The Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument covers 1.9 million acres of public lands in southern Utah, with several hundred miles of roads. Many routes are ideal for family or group trips that are vehicle-supported. Mountain biking is a refreshing way to experience the variety of landscapes that the Monument has to offer.
These lands are rugged and primitive, appealing to those looking for an adventure. Remoteness, limited travel corridors, and low visitation have all helped to preserve this type of opportunity. Help us maintain these values by planning your trip well, being prepared, and camping light. Water is not available along these mountain bike routes, so be sure to carry plenty with you.
Some suggested
Mountain Biking routs include:
Cottonwood Canyon
About 40 miles from Highway 89 to Kodachrome Basin State Park (an additional 6 miles to Cannonville); some steep climbs. Access the Cockscomb and lower Cottonwood Canyon from Highway 89 or Highway 12. This is a well traveled road; the ride is easier if you start at Kodachrome Basin and go south.
Johnson Canyon / Skutumpah
Approximately 65 miles from Highway 89 to Cannonville / Highway 12; some steep climbs. The Johnson Canyon Road, 11 miles east of Kanab on Highway 89, provides access to the canyons and terraces of the Grand Staircase. Many rides of varying lengths can be made from Johnson Canyon and Skutumpah roads.
Sand Gulch / Paria Breaks
This route follows a road that offers a “back way” into the Paria Movie Set. For mountain bike riders, this is great because traffic is low. The route can be accessed from Highway 89. The ride starts at the corral, 1 mile west of the Movie Set turnoff. The corral area has plenty of space to park and unload bikes. The route follows the road out of the corral heading west for about 1.25 miles and then makes a sharp turn back to the east, ending at the Paria Movie Set. You must cross a wide wash to access the movie set.
Cedar Wash Loop
From Escalante, ride east on Highway 12 to the Hole-in-the-Rock Road and follow the signs to Cedar Wash Road, which returns into town. Views of the Straight Cliffs and access (short hikes) to two natural arches.
Nipple Loop
This route leaves Big Water and heads north along Nipple Creek Wash to Nipple Butte (about 14 miles one way). From Nipple Butte a loop can be made down Tibbet Canyon (about 12 miles).
Smoky Mountain / Smoky Hollow Loop
About 31 miles; strenuous. From Big Water, ride east on the Warm Creek Road into Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the intersection with the Smoky Mountain / Smoky Hollow Roads (approximately 16 miles one way). Continue north up Warm Creek / Smoky Hollow to the Smoky Mountain Road and return south on this road to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Fifty-Mile Bench
About 27 miles round trip; strenuous elevation gain of 2,300 feet. Begin from Hole-in-the-Rock Road at Willow Tank, 34.2 miles south of Highway 12. This route heads up Willow Tank slide to Fifty-Mile Bench, south along the bench, and descends Sooner Slide to Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Return north to Willow Tank. This route follows the Straight Cliffs high above the desert floor.
Egypt
About 10 miles one way; 300-foot elevation gain. Begin from Hole-in-the-Rock Road 16.5 miles south of Highway 12. Ride east, crossing Twenty-Five Mile Wash, to the Egypt trailhead. Please note that mountain bikes are not allowed on the Egypt trail.
Wolverine / Circle Cliffs Loop
About 43 miles round trip; fairly level. This tour leaves Burr Trail 19 miles east of Boulder. Ride south on the Wolverine Canyon road, which loops back to the Burr Trail after 29 miles. Complete the loop by riding west on the Burr Trail 14 miles.