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Explore Biking Trails
in Capitol Reef Country

From scenic paved byways to rugged gravel loops, discover the quiet side of canyon country.
Overview

While Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its hiking, the surrounding "Capitol Reef Country" (Wayne County) is rapidly becoming a world-class destination for cyclists who prefer solitude over crowds. Unlike Moab’s busy slickrock, our region offers a different kind of adventure: endless gravel grinding on the Cathedral Valley loop, cool alpine singletrack on Boulder Mountain, and iconic road cycling on Scenic Byway 12, an All-American Road.

Inside the park, bikes are welcomed on all established roads (paved and dirt), allowing you to ride the stunning Scenic Drive or the rugged Burr Trail. Whether you are on a skinny-tire road bike or a full-suspension rig, you’ll find hundreds of miles of diverse terrain without the traffic.

Skill Level Beginner to Expert
Best Season Spring & Fall
Duration Half to multi-day

Bike Rentals & Logistics

Shuttles, repairs, and the right rig for the reef. Whether you need a high-performance gravel bike for the backcountry, an e-bike to cruise the Scenic Drive, or just a quick tune-up, local outfitters in Torrey have you covered.
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Crowd Favorite Rides

Gotta catch em' all!
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ROAD / SCENIC

Scenic Byway 24 & 12

  • Best For: Road cyclists and e-bike cruisers
  • Terrain: Paved highway with wide shoulders (mostly) and rolling hills
Ride through the heart of the red rocks. The stretch from Torrey to the Capitol Reef Visitor Center is arguably the most scenic 10 miles of pavement in Utah, passing Chimney Rock and the Castle.
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GRAVEL / ADVENTURE

Cathedral Valley Loop

  • Best For: Gravel bikes and bikepacking

  • Terrain: 58+ miles of dirt, sand, and washboard roads

A bucket-list ride for gravel enthusiasts. This remote loop takes you deep into the backcountry to see the Temple of the Sun and Moon. Warning: Requires a river crossing (Fremont River) and full self-sufficiency.

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MOUNTAIN / SINGLETRACK

Velvet Ridge (Great Western Trail)

  • Best For: Intermediate mountain bikers

  • Terrain: Rocky ledges, pinyon-juniper forest, and techy climbs

Located just outside Torrey on US Forest Service land, this trail offers true singletrack riding with massive views of the red rock reef below. A great quick escape from town.

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Why Biking in Capitol Reef Country?

Discover a rugged playground where geological diversity meets off-road freedom.

Pavement to Alpine in One Ride

Few places on earth allow you to start in red rock desert (5,000 ft) and climb into lush aspen forests (9,000+ ft) on a single ride. The elevation changes here provide a massive variety of biomes and temperatures.

Solitude on the Trail

While other Utah destinations are known for bumper-to-bumper traffic on the trails, Capitol Reef Country offers a quiet frontier. It is not uncommon to ride for hours on the Great Western Trail or Cathedral Valley without seeing another soul.

Safety & Regulations

Park Rules: Bicycles are allowed on all public roads inside Capitol Reef (paved and dirt) but are strictly prohibited on hiking trails and off-trail.
Cryptobiotic Soil: Don't bust the crust! If you step off the road/trail, walk only on rock or in dry washes.
Water: Routes like Cathedral Valley have zero reliable water sources. Carry more than you think you need.
E-Bikes: Class 1 e-bikes are generally allowed wherever regular bikes are allowed in the National Park, but checking current specific restrictions at the Visitor Center is recommended.

Common Questions about Biking Capitol Reef

Ready for an Adventure?

Find biking guides and outfitters in Capitol Reef Country to get geared up and explore the greatest scenery in Utah.

Capitol Reef Outfitters

Local guide services for exploring the national park.
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Get in The Wild Adventures

Based in Hanksville, offering backcountry explorations.
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