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Thunder Mountain
18 reviews
4.89 of 5
If possible, ride this trail from the upper trailhead to the lower trailhead, with a car shuttle back. Several sections of the trail are virtually unrideable in the uphill direction. However, riding the trail as a loop will be somewhat more interesting when the ATV trail paralleling US 12 up Red Canyon is completed.
From the upper trailhead the Thunder Canyon trail proceeds as singletrack from approximately 8000 feet to 8300 feet through a series of dips and climbs offering a good aerobic workout. Technical difficulty on this section is only moderate, but the scenery is great and the trail is well maintained. The later half of the trail offers greater technical diversity including one rocky descent and two sections of precipitous, tight switchbacks.
From Panguitch - US89 south 7 miles, turn left on UT 12. About two miles up Red Canyon stop at the visitor's center (on your left) and pick up a map of Thunder Mountain and other local trails. The western/lower trailhead is on the south side of the US 12 just as you enter Red Canyon. For the upper trailhead proceed up Red Canyon for 5 miles, turn right on unmarked dirt road opposite Tom Best road. Proceed 2 miles to the Coyote Hollow trailhead.
Summary: WOW...what a ride! Perfect "short" climbing bursts; each one followed by a quick flat sprint, then a rocky downhill, then a right hand curving burm, then the climb again...you do that over and over about 8 or 9 times, then you get to the top. It's a very gradual elevation gain. Not lungbusters, just perfect. Not too much of anything to tire you out. Plenty of shade from the beautiful Ponderosa Pine forests, and breathtaking views! About 6 VERY tight turned switchbacks in mile 6.5 of 8.
The soil was hard-packed with a light covering of loose dirt. Plenty of little jumps--man, I could go on and on. I've been riding for 16 years, in 9 states and 2 foreign countries...and I'd have to say I've enjoyed this one the most! Did "MOAB" 2 months ago, but honestly I got more pure singletrack enjoyment out of Thunder Mountain than all of Moab!
Recommended Route: When you get there and you're tired from driving but still want to ride, try it counterclockwise. It's a very gradual 1.5 mile uphill, then turn around and blast it all away in about 10 minutes!
We camped at the Red Canyon campground, and you can ride the paved path to any of the trailheads. On July 21st, it was only 86 during the day, and a chilly 52 at night! (Bring sweat pants and a fleece if you're in a tent).
For the "ride", go clockwise. The visitor's center says to park at the Coyote Hollow parking area on Rt. 12, but it looked like you could possibly park 1.5 miles into the dirt road at the Equestrian Camp. I dunno...might save that initial 1.5 mile dirt road ride to get to the trail--you'll need you strength!
Other recommended trails in the same area: Losee Canyon Trail, Casto Trail, Rich Trail
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Summary: Decided to finally get down to Red Canyon to do some riding over the weekend. Rode this trail from the top down the parking lot then back up the bike road to the top. First I thought that riding from the top down we would only a little uphill. There was quite a bit of uphill for the first 3 miles but it is all in small bursts with a refreshing short downhill after. You do this several times before finally riding across the top of the mountain ridge to get to the top of thunder mountain. The veiws from the top are amazing and you should stop and take in all you can. From the top you get a great technical downhill section with alot of switchbacks and steep drops. The final 2 miles are a relaxing and FAST, very FAST. You need to be careful riding this trail because the views will keep you from looking at where you are going. This was for sure one of the best epic rides I have done and highly recomend it to anyone who plans to visit the area.
Recommended Route: Start at the top near the fremont trail and access Coyote hollow. From there just follow the thunder Mountain trailhead wich is clearly marked. Ride all the way to the bottom then follow the 2 lane paved bike road back to the top.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Cassidy and Lossee trails.
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Summary: A truly awesome ride. Great setting and varied riding, the trail takes very good advantage of the terrain. Not overly technical, some exposed sections and steep, loose, and tight switchbacks towards the end (the horses have not been kind to this trail). The last 1.5 miles begs to be ridden irresponsibley fast; I'd try to go during the week so as to miss the tourist rides.
Recommended Route: As a loop up the paved trail and back down the dirt.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Where to start?! Virgin River Rim, Marathon, Navajo Lake........
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Summary: This is one of the best trails I have ever ridden in the west. Beautiful scenery and ample climbing for a good workout. Unfortunately the local horse ride service is using it a lot now. The trail was very dusty. If the area does not see rain during the summer, it will not be much fun in another couple of weeks. We road it last September and it was great. But the rainy season was going on. I would suggest not going until last August or early September.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Navajo Lake, Virgin River Rim Trail.
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Summary: up,down,up,down,up,down,up,down rinse and repeat....The down, down, down. What a great trail. Good workout and excellent technical challenges. A little bit tough trying to divide your attention between the dirt and the views. The paved part of the loop is pretty boring, the dirt part is fantastic. The last mile and half is the closest thing to a bobsled run you will ever do. Super smooth and flowing. All in all one of the best rides in the area.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Go over to Brian Head and do any one of their great rides.
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4.89 of 5
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