Top 3 Most Scenic Mountain Bike Rides in Utah: Jaw-Dropping Trails You Have to See to Believe
Utah is home to some of the most visually stunning mountain bike trails in the world. Whether you’re weaving through towering red rock formations, carving along cliffside mesas, or descending through alpine meadows, these trails offer not just epic riding—but unforgettable scenery. If you’re chasing views as much as velocity, these are the top 3 scenic mountain bike trails in Utah you won’t want to miss.
1. Gooseberry Mesa – Hurricane, UT
Gooseberry Mesa is a visual masterpiece. Set atop a red rock mesa with sweeping 360-degree views of Zion National Park, this trail system blends surreal slickrock riding with endless vistas. The contrast of blue skies, white Navajo sandstone, and red rock cliffs is nothing short of magical.
- Trail Type: Slickrock + singletrack
- Scenery: Zion cliffs, vast desert valleys, and colorful rock formations
- Best Trail for Views: South Rim Trail – ride along the mesa’s edge with insane drop-offs and panoramas
- Rider Tip: Bring a camera—this is one of the most photogenic trails in the U.S.
2. Thunder Mountain – Red Canyon/Bryce Area
Riding Thunder Mountain is like mountain biking through a fantasy world. The trail winds through vibrant red hoodoos and spires that rival anything in nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. As you flow along the ridgeline, you’re immersed in one of the most unique landscapes in the West.
- Trail Type: Singletrack through red rock formations
- Scenery: Hoodoos, cliffs, pine forests, and wide-open desert views
- Highlight Section: The ridgeline descent through the hoodoos feels like riding on another planet
- Best Time to Ride: Late spring through fall for cooler temps and vibrant colors
3. Bunker Creek – Brian Head, UT
Nestled in the alpine highlands of Southern Utah, Bunker Creek delivers a long, scenic descent from Brian Head Peak through wildflower meadows, aspen groves, and conifer forests. It’s a dramatic change of scenery from the desert trails—and the cooler mountain temps are a huge bonus.
- Trail Type: Long forested singletrack descent
- Scenery: Lush meadows, aspen tunnels, and volcanic rock formations
- Epic Feature: Panoramic views from the top at over 11,000 feet, followed by 12 miles of downhill bliss
- Pro Tip: Ride in mid-summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom
Final Thoughts
Utah isn’t just a place to ride—it’s a place to experience nature in its most epic form. From the sandstone mesas of Gooseberry, to the hoodoo wonderland of Thunder Mountain, to the alpine flow of Bunker Creek, these trails deliver unforgettable beauty with every mile.
Whether you’re an avid mountain biker or a weekend warrior looking for your next adventure, these scenic Utah MTB trails will leave you breathless—in the best way possible.
Launch Metrics 
Leave a comment