New Mountain Biking Trails Unveiled in Southern Utah

Southern Utah's mountain biking landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to the continuous efforts of the Trail Alliance of Southern Utah (TASU). Following the successful launch of the Hell Hole downhill track in 2024, TASU is now rolling out an even more challenging expert-level descent and nearing completion of the extensive Cliffrose Trail System. These developments are set to solidify St. George, Utah, as a prime destination for mountain biking enthusiasts seeking varied and exhilarating terrain.

The latest addition to the Revenant Trail System is a formidable parallel track to the existing Hell Hole, designed to push the boundaries for experienced riders. Kevin Christopherson, President of TASU, describes the initial miles of this new trail as expert-level, potentially even double-black diamond, due to its treacherous entry into a canyon filled with car-sized boulders. This segment promises high-stakes riding with significant exposure, distinguishing it from other iconic trails in the region while ensuring an intense experience for skilled cyclists. Although it shares an initial stretch with Hell Hole, this new four-mile descent will feature a similar elevation loss of approximately 1,400 feet, thanks to a strategic climbing section that regains altitude.

While the top section of this new track is characterized by its technical difficulty and substantial rock features, the canyon gradually widens further down, and the terrain becomes less rocky. TASU intends to maintain a black-diamond rating for this lower half, incorporating elements like jumps, berms, and rollers to ensure a consistently advanced riding experience. Recognizing that not all riders are keen on navigating enormous boulders, a bypass option will be available, allowing access to the new trail further down and circumventing the most challenging sections. This new descent will ultimately connect with The Revenant Bike Park's western side, offering an additional mile of double-black descending that integrates with existing routes like Rock House, Goucho, and Buckaroo.

Beyond the new downhill tracks, TASU is also introducing a dedicated climbing trail to provide a more accessible ascent from The Revenant Trailhead to the Hell Hole Trailhead. This initiative aims to offer a less strenuous option for riders returning to the top, contrasting with the current challenging shuttle road. Meanwhile, the Cliffrose Trail System, which already boasts an impressive 43 miles, is on the verge of completion with the recent addition of 'Pillow Fight.' This intermediate-rated, three-mile trail offers a mix of fast, flowing sections and some moderate technical challenges, albeit less demanding than the more extreme options on Hell Hole. Two more trails are planned for Cliffrose, after which the system will offer extensive shuttle opportunities, allowing riders to experience 10-15 miles and 2,400 feet of descending with multiple route choices, potentially extending to nearby towns like Washington via Broken Mesa or Ice House.

Looking ahead, TASU has ambitious plans for Pine Valley, anticipating the development of an additional 20 miles of trails in the coming years. While this project has received approval, securing the necessary funding remains a priority. The completion of Cliffrose and the new Revenant trails are expected by next summer, contingent on winter weather conditions in southwest Utah. Once these projects are finalized, TASU will fully shift its focus to the promising expansion in Pine Valley, further enhancing Southern Utah's reputation as a world-class mountain biking destination.