This Brian Head singletrack bike trip is rated Expert due to very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails at high altitudes. It demands a high level of skill and fitness. Expect challenging terrain with exposure to falls along steep mountain ridges. While medical help may be distant and no vehicle support is available on singletrack sections, our expert guides are highly trained to manage backcountry situations and ensure safety. Please contact Western Spirit to confirm if this trip is suitable for your experience level. Itineraries are subject to change due to conditions.

Trip Overview: What to Expect from This Expert Challenge
Riding Difficulty: Very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails. High level of skill and fitness required. Expect riding along steep mountain ridges with exposure to falls.
Road Surface: Primarily singletrack (packed dirt, rocky, loose, some slickrock, forested terrain).
Overall Rating: Expert
Technical Difficulty: Difficult (expect numerous obstacles, rocky sections, and tricky maneuvers).
Physical Difficulty: Difficult (due to high altitudes over 10,000 feet, sustained climbs, and long unsupported sections).
Altitude Range: Typically 9,000 - 11,307 feet (Brian Head Peak).
Support: Guide support during singletrack sections.
Total Mileage: 9-30 miles per day
Packing for your trip

Day 1: Thunder Mountain & Red Canyon Trails

• Your Brian Head bike trip begins in St. George, UT. After meeting, we'll shuttle you into the high country to access miles of extraordinary singletrack.
• We’ll ride to the Thunder Mountain Trailhead, ascending to a spectacular view before enjoying the thrilling descent along knife-edge ridges and through wild hoodoos.
• We'll ride to camp along the scenic Red Canyon Bicycle path, with an optional afternoon ride on the Losee Canyon Trail for those wanting more.
• Total Mileage: 30 miles

Day 2: Virgin River Rim Trail & Cascade Falls

• We'll break camp and head to Strawberry Point, the starting point of the truly exceptional Virgin River Rim Trail.
• This high-altitude trail offers challenging climbs and swooping descents along the colorful pink rock rim, forming sheer cliff faces hundreds of feet tall.
• We'll reach Cascade Falls, a fascinating geological phenomenon where water spills from a lava tube, forming the headwaters of the Virgin River.
• A strenuous climb along the rim returns us atop the spectacularly eroded pink cliffs, bringing us to our camp for the next two nights at Navajo Lake.
• Total Mileage: 21 miles

Day 3: Virgin River Rim Trail Continuation & Navajo Lake Loop

• From our comfortable camp at Navajo Lake, we'll head back out onto the Virgin River Rim Trail for another incredible day.
• We’ll ride through thick forests of Douglas fir and serene aspen meadows on rolling singletrack, enjoying prime turkey and deer habitat.
• This section, cut into the slopes of the Virgin River headwaters, offers many ups and downs with a general contouring trend.
• Once back at camp, you can either take a refreshing dip in the lake or head out on the 5-star Navajo Lake Loop, a cruise through the ancient lava field.
• Total Mileage: 23 miles

Day 4: Brian Head Peak Descents & High Alpine Camp

• We'll shuttle directly to the Brian Head resort area. From the 11,307-foot summit of Brian Head Peak, enjoy unparalleled 360-degree views.
• The trail traverses the high ridge before we drop into an aspen and pine forest for a technical singletrack ride of a lifetime (rocky sections, loose gravel, tight switchbacks).
• The afternoon brings more exhilarating downhill singletrack on the Lowder Ponds Trail, concluding with a two-mile climb to our high alpine camp above 10,000 feet.
• Total Mileage: 20 miles

Day 5: Bunker Creek Grand Finale & Cedar Breaks Beauty

• Today is the singletrack grand finale! We’ll ride directly from our high alpine camp to the Right Fork of Bunker Creek Trail.
• Dropping into the drainage is where the real fun begins – an incredible 3,000-foot singletrack descent through the trees with a small stream crossing.
• We'll conclude our ride near Panguitch Lake, load up the bikes, and shuttle to the rim of Cedar Breaks National Monument for more "beauty overload" and a final lunch before shuttling back to St. George.
• Total Mileage: 9 miles