Bryce Canyon, nestled in the heart of Utah’s desert landscape, offers a biking experience like no other. Whether you crave the smoothness of paved roads or the thrill of mountain biking, this destination promises a unique and unforgettable experience. This guide explores the diverse biking opportunities with trails of varying difficulty levels, lengths, and viewpoints. Join us on a journey into the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder. So, gear up for the ride of a lifetime as Bryce Canyon’s bike trails lead the way.
What Sets Bryce Canyon Biking Apart
Bryce Canyon presents ideal biking temperatures in the 70s to 80s due to its high-altitude desert climate ensuring a cool ride, unlike other desert areas in Utah. The area also boasts diverse terrain with trails for all skill levels, including paved roads and challenging mountain biking trails. Not to mention, the views can’t be beaten! Bikers are fully immersed in the awe-inspiring red rock landscape, featuring unique rock formations, hoodoos, pine forests, and vast canyon vistas.
Biking in Bryce Canyon National Park
Inside Bryce Canyon National Park, bikes are allowed on roads and designated paths but cannot be taken on any dirt trails, so the Shared-Use Path will be your best bet for a vehicle-free route instead of the main road that runs through the park.
Shared-Use Path
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5 miles one-way
Terrain: Paved
Key Highlights: Visitor Center, Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Inspiration Point
The Shared-Use Path offers a picturesque route for pedestrians, leashed pets, cyclists, roller skaters, longboarders, non-motorized scooters, and e-bikers to access scenic viewpoints within the park. Bikers can enjoy five miles of vehicle-free two-lane riding along this paved trail that connects the shuttle station north of the park with stops like the Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. It’s an ideal family-friendly option, providing a smooth ride. The Bryce Canyon Shuttles makes transporting you and your ride simple, with the bus accommodating two bikes on its front rack and shuttles arriving every 15 minutes.
Biking Near Bryce Canyon
Canyon-2-Canyon Annual Bike Ride
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 17 miles round trip
Terrain: Paved roads
Key Highlights: Inspiration Point, Red Canyon, Scenic Highway 12
Embark on a fun riding adventure with the annual Canyon-2-Canyon Bike Ride hosted by Bryce Canyon City and Ruby’s Inn. This family-friendly bike ride invites cyclists to experience the scenic beauty of two canyons, starting at Bryce Canyon’s Inspiration Point and finishing in Red Canyon, covering a scenic 17-mile trail along the All-American Road. Held annually on the 4th Saturday of August, this paved trail guides riders through a mesmerizing journey, providing panoramic views of crimson-colored hoodoos and stunning rock formations, catering to all skill levels for families and casual riders. Bikers can choose their starting point and utilize free bike transportation during the event.
Thunder Mountain Trail
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 14.7 mile loop
Terrain: Technical singletrack
Key Highlights: Red Canyon, Pink Ledges
Indulge your adventurous spirit with Thunder Mountain Trail, an exhilarating option located just outside Bryce Canyon National Park, perfect for adrenaline junkies and experienced mountain bikers. This advanced trail promises challenging descents, technical sections, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Thunder Mountain Trail seamlessly navigates through the stunning Red Canyon, creating a thrilling and rewarding biking experience. It’s important to be mindful of horses and riders sharing the trail. This singletrack trail, adorned with numerous switchbacks for climbs and descents, boasts nearly 3,000 feet in elevation changes throughout the ride, ensuring a dynamic and engaging biking adventure for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled escapade.
Red Canyon Paved Bike Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 15 miles round trip
Terrain: Paved
Key Highlights: Red Canyon, Dixie National Forest
Explore the captivating Red Canyon Paved Bike Trail, renowned as one of Utah’s most scenic routes. Referred to as “Little Bryce,” this family-friendly path offers an easy and picturesque ride through red canyons. Starting at Ruby’s Inn and extending along Highway 12 to the Thunder Mountain Trailhead, this well-maintained trail presents a non-motorized alternative to the bustling Highway 12. With most of the trail downhill from Ruby’s Inn to Thunder Mountain, it’s perfect for a straightforward one-way ride or, for the most scenic experience, start at the Thunder Mountain Trailhead, ride east through Red Canyon, and loop back through Coyote Hollow Trailhead—a delightful 5-mile section with a nice downhill trail return. For those seeking a longer route, the Bryce Canyon National Park multi-use bike trail begins at Ruby’s Inn, offering a seamless ride from the Thunder Mountain Trailhead to Inspiration Point.
Dave’s Hollow
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 12 miles round trip
Terrain: Dirt
Key Highlights: Tropic Reservoir, Dixie National Forest, wildlife spotting
Embark on the serene Dave’s Hollow, an easy 12-mile double-track trail conveniently accessed near the entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park. Following the Great Western Trail to Tropic Reservoir, this route winds through juniper, pinyon, and ponderosa pine forests, with meadows frequented by antelope and mule deer. Ideal for beginners and family rides around Bryce Canyon, Dave’s Hollow offers a tranquil journey through nature’s wonders. Don’t miss the chance to cool off in the scenic Tropic Reservoir, a sprawling 180-acre lake boasting a beach area nestled within Dixie National Forest.
Skunk and Badger Bike Trail
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 18 miles round trip
Key Highlights: Tropic Reservoir, Sunset Cliffs
Set out on the awe-inspiring Skunk and Badger Bike Trail, an 18-mile route celebrated for breathtaking views. Starting at Kings Creek Campground, the trail takes riders south along FR 091 past Tropic Reservoir, surrounded by captivating red rock formations en route to Sunset Cliffs, vibrant multi-colored rocks. You’ll want to hop off your bike and walk around to enjoy the views before turning around. The return leg offers a gentle descent through aspen and pine along Skunk Creek. The entirety of the trail is along dirt forest service roads, promising an immersive and rewarding biking experience in nature.
Bike Rentals in Bryce Canyon
For those leaving their bikes at home, numerous rental options make biking in Bryce Canyon hassle-free. At the Historic Service Station, bikes are available for rent to explore inside Bryce Canyon National Park, with rental hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (ending at 4:30 p.m.). Each rental includes a helmet and lock, and various options like e-bikes, mountain bikes, and smaller-sized bikes are offered.
Local outfitters such as Ruby’s Inn, Outta Here eBikes, and Bryce Canyon EZ Riders provide rental choices for exploring on your own outside of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Consider elevating your biking experience with a private guided e-bike tour, where routes, rentals, and equipment are expertly handled. Opt for a half-or full-day tour, traversing the Red Canyon Bike Path that links Bryce Canyon City, the Shuttle Station, and key park destinations like the Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, Lodge, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. Immerse yourself in exploring the scenery, geology, and history of Bryce Canyon National Park while you ride.
Where to Stay Near Bryce Canyon
Under Canvas Bryce Canyon provides a luxurious and convenient base for your biking adventures. Just 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park, our camp offers upscale accommodation framed by 700 acres of high-alpine juniper forest. After a day of biking, unwind in style with ensuite bathrooms, king-size beds, outdoor dining, complimentary camp programming, and nightly s’mores beneath the stars. Our camp welcomes guests from May through September.