Brian Head, UT Singletrack - 5 Day Mountain Bike Trip

DAY 1

After meeting up in St. George, we will shuttle up to the high country to access extraordinary singletrack! After fueling up with a hearty lunch, we ride to the Thunder Mountain Trailhead where the singletrack winds in and out of  orange limestone ridges covered in Bristlecone and Ponderosa pines. We top out with a spectacular view from Thunder Mountain which carries us along knife edge ridges and through wild hoodoos. We’ll ride to camp along the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail. From camp we will have the option to head out to the Losee Canyon Trail for more!

TOTAL MILEAGE: 15 miles AM, 15 miles PM

DAY 2

After a delicious breakfast we’ll break camp and head for Strawberry Point and the start of the Virgin River Rim Trail (a truly exceptional trail)! This is a high point and the colorful pink rock of the rim forms sheer cliff faces that are often several hundred feet tall. The trail is fairly wide with challenging climbs and swooping descents, including a brilliant route along the rim. After a few miles we’ll wind up at Cascade Falls, an interesting geological phenomenon. Water from Navajo Lake runs underground in a lava tube before spilling out of the cliff face and forming the headwaters of the Virgin River. This river is responsible for carving the deep canyons of Zion. We’ll have lunch, a little siesta, and then head out for more. A strenuous climb along the rim returns us to the ridge line and will place us atop the spectacularly eroded pink cliffs. A bit more riding will bring us to our camp for the next two nights at Navajo Lake.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 21 miles

DAY 3

From our camp we will head back out on the Virgin River Rim Trail for another great day. We will ride through thick forests of Douglas fir and aspen meadows on rolling singletrack. This section of trail is cut into the slopes of the Virgin River headwaters and contains many ups and downs, but the general trend is a contour. Upon reaching the Deer Haven Trailhead, we will shuttle back to Navajo Lake. Once at camp, we can either take a dip in the lake, or head out on the five star Navajo Lake Loop that cruises through the lava field which formed the lake several thousand years ago. The perfect ending for a perfect day!

TOTAL MILEAGE: 13 miles AM, 10 miles PM

DAY 4

After a hearty breakfast we’ll load up and shuttle to the Brian Head resort area. The peak’s elevation is 11,307 feet and from the summit we will enjoy views in all directions, including Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks and Cedar Breaks National Monument. The trail traverses the ridge before we drop into the aspen and pine forest for a singletrack ride of a lifetime. The trail is technical with rocky sections, some loose gravel and tight switchbacks. Time to pay attention and enjoy! In the afternoon, our shuttle vehicle will take us up to Brian Head Peak again for more downhill singletrack riding on the Lowder Ponds Trail. The trail winds by small lakes, traverses several meadows and drops steeply into the forested west side of Sidney Valley. We’ll meet the dirt road here and climb two miles on the Sidney Valley Road to our high alpine camp above 10,000 feet.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 12 miles AM, 8 miles PM

DAY 5

Today is the singletrack grand finale! After breakfast (and coffee!) and breaking down camp, we ride right from camp to the Right Fork of Bunker Creek Trail. As you start the gradual descent into Bunker Creek, look for the outstanding views of the desert landscape down below. Dropping into the drainage is where the fun begins. It’s an incredible singletrack descent (3,000 feet!) through the trees with a small stream crossing along the way. We’ll finish near Panguitch Lake, load up the bikes, and shuttle to the rim of Cedar Breaks National Monument for more beauty overload. We’ll take a short walk to enjoy the amazing views and then have a yummy lunch, sharing stories from the week. We’ll shuttle back to St. George and say our goodbyes.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 9 miles

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

•  Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
• A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: ✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks ✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware ✓ 1 cycling water bottle ✓ camp chairs ✓ solar showers ✓ sunscreen & bug spray ✓ bike stand and lube ✓ guides bring their own tools ✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

• bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
• helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
• tent
• sleeping bag
• sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

• cycling shoes
• 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
• 3 - 5 cycling shirts
• long sleeve cycling shirt
• long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
• cycling socks
• windbreaker
• tights or leg warmers
• 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
• rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
• sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

• camp shorts
• shirts
• warm socks
• long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
• 2 pairs warm long pants
• long-sleeved fleece or sweater
• Pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
• warm gloves and hat
• brimmed hat or visor
• bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
• hiking shoes
• sandals
• rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

• toiletries
• medication (daily and emergency)
• towel
• biodegradable soap
• wet-wipes
• flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
• sunglasses
• optional day bag
• stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
• cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

• camera, extra batteries
• binoculars
• alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
• books or maps
• we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Driving St. George is located 120 miles north of Las Vegas on Interstate 15. If you need to leave a car behind while you are on your trip, there is parking available at the hotel where we will be meeting.

Flying into St. George Airport Code: SGU The airport is far from town. Be sure to book your taxi ahead of time.

Flying into Las Vegas, NV Airport Code: LAS There are two options for getting from Las Vegas to St. George:

1. Take a shuttle with Salt Lake Express. When you reserve, it is very important that you tell them the following things:
2. Select the Door to Door option with the 84790 zip code and provide them with the hotel address where you will be staying.
3. If you are flying with your bike, you will need to reserve a spot on the shuttle for your bike, which will need to be boxed up. There is a surcharge each way.

Shuttles depart from the Las Vegas Airport and St. George eight times daily. Keep in mind that St. George is one hour ahead of Las Vegas. Call 208-656-8824 or visit www.saltlakeexpress.com for times and to make a reservation.

1. Rent a car in Las Vegas and park it at the hotel.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT Airport Code: SLC There are two options for getting from Salt Lake City to St. George:

1. Take a shuttle with Salt Lake Express; shuttle time is about 5 hours. When you reserve, it is very important that you tell them the following things:
2. Select the Door to Door option with the 84790 zip code and provide them with the hotel address where you will be staying.
3. If you are flying with your bike, you will need to reserve a spot on the shuttle for your bike, which will need to be boxed up. There is a surcharge each way.

Call 208-656-8824 or visit www.saltlakeexpress.com for times and to make a reservation.

1. Rent a car in Salt Lake; it is a 5 hour drive.

• Holiday Inn St. George Convention Center - 435-628-8007 Book your room at the Holiday Inn using this special booking link to enjoy a discounted rate.
• Tru by Hilton St. George - 435-634-7768
• Fairfield Inn St. George - 435-673-6066
• Hilton Garden Inn St. George - 435-634-4100

We love biking and traveling as much as you do! For over 30 years, we’ve been in the business of bike guiding and we’ve honed every little detail to give you the highest quality bike trip on the market. We’ve cherry-picked the best mountain bike trails and road rides so you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of the American West. We go the extra mile to make sure you have the most fun on your bike!

At Western Spirit, our staff is the heart of our company. Our guides love what they do, and are dedicated to providing you with a memorable vacation. Each of them has received extensive training in backcountry travel, cooking, natural history, and first aid, not to mention their cycling and mechanical skills. They are committed to helping people experience the outdoors and have a wealth of knowledge to share. Their attention to every detail leaves you free to enjoy the riding.

It’s our philosophy that everyone in our busy world needs to get outside more. We know it’s tough to squeeze it all in, but with Western Spirit we’re here to make it as easy as possible. Our friendly office staff is just a call away to help you find the perfect trip for you. We believe in getting away from it all, spending rejuvenating time in nature, and most of all, having a lot of fun!

The trip price includes food and drinks for the trip, guides, support vehicle, campsites, permits, and any entry fees into national parks and public lands.

Not included are: rental fees (bikes and camping gear), alcoholic beverages, gratuities for your guides, and applicable sales tax. If you would like to bring alcoholic beverages we will store them for you at the appropriate temperature.

Your total tour cost will include your trip fee, appropriate rental fees and applicable sales tax

We provide water, coffee, teas, electrolyte drinks, and assorted soft drinks. We cannot provide alcohol. You are welcome to bring your favorite alcoholic beverages and our guides will store them at the appropriate temperature. We’ll keep the beer cold while you’re out riding!

Yes! From lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day, we’ve got healthy and delicious food to fuel your fun. Food is one thing we take pretty seriously and we get rave reviews from our guests.

Our guides are amazing backcountry chefs and will prepare all your meals. All snacks are included. We’re sponsored by Clif Bar, and provide you with plentiful bars, snacks and electrolyte drinks. If you have specific favorite riding snacks, however, please bring them with you.

Yes, no problem! We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, and we do it frequently. Our guides are masters at making sure everyone is satisfied. Please let us know when you fill out your forms so our guides can accommodate you and your needs. It is good to be specific (e.g., vegetarian but prefer tempeh over tofu) to help the guides with meal planning.

We wish we could tell you exactly, but Mother Nature is quite unpredictable as you may know. Our trips are designed with the best weather in mind, and follow the seasons—desert trips in spring and fall, and mountain trips in the summer. By sticking to our packing list that we’ve designed for you, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes our way (bringing rain gear almost assures it won’t rain, right?).

Most of our permits allow us to take 13 guests and 2 guides, although many trips are smaller than our maximum allowed. Our Maze permit in Canyonlands National Park is more limited with only 7 guests and 2 guides to maintain the remote wilderness experience.

For mountain bikes, we use the Specialized Stumpjumper ST 29ers. For road bikes, we use the Specialized Diverge E5 Elite. All our rental bikes come with flat pedals, a helmet, and one water bottle cage. We provide the water bottle and all the bike repair gear.

If you’re renting a bike from us, you do not need to show up early. Please meet at the scheduled time and we will fit you to your rented bike then.

All Western Spirit rental bikes come with flat pedals. If you have clipless pedals (e.g., SPD, Crank Brothers, etc.), you’re welcome to bring them along with your shoes. We swap out pedals all the time!

The packing list will tell you how to pack, since it depends on which trip you are on. Overall, we use a 3-bag system:

Camping gear and personal items for camp (gets packed away in the morning and is inaccessible throughout the day), Small daypack (stays in vehicle and is accessible throughout the day, e.g., extra layers, prescription medications, extra snacks, etc.), Hydration pack you wear (all things you readily need, right there on your back). We recommend a 2-liter hydration system (e.g., Camelbak) to carry the things needed during the day (water, snacks, lunch, rain gear, extra layer, sunscreen, camera, etc.), and to easily hydrate without stopping.

Nope! We provide spare tubes (for 26”, 27.5” and 29” wheels), lube, tool kits, and pumps.

Certainly! If you bring camping gear, please bring a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. We’ll provide everything else you need. Don’t worry about the camp chairs—we bring those too!

Please make sure all your gear is in excellent, working condition before you head out on your trip. If you’re bringing your own bike, please make sure it has been tuned up and is in excellent riding condition before the trip.

Yes! We rent tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. Sleeping bags are thoroughly washed between trips. The following prices are for the whole trip:

2-person tent – $40 Sleeping bag – $35 Sleeping pad – $15 Total $90

We offer solar showers which are a nice way to rinse off and refresh yourself, but it is not enough water to take a full-fledge shower. The showers are not private, so please bring a swimsuit and your own towel. Showers are dependent on water resources, which may be restricted if it’s a hot desert trip. Some campsites have streams and lakes available for swimming. We also recommend wet-wipes to refresh after a fun day on the bike.

It’s not a glamorous topic, and we know this can be a subject of concern and embarrassment for some. We make it as easy and sanitary as possible! If we’re camping in designated campsites, we use the pit toilets available in the campgrounds. If we’re camping in the backcountry, we obey by the pack-it-in-pack-it-out rule. We set up a portable toilet lovingly called “the groover,” and put it in a private location with a stunning view. We provide a hand wash system for clean up.

Please join us! We get solo travelers all the time and going on a bike trip is a great way to meet like-minded people. Many of our guests end up as lifelong friends after a Western Spirit trip.