Easy–Moderate · 1.5–2.5 hours
J.E.M. Trail
The fast and fun desert cruiser. Flowing singletrack along Virgin River cliffs, optional 100-ft JEM Drop.
On Two Wheels
Gooseberry Mesa — White Trail
A former jeep doubletrack across a 5,200-ft slickrock mesa, marked by white painted dots, ending at the tip of the mesa with a 360° view of Zion.
Photo: Iris Picat / BLM · CC BY 2.0
- Difficulty
- Easy–Moderate
- Duration
- 1.5–2 hours
- From the lodge
- ~25–30 min — the property is the on-ramp
- Type
- Mountain bike · slickrock
Gooseberry Mesa is the reason mountain bikers fly into St. George — and Anasazi Cliffs is the lodging at the foot of it. The White Trail (named for the painted white dots that mark the route across the slickrock) is a 7-mile out-and-back that's accessible to intermediate riders, with a few playful technical sections you can ride or roll around.
At the end, the mesa drops 1,000 feet on three sides into a panorama of Zion to the north, the Hurricane Cliffs to the west, and the Vermilion Cliffs of Arizona to the south. Most guests roll out at sunset, watch the cliffs turn vermilion, then ride back under the first stars.
More advanced riders graduate to The Big Loop (slickrock + South Rim, 12–14 miles, intermediate-to-expert) or Little Creek Mesa next door. Either way: rent your bike at Over The Edge in Hurricane on the way in, grab the trail map, and head up.
Before you go
- Slickrock is grippy when dry, lethal when wet — never ride after rain
- Carry more water than you think you need; there is none on the mesa
- Cell service patchy on the mesa — tell us your route before you head out
Pair it with
← Back to all experiences 
Easy–Moderate · 1.5–2.5 hours
Wire Mesa Loop
7.4 miles of panoramic slickrock with Zion across the valley. The closest trail to your front door.
Hard · 4–6 hours
Little Creek Mesa
Gooseberry's wilder cousin. Cairn-only navigation, optional rock rollers, 360° views from the rim.
Hard · Half-Marathon to 100 Miles
Zion Ultras — Trail Running Series
The race literally starts in Apple Valley. Anasazi Cliffs is the optimal lodging for runners and crews.
Ready for your gooseberry mesa day?
Book your cabin and discover the area at your own pace. The trails start at the door.