Virgin River Rim Trail

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Views

One of the best high alpine singletracks in southern Utah, with great views and amazing trail.

Know your ability and your endurance, and don't bite off more of this trail than you can handle on this route. Some sections are very remote and offer no good options for bailout.

The Virgin River Rim Trail is a classic southern Utah ride and provides expansive views over Zion National Park.

Most people do this ride in sections, since the entire thing can take 7 to 10 hours and requires a big shuttle. If you can get the shuttle setup though, the full ride it is very much worth it during the season July-September. The last section on the trail has some amazing fall colors as it weaves through vast aspen forest.

The typical direction to ride is westbound, starting at Strawberry Point and ending at Woods Ranch. However most people do not ride this full distance in one go, so I have broken it down into sections.

Virgin River Rim Trail: Strawberry Point to Cascade Falls
10 miles
The first section of the trail provides some of the most amazing views of the top of the rim down into Zion National Park. You'll pass countless view points and red eroded rock provide great vantage points. A number of views points also allow you to look north along the rim and see where you are head. If you have time for just one section, then this is the one to hit up. There are some challenging rock sections, and you get close to a cliff edge in a number of sections, so don't get carried away.

Virgin River Rim Trail: Cascade Falls to Te-Ah Campground
About 9 miles
This second section is loaded with views of the famous Virgin River which flows down into Zion National Park. You'll also have the option to take a short hike to Cascade Falls or take a side trip around Navajo Lake. This section has the best opportunity for a self-supported trail loop, since you can use some of the Navajo Lake Loop to return.

Virgin River Rim Trail: Te-Ah Campground to Woods Ranch
12 miles
The last section of trail is also the least traveled section since the views are not as expansive as the previous two sections. You'll be in thick forest of fir and aspen. During the fall this comes with some great colors, though. The trail is fast but challenging, and you'll have to watch out for downfall. Since it is the least popular with riders you'll also have the best chance of seeing wildlife here.