Bunker Creek from Brian Head

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

This is a fun shuttle run from Brian Head Peak to Panguitch Lake, Utah. There is nice singletrack, great scenery, and the route is almost all downhill. The last five miles go from singletrack to doubletrack to pavement. After the 2017 fire, local mountain bike clubs have worked hard to clear the trail and cut new sections.

At these elevations, be prepared for cold or stormy weather. I listed the trail as intermediate difficulty, but there are a few spots that will test a good intermediate rider. You can catch a shuttle at The Brian Head Giant Steps lodge or George's shop and they will take you up to Brian Head Peak (11,300 feet elevation) and pick you up at Panguitch. The Burger Barn at the end of the ride is a pick up spot for return shuttle and has amazing bbq. As of the time of this posting, the shuttle was a bargain at $20. Of course, you can also self-shuttle.

Park near Brian Head Peak at the pit toilets. Cross the road and hop on the Sydney Peaks Trail marked by a short steep climb up well stacked slabs of rock. After the brief climb, enjoy a fun flat section filled with optional jumps and rock rollers. Follow the Sydney Peaks Trail for the next 4.1 miles, experiencing down country vibes with a mix of flat corners, rock features, and high-speed descents, with a few manageable climbs rewarded by exhilarating downhill stretches.

Upon reaching the end of the Sydney Peaks Trail, you'll arrive at the edge of a beautiful viewpoint and the rock climbing area known as The Overlook. Take a moment to catch your breath before descending Bunker Creek. Cross the road and follow the well-marked trail, Bunker Creek North, downhill. (Note: It may be labeled Bunker Creek Right Fork, but will be on your left side coming from this direction.)

This is where the trail comes alive, with well-built corners, grade reversals, doubles, and other exciting features. Depending on recent rainfall, the trail surface can be extremely tacky or loose, both of which offer an enjoyable experience. Be cautious and control your speed in sections, as short tree stumps await around some corners and off kilter sections. Continue on Bunker Creek for 3.5 miles before turning right across a well-marked bridge onto the lower section of the trail.

Follow the lower section of Bunker Creek for another 3.4 miles, enjoying fun corners and wooden skinny features, before emerging onto a dirt road. Take a right turn downhill towards the lower parking lot, where hopefully you have arranged a shuttle.

Note: You can pedal back up this trail if you feel inclined. A good climbing route would be Lower Bunker Creek to South Fork Bunker Creek, to Sydney Peaks Trail, back to the top. While this is a bidirectional trail be aware that people ride Bunker Creek downhill at high speeds.