East Bench Trail

The Cedar Mountain loop via Turnpike offers a quintessential high desert mountain biking experience near Cedar City, Utah. You'll navigate primarily singletrack trails winding through juniper and pinion pine, with expansive views of the valley and striking eastern cliffs, particularly along the southern half of the Turnpike Trail. The terrain features mild elevation changes and some flat, rolling rocky sections, providing a flowing ride that's both engaging and accessible for a wide range of riders.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with the Southview trailhead providing ample parking, a bathroom with running water, and a bike repair stand. Given the minimal shade, it's wise to tackle this 21.9-mile (35.2 km) route, which involves 2,726 feet (831 metres) of climbing and takes about 3 hours and 31 minutes, during cooler parts of the day. Remember to bring plenty of water, especially on warm afternoons, to stay hydrated on this moderate difficulty trail.

This loop is a fantastic option for early-intermediate to strong-beginner mountain bikers looking for a cross-country training ground or simply a scenic outing. It's part of the Iron Hills Trail System, and the Turnpike trail itself acts as a key connector, allowing you to link up with more challenging routes like Elevate and Black Ops if you're seeking a longer adventure. E-bikes are permitted, and leashed dogs are welcome, making it a versatile choice for many.

The Cedar Highlands loop offers a dynamic and engaging mountain biking experience within the extensive Iron Hills Trail System near Cedar City, Utah. This moderate 11.1-mile (17.8 km) route features a diverse mix of singletrack and forest roads, with smooth, flowy sections and technical challenges. You'll enjoy fantastic views of Cedar City and the valley below, especially vibrant during autumn, as the scenery transitions from high desert to forested mountain slopes. With 1363 feet (415 metres) of climbing, it typically takes about 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride, you'll find that the lower desert trails, including this loop, are often accessible year-round, weather permitting. It's important to avoid riding in muddy conditions to help preserve the machine-built trails. While the Cedar Highlands loop itself is rated moderate, be aware that combining it with other routes like the C-Trail can increase the difficulty, demanding good fitness and advanced riding skills.

This popular mountain biking route is a highlight of the well-designed Iron Hills Trail System. It connects to other trails such as the C-Trail, Green Hollow, and Lava Flow, offering plenty of options for extended adventures. The Highlands Trail section, known for its jumps, drops, and berms, is a particular favorite for descents from the north, adding to the varied experience of the area.

The C-Trail offers an exhilarating mountain biking experience, covering 8.4 miles (13.5 km) with a significant descent of 2162 feet (659 metres). You can expect to complete this moderate route in approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. As you navigate the trail, you'll encounter varied terrain, from cool aspen groves to challenging switchbacks and rock gardens. The route provides expansive views, especially from the C-Overlook, where you can see Cedar City and the vast desert landscapes.

Planning your ride on the C-Trail requires some preparation, as this route is considered advanced-intermediate technical, or black diamond, and is not suitable for novice riders. You will need strong confidence, excellent balance, and precise braking control to handle its many tight turns. While primarily a downhill experience, be ready for sections with loose gravel and sharp basalt fields in the lower parts of the trail. This route is frequently ridden as a shuttle run, but you can also incorporate it into longer loop rides if you prefer.

This classic singletrack descent is known for being a super-twisty flight straight down Cedar Mountain, providing a thrilling ride for experienced mountain bikers. The trail's design and natural features make it a popular choice for those seeking a challenging and engaging ride in the Iron Hills Trail System. It stands out in the region for its combination of technical sections and panoramic vistas, offering a memorable outing.