Best Beginner Trails: Mountain Biking at Bryce Canyon

When people think of Bryce Canyon, they usually think of hiking boots and hoodoos. But for those who love to explore on two wheels, the area around Ruby’s Inn offers some of the most scenic and accessible mountain biking in the West.

Whether you are a family looking for a leisurely cruise or a beginner wanting to try “mellow” dirt for the first time, our trail system provides a front-row seat to the red rock beauty of Southern Utah.

Where to Start: The Ruby’s Inn Adventure Center

Before you hit the trails, stop by the Ruby’s Inn Adventure Center. You don’t need to haul your own gear across the country to enjoy the ride. We offer:

• High-Quality Rentals: Standard mountain bikes and E-bikes (perfect for the high elevation!).
• Expert Advice: Our team can give you the latest trail conditions and a physical map.
• Trailhead Access: Several of the best paths start right near our front door.

Adventure Right Out the Back Door 

One of the best perks of staying at Ruby’s Inn is the immediate trail access located directly behind the property. You don’t even have to load up the car to start your ride:

• The Dave’s Hollow Trailhead (Double-track): You can pick up this trail right from the south end of the Ruby’s Inn Campground (near the Lakeview building). It leads you straight into the Dixie National Forest, offering a peaceful ride through the pines without ever touching a main road.
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Surface: Dirt/Gravel Road
  • Best For: First-time dirt riders; great for spotting elk and pronghorn.
  • Description: Accessed directly behind Ruby’s Inn or near the National Park boundary sign. This trail follows the Great Western Trail through peaceful ponderosa pines and open meadows.

• The Campground Connector: This short connector trail links the RV park and guest rooms directly to the wider network of Forest Service roads, making it easy to head out for a quick morning loop before breakfast.

Bryce Canyon Area Trail Guide

Canyon 2 Canyon (Paved)

• Difficulty: Easy
• Surface: Smooth Asphalt
• Best For: Families, strollers, and the best safe views of the hoodoos.
• Description: A safe, vehicle-free path that starts at Ruby’s Inn, travels through Bryce Canyon City, and enters the National Park. It connects the Visitor Center to Inspiration Point.

Red Canyon Path (Paved)

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Surface: Asphalt
• Best For: Forest immersion; connects several of the dirt trailheads.
• Description: Parallels Scenic Byway 12. It offers a steady climb from the bottom of Red Canyon up to the plateau.

Casto Canyon (ATV/Dirt)

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Surface: Sandy Dirt / ATV Trail
• Best For: Photographers; incredible “miniature Bryce” red rock spires.
• Description: Starting in Red Canyon, this trail winds through multi-colored sandstone cliffs (white, pink, and orange). It involves shallow creek crossings that are usually dry but add a fun challenge.

  
  

Expert “Know Before You Go” Tips

Altitude Awareness: You are riding at nearly 8,000 feet. Your lung capacity will feel lower than usual. Take frequent breaks and drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.

The “Rule of Red Mud”: If it has recently rained, avoid the dirt trails. The clay-heavy soil in Southern Utah turns into “hub-grease” that can stop a wheel from spinning and damage your bike’s components and the trails.

The Shuttle Hack (Two Ways to Play): The free Bryce Canyon Shuttle is equipped with front-loading bike racks (fitting 2 bikes at a time). Use it to customize your effort:

• The Downhill Cruise: Load your bike at Ruby’s Inn and take the shuttle up to Inspiration Point. From there, it’s a nearly all-downhill, 5-mile scenic glide back to the resort.
  Note: Remember to have your Park Pass or receipt ready to show the driver!

• The “Ride-In, Shuttle-Out” Loop: Pedal into the park at your own pace. If you’ve seen all the sights and want to skip the ride back, just hop on the shuttle at any of the major overlooks for a lift home.

Ruby’s Private Shuttle: If you have a larger group or want to ride the legendary Thunder Mountain Trail in Red Canyon, Ruby’s Inn offers a private bike shuttle service. This is the easiest way to get your group and gear to the trailhead without the wait.

Clean Your Gear: After a dusty ride, head over to the Sinclair Station (Auto Care Center) across from the main lobby. They offer a self-serve wash station that is perfect for spraying down your bike before loading it back onto your car. 

Tech Tip: Cell service can be spotty in the trees. We recommend downloading offline maps before you head out! 

Why Ruby’s Inn is the Perfect Mountain Biking Basecamp

Ruby’s Inn is your all-in-one headquarters, providing everything you need to stay centrally located to all the best riding in Southern Utah:

• Gear Up: The Adventure Center is right on-site with mountain bike and e-bike rentals, helmets, and expert trail maps.
• Fuel Up: Grab a hearty meal at the Cowboy’s Buffet, stock up on trail snacks at the General Store, or enjoy a Western dinner show at Ebenezer’s.
• Centrally Located: We are the hub of the region—located less than a mile from the National Park entrance and just 15 minutes from the world-class dirt trails of Red Canyon.

The Ultimate Bryce Canyon Mountain Biking FAQ

Are there trails I can ride directly from Ruby’s Inn?
Yes! Trails in the Dave’s Hollow area start right at Ruby’s Inn and the campground. You can ride straight from your room or campsite into the Dixie National Forest.

Can you mountain bike inside Bryce Canyon National Park?
Mountain bikes are permitted only on paved surfaces within the National Park. Bicycles are not allowed on any dirt hiking trails inside the park. However, world-class dirt mountain biking is available just outside the park gates in the Dixie National Forest and Red Canyon, where dirt riding is welcomed!

Where can I find e-bike rentals near Bryce Canyon?
The Ruby’s Inn Adventure Center offers a full fleet of e-bike rentals. E-bikes are a popular choice for the Bryce Canyon area because the elevation can make pedaling challenging for those not acclimated to the altitude.

Is the Canyon to Canyon bike ride family-friendly?
Yes! The Canyon to Canyon trail is a paved, multi-use path that is completely separated from vehicle traffic. It’s perfect for families with children, strollers, or beginners who want a flat, scenic route from Bryce Canyon City into the park.

Plan Your Trip to the High Country

There is something special about watching the sun set over the red rocks after a day spent on the trails. At Ruby’s Inn, we make it easy to transition from “adventure mode” to “relaxation mode” without ever leaving the resort.

Don’t just visit for the day—stay where the trails start. Skip the traffic and wake up just steps away from the trailhead. Whether you’re looking for the comfort of our lodge, the charm of a cozy cabin, or a spot under the stars in our high-alpine campground, Ruby’s Inn is the ultimate basecamp for your Utah mountain biking getaway. Book your stay today!