As a native Utahn, I’ve learned that when most people from out of state think about Utah, they picture either the Wasatch Mountains up north or the red rock deserts down south. But what if I told you there’s a place where the two landscapes collide? Somewhere you can ride lift-served trails through Ponderosa Pines and cool alpine air, then stop mid-run to soak in the sights of warm red rocks below. A place where the town is small enough to feel like the mom and pop ski resorts of the past, but the riding is exciting enough to keep you lapping all day long. That place is Brian Head Ski Resort.
The quick three and a half hour trip from Salt Lake City to Brian Head Ski Resort is filled with cow pastures, views of the Wasatch, and beautiful rolling hills. After turning off Interstate 15 and winding through Parowan, Utah, the road climbs steeply into Dixie National Forest. As you climb, you slowly start to feel the transition from the desert heat to the cooler temperatures of pine trees and aspens until you finally approach Brian Head Mountain Biking at nearly 10,000 feet. Even in the middle of summer, the temps hover around 80 during the day and drop into the 50s at night. Aside from the contrasting daily temperatures, something that stood out to me right away was the contrast of jagged red rock views framed by alpine meadows and aspens. It felt like the best of northern and southern Utah rolled into one.
We went down there for the biking, a quick weekend getaway from our busy lives in Salt Lake City. We quickly discovered that, unlike riding in the Wasatch, where trails are often fast and flowy, the riding in Brian Head Ski Resort is rocky, raw and technical. It forces you to focus, pick your lines, and trust your bike.
We loaded the Giant Steps Chairlift, which relieves us of about 1,200ft of climbing and ascends from the Giant Steps Base to just below Brian Head Peak. Our favorite warm-up lap was Color Flow, a green trail with long drawn-out switchbacks, small jumps that let you build confidence, and huge views of Cedar Breaks National Monument. From there, Timberglitter became our go-to lap: a blue trail that keeps you on your toes with just enough rocks to spice things up but still flows like a dream. When we were ready for something a bit more technical we headed over to Timberline, a black trail with steep pitches and technical features that felt challenging but approachable. I loved the progression of trails at Brain Head Resort. You can ride there all weekend, choose the A line or B line, and keep finding new ways to push yourself.
In addition to the bike park, there is also a shuttle system adjacent to the resort. Locals raved about Dark Hollow Trail and Sidney Peaks, and though we didn’t have time for Bunker Creek this trip, it’s at the top of our list for next time. These trails give you that long, backcountry descent feeling without the endless climb.
Brian Head Mountain Biking is also home to multiple mountain bike races. Brian Head Mountain Biking has hosted the Big Mountain Enduro, drawing top riders to tackle its rocky, high-altitude stages, and the Flyin’ Brian Gravity Series Finale, which we got to check out while we were visiting. It’s fun knowing you’re riding the same trails as the pros, and it was amazing to see the Gravity Series riders clean lines down technical trails like the double black right under the chairlift, Wildflower.
When the riding wrapped up for the day, we checked out some of the other local attractions. Above the resort looms Brian Head Peak. Where an old CCC-constructed structure provides a short hike and even better views. A quick 10-minute drive from the resort, you can find Cedar Breaks National Monument with red rock formations just as stunning as those in Bryce Canyon National Park. The National Monument has several hikes ranging from short walks to big descents into the canyon. The geologic history of the area makes it unique among any other ski resort in Utah.
After checking out the bike park and Cedar Breaks National Monument, we unwound at The Brian Head Lodge. The Lodge was not only comfortable but also dog-friendly, which meant we were able to bring a dog, Ziggy, along for the adventure, a huge plus for us. Each morning, we could easily leash up our pup and head straight onto the paved bike paths that run through town. For families, Brian Head Resort has a little fishing pond, a disc golf course, and plenty of fun summer events. The whole town felt laid back and unpretentious, the kind of place where biking, hiking, and downtime balance perfectly.
Why Brian Head Mountain Biking Belongs On Every Mountain Biker’s Summer Bucket List
-
Unique terrain—rocky, technical trails with amazing views.
-
Variety of trails—from progression-friendly lift-served trails, to resort adjacent shuttle rides, to even big adventure rides through Cedar Breaks National Monument, there is something for everyone.
-
Dog and family-friendly—with paved paths, a fishing pond, and welcoming lodging.
-
Flexible lodging and camping—stay at the lodge, camp in the forest, or park your RV at the resort.
-
Easy access—just a short trip from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas.
The combination of biking, hiking, sightseeing, and a dog-friendly atmosphere made Brian Head Resort a summer go-to for me and my husband. We are already looking forward to and planning what to ride, what hikes to go on, and where to eat on our next Brian Head summer vacation!
