Gooseberry Mesa 5-Day Slickrock Tour

RIDING TYPE | ◆︎ Advanced
TRIP DURATION | 5-Days
SEASON | March – April / October
PRICE | $1,845 pp

Experience the ultimate Gooseberry Mesa mountain bike tour, where you’ll navigate the world-class technical slickrock and winding pinyon-juniper singletrack just south of Zion National Park. This fully supported Southern Utah cycling adventure handles every logistical detail from gourmet meals to gear transport, allowing you to focus entirely on conquering ‘The Goose’ and breathtaking Kolob Canyon vistas.

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.
Total Mileage: 8-24 miles per day
Packing for your trip

Day 1: Santa Clara River Reserve & Desert Discovery

  • Your Utah singletrack adventure begins as we meet in St. George, UT.
  • We’ll head to the Santa Clara River Reserve, diving into flowing desert singletrack that winds through fascinating landscapes.
  • This day serves as a perfect introduction to Southern Utah's unique riding and sets the stage for the technical singletrack to come.
  • Total Mileage: 12–17 miles

Day 2: JEM Trail's High-Speed Flow & Virgin River Views

  • Today features the exhilarating JEM Trail, renowned for its high-speed desert cruising.
  • The trail carves a fantastic line along a cliffside overlooking the Virgin River, providing thrilling descents and breathtaking views over the river drainage.
  • This combination of speed and scenery makes for an unforgettable experience on this St. George area bike tour.
  • Total Mileage: 24 miles

Day 3: Little Creek Mesa's Technicolor Slickrock

  • Prepare for a unique technicolor rock experience on Little Creek Mesa.
  • This ride provides an excellent introduction to true rock riding, with trails meticulously rerouted by the BLM and IMBA for optimal flow and challenge.
  • You'll navigate a diverse landscape of smooth slickrock sections interspersed with technical challenges, honing your skills on some of the best slickrock biking Utah has to offer.
  • Total Mileage: 12–18 miles

Day 4: Gooseberry Mesa's Technical Heart & Zion Views

  • Today is the highlight for many riders – a full day conquering the famed Gooseberry Mesa.
  • This tight, technical mountain bike trail is a true test of skill, featuring intricate slickrock lines and dropping into thrilling rock canyons.
  • You'll be rewarded with unparalleled, expansive views of Zion Canyon, making every challenging maneuver worthwhile during this iconic day.
  • Total Mileage: 10–15 miles

Day 5: Gooseberry Mesa Grand Finale: Knobs, Twists & Turns

  • Conclude your Utah singletrack adventure with more epic riding on Gooseberry Mesa.
  • We'll explore additional technical loops, tackling steep climbs, intricate slickrock knobs, and tight switchbacks.
  • The ride features challenging off-camber sections and firm sand, ensuring a grand finale that utilizes all your newly honed skills.
  • After this exhilarating finish, we'll shuttle back to St. George, celebrating an unforgettable guided Gooseberry Mesa bike trip.
  • Total Mileage: 8–10 miles

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.

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

Q: What specific technical skills (exposure tolerance, climbing steep slickrock, navigating tight turns) are mandatory for safely enjoying the Gooseberry Mesa sections?

  • A: Navigating steep slickrock rollers up and down. Some 1-2ft drops (not mandatory, there are ride arounds). Front wheel lifts, up and down.

Q: Given the remote nature of Gooseberry Mesa, how are riders managed and supported when the support vehicle cannot access the singletrack trails?

  • A: 2 guides will ride with the group daily, 1 in front and the other bringing up the rear. Via the daily map talks there will be mandatory regroup spots, lunch spot etc. The lead guide will set the pace stopping at these regroup spots to bring everyone back together.

Need more information about our trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring 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 

RIDING TYPE | ◆︎ Advanced

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | March - April / October

Gooseberry Mesa 5-Day Slickrock Tour

Conquer Gooseberry Mesa: Utah's Premier Slickrock

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 BLM and local 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.

Our decades of proven experience and unwavering reliability mean you can focus solely on mastering Utah's legendary slickrock with confidence.

Advanced Slickrock, Zion Panoramas & Technical Flow

This Guided Gooseberry Mesa Bike Trip is tailored for Advanced riders who possess a high level of cycling skill, featuring:

  • Iconic Slickrock Trails: Ride the famous Gooseberry Mesa itself, along with other celebrated Utah singletrack experiences like JEM Trail and Little Creek Mesa.
  • Technical & Flowy: Conquer a diverse mix of terrain, from tight, technical singletrack and challenging climbs on slickrock knobs to flowing desert trails. This is truly technical singletrack Utah mountain biking at its best.
  • Breathtaking Views: Experience stunning panoramic vistas of Zion National Park's Kolob Canyons and colossal walls.
  • Fully Supported: All logistics are expertly handled, allowing you to focus on mastering the challenging slickrock without worry.

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.
  • Total Mileage: 8-24 miles per day

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.

Q: What specific technical skills (exposure tolerance, climbing steep slickrock, navigating tight turns) are mandatory for safely enjoying the Gooseberry Mesa sections?

  • A: Navigating steep slickrock rollers up and down. Some 1-2ft drops (not mandatory, there are ride arounds). Front wheel lifts, up and down.

Q: Given the remote nature of Gooseberry Mesa, how are riders managed and supported when the support vehicle cannot access the singletrack trails?

  • A: 2 guides will ride with the group daily, 1 in front and the other bringing up the rear. Via the daily map talks there will be mandatory regroup spots, lunch spot etc. The lead guide will set the pace stopping at these regroup spots to bring everyone back together.
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Need more information about our trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring 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 5-Day Slickrock Tour

PRICE | $1,845 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

Gallery

See what some of our guest are saying:

Matt was excellent at knowing the trails and trips, Frank was great with his knowledge of the geology and the area. They are both great cooks also! Another great trip. - Laura 

-A DAY WITH

Western Spirit

Three chapters to every day on the trail. We sweat the details so you can simply ride, eat well, and look up.

A Day With

Rise & Shine

Wake to cowboy coffee on the rim, fresh fruit, pancakes and granola. Unforgettable sunrises over the canyon — every single morning.

Midday

Hit The Trail

From the Rainbow Rim Trail to the White Rim Road in Canyonlands, our guides put you on the right line for breathtaking Grand Canyon views.

Evening

Apres

We pick camps for a reason. Rivers, lakes, sunset vistas — and a chef-prepared meal under one of the darkest skies in the lower 48.

TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

~ Christl

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

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

~ Paul

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

~ David

“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

“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

“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
“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

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

~ Jason

“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

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

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