Gearhead's® Guide To Mountain Biking St. George & Virgin

Explore incredible trails, top-notch amenities, and stunning landscapes in Southern Utah.

St. George and Virgin, Utah, offer an extraordinary mountain biking experience for riders of all skill levels. With world-class trails ranging from smooth flow lines to technical descents, this area is a haven for biking enthusiasts. From the iconic freeride mecca of Virgin to the diverse trail networks in St. George, these destinations deliver excitement, challenge, and breathtaking scenery. 

Trail Highlights

Green Valley Trails 

Why We Love It: The Green Valley Trails provide a mix of technical challenges and smooth flow lines. Close to town and eMTB-friendly, this area is perfect for riders looking for variety in a compact space. 

• Zen: Rated Black Diamond, this trail features sandstone climbs, smooth rock sections, and stunning vistas. 
• Barrel: Rated Double Black Diamond, combining steep rock descents with fun jump lines. 
• Barrel Roll: Rated Blue Square, a flowing singletrack with technical rocky sections. 
• Bearclaw Poppy: Rated Green Circle, offering smooth, fast terrain that’s beginner-friendly. 

St. George Bike Park 

Why We Love It: A playground for progression, the St. George Bike Park offers a variety of features for riders to develop their skills. It’s an ideal spot for warmups, practice laps, or just a fun day of riding. 

• Black Jump Line: Rated Black Diamond, featuring expert jumps, wood skinnies, and a thrilling wall ride. 
• Blue Line: Rated Blue Square, a smooth flow trail with rollable dirt jumps. 
• Eastern Indigo: Rated Blue Square, designed for intermediate riders with berms and wooden features. 
• Black Mamba: Rated Black Diamond, this trail delivers big berms, sharp drops, and tabletop jumps. 

Virgin Trails 

Why We Love It: As the birthplace of freeride mountain biking, Virgin’s trails are legendary. This area is synonymous with technical descents, iconic lines, and the Red Bull Rampage. The rugged terrain and dramatic landscapes make every ride here unforgettable. 

• Flying Monkey: Rated Double Black Diamond, with steep technical descents and incredible views. 
• Holy Guacamole: Rated Blue Square, a scenic trail with technical climbs and petrified wood formations. 
• Grafton Mesa: Rated Double Black Diamond, featuring challenging rocky sections and thrilling downhill runs. 
• Wire Mesa: Rated Blue Square, offering smooth flow with stunning views of the mesa. 
• South Rim: Rated Black Diamond, showcasing slick rock climbs and rewarding vistas. 
• North Rim: Rated Blue Square, a flowing singletrack with rocky challenges. 
• Jem: Rated Green Circle, a beginner-friendly trail with fast, smooth descents. 

Gear Essentials For Every Ride 

Wearable Essentials 

• Hydration: Fanny pack, vest, or backpack with water. 
• Apparel: Breathable jerseys, padded shorts or pants, gloves, and socks. 
• Helmet: Half-shell for trails or full-face for downhill sections. 
• Protection: Knee and elbow pads, chest/spine protector, and optional neck brace. 

Trail Kit Must-Haves 

• Flat Repair: Tire plugs, patch kit, spare tube, and CO2 inflator. 
• Multi-Tool: Allen keys, chain tool, spoke wrench, and master link. 
• Emergency Kit: First aid supplies and emergency contact info. 

Mountain Bike Resources 

Navigating and optimizing your mountain biking adventures is seamless with the right tools. One standout resource for riders is Trailforks. 

Why Trailforks Is The Perfect On-Trail Tool 

Trailforks is much more than a map app; it’s a comprehensive tool tailored for mountain bikers. 

• Extensive Trail Database: Access a vast, community-driven database with detailed information on trails, including descriptions, difficulty ratings, photos, and user reviews. 
• Offline Access: Download trail maps for offline use, ensuring you stay on track even in remote areas without cell service. 
• Trail Conditions: Stay updated with real-time reports on closures, maintenance, and conditions to avoid surprises on the trail. 
• Elevation Profiles and Heatmaps: Plan your ride with elevation charts and heatmaps, perfect for gauging difficulty and popularity. 
• Emergency Features: Utilize GPS tracking and location-sharing tools for added safety during rides. 
• Community Insights: Tap into valuable local knowledge contributed by other riders, including tips, hidden gems, and trail etiquette. 

South Utah’s network of famous trails can get overwhelming (even for us locals). Trailforks is a must-have tool for all riders, so you spend more time hooting and less time lost. 

Bike Shops In St. George & Virgin

 Having the right gear and bike setup is essential for an unforgettable ride. Fortunately, St. George is home to two excellent bike shops that provide rentals, repairs, and expert advice:


Red Rock Bicycle Co. 

• What they offer: Full-service bike repairs, rentals, and a wide selection of gear. 
• Why riders love it: The friendly, knowledgeable staff provides excellent recommendations for local trails and custom setups. 
• Gearhead tip: Stop by to rent a high-performance mountain bike or to tune up your ride before hitting the trails. 


Over The Edge Sports 

• What they offer: High-end bike rentals, quality gear, and expert maintenance services. 
• Why riders love it: Known for its welcoming atmosphere and passionate staff who love helping riders of all levels. 


Gearhead Tip: Chat with the team to get insider tips on trail conditions and hidden gems in the area. 

Dining In St. George & Virgin

Sit-Down Restaurants

• Wood Ash Rye: Farm-to-table dishes featuring local ingredients. 
• Irmita’s Casita: Authentic Mexican cuisine with hearty portions. 
• Pig’s Ear American Bistro: Creative American classics with bold flavors. 
• Stage Coach Grille: Known for its hearty burgers and steaks. 
• Balcony One: Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with stunning views. 
• Sakura Japanese Steakhouse: Fresh sushi and entertaining hibachi-style dining. 

Quick Bites

• Café Feellove: Great for coffee and light snacks. 
• Farmstead: Famous for sandwiches made with fresh, organic ingredients. 
• River Rock Roasting Company: A cozy spot for pastries and house-roasted coffee. 
• Nielsen’s Frozen Custard: Perfect for a post-ride sweet treat. 

Grocery Stores 

• Davis Food And Drug: Stock up on snacks and essentials. 
• Digby’s: Convenient and well-stocked for your grocery needs. 

Lodging & Camping In St. George & Virgin

Hotels

• Inn on The Cliff St. George: Modern amenities and stunning views. 
• Best Western Plus Abbey Inn: A comfortable option with easy trail access. 
• The Advenire: A boutique hotel blending style and comfort. 

Camping

• Green Valley Access Road: Offers a rugged camping experience near popular trails. 
• Gooseberry Mesa BLM Access Road: Ideal for secluded camping under the stars. 
• Sheep Bridge Road: A scenic spot close to trailheads. 

Glamping Alternatives 

• Under Canvas Zion: Luxury camping with access to incredible trails. 
• Zion Wildflower Resort: Unique accommodations just minutes from Virgin’s iconic trails. 

Airbnb 

St. George, Utah, is a premier destination for mountain biking, and its Airbnb options are as diverse as its trails. From stylish downtown condos to spacious desert retreats, these rentals are tailored to meet the needs of mountain bikers. Many Airbnbs offer bike-friendly amenities like secure storage, repair stations, and easy access to iconic trails like Gooseberry Mesa and the Zen Trail. St. George’s Airbnbs provide the comfort, convenience, and proximity to trails that every mountain biker needs for an unforgettable ride. 

Best Time To Visit St. George & Virgin

The best riding conditions in St. George are in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). These seasons offer mild temperatures and stunning desert views. Winter provides a great escape for riders from colder climates, while summer rides are best reserved for early mornings or evenings to avoid the heat. 

Why St. George & Virgin? 

From diverse trail systems to exceptional dining and lodging, St. George and Virgin deliver an unforgettable mountain biking experience. You’ll be itching to come back to the red-rock town before you even leave. 


Gear up and explore Southern Utah—your next adventure awaits! 

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