Mountain Biking Gooseberry Mesa: Trail Guide & Trip Planning Tips

a person riding a bike on a slickrock trail at Gooseberry Mesa in Utah

Gooseberry Mesa in Utah is one of my all-time favorite places to ride. This sprawling slickrock playground offers fun rock rollers, punchy climbs, and life-reflecting exposure—all set against the stunning backdrop of Zion National Park. Perched above Hurricane at 5,200 feet, Gooseberry’s trails weave through juniper forests, stretch across vast slickrock slabs, and serve up technical terrain alongside flowy sections with epic views.

What makes Gooseberry truly special is its remote, wild feel while still being accessible. It’s a bucket-list destination for experienced riders, though there are some intermediate-friendly routes. But be warned—the exposure here is real, and a mistake in the wrong place could have serious consequences. In this post, I cover everything you need to know to make the most of your ride, from trail tips to route recommendations. Let’s dive in!

Quick Tips

For mountain biking at Gooseberry Mesa

Respect the exposure. Mountain bikers have died on Gooseberrry Mesa from going over the edge.
Skip Secret Trail. It’s not worth it.
Don’t underestimate the miles. Gooseberry Mesa is a bootcamp for the legs!
Pedaling (or walking) out to Gooseberry Point is a must.
Ride South Rim west to east (advanced riders only)
Gooseberry Mesa is not the best place for beginner riders.
The road out to Gooseberry Mesa turns to mayonnaise after rain. Don’t attempt it!

TWW Take

Please note that these are my personal opinions – you may argue otherwise! And if so, state your case (politely) in the comments 🙂

Fun-ness Factor

Trail Variety

Average Difficulty

Hurricane Utah mountain bike itinerary cover

4-Day Hurricane Mountain Biking Itinerary

Want help planning your trip? Download my 4-Day Hurricane Mountain Biking Itinerary! It includes my list of favorite trails, route recommendations for all levels, and tips on how to make the most of your adventure to southern Utah’s slickrock country. Grab it now!

Plan your trip!

Planning your Gooseberry Mesa Ride

Best trails to hit

All the trails at Gooseberry are worth riding if you have the time (except Secret), but here are my top trail recommendations:

Bowls n’ Ledges (intermediate)
North Rim (intermediate)
Hidden Canyon (intermediate+)
South Rim (advanced)

Tip: Skip Secret Trail. It’s overgrown and hard to follow.

Route recommendations

N Rim Easy (intermediate) – This is a great way to experience Gooseberry Mesa without the tech on South Rim. The out-and-back on Windmill is pretty fun or you can skip it to make the route shorter.
Best of Gooseberry Mesa (advanced) – This is my go-to loop on Gooseberry Mesa.

Gooseberry Mesa Map

✨ Photo Gallery

Man riding mountain bike up a steep pitch of slickrock at Gooseberry Mesa in Utah

a man riding a bike large area of slickrock at Gooseberry Mesa in Utah

Mountain biker riding up steep slickrock section of trail on Gooseberry Mesa in Utah

Mountain biker stopped on trail to look out over red rock canyon views in Utah while riding on Gooseberry Mesa

Mountain Biking Gooseberry Mesa Hurricane Utah Andy10

a man riding a mountain bike on slickrock trail at Gooseberry Mesa in Utah

FAQs for Gooseberry Mesa

Before heading out there, here are a few things to consider

Yes, e-bikes, up to class 1, are allowed at Gooseberry Mesa. Watch your speed and stay in control, though! (i.e. don’t zoom off the cliff edge).

Here are directions to the main parking. There are toilets, but no running water.

Yes! There are a number of free campsites scattered along the access road that leads into Gooseberry Mesa.

Gooseberry Mesa is a bootcamp for the legs. There may not be a ton of sustained climbing, but you’ll constantly be punching up (and rolling down) slickrock slabs. That being said, Gooseberry is a unique place to ride, so if you’re ok walking some things, I’d say give it a go. Just be very aware of the extreme exposure and walk when needed.

A short travel or mid-travel full suspension bike is ideal. If you’re a masochist, you can get by with a hard tail. Leave the long-travel bike at home.

Sort of. The slickrock trails are marked with paint and there are signs at most intersections. I still recommend having TrailForks downloaded to your phone.

Very few. There is a pit toilet at the main parking area, but no water or places to get food. Cell service (for me) was good.

Gooseberry Mesa is located in southern Utah, so I don’t recommend visiting in the summer. Early spring and late fall are ideal, but winter is also usually rideable (although temps can dip below freezing).

Need gear recs?

Head over to my gear closet! I’m always testing out new pieces of bike gear and if I really like them, they earn a place on this page.

See my gear favorites

I hope this guide gives you the info and confidence to head out to Gooseberry Mesa! It’s one of my all-time favorite places to ride and I think you’ll love it, too. The views, the slickrock, the challenge, the free camping, etc… all make it a pretty epic experience. But also be prepared for serious exposure and some technical riding. If all that sounds up your alley, though, you’ll have a blast!

Have you mountain biked on Gooseberry Mesa? What did you think? Are there any other tips you would include? Let me know in the comments!

Mountain Biking Gooseberry Mesa: Trail Guide & Trip Planning Tips

Quick Tips

TWW Take

4-Day Hurricane Mountain Biking Itinerary