JEM and Goosebumps Loop

The JEM and Goosebumps Loop is generally considered an intermediate mountain bike ride. While sections of the JEM trail can be easy and flowy, the Goosebumps trail is rated 'Blue' (intermediate/more difficult). The unique design with optional 'A-lines' for advanced riders and 'B-lines' for beginners allows you to tailor the challenge to your skill level.

Yes, the loop can be enjoyed by beginners, especially by utilizing the 'B-lines' on the Goosebumps trail, which offer a gentler, more beginner-friendly path. The middle sections of the JEM trail are also quite smooth and flowy. More technical features like the 'JEM drop' can be walked if preferred, making the overall experience adaptable.

You'll encounter diverse terrain on this loop. The JEM trail features mostly smooth singletrack with rolling hills, but also includes some rocky sections and occasional step-ups. The Goosebumps Trail is known for its 'rollercoaster' feel with short climbs and quick descents, smooth rollers, and can include dirt roads and washbottoms. Advanced riders can opt for 'A-lines' with steep drops, jumps, and narrow fins.

Riders are treated to stunning panoramic desert scenery. You'll see vistas of surrounding mesas, including Gooseberry Mesa, and deep views into the Virgin River Gorge. Certain sections ride along cliffs above the Virgin River, and on clear days, you might even spot the sandstone towers of Zion National Park in the distance. The delicate cryptobiotic soil is also a prominent feature of the landscape.

The JEM and Goosebumps Loop is part of the Hurricane Cliffs Trail System. Parking is typically available at the main trailheads for JEM or Goosebumps, which serve as access points for this popular loop. Specific parking areas are usually well-marked within the system.

The JEM and Goosebumps Loop is located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land within the Hurricane Cliffs Trail System. Generally, there are no specific permits or fees required for day use of these trails. However, it's always a good idea to check the official BLM website for the latest regulations or any temporary closures before your visit.

The best time to ride the JEM and Goosebumps Loop is typically during the cooler months, from late fall through spring (October to April). Summers in Hurricane, Utah, can be extremely hot, making riding uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and vibrant desert flora.

Dogs are generally allowed on trails within the Hurricane Cliffs Trail System, including the JEM and Goosebumps Loop, as it's on BLM land. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users. Please remember to pack out all pet waste.

Yes, the JEM and Goosebumps Loop is part of a larger network. The route itself primarily uses sections of the Goosebumps and JEM trail. It also intersects with or can be connected to other trails in the Hurricane Cliffs area, such as Dead Ringer and Cryptobionic, offering options to extend or vary your ride.

This loop is celebrated for its excellent flow and 'rollercoaster' characteristics, providing a constantly engaging ride. The ability to choose between 'A-lines' and 'B-lines' on the Goosebumps Trail caters to various skill levels, making it versatile. The JEM trail also holds historical significance as one of the area's foundational mountain biking trails, inspiring the development of the broader trail system.