
Hurricane Cliffs Trails Utah
Spectacular desert trails and free camping await at Hurricane Cliffs, Utah. A paradise for mountain bikers seeking epic rides and stunning vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat

Hurricane Cliffs Trails Utah
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Spectacular desert trails and free camping await at Hurricane Cliffs, Utah. A paradise for mountain bikers seeking epic rides and stunning vistas.
"Awesome free camping and spectacular scenery with a great array of trails!"

🎯 Secure Your Campsite Early
Free camping is awesome but fills fast! Arrive early or aim for weekdays to snag a spot. ⛺
🚵♀️ Ride the Epic Loops
Link up trails like JEM, Cowbell, and Dead Ringer for big days of riding. :mountain_bicyclist:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.3 · 23 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cowbell Loop
Upper Trails
An epic loop combining fast, flowing sections with challenging terrain. A must-do for experienced riders.

Dead Ringer Descent
Connecting from Cowbell
A thrilling downhill blast that's a favorite for its speed and excitement. Pure adrenaline!

JEM Trail
Lower Trails
Known for its fast and flowing characteristics, perfect for XC riders looking for a good pedal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Access & Camping
Trail Etiquette & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hurricane Cliffs, UT
This is BLM land (dispersed) that is open and actually very quiet. We’ve been here for 11 days and love it. Great trails for mountain biking or trail running. Located just outside of Zion NP which is closed.
🎯 Secure Your Campsite Early
Free camping is awesome but fills fast! Arrive early or aim for weekdays to snag a spot. ⛺
🚵♀️ Ride the Epic Loops
Link up trails like JEM, Cowbell, and Dead Ringer for big days of riding. :mountain_bicyclist:
Best zone(s) and trails to ride in St. George/Hurricane?
From Squamish, heading down south because the rain here is ass. Will be riding my XC bike so looking for some fun pedal-ly big loop recommendations if possible but have chunky bois on it so should be fine on more tech too. Ultimately just looking to link up some big days!…
🌅 Catch the Sunset Views
The scenery is spectacular, especially during sunset. Don't miss it! :sunriseovermountains:
🚗 BLM Maintains Roads
Enjoy well-maintained access roads thanks to BLM efforts. :construction_worker:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Secure Your Campsite Early
Free camping is awesome but fills fast! Arrive early or aim for weekdays to snag a spot. ⛺
🚵♀️ Ride the Epic Loops
Link up trails like JEM, Cowbell, and Dead Ringer for big days of riding. :mountain_bicyclist:
🌅 Catch the Sunset Views
The scenery is spectacular, especially during sunset. Don't miss it! :sunriseovermountains:
🚗 BLM Maintains Roads
Enjoy well-maintained access roads thanks to BLM efforts. :construction_worker:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Desert riding means carrying plenty of water. It gets hot! :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love Hurricane Cliffs for its spectacular desert scenery, free camping, and an array of fantastic mountain biking trails, particularly the fast and flowing ones. However, the popularity means it can get extremely crowded, with camping spots being a frequent point of contention due to limited availability and competition from larger vehicles.
"Quite an array of trails in this area. Really loved the fast and flowing ones. The free camping? Yes, awesome, spectacular scenery, and sunsets. Favourite loop is coming up the J, EM Trail, doing the cowbell loop at the top, and then blasting down the dead ringer, epic!"
Scott Free
"Pretty fun spot for a day or two but like everything else in this area; it gets extremely crowded & busy. Doesn’t help there’s only a few places to camp & all these cheap people with big brand new 5th wheel campers come back here & burn up all the TENT ⛺️ spots. They need to make a few more spots & have a BLM employee enforce the area to keep people parked in the right spots."
Tony Mitch
"Cool spot. How about make more camping spots no decrease the amount!? The future you expand more people... thats how that works... No reserving camp spots unless you have pay the blm as show bellow. Otherwise great!"
caine wallace
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hurricane Cliffs Trails are located near Hurricane, Utah. Access is typically via BLM roads off State Route 9. Many visitors use it as a pickup spot after riding nearby areas like Gem downhill.
Yes, there are parking areas, often used as staging points for rides. Be aware that the area can get busy, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! While some trails are technical, many offer fun, pedal-friendly loops suitable for XC bikes, especially if you're looking for big days.
The BLM does a great job maintaining the roads, making them generally accessible.
While there are challenging sections, many trails offer a good balance of flow and moderate technicality, making it enjoyable for various skill levels. It's best to research specific trails for suitability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permit is typically required for riding the trails. Access to the trailheads and camping areas is generally free.
There are no entrance fees for accessing the Hurricane Cliffs trail system or the free camping areas.
The trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk. Camping is also available, but spots can be limited.
Currently, camping spots are generally first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved. This can lead to competition for spots.
To secure a camping spot, it's highly recommended to arrive early in the day, especially on weekends or holidays. Weekdays offer a better chance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Cowbell Loop, Dead Ringer descent, and JEM Trail are frequently mentioned as favorites for their fast, flowing, and epic riding experiences.
Expect spectacular desert scenery with stunning views, especially during sunset. The landscape is a major draw for visitors.
Restroom facilities may be limited or non-existent in some dispersed camping areas. It's advisable to come prepared.
Yes, the area can get extremely crowded and busy, particularly during peak seasons and weekends. Arriving early is key.
For big days, linking up trails like the JEM Trail, Cowbell Loop, and Dead Ringer offers a substantial and exciting riding experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The nearest dining options are in the town of Hurricane, Utah, which offers various restaurants and cafes. It's recommended to pack your own food and drinks for a day of riding.
Yes, if you are camping, you can typically cook at your campsite. Campfires may be restricted based on fire danger levels. Remember to pack out all trash.
Bring plenty of snacks, energy bars, and water. For longer rides, consider sandwiches or other portable, high-energy foods. Staying hydrated is crucial in the desert climate.
Yes, grocery stores are available in Hurricane, Utah, for stocking up on supplies before heading to the trails.
No, there are no food vendors or services directly at the trailheads. All food and drinks must be brought with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area offers spectacular scenery. Look for vantage points along the trails, especially during sunrise and sunset, for breathtaking desert landscapes.
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting long shadows and vibrant colors across the cliffs.
Many riders stop for photos, but always prioritize safety. Pull over to a safe spot before taking pictures, especially on busy trails.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light shots. :camerawithflash:
While specific viewpoints aren't always marked, many of the higher points along trails like Cowbell offer panoramic views. Explore and find your own unique angles.











Social
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