Virgin River Rim Trail - Te-Ah Campground to Woods Ranch

This 10.6 to 12-mile section of the Virgin River Rim Trail is rated as difficult for mountain biking. It's considered intermediate in technical skill but requires good endurance due to its length and elevation changes. Expect a Black Diamond difficulty rating for mountain biking, with a "Hard" physical rating and a Black Diamond climb difficulty.

The trail primarily features high-altitude singletrack winding through dense forests of Douglas fir and aspen. The base is mostly hard-packed dirt, but you should anticipate numerous rough and rocky sections. There are also stiff but short climbs on loose rock, which might require some hike-a-biking.

Based on komoot's data, this 17.3 km (10.7 miles) route typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete by mountain bike. However, this can vary depending on your skill level, stops for views, and trail conditions.

You can typically find parking at or near Te-Ah Campground, which serves as the starting point for this section of the trail. Specific parking areas are usually well-marked within the campground vicinity.

Generally, there are no specific permits required for day-use mountain biking on the Virgin River Rim Trail within Dixie National Forest. There are also no entrance fees for accessing the forest itself. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Dixie National Forest website or local ranger stations for any updated regulations before your visit.

The high elevation of this trail makes it an ideal escape from summer heat, so late spring through early fall is generally the best time. The fall offers particularly vibrant colors from the aspen trees. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as high-altitude trails can be affected by snow earlier or later in the season.

While this specific section is more wooded and offers fewer expansive vistas compared to other parts of the Virgin River Rim Trail, occasional breaks in the trees may provide glimpses of the Dixie National Forest and Zion National Park in the distance. Near Te-Ah Campground, you can take a short, half-mile hike down to Cascade Falls, where Navajo Lake water emerges after flowing underground.

Due to this section being less traveled, you have a greater chance of wildlife sightings. Keep an eye out for deer, elk, and pronghorn, especially during quieter times of the day.

Yes, the Virgin River Rim Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you pack out any waste. Be mindful of other trail users, including hikers and horseback riders.

This section is known for having the greatest chance of encountering downed trees, as it's one of the less-traveled segments. Be prepared for potential obstacles and be ready to navigate around them. Also, expect some sections with loose rock that might require extra caution or even hike-a-biking.

Te-Ah Campground itself offers basic camping amenities. For more extensive services like cafes, restaurants, or accommodations, you would need to travel to nearby towns such as Cedar City or areas around Navajo Lake. Access points to the Navajo Lake Loop trail are also available from this section.