Nestled near the quaint town of Hurricane in southwestern Utah, Gooseberry Mesa has marked its name on the heart of every passionate mountain biker. Over 30 miles of intriguing trails, spectacular views, less crowded than the popular Moab, and ideal for shoulder or winter-season mountain biking - all make Gooseberry Mesa a remarkable biking getaway. But before heading out to conquer these trails, there are a few things you need to be aware of.
Getting There
Gooseberry Mesa is located about 22 miles from the town of Hurricane. The journey involves a long drive on a washboard road that can be quite terrible. Once you leave the pavement, it's still a 7.5-mile drive until you reach the trailhead.
While a low clearance vehicle can make the journey, it's crucial to take it slow and ensure that it hasn't rained recently. Do not attempt to drive into the Gooseberry Mesa during or after rainfall. The region's clay soil transforms into a greasy, slippery layer that makes it difficult for vehicles, even 4x4, to maneuver through.Therefore, it's advised not to attempt the drive after a significant amount of rain.
There are three trailheads at Gooseberry Mesa: White Trailhead, Gooseberry Trailhead, and Windmill Trailhead.
- White Trailhead is the most frequented, situated at the beginning of the South Rim Trail and equipped with a pit toilet.
- Windmill Trailhead is the preferred choice for those looking to ride the Windmill Trail.
- Gooseberry Trailhead is primarily utilized for overflow parking or to bypass the roughest part of the dirt road for vehicles that may struggle with the terrain. However, if you're planning to bike to the South Rim Trail from here, be prepared for an additional mile each way.
Trails
Gooseberry Mesa boasts a multitude of trails varying from intense slickrock riding, winding singletrack through the high desert mesa to thrilling pedals along cliffs. You'll be constantly gifted with panoramic vistas of Zion National Park and free campsites located conveniently near the trailheads. But beware, due to the intense exposure along these trails, Gooseberry Mesa is not recommended for newbie riders or individuals uncomfortable with heights.
Best of gooseberry mesa
Embarking on an exhilarating journey, you can link a series of trails for an unforgettable ride. Start with the South Rim, transition onto the Gooseberry Mesa Point, and then take a brief section of the White Trail. Continue onto the Yellow Trail, before conquering the North Rim, Bowls and Ledges, and the Practice Loop. Finally, end your adventure with another small section of the White Trail. This route spans a total distance of 11.2 miles and includes 750ft of elevation - though be warned, it may feel like much more. This trail sequence can be ridden in either direction, offering a versatile experience for every visit.
Gander Shuttle
If you're fortunate enough to have access to two cars, the Gander Shuttle offers an exhilarating adventure. You have the option to begin at either the Windmill Trailhead or the White Trailhead. Opting for the White Trailhead allows you to connect the Practice to Bowls and Ledges, leading onto the Windmill. Gander is a 7.5-mile trail that is predominantly downhill, interspersed with a few small, punchy climbs. It offers a descent of 620ft and a climb of 260ft.
Gander is a bit more secluded, so you're less likely to encounter many people. However, it compensates with super scenic views, beautiful cliffs, and enjoyable riding. The trail offers a mix of technical and flowy sections. You can follow the trail all the way down, leading to a steep trail known as Grafton Wash.
Grafton Wash is a challenging 0.6-mile section characterized by loose rocks and a steep incline, often requiring a hike-a-bike approach to reach Grafton. If you prefer to avoid Grafton Wash, you can take a shortcut via the old access road. However, be aware that this will cause you to miss a significant portion of the Gander.
Mandatory Visit: Gooseberry Mesa Point
Your mountain biking trip on Gooseberry Mesa would be incomplete without visiting the Gooseberry Mesa Point. At this point, you'll encounter a striking 360-degree view of mountains, red rocks, valleys, and rivers. However, make sure to keep your focus on the trail as it's surrounded by 200ft+ cliffs.
Camping on Gooseberry Mesa
Gooseberry Mesa offers an abundance of dispersed camping spots scattered across the mesa. Many of these spots boast stunning views along the rim, providing a unique camping experience. Some spots even have fire rings for those who enjoy a good campfire. However, it's important to note that there are no amenities available, so campers must come prepared. Remember, the principle of 'leave no trace' is highly encouraged to maintain the natural beauty of the area.
Concluding Thoughts
Gooseberry Mesa stands as a memorable mountain biking destination with its picturesque views, intriguing terrain, free camping, among other things. Keep in mind the exposure risks and technical riding challenges. If those don't scare you, you're in for a truly exhilarating biking experience on Gooseberry Mesa.
- Category:
- Mountain Biking
