What's dry and fun in Utah that isn't Moab or St. George?

**rideit** · 03-13-2020, 10:05 PM

Yeah, my kiddo is kind of over that, we have done that for three spring breaks. Hoping to find somewhere new, if that makes sense.

**Sirshredalot** · 03-13-2020, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by rideit

So, I am looking for something specific, an area that has warmer temps, and the most beginner/intermediate riding where I can easily camp with a trailer. I have no idea what my new knee can handle, but I don’t think it’s much. 18 road is obvious, but I’m afraid that will be an absolute shit show with so many other spring breaks cancelled (yes, I would be one of them).
Blue Diamond?
Park city (a little cold, and hard to camp)
Draper? (Hard to camp)
Boise?
Others I can’t think of?

Vernal, UT could work for you. You can drive a bumper pull trailer right onto McCoy Flats, which has a lot of beginner-friendly pedal-y stuff. Red Fleet State Park has some allegedly interesting slabby sandstone riding and camper hookups. Vernal's enough of a real town to have a few places to get a bite to eat or a beer, but it's generally not busy or crowded. And the dinosaur museum is fun if you're traveling with kids.

But YMMV. If you're looking for extensive tech-y desert riding, it's not nearly on the same level as Moab, Grand Junction, or St. George.

**rideit** · 03-13-2020, 11:01 PM

Actually, for once, I am looking for swoopy, non technical, not too steep riding. (New knee). That might work. I also just sent a shoutout to a friend in Rapid City, that might have some interesting stuff, and we (kiddo at least) have not been there. Maybe badlands, Rushmore, etc, if things are even open at that point.

**evdog** · 03-14-2020, 01:26 AM

Vegas might actually be good for that. Even Bootleg has some nice xc riding. Maybe check out Caliente NV as well. You could head up and check out Death valley as a side trip. Then go a bit further. There is some buff riding in the high desert above LA. And lots more in OC/LA/SD if you can go even further.

**toast2266** · 03-14-2020, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by rideit

Yeah, my kiddo is kind of over that, we have done that for three spring breaks. Hoping to find somewhere new, if that makes sense.

Yup, totally makes sense.

Maybe hit Phil's world, then loop over towards Vegas?

**Dantheman** · 03-14-2020, 06:10 PM

Draper and PC are definitely a hard no right now.

**rideit** · 03-14-2020, 06:11 PM

I bet. We just got a foot today in town.

**s_squatch** · 03-15-2020, 02:12 PM

Anybody know anything about the riding on Van. Island this time of the year? Been in the Summer and fall, but never in the spring.

**Dee Hubbs** · 03-15-2020, 02:59 PM

Everything on the Vancouver Island would be good to go. My buddy just posted some videos in Namaimo yesterday, It looked great.

**Shredhead** · 03-15-2020, 03:52 PM

The desert is about to see a huge migration.

**rideit** · 03-15-2020, 04:15 PM

There is a thread on MTBR about “don’t go to Moab” or something.

**Dee Hubbs** · 03-15-2020, 04:22 PM

Over the Edge in Frutia closed its door today. They posted this:
"Hey Folks, we've just put this sign on our door. We've locked the door to limit any unnecessary interaction. People from many states have been flooding in all day, and unfortunately we need to be real about our concerns for our staff. We have "old folks" (sorry Captain Kirk) and pregnant women, and some with reduced immunity who will be affected if Covid19 spreads to our staff.
Call us, and if we can safely get your bike fixed, or sell you what you need, we will. If you need to rent a bike we'll do our best to help you do that as well. Call us and we'll work reasonably to help anyone we can."

**rideit** · 03-15-2020, 04:33 PM

The desert is going to be the shittiest of shitty-shit shows this spring.
(The well known places, at least)
I can’t even imagine.
Hard pass.

**Montana Rider** · 03-15-2020, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by rideit

Actually, for once, I am looking for swoopy, non technical, not too steep riding. (New knee). That might work. I also just sent a shoutout to a friend in Rapid City, that might have some interesting stuff, and we (kiddo at least) have not been there. Maybe badlands, Rushmore, etc, if things are even open at that point.

If you do go to Vernal, Flaming Gorge on the way down is mellow but scenic riding to break up drive and the Flume Trail N of Vernal is more woodsy / tech (but still would be fine for the kiddo) than the swoopy McCoy flats stuff to mix things up.

http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/idx-vernal.htm

**toast2266** · 03-15-2020, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by rideit

The desert is going to be the shittiest of shitty-shit shows this spring.
(The well known places, at least)
I can’t even imagine.
Hard pass.

Yeah, plans are getting reconsidered. Not even sure what we're doing. Definitely avoiding any populated areas, if we leave at all.

**panchosdad** · 03-15-2020, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by rideit

The desert is going to be the shittiest of shitty-shit shows this spring.
(The well known places, at least)
I can’t even imagine.
Hard pass.

Maybe everyone will think this. No one goes there anymore, it's too crowded.

**rideit** · 03-15-2020, 06:21 PM

You saw through my diabolical scheme!

**Canada1** · 03-16-2020, 06:49 PM

I rode Navajo Rocks today with my daughter. On the trail at eight up rocky top and didn’t see another person until middle earth. The lots were full when we got off the trail, but it wasn’t bad at all. Didn’t ever go into town. I think we were passed by a total of three groups. It really was pretty chill, but it is a Monday.