Gooseberry Mesa

Gooseberry Mesa

	Gooseberry Mesa
Location:	Utah
Nearest Town:	Hurricane
Directions to Trailhead:	From Hurricane, head S towards Colorado City. you'll pass a "town" with a gas station on left (Texaco?). After about a mile, head left onto dirt road (there's a small sign that says gooseberry mesa). Another left, with another small sign. Head straight- road forks, I believe you want the left fork again. You'll go over several cattle crossings, then a small turnout. There should be blazed trails nearby. I know these directions are vague- I've been there once. Ask locally at bike shop in St. George.
Trail Description:	Intense desert wilderness riding. Slickrock, desert singletrack, trail winds near cliff edges with 1000' drop-offs- this area has it all. Not for amateurs. Bring plenty of H20 (you might want a H20 purifier, since there is some standing water in cattle holes). Try to score a good map- we had a shitty one, and got significantly lost. Keep in mind- this ain't Slickrock Trail; this is wilderness, so know what you're doing. Probably not a ride for the height of summer.
Trail Length:	15 miles??
Trail Type:	Singletrack & Fire Roads
Skill Level:	Advanced
Submitted By:	John

bray from Edwards, Colorado Date: May 16, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Ride up White Trail, (the jeep road), and return on South Rim. Don't miss going all the way to the Point and definitely don't miss Hidden Canyon, (connects White Trail to the South Rim). Windmill Loop is good for beginners or for a fast warm up. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: A friend of mine and I did every marked trail on the Mesa with the exception of the North Rim. There was a fierce wind blowing from the south and we felt that it might be a little hairy riding on the cliff edge with a 30+ mph wind trying to push us off. Regardless, mile-for-mile this was some of the more interesting and entertaining riding I have ever done and I live in a place with a lot of great riding. Fun singletrack links technical lines over and around slickrock patches. Drops, steeps, tight singletrack, cliffside rambles, giant views... it is all there. I've heard people comparing the ride to Slickrock in Moab, but I think that it is really a different animal. The slickrock patches at GM are bumpier, smaller, and don't entail much climbing. There is quite a bit of singletrack, especially on Hidden Canyon and Windmill Loop. The technical challenges are also frequent with lots of ledge hopping, wheelie drops and tight turns. Not really comparable to the exposed, wide open, challenging climbing and generally smooth Slickrock which I rode the next day after a 5 hour drive. I would recommend starting out on the North Rim trails first to build up your technical confidence. After an hour or so, move on out to the Point and return on the South Rim or else do Hidden Canyon. You will find that you are cleaning more and more obstacles as the day progresses. If ever on a road trip to Vegas or Moab, (from the west), this place is a must do. It would also make a great 3-day weekender. Camping is nice. Crowds are light. Scenery is stunning. Riding is unique. Highly recommended.	Overall Rating:

Jeff from Clinton, NJ Date: April 30, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I followed the guide, but there were pretty good area maps and trail blazes now that I've seen it. All routes were great and are described well below. I'd recommend taking the South Rim trails to the Point, Hidden Canyon trail and looping back on North Rim. These trails had a bit of all of the above and seemed well marked. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Unbelieveable. Spent a 3 day weekend on an Escape Adventures "Spring Zion Backcountry Tour" saying "Isn't this great" so often it became redundant. As described well below, infinite slickrock, small canyon areas leading to 1,000 foot cliff edges, desert vegetated areas." You can pick routes as rideable or as challenging as you want. Coming from the often wet, loose, rocky and rooty East Coast, I couldn't believe the traction afforded by the dry sandstones that enabled climbing and traversing outcrops that appear unrideable. I don't have much to add to the extensive trail reviews below, but I can't say enough good things about the tour guides and company that provided great riding, incredible food, info, and some first aid to those in need.	Overall Rating:

Dan T from Centerville, UT Date: April 17, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Same as described in other routes. Other recommended trails in the same area: I recommend Broken Mesa, Green Valley, Church Rocks and the Gem trail. They're all within a short driving distance.
Review: So far this is my most favorite trail in Utah. This trail combines ambition with ability and agility. It score a 5 for technicality, and they're not kidding. It's best to ride in spring or fall, but if you ride in the summer, do it early. There is no shade there, just rocks, stumps, and other obstacles to climb. I also think this trail is a test of explosion. It has some climbs that will make you want to come back next time just for that. All the climbs are possible (without getting off your bike). I haven't necessarily done them all, but I've seen my friends successfully climb a couple. Be prepared for a few scrapes and cuts if you have a daring motivation for some of the more challenging parts. The view is awesome. For part of the trail, you're riding along the edge of a cliff that probably drops a 1000 feet. Just stay on the trail, don't get too crazy and you'll be just fine. Make sure your mountain bike is in good condition before you ride or it will take it apart. I snapped my chain on the first leg of the trail on my first visit. Fortunately I went back the parking lot and met the actual builders of the trail. They just happened to have an extra chain that I purchased from them. Lucky me! If you're just down for the weekend, it probably won't totally drain your energy, though it's quite rough and vigorous. Don't take this trail lightly!	Overall Rating:

WATCH FOR FUZZY from BC NV Date: April 2, 2003 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: STAY AWAY IF YOU BURN THE BLM RANGER SNEEKS UP AND BUSTS YOU AT ALL HOURS !!!! Other recommended trails in the same area: BOOTLEG CANYON
Review: THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY MANY TIMES HE IS A SHOURT LITTLE GUY AND IT WILL COST YOU $1000. 1 YEAR PROBATION	Overall Rating:

Terry from Cedar Hills, UT Date: March 27, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Start at trail head on the left side of the parking lot (as you enter the lot). Ride the small loop that hits the road right where the South Rim starts. Pick up South Rim to Hidden Canyon. Ride it to the road. Turn back and pick up South Rim all the way out to the tip of the mesa. This is a great place for a cliff side Clif Bar break. Head back down the dirt road and watch on the left for the terminus of the North Rim Loop. Pick this up and ride all the way to the end. Go right on the dirt road at the very end of the North Rim (Note: the map on utahmountainbiking.com calls the final stretch "Rim Job". The trail gets a little bit hard to follow near the Slick rock 101 area). Once on the dirt road, follow it past the windmill to a dirt road on the right (where the pit toilets were that you passed when you came in). Ride the road back to the start of Slick Rock 101. Ride this and call it a day. You'll be looking at 18+ miles and will have ridden virtually everything that Gooseberry has to offer. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I ran into a guy the day before I rode Gooseberry. He asked me if I had body armor. I thought he was joking! Once I got there, I realized that there were several sections I'd have been more willing to try if I had armor on! Some sections (especially along the South Rim and Hidden Canyon) were hairy! What a terrific ride!!!	Overall Rating:

Sean from S.L.C. Date: March 26, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: It depends on the skill level of the riders. All the trails we rode we enjoyed, especially Hidden Canyon from South Rim to the jeep road Other recommended trails in the same area: Green Valley (rollercoaster or Bear Paw Poppy Trail)
Review: The first day we rode cattle grate to god's skateboard park to south rim to the point back down the jeep road to yellow trail to the damn trail (north rim) to slickrock 101. Great ride, very technical, lots of choices and the best of both worlds, slickrock and singletrack through the junipers. The second day we rode cattle grate to god's skateboard park to south rim to hidden canyon to half-way point of the north rim trail to slickrock 101. Hidden Canyon is the most unusual, fun, challenging ride I have ever ridden. Gooseberry Mesa is as good as everyone says and then some! The trail builders did a great job! Thankyou, hope to see you soon on the trail. For those looking for good directions to get there and a good map once there go to www.utahmountainbiking.com.	Overall Rating:

justin from salt lake city Date: March 16, 2003 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: start up the main road up to the point then weave through the trails back down if you are there more than one day you can hit every trail or if you have alot of energy! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: not all slick rock a there is a great really tech trail called d.c. (devels canyon) but it is a hard trail to find and really easy to pass up so watch for it but if you look on the map then it will be called hidden canyon trail! the north rim trail is less tech more for beginners, it goes all along the north rim great for a awsome scenes. there are some great scenes along all the trails its all undesignated camping there are some tech spots so like i said the north rim is alot less tech! but i suggest doing it all! the goose is the very first place i went biking and i did every trail!	Overall Rating:

Puzman from Wallingford, CT Date: February 25, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Just park and ride. Its all good. (loop around the entire rim is always a good place to start). Other recommended trails in the same area: JEM
Review: Just got back from my fifth trip to gooseberry in as many years. My reaction to the place has always been "holy s---, what a great ride!", and this year was no exception. This has to be one of the premier rides in the US. Very technical, lots of short sharp ups and downs, tight turns, drops, etc. Amazing slickrock riding. Fantastic views of the Zion rim and Pine Mtn wilderness (particularly beautiful when covered with snow in February). Kudos to Mike and Morgan for doing such a fantastic job in laying out these trails.	Overall Rating:

Matt from Orem, UT Date: January 21, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: The poppy trail in St. George. Talk to the guys at the Red Rock Bicycle Company in St. George, they're well informed and very willing to help with recommendations and directions.
Review: I had a number of friends recommend this trail to me...I can see why. It's a fun and challenging ride with a beautiful view the whole way. It's a lot more technical than I expected and my group of friends and I took a number of falls throughout the ride. But the challenge is worth it. If you head to southern Utah at all, take your bike and go ride this trail!	Overall Rating:

Dan-O from Toledo, OH (MTB Hell) Date: January 16, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: This place is like a MTB playground. You can just fool around or follow one of the many marked trails. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is a great trail as far as technical stuff, but pretty easy in terms of climbs an aerobic workout. Tons of rocks to tackle; a few really tight sections; lots of slickrock. If your going to ride this trail, it's best to bring your imagination and have fun trying different routes. One hell of a view from the ridge.	Overall Rating:

brandon from st.george Date: November 15, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: go the south rim first then do the noth rim onec you get back to the parking lot and u still want more go on the hiden canyon trail thats best. Other recommended trails in the same area: i give a good job to cimarron at the blm for making this trail better this trail legal
Review: well i think that this is one of the best trails that i have ever ridden i have been riding it science i started biking so its really good there are some parts that are realy hard and it is way different from moab. plus there is always lts of places to just play around on and make your skills better	Overall Rating:

NateDogg from Utah Date: November 4, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I started by riding slick rock 101, then spent some time messing around in God's skatepark, and finally took the north trail all the way to the point. Followed the same route back. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: These trails are awesome!! You can ride just about any direction on any trail and have a blast. I would reccomend full suspension, things get a little raw on a hard tail. I'd also bring a camera for the great views and all the sweet stunts you and your buddies can pull. PLan an all day trip. I went for 5 hours and it was not enough time. There are also plenty of plaaces to camp along the way.	Overall Rating:

Scott from Valencia, ca Date: October 3, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: clockwise from the parking lot (up the south rim to the point and back down the north rim) Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: On a spur of the moment road trip I found the local bike shop in St George and asked them where's the coolest ride around here? Gooseberry mesa they replied and tossed me a map for a buck fifty.This ride took me buy surprise and gave me more joy than I was expecting.I'm used to relentless climbs and rewarding technical downhills in California. So I enjoyed a moderate heart rate during the ride. The energy is expelled in short blast climbing a 4' boulder or wacthing your tires roll inches away from a 1000' drop. I found the ride moderatly technical but beginners and intermediates should not go alone. A simple mistake could cause a serious injury. The views are out of this world and hold there own against the grand canyon.Regarding the map... I'm no dummy but I did go alone (not recomended)and I did get lost. The trails are clearly marked with painted dots but you can go in cirlcles. I found a dirt road that was not the main one and it lead me way out of the way. The mesa is flat so there's no elevated point to get a reference. If you find youself lost, Go back the way you came even if it was 2 hours. It's an experience of a lifetime!	Overall Rating:

Rob from Wayland, MA Date: September 24, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Start with the Hidden Canyon trail first. If you save it for last you may not have enough energy left to enjoy the first part of the trail. Then do everything else. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This was my first time ever riding in Utah. If you are going to ride there make sure you ride the Mesa. Words and pictures can not do this place justice. JUST DO IT! Incredible views and terrain make this place a MTBrs nirvana. To truly enjoy this place make sure you are fit and an experienced rider. If not the rocks will make you pay. That said, seriously consider starting you ride with the Hidden Canyon trail. The first portion of this trail is about as technical as you can get. Short steep climbs and descents of slick rock and tight corners make this trail a real challenge. If you are tired it will get you. I know first hand. The second part of the trail opens up to some of the sweetest single track you will ever ride. Circle back to the parking lot and head towards the Point. Make sure to play on the slick rock in between. There is so much banked and dished rock you wont know where to begin first. Sample as much as you can before moving on. Once you reach the Point take in the view and relax a bit. From there take the Yellow trail and play more. Lots of challenging rock there too. If you are still feeling good after all that take the Windmill tail up and back as a good cool down. If you "ride" the whole area you will be whipped but you will have an experience you will never forget. My only regret was having a hardtail. Next year I will have full suspension. Places like this demand it for you to really enjoy all it has to offer.	Overall Rating:

Antoine from Montreal, Canada Date: July 25, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: As below Other recommended trails in the same area: Try Moab, the fat tire mecca or go hiking in Zion NP!
Review: A great trail overall. Lots of variety, from slickrock to singletrack. A couple of technical sections. Be careful! You are truly in the wild and the map we got from the bike store truly sucked. Bring lots of water and spare tubes (blew 2 rear tires with cactus needles!) and watch out for rattlers! A classic MTB trail and, to make it sweeter, it is not crowded at all.	Overall Rating:

Kornphlake from Provo, Ut. Date: February 21, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Start on the south side as it is more technical and you may not have the guts to do it after riding the longer, less technical north side, go all the way to the point, there are some monster climbs but it is worth the sweat. Other recommended trails in the same area: If you don't want to trash you car too bad ride the dirt road from the highway. Beyond that I don't know if there is a ride nearby.
Review: Despite the comments from others I didn't think the trail was incredibly perilous, maybe I am a better rider than I thought, or maybe I just got off and walked anything that looked like everybody must have been doing so. The weather was beautiful in late Febuary. We did see one guy riding a Cannondale super V. Anybody riding a cannondale has my respect because I would have busted it in two on some of those drops. I rented a Sugar 3+ at the LBS and was quite comfy riding with 4" of travel, my friend rode his Bullit and didn't suffer any dissadvantage. There are plenty of opportunities to bust your balls if you have them, I kept mine close and just looked for signs of others going huge off 5' drops. I did take plenty of 2-3 foot drops though and wasn't left wishing for more, or turing around to ride the perfect section again. I just kept waiting for what was around the next corner. We nearly got lost a couple of times but we always were able to back track and find the little dots. There is some fun fast singletrack between the rocky sections that keep things fun and give you a chance to stretch, watch out on the north side though as taking a turn too fast will probabally kill you. Do take plenty of water you'll need it there isn't a faucet within miles of the trailhead, although there is a potty about a mile from the parking lot, if you pass it you'll know you are on the right road. Speaking of the road it is pretty nasty those washboards will make you glad to get out of the car and onto the trail since it is alot smoother. We spent about 4 hours riding the trail which isn't incredibly fast or strenuous it just takes short bursts of energy to clear little drops or climbs every minute or so. We expected to ride untill sunset but decided to save some energy for the road, we did get some cool pictures, it didn't take a professional just a decent camera and a rider going down just about any part of the trail. It all looks cool. The ideal rider would be anybody who loves to ride, and can do a wheelie drop off a 6" curb, and knows when to take it easy when the terrain is a little too rough. I found it easier to follow somebody than to lead, in any case don't go alone unless you want coyotes eating your remains.	Overall Rating:

Chippers from Cedar Hills, Utah Date: January 30, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Clockwise around the south rim then back along the north rim. Other recommended trails in the same area: Little Creek Mesa
Review: I loved this trail! It is like the Moab slickrock trail (short ups and downs) but more technical overall. Lots of freedom to drop ledges just off the trail. It's like the best of Moab all rolled into a single ride. The only thing it lacks is a sustained downhill. This will be my future destination to cure the winter blues. We did the whole loop in about 3 hours and were slightly lost (more confused than lost) once. All of the trails are well marked, but many of the loops intersect, so take a map.	Overall Rating:

chromehead58 from ogden, utah Date: January 22, 2002 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: do the whole thing bro.....ride hard! we usually start on the south trail and ride out to the point then finish with the north trail. Other recommended trails in the same area: stuki springs....
Review: this trail is one of the must do trails in utah. has a little bit of everything espically what we chromeheads like to call technicality! but the scenery...great trail, challenging technicality, some fun down hill (if you go south to north)..and lots of great people on the trail..and best of all, i have never seen a horse on teh trail!!!!in fact all i have seen are other mtn bikers.....go ride it...quit reading about it and just do it!	Overall Rating:

chromehead58 from ogden, utah Date: January 22, 2002 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: do the whole thing bro.....ride hard! we usually start on the south trail and ride out to the point then the north trail. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: this trail is one of the must do trails in utah. has a little bit of everything espically what we chromeheads like to call technicality! but the scenery...great trail, challenging technicality, some fun down hill (if you go south to north)..and lots of great people on the trail..and best of all, i have never seen a horse on teh trail!!!!in fact all i have seen are other mtn bikers.....go ride it...quit reading about it and just do it!	Overall Rating:

Scott W. Frazier from Alpine, UT Date: November 4, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Bear-claw Poppy trail (Green Valley Loop), JEM trail, Little Creek Mesa, Stucki Springs
Review: I reviewed this trail after riding it for the first time last December. Since then I've ridden it an additional fourteen times, bringing along everyone I know. It's my favorite trail. I wanted to pass along a recommended route for non-expert riders and for groups with mixed abilities. First a few trail facts. There are three ways to get from the main trailhead to the point, the North Rim Trail, the South Rim Trail, and a road which bisects the mesa. The North Rim Trail will challenge intermediate riders; the South Rim is considerably more technical and will challenge advanced riders. There is an elevation gain of about 200 feet from the parking to the point, and both trails are a bit easier in the downhill direction. I'd recommend that your group take the North Rim Trail from the parking out to the point. Your intermediate riders may have had enough at this point and will want to return via the road, which is a fun ride in itself. Those who found the North Rim Trail sufficiently challenging, but still have some energy left, can take the North Rim Trail back to parking. Everybody else can take the South Rim Trail back after proving their ability with a good warm-up. With this route everybody gets a tough challenge without ever being way over their head.	Overall Rating:

Giacomo from Vegas Date: October 28, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Counter clockwise. The north rim is the most scenic, the yellow trail shows signs of routefinding brilliance. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Amazing trail with scenery to beat the band... The re-occurring comment that most riders make is that you are a better rider at the end of the ride than at the beginning. What is funny about this trail is that the average speed of a complete circuit is less than 7 mph. This ride remains high on the list of things worth road tripping for. With hot springs nearby and Quail Creek reservoir between GM and Vegas, this place rocks. Why does everyone that buys a map at Bike Zion seem to get lost on the trail? BLM used to GIVE away free maps at the trail head until someone with profit as a motive did away with the free maps... I guess shameless self promotion and a $4.00 profit has to be part of the initiation for newcomers... If you get a Bike Zion post card on your windshield as a "gift" use it to train a puppy.	Overall Rating:

Bikeman from NC Date: October 1, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I would take it clockwise for the best ride. That way you end with great views of ZION NP. Beginners may want to start counter-clockwise however as this will allow you to start on the easiest loop. You can approach Gooseberry from either route 59 or Rockville. Other recommended trails in the same area: Green Valley, Little Creek Mesa, Stucki Springs
Review: A very unique ride. Plenty of slickrock, great views in places and some good but short singletrack sections. You can always bail out to the dirt road that bisects the mesa. Very technical in places, it will improve your bike handling skills no doubt. Beginners may want to try 1-2 of the interconnected loops first and then move on the the whole ride. It is similar to slickrock trail in Moab but different and definitely less crowded. No water up there so go prepared.	Overall Rating:

Dennis N Romano from Las Vegas, NV Date: June 7, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: West to east is the best. Other recommended trails in the same area: Brian Head: Dark Hollow and Bunker Creek
Review: Slickrock 101 is great for those new to slickrock yet it offers challenges for the more advanced riders willing to explore the trails. North and South Rim are really for Advanced riders with good technical skills. Some areas are on the edge of a serious cliff. The rides are great. Similar to Moab but less miles.	Overall Rating:

Lance from St George,UT Date: May 25, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Find a local! Actually, the trail is well marked. There is a kiosk at the trailhead. Maps are available at Bicycles Unlimited. Other recommended trails in the same area: JEM,Turtle Loop,Green Valley(now the Bear Claw Poppy),The Race Courses
Review: Gooseberry offers spectacular views and excellent technical riding. If you want the grand tour ride it during the sand and sprocket festival, which is in April. Otherwise If you ride on Saturday there will be plenty of other riders to join up with. Ask us, we are friendly. Take plenty of water because you will be out there for a while. Intermediat and advanced riders should ride it, but beginers can ride with patient advanced riders. Look for IMBA Patrol is out there to help. Come on and ride!	Overall Rating:

Penolope from Idaho Date: May 9, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Stop by Bike Zion in Springdale for a hand-noted color copy of the Gooseberry...all the routes are described in detail. Other recommended trails in the same area: Red Canyon near Bryce
Review: This was sort of a "what the hell, we're passing by" ride, and WOW was it worth it. Being a mesa, there is very little elevation gain to sweat over. That's a nice change over my usual grinds to get to forested single track. The slickrock on the Mesa is very different from Moab but I found it to be incrediably fun. Not the wide open playgrounds but rather these trick little routes designed by local bikers. Markings are adequate and if you get mixed up you just a stones through from the double track jeep trail that splits the mesa down the middle. The area is usually rated for advanced riders but I'd say any decent rider could find plenty of do-able terrain. Also, there's places to camp up there. No facilities except a real clean bivy near the parking area though.	Overall Rating:

Shawn from Las Vegas Date: April 24, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: directions at top pretty good Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Just returned from riding GM and what a ride it is! This was my first experience with slick rock riding and I wasnt sure what to expect but I wasnt disapointed. This ride had a bit of everything and cant fathom anyone being let down about this ride. We did a loop starting at the south trail to the point and then the north rim trail to the yellow trail and then the hidden trail back to the south. The hidden trail is a must ride if you do nothing else. Its mostly single track thru woods and a slick rock gullys and was just incredible. I was a little wasted for this part of the trail because to get there you have to take yellow trail. BAH!! Yellow trail is non stop body strength and technical. Thank god it is short. Next time we will try hidden trail other way I think. You can see the HC marker off to the right about a mile or two into the ride. Either way it was a fantastik trail. Slick rock is easy to get use to and you can climb anything. The trail is easy to follow if you always look ahead and the scenery at the point is incredible. I dont think this is a newbie trail but if you have a few rides under your belt its woth a shot. I didnt clean this trail by any means but I tried and made most everything. Give yourself at least a few hours so that you can stop and enjoy the scenery ant the point and bring lots of water and clif bars. You use up alot of energy puliing yourself up over all the obstacles. When we got back to the truck we were all cramping up in the legs from 15 miles of kick ass riding. I rode this trail on my trek HT and had no problems other than a sore butt at end of day. Full suspension here I come!!	Overall Rating:

Rob from SLC, UT Date: March 19, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Take your pick... the yellow trail is more technical. If you have beginners, even riding down the road to get the view at the end would be worth it... enjoying the occasional rockspots along the way. Other recommended trails in the same area: Green Valley Loop! ~who-hoo! now there is some speed!
Review: I read all the reviews and decided to try it for myself. First of all, a few have suggested that the trail is not worth a trip in itself. Personally, i would disagree. I drove 8+ hours round trip for this trail and i think it was worth every dollar in gas! Second, some have rated this trail very low because it does not have the long singletrack stretches they had hoped for. Well, this trail is a masterpiece in its own right. I doubt there is one single trail that would satisfy every bikers wants. However, i think this one does about the best there is in it's catagory. It has some great technical parts that even if you do tackle, you'll want to go back and do it again, as well as some amazing views from off the mesa's ledge, and fun (but admittedly short) singletrack, etc. No, there are no killer drops which would disappoint those who just like to get a nosebleed from losing altitude (unless of course you ride of the mesa's face...NOT RECOMMENDED), and no, there are no super long singletrack runs, and no, there is not whatever else that people want to whine about. Third, people have complained about getting lost, well i admit that i lost the dots while on the slickrock a few times... but hey, i'm no rocked scientist, but i just retraced my steps and picked-up where i strayed... it's not that difficult folks. PLUS! as others have said.... it's a MESA with a road down the middle! ....HOW CAN YOU GET LOST?? In conclusion... as stated above, this trail is INCREDIBLE for the type of trail it is. I am already planing my next trip back down. I had no problem finding it... i used the main directions at the top of this page and got there just fine. Bring lots of water, and a desire for a challenging/rewarding ride, and the "Goose" will deliver! I would recommend this trail to ANYONE! (but i kinda don't want too b/c i want it all for myself!)	Overall Rating:

Val Atkinson from Roseburg,Oregon Date: January 24, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Get directions from local bike shop. Easiest approach is from the south. Other recommended trails in the same area: The "C" trail at Cedar City. Red Rock trail. Jem Trail.
Review: I think all the negative reviews are from locals who hope that they can keep this place to themselves, because I don't see how anyone could not love this trail, as long as you enjoy technical riding. Maybe you won't like it if you are the type of rider who smokes a pack of cigarettes while your girlfriend drives you to the top of a fire-road, and then you scream down at 50 miles an hour on your downhill bike. I lived for a winter at Cedar City, and I rode this trail just about every week, and never got bored with it. It does not have any extended climbs or descents, so it will not cater to the downhill thrill seeker, or work well for improving your hill climbing capacity, but it is great for improving your bike handling skills, and is an awesomely fun ride. I think the trail strikes a good balance by being very technical, but yet it can be cleaned even if you are not Hans Rey. I have cleaned every section on the trails, but some places took a few tries. You can vary the difficulty by taking a different line over an obstacle, which means that you can create endless challenges to try. Be creative, the lines are just guidelines to get you through the maze of rocks,and canyons. I think the terrain is incredibly interesting,and the views are fantastic. Every time I took someone there for their first time, they went crazy and had a blast, so I can't even fathom how anyone could rate it negatively. Maybe they were too stoned and just thought they were at Gooseberry Mesa? If I had to have only one 20 mile trail to ride for the rest of my life, it would be this trail. Nuf said.	Overall Rating:

Eric from Hurricane, Utah Date: January 18, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Check with the bike shops in St. George. They are really pretty good guys.
Review: I have heard about this trail for a number of years. I was finally invited to go Jan 1, 2001. It was a great ride. I haven't been riding for a couple of years and I found the trail great, even for my out of shape body. I have always liked technical riding. This has very little long down hill or long up hill riding. The view is incredible and I live 10 miles from the trail. Being on top of the Mesa gives one a whole new perspective of the diverse landscape of this area. I had to walk in many places primarily because I was out of shape. Bring lost of water. November through April is great weather for riding this trail in the middle of the day. Winter temperatures range from 45-80, with blue sky's 90% of the time. June though September can be 100+ and dry, go in the early morning and you'll be fine. It may not be for beginners, but you can always walk. I will do this again. I can't waite to take my children and teach them how to really ride a bike. The area has great golf and plenty of national parks to tour while your not biking. The summer rates are better than the winter rates. Hurricane has one of the most scenic golf courses I have ever seen.	Overall Rating:

Scott W. Frazier from Alpine, UT Date: December 29, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Follow directions from other reviews. Just before the trailhead you'll come to an unmarked "Y" in the road. Take the left fork. Other recommended trails in the same area: In St. George try the Green Valley loop and the adjacent Stucki Springs.
Review: Awesome trail! However, unless you're an advanced or expert rider avoid the "Yellow Trail" and the first mile of the "South Rim Trail". For intermediate riders - it is easy to avoid the two sections mentioned above, you'll have a great time. Bring along an extra tire - this trail tears off the knobs.	Overall Rating:

Bob Stevens from Salt Lake City, Ut. Date: December 22, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: None Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I entered the trail from the SE entrance, left of the parking lot if facing the direction of the road entering it. The trail lives up to most other reviewers comments. Great slick rock riding, breathtaking scenic views. Some said it is like moab but better and I don't agree with that. Moab is much more wide open, room to maneuver and bail if needed and a lot more 'playground' area. The climbs in Moab are much longer and a test of not just technical skill, but fitness as well. The 'Goose' is a technical wonder. It has more tricky, tight turns following steep climbs or descents, that if you're not familiar with the trail it's a challenge. The "Juniper Forrest" makes for a great overall environment. Personally, I would not recommend this trail to anybody that does not have good to advanced technical riding skills, unless entering from the west. Even then, there is plenty of aggressive technical trail ahead. There's a guide book written by Bruce Grubbs, covering trails in the St. George and Cedar City areas, and this trail is included. I'm not sure of the overall value of it but it sends you in the wrong direction on UT 59 (west) and then goes on to say "drive west 14.4 miles" etc..anyway, the trail is rightous.	Overall Rating:

Remote_Rob from Auckland New Zealand Date: November 22, 2000 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Head to Hurricane (15+ mins out of St George) Through Hurricane till you get to a Texaco (about 10 more mins) 1-2 miles after Texaco on the left is a dirt road, take this puppy till you get to a left turn (has a Gooseberry Mesa sign). This is about another 10 mins of quite rough dirt road. You will arrive at a car park area which has a sign with directions for the trail...... Other recommended trails in the same area: Start early as there are a lot of trails around! Mesa is a must do though.
Review: Yep this puppy takes sometime to get to but it is premium Slick Rock riding! Gooseberry Mesa rocks!! Extreme Vistas awesome technical climbing and pretty much an all round great trail! This has got to be one of the best rides I have done, a must do if you are ever near the area. There are plenty of other trails near this one if you are not into technical stuff! Start from the road and 'pick a path'.	Overall Rating:

Chris from SLC Date: November 18, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: If its not Downhill I usually dont ride it but gooseberry mesa was the first cross-country trail that I enjoyed. It kicks ass!!!	Overall Rating:

Mike from MA Date: October 5, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Explore, just get lost in the technical slickrock, single track, you won't even care when you where you end up Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: The best trails ever, period. This place has such a great variety of terrain and technicality. Kinda of a weird place to have a trail system, it looks more like no man's land at first. Just get on the trail and ride till dusk. Never have I seen this kind of terrain ever. I would pitch it up against any trail in utah and at least be on par with it. A must bike!	Overall Rating:

George from Ft Lauderdale, FL Date: September 9, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: the whole mesa Other recommended trails in the same area: slick rock swamp trail
Review: Spent the week in Zion Canyon. Twenty minutes away along dirt roads(get detailed maps at BIKe Zion for road and trails)is the main parking area for these awsome trails. Plenty of slick rock and technical enough in sections that will satisfy even the most advanced riders. Forget about timing your ride for speed...it's about having serious fun and trying stuff you can't do back home, especially with new found amazing grip. Overall best riding I ever experienced. Was there late August and never saw anyone else on the trails. Bring lots of water and pull out trail map when uncertain about direction, easy to read. Also, the bigger your tires the better for bashing through the trails.	Overall Rating:

Paul Cooke from Henderson, NV USA Date: July 24, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: YES! This place is great! Be prepared to ride very technical sweet slickrock! The dots lead the way... We rode this in mid July during record heat and still had a blast. You can camp at the trailhead and get an early start to beat the summer heat.(please leave no trace) We ran into the Harris twins who first pioneered the dotted trail. They gave us a topo map and recommended a nice 18 mile figure eight loop. The South Rim trail starts on the opposite side of the parking lot from the kiosk. Ride this awesome dotted line on the slickrock to the HC Hidden Canyon. Follow HC to the North rim trail head west to The Point for the great views.(Do the yellow side loop if you are seeking more slickrock challenges on the way to the Point) After enjoying views at the Point,follow the South rim east to the HC junction and cruise it again to the Northrim junction. Head north and east on the North Rim trail to the Practice Loop and back to the parking lot.(or take the side trip out to Gods Skateboard Park) Many options to choose from just keep your head up and keep an eye on distant peaks to keep your bearings...Anticipation pays off, you can clean this whole trail if you look ahead! Bring lots of water! Keep your momentum and you will fly up those slickrock mounds...Have fun! We did Directions to trail from Hurricane 14.2 miles east on 59 go left on dirt road which heads west and north. Look for Gooseberry sign on left at 3 miles turn. Go 3.6 miles turn left again, one mile to trailhead	Overall Rating:

Vern Blanstan from Vancouver, B.C. Date: June 23, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Get a map. Other recommended trails in the same area: St. George
Review: I must applaud the work done by the locals. Follow the dots, you get lost, better get GPS. As for the ride, anyone who complains didn't think outside the box. Man, grip like you ain't ever seen. If your going fast, your missing the point. Enjoy the rolling terrain, climb without fear. Spectacular scenery, great climate, great trail. I am spoiled by the trails in my back yard (north shore), anyone travelling to Vegas and has a couple of days to spare, definately worth your while. P.S. Those who can't appreciate anything other than the trails in their back yards and are obviously not capable of coping with different terain/riding styles, simply stay home. This ride was extremely enjoyable and gave me a different point of view of what mountain biking is all about, diversity.	Overall Rating:

JASON from Las Vegas,NV Date: June 8, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Simply put, this trail is awesome. The perfect combination of single track wilderness with slick rock terrain. An excellent option between novice to advanced. I took my rather intermediate girl friend with me (having braved the 6 mile jeep trail in her dodge neon!) I actually took her on the advanced stuff and she ripped it up. The trail is 99.9 percent able to be ridden without dismounting. That's the absolute beauty of it, it as if god made this just for our mountain bikes! I haven't ridden Moab or any other famous places, so I'm not a trail snob like some of the others (my apologies), but trust me this is worth every mile of your road trip.St.georg is right there and is actually a cool little town, with cheap motels (20-30 bucks) and there's an incredible chinese restaurant atop the hill north of St.George st. Also the trail rims Zion national park, and I think they just restricted car access, so make a back packing trip out of it. Ignore any naysayers, this trail seriously is awesome. P.S. The trail book sold by the local bike shop for 7 bucks (ouch) near main street sucks serious booty and will have you lost in no time, espicially with the other local trails. Use only as last resort! Ride safe.	Overall Rating:

darrick from west indies Date: May 30, 2000 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: after reading all other reviews on this slice of paradise, i can't fathom how someone could be dissapointed in it. i lived in st. gearge for 5 years and rode this trail till i could do it from memory - never did get bored from it. i have done many trails from areas all over the nation, this is one of the top 3! if you cannot handle it, please stay out of our way, it is not for first timers.	Overall Rating:

Dave from North Ogden UT Date: May 19, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Was this a bmx course? Where was the singletrack? (only stretches greater than 50 yards count)	Overall Rating:

Levi from Kingman, AZ Date: May 9, 2000 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Man, I don't know how anyone can give these trails a crappy review. Gooseberry Mesa has a little bit of everything. I swear. It's like I died and went to heaven! If your skills aren't that hot, that's okay. Take an easier trail instead of trying to tackle God's skateboard park or something. Okay, so it's true that you can get lost pretty easily, especially with that piece of crap sheet of typing paper that the local bike shop trys to sell off as a map. It's better than nothing though, and getting lost is all part of the fun! You may not know exactly where you're at, but as long as you can hit the dirt road that runs through the middle of everything and head towards the mountains, you shouldn't have a problem with finding where you parked your car. I've ridden there in August and it was a little on the hot side, but definitely still bearable and well worth the fun.	Overall Rating:

Ken from Colorado Date: April 24, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: OK, up front I will say that Gooseberry Mesa may not be for everybody. If you want screaming downhill, find a ski lift in the summer. Want to show off your skills to admiring fans? Go to the Slickrock. But if you want a great single track design with fine views and fewer people, go here. My technical skills aren't great, but even after a few miles, they had improved dramatically and I rode 99% of it. I'm sure that after a few trips around the loop, I could clean it all. But my battle scars are worn with pride for having ridden this delightful ride. By the way, kids as young as six or seven were having a great time on this ride, as well as some of us on the "senior circuit". There is some limited exposure in a few places, but for those bothered by heights, it's quite easy to get off and walk these sections away from the cliffs. I've been lucky enough in my travels around the west to ride places such as Bend and Downeyville before they became household names, as well as the more popular spots such as Moab and Fruita. Of all of them, none is pulling me back as strongly as Gooseberry. To reinterate some comments made by others before: Wear a helmet. Even if you stay in the saddle the entire ride, there are branches waiting to jump out and poke at you. Get a map at the local bike shop. Although the trail is well marked with paint, there are various loops and trails that are difficult to figure out without the map. Kudos to the builders and to the BLM for participating in the creation of this trail system. And most of all, don't tell anyone else about it!!!	Overall Rating:

Erik from UTAH Date: April 20, 2000 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: God's Skateboard Park and Rattlesnake Rim Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: 1. In response to Mr. Slackmeyer: If you think Gooseberry is too difficult or dangerous, you shouldn't be riding in Southern Utah (that includes Moab). In fact, I've talked to riders from Vancouver who expressed dissapointment at how the trail was actually easier than expected! 2. Now, on to the trail itself: First of all, the BLM / and local riding clubs marked the trail almost as clearly as the over-crowded, over-rated Slick Rock trail in Moab (I have been riding Moab for years). Second, I've been with intermediate-level cyclists in mediocre physical condition that were able to clear 80-100% of the trail without getting off their bikes. Yes, Gooseberry is a technical trail, however, it is diverse and equipped with numerous routes with patches of singletrack, vast rock-faces, and mid-to-small-range drop-offs that are well marked and should be rideable even by cyclists with limited experience. I wouldn't recommend the trail for any "first few times on a bike" rider, however, if you have a good map and pay attention, you should be able to find and ride the trail without hurting yourself. In fact, the first time I rode the trail I diddn't even have a map! Anyone interested in Intermediate to Advanced technical Slick-Rock / Conglomerate riding should consider Gooseberry as a prime destination. At worst, the trail gets an A- for being within a 30 mile radius of Colorado City!!!	Overall Rating:

Phil Slackmeyer from Portland, Ore Date: April 14, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Gooseberry Mesa I give it a C-/D+ rating. Other recommended trails in the same area: Still love the riding in and around Moab the best.
Review: Was not as impressed with riding as friends has espoused. Difficult locating the trail. My wife and I had to get off our rides to either locate the trail or do some incredibly heinous climb/dangerous cliff-side manuever. Not very safe. We both agreed there were contrived bike routes with lotsa hike-bike-sections.	Overall Rating:

Marcus Walton from Bountiful, Utah Date: April 5, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: As recommeded by others. Other recommended trails in the same area: WHY!!!
Review: Best there is... I have been front to back, back to front, Nothing can compare. Accept my lovely and loyal wife who lets me bike! Morgan and Mike Harris are Gods for putting this together. I bike with my family and Morgan and Mike everytime we go down there. Thank you and we will see you next month. P.S.I recomend full suspension!!! and ride hard if you can handle it.	Overall Rating:

Tim from DC Date: March 25, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Ride it ALL!! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This trails ROCKS!!!. It is a great blend of singletrack and slickrock that is tech. enough to keep you challenged but still allows you to do some hammering. I have traveled to many ride destinations, but "Gooseberry" (and Bike Zion) is the only place I have returned for a second trip. Hats off to Mike and Morgan HArris...Thanks for a great trail.	Overall Rating:

Dennis from East Coast Date: March 23, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I dont know if "Houston Montague" and "Greg" where riding the correct trail. Its a shame I can only rate this trail with 5 stars. This is some the best riding I have ever done. Tight single track and an rollercoaster ride of slickrock that would make you swallow your gum. I have ridden the trail in both directions and could not chose which I enjoyed the most. The ride is challenging and scenic all in the same. The trail in maintained and marked very well. All the lost souls who cannot find a great ride in this trail, maybe you should take the training wheels off your Huffy and try to ride!!	Overall Rating:

Robert F. Owens from St. George, Utah Date: March 21, 2000 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Perhaps an outsider and retired judge may be permitted to post a few judicious comments. I am 71 years old, and have hiked southwestern canyons and trails for 40 years. It's a land I love. Last Saturday I hiked 8 miles of the trails on Gooseberry Mesa for the first time, stepping off trail to let the occasional mountain biker go by. I found them friendly and helpful, and thought how easily hiking and biking could co-exist in such landscapes. Back home in St. George I read these 41 reviews, and sensed a void like the ones which yawn off Gooseberry Mesa rims, a shallow fixation on track and a deficit of appreciation for the place itself, as if it were simply a setting for kinetic thrills, or a Disneyland ride. Are there no John Muirs or Wallace Stegners in the mountain biking community? Unique places like Gooseberry Mesa have many facets and dimensions; esthetic, geological, a museum of life forms in the natural world. All this can furnish subjects for contemplation, analysis, wonder. From the point one can look back eastward over the great exfoliating gray mounds of Shinarump Conglomerate, set in a maze of green mini-canyons like a pod of whales in a Sargasso Sea and reflect: this is the hard floor of the Chinle, that gave us the atomic bomb. So, guys, next trip take some time to stop and just look and think, smell the Goldensmoke and savor the sudden sight of Indian Paintbrush against gray rock, write a poem, sketch a juniper against the sky. There are yet hidden canyons for you to discover, and more exciting worlds for you to explore there on Gooseberry Mesa.	Overall Rating:

Keith from Pasadena Date: February 26, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Follow the dots Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This trail is insane. I can't believe anyone would give it less than 4 tires. I loved it cause it was different than any of the rides in the mountains (San Gabriel mtns) I live by. It's like a roller coaster. Test your tech abilities here folks and ride the red dots. Epic views. Remarkable cliffs. And when I was there last you could camp for free. Thanks to those who put this trail system together.	Overall Rating:

Fronk from St. George Utah, Washington Date: February 25, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Park at the new, cinder coverd, parking lot by the cattle gaurd. Head south on the traditional route following the new BLM markers and dots. Other recommended trails in the same area: Red Hills Desert Preserve. ( In St. George ) Twin Peaks ( If you like hard climbs and long single track desents ) Green Valley loop and Stuki Springs. Oh, dont forget to ride the JEM near hurricane, it rocks.
Review: I live in the area and am lucky enough to ride this trail at least once a week. It's like church for me so I ride it allmost every Sunday. In the past you could ride the whole trail and only see a few people. Now days the parking lot is full and people are all over. And, on any given Sunday, you can find Mike and Morgan Harris at church also. These guys deserve all of the credit for building this trail. From the first connection of a few cattle trails to the BLM markings and parking lot. Without them none of this would have happened. The next time your there, offer up a sacrifice to the bike gods and let it rip. This trail is like no other I've ever ridden before. Short ups and downs, long fast single track and of course a but load of twisty tight tek-nik-all, over the bars, steep drop offs and rises. If you don't have a seat, don't worry you wont be sitting down much. Spen all day out here or rip through it in a hour or less. You wont be dissapointed and, in less your a tard, you wont get lost. If your allowed, get out on sunday, maybe I'll se ya there.	Overall Rating:

Houston Montague from st.george Date: February 23, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Follow the green Dots and you will enjoy the ride. If you do follow the green dots you will notice that it's too hard to get lost for four hours. Other recommended trails in the same area: Jem Loop, Snow Canyon Road ride.
Review: Notice the Kickers galore as you leave the ground and wait till you land. If your from Washington D. C. you will notice that the kickers aren't as they are in D.C. but you will soon recognize that if I travelled all this way then I'll realize that this ain't no dirt lovers paradise. Nuff Said Ever try a Bumpin jump	Overall Rating:

Stephan from Salt Lake City, Utah Date: February 7, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Anything on the south rim, but the Sandpit bypass,HC, and God's Skateboard Park were my favs Other recommended trails in the same area: Slickrock swamp
Review: Aside from falling about a dozen times trying to get used to my SPD's (new bike, not so shiny anymore). I was grinning from ear to ear the WHOLE time. As stated in other reviews, get a map from Bike Zion. My favorite section, the Sandpit Bypass,is one technical obstacle after another with little or no time to think about what you just cleared. A blast! The HC has some insane turns, clearance, and technical riding. For the taller riders (i'm 6'3") watch your head! There are several places where you could or will put your helmet to use. (they could mark that branch near The Point a little better. I now have a new ding in my helmet from it.) Allow yourself most of the day to explore this area. This trail rivals anything I have ridden in Moab....	Overall Rating:

FORCE Bike Club from Lake Arrowhead, CA Date: February 3, 2000 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Rattlesnake Rim to the Point. North Rim back. And all points in between. Loved God's Skateboard Park. HC kicked me but good.... Other recommended trails in the same area: Slickrock Swamp. Road riding in Zion.
Review: When I started the ride, my bike was pretty; unscuffed and recently cleaned. When I was done, it has gashes on the cranks, the BB was polished out, and my bar ends were worn to sharp points. I had sand in my teeth, and blisters on my race proven hands. And I'd do it again in a heart beat! A different ride than what we are used to in my locale, and I can see why it is a Top 10 must ride in the USA. A BIG THANX to those who worked to put the Gooseberry system together!	Overall Rating:

Walt from Los Alamos, NM Date: January 12, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once