping views of Cedar City and the surrounding rugged red rock formations, slickrock, and desert hillsides. The terrain features a mix of juniper and pinion pine, occasional grass, and sage, with exposed areas of salmon and dirty-white colored soil.

Yes, the loop includes sections like the Razorback Wash Trail and the Lower Ghost Flats Trail. The 13th Hole Trail itself is known for its views near the Cedar City Golf Course, while Ghost Flats offers thrilling downhill sections with natural bermed turns and loose rock.

Yes, this route is part of the broader Thunderbird Canyons Trail System and intersects with several other trails. Notable connections include sections of the Lightning Switch Trail, Upper Ghost Flats Trail, Thor's Hideout Trail, and Valhalla Trail, offering opportunities to extend or modify your ride.

The Ghost Flats Trail is primarily a downhill route, often ridden as a descent after climbing other trails like Lightning Switch. It's characterized by fast and steep sections with lots of loose rock and natural bermed turns. Climbing Ghost Flats is generally not recommended without a motor due to its steepness and loose sections, often requiring 'hike-a-bike' for unassisted climbers.

The 13th Hole Trail features a mix of narrow, handmade singletrack and broader, machine-carved bench-cut sections. The climb is gentle with frequent breaks. The soil is predominantly clay, with a mix of juniper and pinion pine, occasional grass, and sage. It offers a smoother, less technical ride compared to Ghost Flats.