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Hurricane Cliffs Trails Utah

4.3
·23 reviews·Hurricane, United States

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

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds & heat

CrowdLow
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Hurricane Cliffs Trails - Image 1

Hurricane Cliffs Trails Utah

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds & heat

CrowdLow

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.

4.3
(23 reviews)

"Awesome free camping and spectacular scenery with a great array of trails!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 23 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cowbell Loop

Cowbell Loop

Upper Trails

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

Dead Ringer Descent

Dead Ringer Descent

Connecting from Cowbell

A thrilling downhill blast that's a favorite for its speed and excitement. Pure adrenaline!

JEM Trail

JEM Trail

Lower Trails

Known for its fast and flowing characteristics, perfect for XC riders looking for a good pedal.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Access & Camping

Hurricane Cliffs offers a fantastic network of trails, but camping can be competitive. Arrive early or consider weekdays to secure a spot, as free camping is popular and can fill up quickly, especially with larger RVs. Reddit

Trail Etiquette & Conditions

While generally well-maintained by BLM, be aware that trails can get crowded. Respect other users, especially the 'snobby mountain bikers' some mention, and check conditions before you go. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds & heat
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall afternoons
Why
Ideal temps for riding
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Spectacular views
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🚵‍♀️ Ride the Epic Loops

Link up trails like JEM, Cowbell, and Dead Ringer for big days of riding. Reddit :mountain_bicyclist:

reddit.com

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. Reddit :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. Reddit

🚵‍♀️ Ride the Epic Loops

Link up trails like JEM, Cowbell, and Dead Ringer for big days of riding. Reddit :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. Reddit :construction_worker:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Desert riding means carrying plenty of water. It gets hot! :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(23 reviews)

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

Spectacular scenery & sunsets
Free camping
Fast, flowing trails

What People Dislike

Crowded camping spots
Limited camping space

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! While some trails are technical, many offer fun, pedal-friendly loops suitable for XC bikes, especially if you're looking for big days. Reddit

The BLM does a great job maintaining the roads, making them generally accessible. Reddit

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. Reddit

There are no entrance fees for accessing the Hurricane Cliffs trail system or the free camping areas. Reddit

The trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk. Camping is also available, but spots can be limited. Reddit

Currently, camping spots are generally first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved. This can lead to competition for spots. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Cowbell Loop, Dead Ringer descent, and JEM Trail are frequently mentioned as favorites for their fast, flowing, and epic riding experiences. Reddit

Expect spectacular desert scenery with stunning views, especially during sunset. The landscape is a major draw for visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

For big days, linking up trails like the JEM Trail, Cowbell Loop, and Dead Ringer offers a substantial and exciting riding experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting long shadows and vibrant colors across the cliffs. Reddit

Many riders stop for photos, but always prioritize safety. Pull over to a safe spot before taking pictures, especially on busy trails. Reddit

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. Reddit

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Hurricane Cliffs Trails Utah (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide