A Complete Guide To Mountain Biking In Hurricane, Utah

Hurricane (pronounced “Her-ah-kun” by the locals) is an amazing mountain bike destination in southwestern Utah. It’s still slightly under the radar, but over the last few years, Hurricane, Utah mountain biking has definitely become a favorite for many riders.

One thing that makes Hurricane so special are the views out over Zion National Park. They’re jaw-dropping. The town is located just outside of Zion, so almost every trail rewards you with amazing views of flat-topped mesas and red and white towering peaks.

I also personally think that the rolling slickrock of Hurricane has more flow and variety than its red rock neighbor to the east (aka Moab). You’ll find miles and miles of rolling rock terrain that will have your legs pumping and lungs gasping air with each punchy climb. But it’s a whole lot of fun and will quickly improve your slow-speed riding skills.

There’s also something for every rider in Hurricane. Choose Gooseberry Mesa for slickrock or head over to Wire Mesa for more flow and incredible views. The Jem trails lower down are great for catching air or for beginners not quite up for the challenging rock rolls. And if you are really eager to test your skills, the Hurricane area is where they hold the annual Red Bull Rampage, so there’s definitely pro-level terrain for those looking to get rowdy.

Learn everything you need to know about Hurricane, Utah mountain biking including the best trails to ride, how to link them up, and more!

Important Things to Know Before Mountain Biking in Hurricane, Utah

Rain makes the roads turn to mayonnaise
DO NOT attempt to drive into trailheads during or after a rainstorm. The clay soil is no joke and even if you’re in a high clearance 4×4 vehicle you run the risk of getting stuck. Like really stuck. This dirt goes from tacky and dry to wet and slippery real fast.

The BLM service has done a good job over the past few years to build and better maintain the roads, but they’re still no match for wet weather. If it does rain while you’re in Hurricane, take a rest day and let things dry out for at least 24 hours.

The exposure is no joke in some places. Mountain bikers have died
In fact, a mountain biker died on Gooseberry Mesa just a few days before our last visit. He was trying to pedal out to the point and crashed and fell 200ft. The exposure is real and there are many places where you do not want to fall. Know your limitations – physically and mentally – and don’t try to impress others.

Gooseberry, Little Creek, and Wire Mesa have the most exposure while Guacamole and Jem are a little less scary (but not exposure-free).

Summer temps are brutal
The summer temps in Hurricane can easily reach over 100F°. I don’t recommend mountain biking in Hurricane past April or before September. Even the shoulder months can get really warm, so be sure to check the weather and bring lots of water and hydration supplements on your rides.

Best Time to Plan A mountain Bike Trip To Hurricane

Hurricane is a great shoulder and winter season mountain bike destination. October/November and March/April/May can be great times to visit thanks to cool temps and minimal rain. The winter months of December, January, and February can be chilly, but still rideable.

Always check the forecast before making plans, though. If there is a lot of rain coming – trust me, you do not want to ride in Hurricane. The roads turn to sludge!

Mountain Biking in Hurricane: Where to ride

Hurricane, Utah mountain biking is broken up into five main mountain biking networks:

1. Hurricane Cliffs (also known as the Jem Trails)
2. Gooseberry Mesa
3. Little Creek
4. Wire Mesa
5. Guacamole

Each network is a bit of a drive from one another, so it’s best to explore one area and then move on to the next.

Each network below is listed in order of difficulty:

Hurricane Cliffs (the JEM Trails)

Hurricane Cliffs is the trail network located closest to town and is a great place to warm up the legs before getting into the more challenging terrain up in Gooseberry or Little Creek. The views out over Zion are also amazing. Most of the trails are suited for beginner/intermediate mountain bikers, but many of them also have fun and engaging features that will entertain even the most experienced riders.

Best trails in Hurricane Cliffs

• Dead Ringer: a fast and fun downhill with rollers and natural berms or you can do it as a mellow climb (I personally think it’s better as a descent, though)
• Gould’s Rim: different views and fewer crowds
• Goosebumps: has drops, rollers, and some small jumps if you want to take things up a notch

How To Link-Up Hurricane Cliffs

1. Gould Rim Loop

This is a nice loop that is a bit off the beaten Hurricane Cliffs route. Most people stay on the north side of Route 59 and don’t venture over to the Gould Rim side. You can ride this as an out-and-back or you can take the Gould Wash Road as an easy pedal and then connect back into Gould at the corral.

• Route difficulty: Beginner
• Mileage: 9.8 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 576 ft
• Route directions: Gould South parking > Gould > Goulds Rim > Gould Wash Road > Gould

2. Mellow JEM

This loop hits two of the most popular trails in Hurricane Cliffs: JEM and Dead Ringer. Personally, I would continue to climb up JEM and descent down Dead Ringer, but it’s your call. This is a great ride to do with the family. If you want to make it a longer ride, climb back up JEM after descending Dead Ringer and hit Goosebumps to Cryptobionic for a second fun descent.

• Route difficulty: Beginner
• Mileage: 11 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 817 ft
• Route directions: Hurricane Rim North parking > Jem > Dead Ringer > (optional: climb Jem > Goosebumps > Cryptobionic) > Jem

3. Hurricane Cliffs Big Loop

This is a big mile loop but it connects all the best trails in Hurricane Cliffs and the riding isn’t terribly technical. It’s easy to modify this route if you want to shorten it, but definitely do Dead Ringer as a descent!

• Route difficulty: Intermediate
• Mileage: 22.2 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 1,661 ft
• Route directions: Jem parking > Jem > Goosebumps > Fire road (Loop Route on TrailForks) > Jem (Upper) > Dead Ringer > Cryptobionic > Hurricane Rim > Jem

Looking for a long cross-country pedal around Hurricane Cliffs? The 24-mile Hurricane Rim IMBA Epic Loop might be your ticket

Wire Mesa & The Money Trails

Wire Mesa is a bit of a step up from Hurricane Cliffs, but still suitable for beginner/intermediate riders. It’s also one of my favorite loops in Hurricane thanks to its mixed terrain, amazing views, and relatively quick pedal. You can do the loop in either direction, but my preferred route is clockwise.

The Money Trails are another small network near Wire Mesa. They are unsanctioned trails built and (mostly) ridden by locals. They aren’t well marked and they are pretty technical and should only be ridden by experienced mountain bikers.

How To Link-Up Wire Mesa & The Money Trails

Wire Mesa only has one big 7-mile loop:

1. Wire Mesa Loop

Beginner/Intermediate | 7.5 miles | 564 ft +/-
This is a great loop, one of my favorites in Hurricane. It’s relatively short with not much climbing, but the views are spectacular, and it is just engaging enough to not be repetitive. Keep your eye out for alt-lines. You can ride it in either direction, but I prefer clockwise.

• Route difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
• Mileage: 7.5 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 564 ft
• Route directions: Wire Mesa Trailhead > Wire Mesa loop trail

2. Money Trails Loop

As I mentioned above, these trails are unsanctioned. This means that they are not taken care of by the trail crews, so ride at your own risk. The start of Show Me The Money is tricky to find, but just keep consulting TrailForks and you’ll get there. The trail is initially hard to follow, but once you get onto More Money it’s very well established.

I’d say these trails are more of a black, but there are definitely a few doubleblack features. There is a 2.5-mile dirt road climb at the end to get back to the car.

• Route difficulty: Expert
• Mileage: 5.7 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 633 ft
• Route directions: Show Me The Money > More Money > Grafton Mesa Road

Guacamole

Guacamole is my favorite network out of all of the Hurricane, Utah mountain biking. It’s located outside of La Verkin (instead of Hurricane) and offers different views and slightly different terrain including a mix of flowy singletrack and rolling slickrock. The area was burned by a fire a few years ago, which – in my opinion – adds to its beauty and intrigue. The outer loop of Holy Guacamole is also home to a ton of petrified wood artifacts, which are super cool!

One thing to note is that these slickrock routes are definitely not marked as well as Gooseberry or other Hurricane networks. You’ll be swiveling your head constantly to search for the next cairn and it’s easy to get off track. Be sure to bring a phone with the TrailForks app downloaded.

The road into Guacamole is also very steep at the end. Don’t attempt it after or during a rainstorm.

Guacamole Trails

As for trails, there’s one big lollipop loop and one smaller loop with several add-on trails. Holy Guacamole (the bigger loop) is really beautiful with some technical sections while the Margarita/Guacamole loop (the smaller loop) is less technical, but still super fun. If you don’t mind some exposure, finish your ride on Salt On The Rim.

How To Link-Up Guacamole

1. Quick Guacamole Loop

Beginner/Intermediate | 5.1 miles | 305 ft +/-
This loop is a great intro to Guacamole and Hurricane riding as a whole. It’s perfect for beginner/novice riders. There’s still some tech and plenty of slickrock riding, but it flows well. Ride the loop part CW or CCW. (I think it flows better CW).

• Route difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
• Mileage: 5.1 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 305 ft
• Route directions: Guacamole Trailhead > Margarita > Guacamole > Margarita

2. Best of Guacamole

This lollipop loop incorporates the best of the Guacamole network. It’s best-ridden clockwise for better flow, but don’t underestimate the miles here – there’s a lot of punchy climbs and pedaling. Lime With A Twist and Salt On the Rim are optional, but fun little side routes if you still have the energy in your legs. Keep your eye out for petrified wood on the side of the trails in the outer loop!

• Route difficulty: Expert
• Mileage: 10.7 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 709 ft
• Route directions: Guacamole Trailhead > Margarita > Guacamole > Lime With A Twist > Holy Guacamole > Lime With A Twist (optional) > Margarita > Salt On The Rim (optional) > Margarita

Gooseberry Mesa

The shining star of Hurricane, Utah mountain biking, Gooseberry Mesa is the reason why many riders head to this area. It’s got a ton of great riding with lots of slickrock and amazing views. There is severe exposure in some places and the riding feels a bit akin to a lower leg bootcamp thanks to all the punchy ups, so don’t underestimate your miles here. Pedaling out to Gooseberry Point is also a must.

The gooseberry mesa trails

My favorite trail of all of Hurricane, Utah mountain biking is South Rim as a descent down from Gooseberry point. It’s technical yet flowy and has some great features for experienced riders. It also has a ton of exposure. If you’re looking for something a little tamer, North Rim is better for intermediate riders, and Bowls and Ledges is a fun place to play around on the slickrock.

How To Link Up Gooseberry Mesa

1. Gooseberry Mesa Loop: N Rim-Gander

This is a good beginner/intermediate loop in Gooseberry that isn’t too technical (Gooseberry isn’t really the best place for beginner riders) with amazing views and a good variety of terrain. White Trail is a doubletrack climb and then North Rim trail, Windmill, and Gander are all singletrack with some exposure and techy bits.

If you’re not feeling up for this big of a loop (Gooseberry is a bootcamp for the legs!) you can take Bowls and Ledges to Practice back to the parking area.

• Route difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
• Mileage: 13 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 2,407 ft
• Route directions: Gooseberry parking > White Trail > North Rim > Bowls and Ledges > Windmill > Gander > Access roads

2. Gooseberry Mellow(ish)

This loop is good for intermediate riders who want some tech, but also enjoy the mellower stuff as well. However, I wouldn’t call it super ‘mellow’ because the descent down South Rim definitely has some big features and a lot of exposure. But Hidden Canyon will offer a different side of Gooseberry that is definitely worth checking out and is pretty mellow for a black-rated trail.

If you don’t want to take the doubletrack White Trail all the back to the parking area, hop on the last portion of South Rim to end your ride.

• Route difficulty: Intermediate/Expert
• Mileage: 10 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 580 ft
• Route directions: Gooseberry parking > Practice > Bowls and Ledges > North Rim > White Trail > Gooseberry Point > South Rim > Hidden Canyon > White Trail (optional: South Rim)

3. Best of Gooseberry Mesa

This is my go-to loop on Gooseberry Mesa. Start off with some rolling slickrock on Bowls and Ledges then warm up to the exposure on North Rim. Take a break at Gooseberry Point (definitely worth going out to!) before descending down my favorite trail of Gooseberry Mesa – South Rim – back to the car.

• Route difficulty: Expert
• Mileage: 11 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 743 ft
• Route directions: Gooseberry parking > Practice > Bowls and Ledges > North Rim > Yellow > Gooseberry Point > South Rim

Little Creek

Little Creek is a lot like Gooseberry Mesa, but a little rougher and a lot less popular. It’s also not as well marked, so definitely have the TrailForks app downloaded to your phone. Like Gooseberry, there are a lot of slickrock rollers, some exposure, and several cool features like a dry waterfall line (the hardest feature here) and narrow rock bridges. This isn’t the best place for beginners, but if you’re up for a challenge, go for it.

Little Creek Trails

There are basically two loops in Little Creek: Big Loop and Point Loop. If you only have the time and/or energy for one, definitely do the Big Loop. Point loop is fun, but an added bonus.

How To Link-Up Little Creek

Below is the best way, (in my opinion) to loop the Little Creek network:

1. Best of Little Creek Mountain

This big loop encompasses the best routing in Little Creek, although I would say this is my least favorite Hurricane, Utah mountain biking. But if you have the time or you want to escape the crowds on Gooseberry Mesa, it’s a good option.

Ride the Big Loop clockwise and then connect into Point Loop, also clockwise. The descent down the Waterfall connector is fun and a little challenging depending on your skills. Then it’s mostly slickrock back to the parking area.

If you want to cut the route shorter, simply skip the northeast Point Loop

• Route difficulty: Expert
• Mileage: 13 miles
• Elevation gain/loss: 1,027 ft
• Route directions: Little Creek Mountain parking > Big Loop > Little Creek Slickrock > Point Loop > Little Creek Slickrock > Waterfall > Little Creek Slickrock

Hurricane Bike Shops, Rentals, & More

• Over The Edge Bike Shop – Really the only bike shop you need to know about in Hurricane, Utah. These guys are super friendly and knowledgeable and will sell/rent/fix your bike without hassle. They also have showers available for $5 and offer Gooseberry Mesa shuttles | (435) 635-5455
• Mountain Bike Buddies – Mark at Mountain Bike Buddies offers shuttles (NOT tours) to trailheads around the Hurricane/St. George area. Choose from a single trailhead like Gooseberry Mesa or opt for a full days worth of shuttling | (801) 842-1322
• Utah Mountain Bike Tours – Sign up for a half-day, full-day or multi-day tour with Utah Mountain Bike Tours. Kathi has been guiding in the Hurricane/St. George area since 2009 and has a decorated history with biking | (435) 635-7878

Best places to eat & drink in Hurricane

• Dixie Pizza Wagon – This little pizza truck is one of the most popular places to eat in Hurricane. They serve from-scratch wood-fired pizza by the side of the road and it’s amazing. However… they’ve gotten super popular, so I would recommend calling to place an order right when you get done with your ride. They’re also only open Wednesday – Saturday.
• Teotihuacan – This used to be a taco truck next to the Dixie Pizza Wagon, but they’ve since moved into a brick-and-mortar restaurant. They serve up tasty (and hefty) Mexican meals.
• River Rock Roasting Company – This is one of my favorite places in the Hurricane area. The River Rock Roasting Company is actually in La Verkin, but right on the way to the Guacamole trails or Zion NP. It’s a combination of a coffee shop, bakery, sandwich shop, pizzeria, and beer window. And they have a rad balcony out back that looks out over the canyon. If you’re just looking for coffee, they also have a drive-through shop on the way up to Guacamole.
• Main Street Cafe – Offering hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinner, Main Street Cafe is a great place to fuel up. They have a great menu selection and the staff is super friendly.

Where to Camp & Sleep

Hurricane camping

Almost all of the land around Hurricane is BLM Land and free to camp on, which is awesome! An important thing to note, though, is that after a rain the dirt turns to sticky, red goo. It’s almost impossible to get a vehicle through and if you don’t have high clearance AND 4-wheel drive don’t even try.

All of these campsites are first-come-first-serve and don’t have any facilities:

• Hurricane Cliffs Camping – There are over a dozen ‘sites’ in Hurricane Cliffs that are clearly marked as camping areas. This is the most popular place for people to set up, so it gets really busy. If there are a lot of campers, head over to the other side of Route 59 onto Gould Wash Rd. and you’ll find some sweet camping spots over there.
• Wire Mesa Camping – There are a few sites at the entrance of Wire Mesa that are tucked back into the trees. If there aren’t any sites available, there are a few fire roads that branch off of the main road that have almost unlimited options.
• Gooseberry Mesa Camping – The road into Gooseberry Mesa has campsites dotting each site. Some have amazing views out over Apple Valley. If you’re looking for a unique ‘glamping’ experience, the Gooseberry Yurts are also an option. There are three yurts for rent. They don’t have running water or electricity, but they are fully stocked with bedding, lanterns, and a cookstove.

• Guacamole Camping – There are a dozen campsites right at the trailhead of Guacamole. The road into Guacamole has gotten better over the years, however, the last 100 yards is VERY STEEP. Do not attempt after rain (or even if there’s a chance of rain in the forecast).
• Little Creek Camping – Like all of the other zones, there’s free primitive camping on the road into Little Creek.

Hotels

There are a handful of hotels in the St. George/Hurricane/La Verkin area. Keep in mind that a lot of travelers to Zion National Park book hotels in the area, so make reservations ahead of time.

What is your experience with Hurricane, Utah mountain biking? What are your favorites trails and loops to ride? Leave a comment below!