Church Rocks is a great intermediate mountain biking trail just north of St. George. It is a single-track three mile loop mostly over slick-rock, but also over dirt. You will have to add extra two miles round trip distance though because you can’t park there. Hikers can also hike here. Because of the desert climate it is easy to swerve off the trail to avoid others, but I only saw a few people when we were there.
Two options for parking are at Highland Park or in the parking lot at the end of a residential area. The added distance is comparable. Either way you head up a dirt road for about a mile.
To get under the freeway there is a large drainage tunnel that is large enough to ride a bike through.
As you come out the other side, there is a sandy path that heads to the loop.
There is a map of the Red Cliffs Trails. Here is the detail that shows this section.
The mountain biking loop looks like this:
If you are hiking then you have even more freedom to wander around. I climbed to the top of the little “mountain” and took in the views.
The majority of users mountain bike along this trail. It is mostly moderate with a few more intense parts. If those sections are too advanced you can hop off and walk them.
Stats: Distance – 5 miles round trip (actual loop is 3 miles)
Approximate biking time – 1-2 hours
Elevation gain – 534 feet
Difficulty – Easy (hikers) / Moderate (bikers)
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Highland Park
Seasons to hike/bike – Year Round
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Map to Highland Park
Map to Neighborhood parking
