Here in Boulder, Spring has definitely sprung. Sure, we’re bound to get another dose of winter weather at some point over the next few months, but for now everyone and their brother are out on their mountain bikes enjoying the 70 degree weather… and we certainly can’t blame them. March is the time every serious mountain biker starts thinking about a long-weekend trip to warmer climates, where he or she can enjoy some Desert Southwest riding. Not by chance, here at Chasing Epic we happen to serve three of those such locations: Fruita, Sedona, and St. George.
Some people have asked why we don’t do trips in Moab. Sure, we love riding in Moab, and I’m sure you do too. What’s not to like with killer trails and beautiful (but harsh) landscape scenery as far as the eye can see. However, visit Moab on any weekend between February and June, and there’s a good chance you’ll be riding a congo line up your favorite trail. We prefer to visit the off-the-radar destinations where we can get away from crowds and ride trails that are just as good, but far less crowded.
The top three must-ride mountain bike destinations for 2016 are Fruita, Sedona, and St. George. Each one has its own character and qualities that make it unique and they should all be at the top of any rider’s bucket list. And best of all if you do it right, you won’t have to worry about crowded trails when you’re having the weekend of your life.
Fruita
Located just four hours from both Denver and SLC, Fruita (and neighboring Grand Junction) is the perfect spring destination for a quick three-day weekend. There are enough trails to keep you busy for a week, and to get the most out of your 3-day trip you should ride with someone who knows the trails.
The main networks are 18 Road (North Fruita Desert Trails), Kokopelli/Loma Trails, Rabbit Valley, and the Lunch Loops in Grand Junction. Physical exertion level is intermediate, while the technical ability is intermediate with some advanced riding mixed in.
Longer rides are easier due to the lack of technical or extended climbs, and the views of the Bookcliffs and Colorado River are fantastic. Our weapon of choice for Fruita? None other than one of our Ibis Mojo HD3s.
Sedona
Sedona is just two hours north of Phoenix, and is one of the most picturesque towns in the country. The weather is absolutely perfect for mountain biking from March through May, where visitors can expect 75 degrees and sunny most days.
Sedona has hundreds of miles of trails in and around town, but they’re networks of shorter trails, so you really need an experienced guide to link together trails. The famous trails in Sedona are Mezcal, Chuckwagon, HiLine, Slim Shady, and Hangover.
New trails are being built or legalized all the time. The riding in Sedona can be very technical, so be sure to bring your A-game. There are plenty of intermediate-level trails as well, but expect short technical sections mixed in.
In Sedona it always feels like you rode twice as far as you actually did. Our weapon of choice for the trails in Sedona is the Ibis Mojo HD3, although one of our Ripley LS 29ers would do the job as well.
St. George
St. George is only 90 minutes east of Las Vegas, and under six hours from San Diego, LA, and SLC- making it an easy destination to get to regardless of where you’re coming from. Spring weather is perfect for mountain biking both in the valley and on the mesas, and the town sits close to both Zion NP and Snow Canyon SP.
The riding in St. George is incredible, with miles of trails right in town as well as the “bucket list rides” out on the mesas near Hurricane, only 15 minutes away. The popular trails are Hurricane Rim (an IMBA Epic), Gooseberry Mesa, Guacamole, Little Creek, the Santa Clara trails, and the Zen trail.
St. George trails aren’t too technical (but they can be!), and they’re not physically difficult either, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for a long day in the saddle. It’s a great mix of fun technical features mixed in with gentle, rolling terrain.
The views are incredible in every direction. Our weapon of choice for St. George is the Ibis Ripley LS.
