Trail Description:
The Gooseberry Mesa Trail Network consists of numerous interconnected slickrock and singletrack loops, bisected by mellow doubletrack jeep trail. Each of the loops can be ridden in either direction. Individual loops range from the aptly named Slikrok 101 Loop, which is almost parking lot-smooth; to the bizarrely technical and anaerobically exhausting Skyline section. Gooseberry Mesa is relatively flat, but has a 3 degree tilt to the east. This means that whenever you are headed out, (westbound) you are generally climbing, and on your way back, (eastbound) you are generally descending. Every trail section is therefore slightly faster and noticeably less technical on the way back. Intermediate skill level riders often do the climb to the point on the Left Fork doubletrack, and then return on the singletrack and slickrock sections. While trail sections along Gooseberry's north and south rims are spectacular, the views from the far western point of the mesa make it the primary destination of most riders. There, the mesa narrows down to only 17 feet wide, with a 200 foot cliff on three sides, and a 2000 foot talus slope extending down to the valley floor below. Views from the point include an all-encompassing, panorama of Zion National Park to the north, Pine Valley Mountains Wilderness Area and parts of southern Nevada to the west, and portions of northern Arizona to the south.
How to get there:
Getting to Virgin, UT - Mostlikely you'll fly into Las Vegas then drive 2 1/2 hours north to Springdale, UT. An alternative is to fly into St. George, UT.
From Springdale - drive 4 miles west on UT-9 to the east end of Rockville turning left on Bridge Road. This can be easy to pass so keep your eyes open. Go 1.6 miles, crossing over the Virgin River, the turning left at a T-intersection onto the Smithsonian Butte Scenic Backway. Follow maintained dirt road 4.9 miles turning right on Gooseberry Mesa Road. Sections of this road can be very very rough. After 3.6 miles, turn left onto an unsigned double track and go 1 mile to the trailhead at a cattle gate.
From St. George, drive north about 7 miles on I-15 then go east on UT-9 to Hurricane, UT. In Hurricane, turn right on UT-59 heading west for 14.4 miles. Look for Smithsonian Butte Scenic Backway signs, you'll make a left onto a maintained dirt road. This is an unmarked road located between mile markers 8 and 9. Head north 2.9 miles then left at the fence signed Gooseberry Mesa Road. Drive 3.6 miles on dirt road taking a left onto an unsigned double track and go 1 mile to the trailhead at a cattle gate.
Thanks to the efforts of local mountain bikers, there is now a kiosk listing trails on the mesa near the parking lot. Gooseberry Mesa is the only officially recognized mountain bike trail network on BLM land in Utah. The ceremony officially opening the trails was recently held on October 16, 1999.
Additional Notes:
Accurate, detailed trail maps for this and other rides in the area, as well as desert riding advice,
| Posted by: Mitch on 3/18/2008 |
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Went with a group of guys during spring break to ride the trails of Southern Utah and this one came up as a must ride. Undoubtably one of the best rides I have done. Lots of fun to be had by all. To include the thrills and spills of a technical ride. Not to mention the views from the Mesa are incredable. I highly recommend this trail to all.
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| Posted by: most fun trail on 10/4/2007 |
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This is the most fun I've ever had on a bicycle. Equals a deep powder day.
Made me a better rider pushing my limits every second. GO!
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| Posted by: SLATE on 7/9/2007 |
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GREAT opening description. All I needed to know (along with pics) about the bike I should bring.
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| Posted by: rmccann on 6/22/2007 |
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This trail is a must ride if you're in the St. George
area. there is not much elevation change from the
trailhead to the point on the west end of the mesa.
the trail is an excellent combination of singletrack
and slickrock. the vistas are amazing with views
into zion and to the valley below from the top of
the mesa. bring water and plenty of it if you ride
this in the summer.
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| Posted by: Pfrosty on 3/26/2007 |
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I hit this trail for the 3rd time last weekend. It will never cease to amaze me how awesome this trail is. Our group ran into Morgan, who, with his brother in 1993 decided to make the trail. He comes out once a year to repaint the white dots. I recommend this to any mtn biker that enjoys good mix of single track and slick rock. Never a dull moment on Gooseberry!!
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| Posted by: Simon on 3/22/2006 |
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There is nothing quite like climbing a technical section
knowing that if you make a wrong move you're
history. Two hundred feet of air and sharp rocks at the
bottom certainly add a new level of excitement to the
journey.
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| Posted by: More Bid on 3/13/2006 |
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my friend stayed and decided to start and charge
admission
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| Posted by: Seth on 2/16/2006 |
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I've biked moab for fifteen years and finally rode gooseberry last year. It is by far my favorite place to ride. The best of everything. Freeride fun.
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| Posted by: Tschoenu on 11/21/2005 |
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I've been on lot's of different trails around the
world, but gooseberry mesa is my all time favorite!
i'm waiting for the next stop in hurricane.... A guy
from switzerland
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| Posted by: downhill mike on 3/13/2004 |
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i drive from lake placid, n.y. twice a year to ride this trail. one of the funnest trails anywhere.
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