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Thunder Mountain Trail #33098

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (108)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Dixie National Forest
  5. Red Canyon
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“Trail quality reminiscent of Sedona and majestic views reflective of Bryce Canyon. WOW! ”

Markk Knowles
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Map Key

8.1

Miles

13.1

KM
Singletrack

8,263' 2,519 m

High

7,084' 2,159 m

Low

689' 210 m

Up

1,681' 512 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Views

Description

Thunder Mountain Trail is west of Bryce Canyon National Park in Red Canyon of Dixie National Forest. The amazing views of Thunder Mountain will blow you away. Trail quality is mostly smooth hard pack but has short serious sections of loose, steep, switchbackery madness. There aren't much in the way of steps or drops, the technical sections are short and walk-able with the climbing mostly moderate, making this trail a manageable ride for most riders.

The trail is mapped here as a mostly downhill (although you'll question that at times) but can be done a number of ways. We parked at the lower trailhead and shuttled to the top at Coyote Hollow and rode the dirt road to the Thunder trailhead (you can drive the dirt road to Coyote Hollow parking as well). Some ride the Red Canyon Trail (paved) to the top then down adding an extended warm-up climb of nearly 5.0 miles. Others may choose to ride the trail in reverse then back down to their cars on the paved trail that parallels the road (the "crazy" option).

The dirt road climbs gradually from 7,800' to the trailhead at a bit over 8,000' with a peak elevation of 8,200'. After this the trail is downhill with a few short exceptions.

You'll enjoy the many swooping hills and valleys along the way with many memorable photo opportunities to store away.

The last mile to parking is a blast! Let the brakes free and fly through the smooth flowing singletrack at blistering speeds....if you dare!

Red Canyon Campground is an excellent Federal campground that sits just east from the Red Canyon Visitor Center. Open seasonally usually from May-September. Flush toilets, pay hot showers, grilled fire rings and barbecue grills are amenities for these cozy campsites nestled between the shady trees. There was even free wifi during our visit! National Forest campgrounds in the Powell Ranger District are first-come-first-served except the group site at Kings Creek campground near Tropic Reservoir (camping reservations for all of Dixie NF can be found here: recreation.gov/camping/gate…) Private campgrounds are nearby and may have reserveable spots made online. We arrived before noon on Saturday and great spots were available. There are also a number of free BLM and USFS dispersed sites in the immediate area, check with Red Canyon Visitor Center or Powell District office (located in Panguitch) for current regulations and closures.
Red Canyon Visitor Center: 435-676-2676
Powell District Office: 435-676-9300

Contacts

Local Club: Trail Alliance of Southern Utah (TASU)

Land Manager: USFS - Dixie National Forest Office

Shared By:

Markk Knowles with improvements by Josh D and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 108 votes

#1

in Red Canyon

#3

Overall
  4.6 from 108 votes
5 Star
76%
4 Star
16%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
1%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Red Canyon

#2

in Utah

#3

Overall
265 Views Last Month
95,402 Since Jun 24, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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25%
19%
55%
1%
Add a Photo

Photos

Susan B rolling through the Hoodoos near Bryce. Behind the camera is Zach B.
Aug 10, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
This is an AMAZING trail.
Nov 21, 2013 near Panguitch, UT
Thunder Mountain Trail near Bryce Canyon, Utah.
Oct 26, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Riding with the hoodoos.
Jun 14, 2016 near Panguitch, UT
Thunder Mountain Trail downhill.
Jul 19, 2019 near Panguitch, UT
Shredding another switchback
Jun 24, 2013 near Panguitch, UT

18 Comments

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 14, 2024
Lost Justpastnowhere
Jul 20, 2022
Mark Loftin
Epic desert scenery with steeples
Jul 2, 2022
Scott Brown
8.1mi — 2h 30m
Jun 24, 2021
Dustin Anderson
May 16, 2021
Ryan Stout
Super dry and blown out. The trail is not in great shape. The views are spectacular.
Apr 12, 2021
Owen Shin
Nov 3, 2020
Antony Vo
2h 00m
Oct 15, 2020
Jacob Crockett
Took the whole family (8, 10, 13, and 15 year old boys). We loved it!

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Stewarded by Trail Alliance of Southern Utah (TASU)
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