Bearclaw Poppy Trail St. George Utah
Experience the Mojave Desert's rugged beauty on Bearclaw Poppy Trail, offering thrilling mountain biking and breathtaking vistas for all skill levels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid peak heat and crowds
Bearclaw Poppy Trail St. George Utah
Best Time
Avoid peak heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the Mojave Desert's rugged beauty on Bearclaw Poppy Trail, offering thrilling mountain biking and breathtaking vistas for all skill levels.
"A pinnacle of desert adventures with breathtaking views and fun trails for beginners and veterans alike!"
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense desert sun.
⚠️ Watch for Blind Turns
Be cautious of oncoming traffic on narrow trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bearclaw Poppy Loop
Green Valley Trail System
An exhilarating 10.3-mile mountain bike loop with smooth singletrack and rolling hills through stunning desert landscapes.
3 Fingers of Death
Off Bearclaw Poppy Trail
A thrilling section with technical drops and alternate lines, offering a challenge for experienced riders.
Desert Vistas and Joshua Trees
Throughout the trail system
Breathtaking views of the Mojave Desert, dotted with unique Joshua Tree cacti and expansive vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Trail Etiquette and Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense desert sun. +1
⚠️ Watch for Blind Turns
Be cautious of oncoming traffic on narrow trails.
🚲 Beginner Friendly (mostly)
Great for beginners, but some drops require caution. +1
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water; there are no shady rest stops.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense desert sun. +1
⚠️ Watch for Blind Turns
Be cautious of oncoming traffic on narrow trails.
🚲 Beginner Friendly (mostly)
Great for beginners, but some drops require caution. +1
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water; there are no shady rest stops.
🥾 Know Your Limits
Some advanced sections exist, assess your skill level.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Bearclaw Poppy Trail for its stunning desert scenery, enjoyable flowy trails suitable for various skill levels, and the thrill of challenging sections like '3 Fingers of Death'. It's praised as a great family and beginner-friendly spot, though some caution is advised for advanced drops. The main drawback is the intense sun and lack of shade, making timing crucial.
"The pinnacle of desert adventures for motorized travel off-road. Mojave desert at its finest. The Joshua Tree cacti are breathtaking as well as the vistas. Be sure to watch blind turns for oncoming vehicles as the roads are narrow. Bulldog pass is noteworthy."
Joe “Pipeliner” B.
"This is a great family and beginner friendly place to bike. The uphill is quite manageable and the downhill section is pretty flowy and smooth for the most
part. It is in direct sunlight all day so I would recommend coming in the morning or evening during the warmer months and the afternoon in the cooler months. There is not a shady rest/picnic area so don't plan on having a little lunch here."
Jaden Shearer
"Went here on my very first mountain bike trail ever and had a blast, it's not an overly difficult ride, and the downhill section was super fun but I would suggest it for absolute beginners...as there are a few really scary drop off for newbies that you really just can't bypass. Overall a great trail!"
Kristina Blackfox-Bonelli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main trailhead is often accessed near the skate rink in St. George, Utah, offering easy access to the Green Valley trail system. There's also a trailhead near Zen.
Yes, there is a nice large parking lot available, which is convenient for visitors.
Yes, you can start from trailheads like Zen or in Bloomington, depending on your desired route and skill level.
Using a trail app like AllTrails can be helpful, but be aware of your surroundings and trail markers.
While popular for mountain biking, the area is also known for motorized off-road travel. Be mindful of other users.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bearclaw Poppy Trail is generally free to access as it's part of a public trail system.
The trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk. However, it's best to visit during cooler parts of the day.
There is no entrance fee for the Green Valley Trail System, making it an accessible outdoor adventure.
No reservations are needed as it's a public trail. It can get busy, so arriving early is recommended.
Generally, no permits are required for recreational use like hiking and mountain biking on these trails.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail offers a range of difficulties, with many sections being beginner-friendly and flowy, but some advanced drops exist. +1
Expect loose over hardpack, smooth singletrack, rolling hills, and some technical sections with drops.
Yes, it's considered a great family and beginner-friendly place to bike, with manageable uphill and fun downhill sections.
No, the trail is in direct sunlight all day, so plan accordingly and bring plenty of water. +1
The 8-mile loop and the '3 Fingers of Death' are highly recommended for their fun terrain and challenging features.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the breathtaking desert vistas, unique Joshua Tree cacti, and the dynamic flow of the trails.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for landscape and action shots.
Many sections offer panoramic views, especially along the higher points of the loop. Keep an eye out for scenic overlooks.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can capture action shots of bikers.
Check local regulations regarding drone usage in public recreational areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚴 Mountain Bikers
Riders looking for a thrill will find it in sections like the '3 Fingers of Death' with its technical drops and challenging lines. The trail system is known for its loose over hardpack conditions, so be prepared for that. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Mountain Biking at Bearclaw Poppy
Many riders praise the trail's flow and the availability of alternate lines, which add to the riding experience. For those seeking more technical challenges, sections like the '3 Fingers of Death' are a must-try. This part of the trail system features significant drops and technical features that will test even experienced riders.
However, the overall consensus from reviews is that the trails are beginner-friendly enough for newcomers to enjoy, provided they are aware of and can navigate around the more challenging obstacles. When planning your ride, remember that the desert sun can be intense. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon is highly recommended to avoid the peak heat and enjoy more comfortable riding conditions.
Navigating the Trails and Safety
Safety is paramount, and while many sections are accessible for beginners and families, some features require caution. The '3 Fingers of Death' is a prime example, with drops that can be intimidating for novices.
Beyond trail-specific hazards, the desert environment itself demands respect. The direct sunlight throughout the day means heat can build up quickly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit