Gem Loop

Gem Loop

	Gem Loop
Location:	Utah
Nearest Town:	Hurricane
Directions to Trailhead:	From Hurricane, drive south on Hwy 9. The trail starts from a dirt road at approximately mile marker 17. The trail ends on Hwy 59 near the town of Virgin.
Trail Description:	This trail can be done as a shuttle or out and back trail. If you're lazy do the shuttle and it's about 6 miles or so all down hill, but if you want 12-13 miles of desert singletrack, do the out and back option. You'll have a steady climb, but it's worth it.
Trail Length:	12-13 miles
Trail Type:	Singletrack
Skill Level:	Trails for all skill levels
Submitted By:	DougMeister

paul from Park City, UT Date: January 23, 2003 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: For a great warm up ride or last ride before heading back home, ride the J.E.M. trail as a loop clockwise. Other recommended trails in the same area: Hurricane Rim and Canal trails Goosebury Mesa
Review: This is such a fun ride. The JEM trail is a great trail for most all levels of riding. Wy wife takes her time, I see how fast I can ride it. It has great views of open desert, mesa's, river rim's. It is pretty tame for the most part. I have probably ridden this 20 or more times and it is all ways fun. If you want to make this ride a twenty plus miler, go see Vince at Springdale Cycles and have him show you a huge loop into Hurricane and catch up to the single track trail head of the JEM. This ride incorporates the Hurricane Rim trail, I believe.	Overall Rating:

BB from SLC Date: April 26, 2002 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: I would start with spelling lessons. Other recommended trails in the same area: Then try giving credit to those who deserve it.
Review: You've all got it wrong, it is the J.E.M. trail not the Gem trail. There are no Gem's out here, it is the initials of the builders that give this trail it's name. For all you wannabe's who think you know it all, try and get it right next time!	Overall Rating:

chromehead58 from ogden Date: February 28, 2002 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: that is half the fun...trying to find your way...judiast go out try somthing new..enjoy getting lost, it is good for the soul! Other recommended trails in the same area: all of them
Review: i have to disagree with my fellow trial bother...fab man....or der as we call him...and let me tell you, when we last rode this trail, fab boy had a smile on his face for close to 2 hours. this trial is a blast, and as i stated earlier, partly cause it is hard to find and follow. there were four of us riding it last time we rode it, and we cant wait to get back and ride it again. no it is not technicality....but a fun ride...prior to this last ride, a buddy of mine took me on this, and showed me what he called the roller coaster. just as you pass the bridge you climb a short hill...as you get to the top of the hill on the south side of the road you will see lots of motorcyle tracks. jump on any of these and head towards the track you can see on the hill side to your east that some dick head made....just as you get to the high mark trail, you will see a trail that heads to the north west. jump on it, it is a blast....up, down and just narrow enough to make your poop shoot pucker!!fun little spur to add on to this trail...go get lost	Overall Rating:

FAB 5'er from Ogden, UT Date: December 1, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: See above reviews. If you get lost finding it, turn around and head back to town (Hurricane, UT)and ask a local! Other recommended trails in the same area: Go to St. George, find Stukki Springs. You'll be glad you did.
Review: After reading the previous reviews, I'd have to say its no where near a 1-star rating, however it is no where near a 5'er either. Also, not to be too picky, it IS J.E.M. trail, named after the three people that made it. I personally did not like the trail, i.e., fire road, riding in a wash 1/2 the time, etc. However, you cannot beat the scenery. The last half, which you descend near those ?suicide cliffs?, is a BLAST! However, you'd have to be "suicidal" to take young'uns anywhere near those cliffs. One small slip and you'd be minus Jr. that's for sure. If you are looking for a good warm-up for St. George, or Gooseberry Mesa, this is a must. 2 1/2 tires on this one; but 5 for the scenery. Ride often, long live FAB 5 Chromers	Overall Rating:

DH from Utah Date: June 5, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I'm unsure why someone would give this trail a one-wheel rating. What the trail lacks in technical requirements, it more than makes up with its fast and smooth singletrack. I love to ride this trail as a warm-up before tackling Gooseberry Mesa, and it's a great trail to spin at night -- just watch out for all the desert mice that jump and play on the trail. Appreciate the desert scenery and enjoy the fast ride down to your car.	Overall Rating:

Tim from Twin Falls, Id Date: June 3, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is a great trai to ride with your girfriend on the new Huffy you just sprung for. The "climb" is nothing but a fire road and the "singletrack" gives up all it's elevation in the first mile with a loose and rocky drop. Don't believe the death threats, if you have half a brain you won't jump into the canyon. Save your time and go to Springdale and shop. This ride is very overrated in the guide books	Overall Rating:

Ted from Oakland, Calif., USA Date: May 30, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I recommend following the directions in "Mountain Biking Utah's St. George/Cedar City" (FalconGuide), by Bruce Grubbs. His mileages are accurate. You'll need an odometer to find the singletrack portion of this trail; if you don't have one, you'll probably waste a lot of time searching for it. Other recommended trails in the same area: Thunder Mountain, in Red Canyon near Bryce Canyon on Utah Hwy. 12 (fabulous); Green Valley Loop, St. George (a blast); Paradise Canyon, St. George (nice).
Review: The J.E.M. trail (misnamed the "Gem Loop" here) is notable for its views of Zion National Park and the surrounding mountains and bluffs, and into the Virgin River canyon. I didn't find the trail itself that compelling--it's nice single-track but does not compare to the wonderful Thunder Mountain and Green Valley trails. It's not a must-ride if you're visiting the area, but you won't regret riding it either. Be careful on the initial canyon descent on the single-track portion. I found it deceptively treacherous even after the initial switchback and almost wiped out. You're a long way from any help. Also, other sources are right to warn that one misstep on the portion along the Virgin River rim will be fatal. Ride conservatively there if you decide you're capable of riding that section in the first place. Bruce Grubbs's "Mountain Biking Utah's St. George/Cedar City Guide" (FalconGuide) suggests an alternative if you decide you're acrophobic or otherwise incapable of riding that section. I rode the singletrack along the rim (walking in a couple of places just to err on the side of caution) and didn't follow the other route.	Overall Rating:

Force Bike Club from Lake Arrowhead, CA Date: February 26, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: As previously mentioned in reviews. Other recommended trails in the same area: Gooseberry Mesa. Green Valley Loop. Slickrock Swamp
Review: Bottom line; the J.E.M. Trail rocks! The fire road heading up to the trail head is a great warm up and the scenery makes you forget it's 'just' a fire road. The trail is a 'point and shoot' big ring ride. The only mildly technical section happens within the first quarter mile when you drop down a small mesa. Beyond that, it's a matter of how fast you can go. I agree with Fronk (the next posting and my good riding buddy) that the portion along the cliff side is not the death stretch Scott claims it to be. It's a great section to slow down and admire what is perhaps the most amazing scenery around; Zion to the east, snow covered mountains to the north, Gooseberry Mesa looming behind you, and the turquoise waters of the Virgin River carving through red rock 100 feet below. If someone were to fall, it would be a case of social darwinism (DUH.........). This trail is good for all types of riders. Unless you crave sick terrain, there's no good reason not to enjoy the J.E.M.	Overall Rating:

Fronk from St. George Ut. Date: February 6, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: The main guide is the best way. You can also do this ride from Hurricane but the end is very tecnical. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Don't let the review prior to this one scare you. As with any fun outdoor sport Mt. Biking has it's risks. I have ridden The Portal Trail in Moab and it to has some scary spots. This guy Scott gives a warning that is not needed. If the cliff scares you get off and walk, dont read his review and decide to stay home. The JEM is awesome. When John Czinczol hooked all of these cow trails together he knew what he was doing. This trail rocks. If your into high speed riding and grand vistas this is the place for you. Cows walk the exposed cliff trail in the dark, I have yet to see a dead cow at the bottom of the cliff. Get on you bike and ride. If you have time send some cheese to this guy Scott, it would go nice with his wine.	Overall Rating:

Scott W. Frazier from Alpine, UT Date: February 4, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Green Valley loop, Gooseberry Mesa, Porcupine Rim
Review: This is intended as a warning to those who may consider taking teenagers on this ride. DON'T DO IT!!! The ride includes approximately 200 yards riding along a cliff, as close as three feet from the edge. There is nothing between you and the edge - a drop of 30-60 feet onto rock. There is no way to avoid this section. I have biked most of the trails in Utah and only one easily avoidable section of Poison Spider compares with this danger. If you have teenagers in your group travel down to the Green Valley Loop or do Porcupine Rim, much better rides in every respect.	Overall Rating:

Mike from Hurricane Date: December 5, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Park on the jeep road in the middle of the trail, where the road heads towards gooseberry mesa. Ride the road back to the highway (raod to Apple valley/Hurricane), make a left on the road and go about 20 feet and take the dirt road on the other side of the highway. Ride the hard dirt road and follow it curving left, pass the ranch on the right side, just pass the ranch on the left side aprox 150 yards is a turn off that turns into a single tack, tight trail that comes out to the highway. Cross the highway and ride the dirt road to the top of the JEM trail. When you reach the bottom ride the dirt raod back to your car. If your up for a hill climb, start the ride form Chum's wharehouse at the bottom of the hill (Bottom of the big hill out of Hurricane). Ride up the hill take the dirt road that goes to the big H. Follow the dirt raod to the ranch, then take the trail to the JEM, finish the ride in Virgin, ride the road to LA Verkin back to Hurricane. Aprox 22-25 miles of riding, 3-4 hours to ride, bring plenty of H2O and snacks. Other recommended trails in the same area: Gooseberry Mesa, Little Creek.
Review: A great ride either way you do it. Less of a hill climb if yu ride from the middle of the trail, less hill to climb as compare to the old way to go. The Chum's ride is a great heart/leg/lung burner-but great to get in shape. If short on time I ride up from Chum's to the ranch, top of Jem, down the higway back to Chum's. Great winter ride. Alot of single, dirt track.	Overall Rating:

Rick from San Diego, CA Date: July 2, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: The out and back option is more like a loop than an out and back. the ride starts and ends just west of the town of Virgin on Hwy 9. From St.George follow the signs to Zion National Park, look for mile marker 17 and turn right onto an unmarked dirt road(Sheeps Bridge Road) On the left side of the road there is a another dirt road with a sign calling it Mesa Rd. turn right here. Other recommended trails in the same area: Gooseberry Mesa(if you want slickrock) Left Fork Bunker Creek
Review: I rode the J.E.M. with my girl last friday 6\30\00. we rode the 13 mile loop and we were both stoked! the singletrack is as wide open as you want, there are small jumps and whops that are great for launching yet can be rolled out if thats not your thing. the fireroad climb is sort of monotonus, but not any more so than the fireroads in So Cal. I would highly recomend a trail map as there are opportunities to make mistakes climbimg the fireroad, this could lead to making wrong turns and extra miles in what can be a very hot place. We bought the Bruce Grubbs book "Mountain Biking St.George/Cedar City" at Bikes Unlimited in St. George, I think it was $10.00 and is so worth it. There are 30+ trails and the mileges are spot on. and the directions to the trailhead are clear.	Overall Rating:

Dave Molyneux from Salt Lake City, UT Date: April 21, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I followed trail directions from the BIKING SOUTHERN UTAH book compiled by Gregg Bromka. His mileages were accurate. The real name of the trail is the JEM loop, named after its originators - John, Ellen, and Mike. Other recommended trails in the same area: Gooseberry Mesa, Church Rocks, Green Valley, Stuki Springs
Review: What a great ride! Did it as a loop, with the first 6 miles a gradual, rather monotonous climb up dirt roads. The singletrack second half more than made up for it though! Wide open cruising down ST. Use caution as you come up on the fence about halfway thru the downhill portion. This 10 or so drop off into a very rocky area is something I don't think many riders would want to tackle while still mounted. Gorgeous views all around.	Overall Rating:

Mark from TN Date: January 9, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Follow "Wheelie's" recommendations Other recommended trails in the same area: G-berry, G-valley
Review: This is definitely a one-way down hill screamer for those with the need. Over much of the downhill you can go as fast as you can spin; as long as you can ignore the cactii and bluffs.(**) As pointed out elsewhere, the ride up is moderately interesting and not at all challenging.()	Overall Rating:

Wheelie from Southern Utah Date: December 9, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: I don't much like riding uphill on the graded dirt road portion of the climb, even if there are very few cars on it. The jeep trail and singletrack portions of the climb are a little bit better, but not much, except for the outstanding views of nearby Zion National Park, Hurricane Mesa and Gooseberry Mesa. Climbing is kind of boring for me, unless it is really technical, or steep enough that it becomes a challenge to see if you can even ride it. Since the climbing on J.E.M. Trail is neither steep nor technical,I prefer to shuttle the ride with two vehicles and ride just the seven mile, mostly downhill singletrack section of the trail. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Done as I describe (shuttled), I would rate this trail a "4", but if you only have one vehicle, and ride the whole loop, it is just a "3". Stop at Bike Zion, in nearby Springdale for accurate, detailed maps, and supplemental instructions on this ride, as well as Gooseberry Mesa, Little Creek Mountain, Church Rocks, Green Valley Loop and lots of other great rides in the area. Bike Zion also has an excellent web site at www.bikezion.com with lots of fast loading photos from around the area. By the way, this ride is the J.E.M. Trail, named after John, Ellen and Mike; who discovered and marked the route.	Overall Rating:

Kenny from Salt Lake City, UT Date: June 14, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: The trail is located on the right hand side of the road if you are headed towards Zion. Follow the jeep trail and descend on the Single Track. I recommend asking for directions from Bike Zion or another LBS. Other recommended trails in the same area: Gooseberry Mesa
Review: Ride up a moderate jeep track until you reach a small pile of rock marking the singletrack. This is a sweet single track trail. The ride follows a wash that leads into Sheep Creek. It is pretty cool. I do recommend wearing tights if it is not too hot as the sage brush can rip up your legs.	Overall Rating:

Geoffrey Montague from St.George Ut 84790 Date: May 25, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: start from the little toon ghost town wanna-be place and ride up the trail and then descend descend descend back down of course. Other recommended trails in the same area: Gooseberry Mesa,Stucki Springs,Gem Loop,Little Creek,Zion Ponderosa,The Loop,Church Rocks.
Review: This trail is definately one of the funnest trails I have ever done the single track is unsurpassingly great and the people you meet out there have nice bikes so you know that it is tight.	Overall Rating:

Emmanuel from SLC Date: May 2, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: ride up the jeep road (the first two miles are not exciting but it gets much better) then go down the single track. I would not recommend to go up the single track as people could arrive blindly on you at full speed! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: the jeep trail si a great way to get up there with nice easy riding winding amongs washes and small hills. The single track is awesome with tons of fast corners, kickers, drop-offs... the last part along the river is just fabulous two for the scenery... Also the real name is J.E.M. what correspond to the initials of the trail builders!!	Overall Rating:

Jeremy Larkin from St. George, UT Date: February 19, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Green Valley loop, of course, and new connector trails; inquire at Red Rock Bicycle Co.
Review: The only other rating of the "Gem" trail does not do it justice! It is a MUST ride! Being a St. George native, I have ridden much single track in the last few years - very sweet singletrack. But I don't EVER remember being so happily surprised as when we rode this one. Incredible views of Zion and Gooseberry Mesa and delicious desert singletrack to go with. A great mix of twists, turns, ups downs, hoops, hollers, and smiles. If you ever come to St. George, get in touch with Red Rock Bicylce Co. for directions.	Overall Rating:

DougMeister from Park City, Utah Date: February 8, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: As described above. Other recommended trails in the same area: Definately do Gooseberry Mesa, and take a trip down to Las Vegas too and do the Cottonwood trails.
Review: If you do the out and back version, start right off of Hwy 59 by the town of Virgin. The singletrack starts along a cliff wall and follows the river for about 2 or 3 miles. You then get into the desert and wind your way up to a small mesa where the trail ends. Turn around and enjoy the downhill. A very fun trail. This trail is for anyone, just be careful by the cliff walls, though, the trail comes close to the edge in a couple of places.	Overall Rating: