MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

Thunder Mountain Ride

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (114)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Dixie National Forest
  5. Red Canyon
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A bucket list ride in middle-of-nowhere Utah that could be mistaken for Mars. ”

Brian Smith
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

15.9

Miles

25.7

KM

55%

Singletrack

8,261' 2,518 m

High

7,085' 2,159 m

Low

1,627' 496 m

Up

1,633' 498 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

24%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This ride has it all: A mellow climb on a paved bike path, rolling singletrack through alpine pine forest, and ripping descents through an otherworldly Martian landscape littered with hoodoos.

Need to Know

  • This route can be approached from a couple different ways: Riders looking to speed things up can shuttle to the start of the Thunder Mountain Trail and bypass the bike path climb. Or, if you want more challenge forego the loop and ride the Thunder Mountain Trail as a more technically-demanding, 100% singletrack out-and-back adventure.
  • Though desert-y, this ride is at elevation and is susceptible to winter conditions during the season.

Description

From the parking lot at the bottom of Thunder Mountain Trail #33098, hop onto the Red Canyon Bike Trail #33016 and settle in for a mellow and extremely scenic 5.5-mile climb. After the path flattens out and enters a broad prairie, look for the turnoff to Coyote Hollow Road (FSR #113) on the right.

Pedal the mellow dirt road for about two miles to the upper Thunder Mountain TH. Jump onto the beautiful singletrack and enjoy the undulating ride as it contours into and out of countless forested drainages. Eventually, the grade will trend more continuously upward and you'll climb to the ride's high-point at about mile 11.75.

Take in the ridiculously unique and scenic views and prepare yourself for some amazing descending to come. A couple short climbs break up what is an otherwise ripping 1,400-foot descent, but you'll be thankful because the climbs allow you to soak in the incredible surroundings.

The trail varies from wide-open and smooth to tight and technical, so be ready for anything. The pea gravel tread rolls fast as all get out but can be less-than-inspiring through corners. Trust the hardpack underneath the ball bearings and ye shall have a grand ol' time.

Eventually, after a series of snaking switchbacks, you'll find yourself in a canyon bottom facing the last short climb of the ride. Grind it out and get ready for a ripping straight-away back to the trailhead. There you'll find your car, pit toilets, and hopefully some post-ride libations.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Dixie National Forest Office

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 114 votes

#1

in Red Canyon

#57

Overall
  4.6 from 114 votes
5 Star
71%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Red Canyon

#10

in Utah

#57

Overall
101 Views Last Month
29,731 Since Jan 10, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
12%
33%
54%
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

11 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 5 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 14, 2024
Lost Justpastnowhere
Dec 27, 2023
Mark Loftin
Oct 19, 2023
Clare Shemeta
best ride ever. up thunder, down the paved. so scenic & great trail construction 16mi
Oct 18, 2023
Matt Wolfington
Fantastic trail. You need climbing legs, riding or walking, and be ready to take pics. Don't bother with busy Bryce Canyon. Just ride here. 18mi — 2h 49m
Oct 17, 2023
Atsuko Ohtake
Oct 9, 2023
Misty Padilla
So beautiful. As an intermediate biker, I struggles with some of the steep, loose rock sections, walked the bike a decent amount. Worth it though! 15.4mi — 3h 11m
Jul 30, 2023
Lindsay Gamster
May 29, 2023
Jess Root

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started