RIDING TYPE |  ◆︎ Advanced

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | March – April / October

Gooseberry Mesa Singletrack: Conquer Utah's Iconic Slickrock Mountain Biking

Why Choose Our Gooseberry Mesa Singletrack Bike Trip?

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Gooseberry Mesa mountain biking adventure with Western Spirit Cycling, exploring the renowned technical singletrack just south of Zion National Park. This advanced-rated trip immerses you in a world-class trail system meticulously crafted by the Bureau of Land Management and local trail organizations. Prepare for exhilarating sections of slickrock trails seamlessly intermixed with twisty, turny singletrack winding through fragrant juniper and pinyon forests. As you conquer 'The Goose,' you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Kolob Canyons and the colossal walls of Zion National Park, making this one of Utah's premier guided bike tours.

Since 1990, Western Spirit Cycling has been North America's premier outfitter for adventure cycling tours, specializing in expertly guided, fully supported expeditions. We understand the desires of experienced mountain bikers: you seek hassle-free adventures where all logistics are expertly handled, from gourmet meals to comfortable camping setups. Our decades of proven experience and unwavering reliability mean you can focus solely on mastering Utah's legendary slickrock with confidence.

Why Ride Gooseberry Mesa Singletrack with Western Spirit Cycling?

This guided Gooseberry Mesa bike trip is tailored for active and adventurous travelers who possess a high level of cycling skill and seek unique ways to explore iconic National Parks (broad category reference) and pristine wilderness. Our guests desire expert guidance and the convenience of a hassle-free, all-inclusive package, knowing their passion for challenging rides is matched by our unparalleled support.

  • Iconic Slickrock Trails: Ride the famous Gooseberry Mesa itself, a mecca for slickrock enthusiasts, along with other renowned trails like JEM Trail and Little Creek Mesa. These are some of the most celebrated Utah singletrack experiences.
  • Breathtaking Zion Views: Experience stunning panoramic vistas of Zion National Park's Kolob Canyons and colossal walls, providing incredible backdrops to your rides.
  • Technical & Flowy Singletrack: Conquer a diverse mix of terrain, from tight, technical singletrack and challenging climbs on slickrock knobs to flowing desert trails and exhilarating descents through rock canyons. This is truly technical singletrack Utah at its best.
  • Fully Supported & Expertly Guided: While singletrack sections mean no vehicle support directly on the trail, our experienced, knowledgeable, and certified guides are expert backcountry chefs, camp managers, and bike mechanics. They provide seamless support at cozy campsites with gourmet meals, ensuring your multi-day supported cycling trip is worry-free.
  • Decades of Proven Experience: Operating since 1990, Western Spirit Cycling's long-standing history in organized bike tours speaks to a deep understanding of what makes a successful trip. We build trust by consistently delivering exceptional, memorable cycling holidays.
  • Convenient St. George Access: Your adventure begins and ends in St. George, a major hub in Southern Utah, making travel logistics straightforward for our St. George bike tours.

Planning Your Gooseberry Mesa Expedition: Essential Details

This Gooseberry Mesa singletrack bike trip is rated Advanced. It involves challenging riding on technical singletrack trails and slickrock. Participants should have strong intermediate technical mountain bike handling skills with some more difficult sections. Expect physically demanding days at altitudes ranging from 3,000 - 5,700 feet. While we'll be without vehicle support during many trail sections, our expert guides ensure your self-sufficiency and safety. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or safety.

Trip Overview: What to Expect from This Technical Challenge

  • Riding Difficulty: Strong Intermediate with some more difficult sections. Expect tight slickrock singletrack, loose and rocky dirt sections, and technical maneuvers.
  • Road Surface: Primarily slickrock, singletrack trails, and some dirt roads.
  • Overall Rating: Advanced
  • Technical Difficulty: Advanced (demands precise bike handling, navigating numerous obstacles).
  • Physical Difficulty: Moderate (sustained riding, some climbs, multi-day endurance).
  • Altitude Range: 3,000 - 5,700 feet.
  • Support: Full support at camps; riders need to be self-sufficient with their riding pack on trail sections.

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

St. George, UT
This tour will begin at 7:30 AM MST at The Holiday Inn St. George Convention Center. 1808 Crosby way, St. George, Ut 84790. You will need to spend the night in St. George because none of the shuttle services from Las Vegas or Salt Lake run early enough. See more details below in “Lodging Before Your Trip”. Book your room at the Holiday Inn using this special booking link to enjoy a discounted rate.

ENDING TIME

We will return to St. George between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day. You will have time to catch a shuttle back to Las Vegas, but not to Salt Lake.

GETTING TO ST. GEORGE, UT

Driving
St. George is located 120 miles north of Las Vegas on Interstate 15. If you need to leave a car behind while you are on your trip, there is parking available
at the hotel where we will be meeting.

Flying into St. George
Airport Code: SGU
The airport is far from town. Be sure to book your taxi ahead of time.

Flying into Las Vegas, NV
Airport Code: LAS
There are two options for getting from Las Vegas to St. George:
1) Take a shuttle with Salt Lake Express. When you reserve, it is very important that you tell them the following things:

1. Select the Door to Door option with the 84790 zip code and provide them with the hotel address where you will be staying.
2. If you are flying with your bike, you will need to reserve a spot on the shuttle for your bike, which will need to be boxed up. There is a surcharge each way.

Shuttles depart from the Las Vegas Airport and St. George eight times daily. Keep in mind that St. George is one hour ahead of Las Vegas. Call 208-656-8824 or visit www.saltlakeexpress.com for times and to make a reservation.

2) Rent a car in Las Vegas and park it at the hotel.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT
Airport Code: SLC
There are two options for getting from Salt Lake City to St. George:

1) Take a shuttle with Salt Lake Express; shuttle time is about 5 hours. When you reserve, it is very important that you tell them the following things:

1. Select the Door to Door option with the 84790 zip code and provide them with the hotel address where you will be staying.
2. If you are flying with your bike, you will need to reserve a spot on the shuttle for your bike, which will need to be boxed up. There is a surcharge each way.

Call 208-656-8824 or visit www.saltlakeexpress.com for times and to make a reservation.

2) Rent a car in Salt Lake; it is a 5 hour drive.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Best Western Plus Abbey Inn
435-652-1234
Tru by Hilton St. George
435-634-7768
Fairfield Inn St. George
435-673-6066
Hilton Garden Inn St. George
435-634-4100

TAXI SERVICE

Quality Cab: 435-656-5222
Taxi USA: 435-656-1500

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem. We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

  • Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be
    away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
  • A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This daypack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

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Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping and FAQ page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

Gooseberry Mesa Singletrack

PRICE | $1,645 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

Gallery

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

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Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

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BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason