GOING with the FLOW

By Kaylee Pickering

Going With the Flow Cycling and Scenery in Cedar City, UT Fast track flow trails, scenic loops, and switchbacks that make your heart race!

Nestled comfortably between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, Cedar City is an unexpected mountain bike mecca in southern Utah. The area is home to three distinct trail systems, gravel rides, a lift-serviced bike park, and paved scenic routes. Many of which are a short drive away and accessible via personal vehicle.

The sheer amount of possibilities and trails to ride can be a bit dizzying. Still, the right blend of scenic and exhilarating trails will add up to an incredible experience. With a healthy side of red rock and nearby scenic wonders, outdoor adventure awaits at every bend.

THE PERFECT RIDE | MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS With sweeping views of the surrounding valley, you’ll find trails lined in juniper and lava rock, and a blend of terrain and difficulty levels. Between the three designated trail systems in Cedar City, there’s plenty of room to ride and even more to see.

The Iron Hills trail system touches the south end of town, making it an easy jumping-off point for an afternoon of adventure. The beautiful surroundings add to the wonder of the experience, and the trickier trails are sure to get you grinning! Start with a climb on the Lichen It trail through fun terrain and incredible views before gearing up for the Lava Flow. This flow trail has optional jumps, drops, and some technical rock gardens.

Thunderbird Gardens is a favorite among locals and visitors alike within city limits, with striated hills of vibrant red rock, sweeping valley views interjected with rolling formations. Climb it out on the Lightning Switch trail, or discover unique

rock formations along the Thor’s Hideout Trail. You can test your balance as you get up close and personal with the iconic southern Utah red rock and colorful hills along the Razorback Trail.

LOOPS, HILLS, AND PEAKS | GRAVEL GRINDERS GRAIL Home to hundreds of miles of gravel trails, it can be hard to narrow down where to start. Follow along the Belgian Waffle Ride route by riding portions of the 125-mile course

as it winds its way along gravel roads and scenic backways throughout Cedar City and the surrounding communities.

For a serious climb with rewarding views, take the Shurtz Canyon trail. This trail connects off the south end of Cedar City and winds up the mountain to the vistas of Cedar Mountain. Parts of the trail find riders nestled against red rock, among wildflowers, and staring down on the unique “Shurtz Canyon pyramid” formation.

WILDFLOWERS & VISTAS | SCENIC CYCLING LOOPS While we tend to focus on the incredible mountain biking scene surrounding us, there are scenic loops all around Cedar City that can’t be missed! With several miles of designated bike lanes inside the city limits along main roads and connecting back roads, you can get just about anywhere you need to be on a bike. And this includes some truly bucket-list-worthy stops in the area.

Cycle past dinosaur footprints and petroglyphs on the Parowan Gap scenic cycling loop. Enjoy beautiful views of the rising red formations of Kolob Canyons and Shurtz Canyon on your way back from New Harmony on an out-and-back ride from Cedar City to New Harmony.

Or plan a ride along Highway 148 through Cedar Breaks National Monument! In July, the meadows surrounding the red rock amphitheater of the monument come alive with a burst of color. As the wildflowers take over Cedar Breaks, there is no more beautiful view in southern Utah.

RED ROCK & GLITTER THE BRIAN HEAD MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK A relaxing scenic chair lift ride to start the morning, water bottle in hand, helmet on, ready to go; you can see other riders zipping along the trails below, and you’re ready to go. In the distance, you can see rising formations of iconic southern Utah red rock, the plateau of Brian Head Peak, and the beautiful expanses of Dixie National Forest.

As you hop off the lift, wheeling your bike along, you’ll notice the Brian Head Ski Patrol building reminding you that this is a true high elevation adventure at 11,000 feet. Head to the right to warm up with an easy ride on the Color Flow trail, or jump in feet first with some jumps and whips on the Little Glitter Trail. Known for its incredible gravity-fed flow, technical singletrack,

and access to hundreds of miles of backcountry trails, the Brian Head bike park is only outdone by the scenery that surrounds it. Beyond the bike park and the summer fun at the resort, there are some unbelievable backcountry trails to be found in Brian Head!

TRAILS & TELESCOPES | THREE PEAKS RECREATION AREA Just ten miles west of Cedar City, the rolling hills and volcanic rock formations of Three Peaks Recreation Area provide a fantastic location for outdoor recreation. Several large picnic areas, two 18-hole disc golf courses, and a myriad of other opportunities can be found in the expansive recreation area.

the wide variety of trail types here make an easy one-stop destination for a day of rides. Experience the beauty of this high desert terrain in a more personal experience along the Lost World trail. Or hone your skills on the wood bridges and guided terrain of the Three Peaks Practice Loop.

However, no matter what trails you choose to ride in Three Peaks, staying for the night sky views is a must. Far enough away from the light of the city, Three Peaks Recreation Area gives way to unbelievable night sky views. It’s a great opportunity to pack a lunch, even a small grill, and spend the day immersed in the wonders surrounding Cedar City.

The cherry on top? A 19-mile mountain bike trail system that runs through the complex. Popular for mountain bike races,

Let Wonder be your guide.V

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