One thing to understand about my mountain biking adventures is that I do not have a car capable of off roading. This is usually just fine. Usually. In the case of Gooseberry Mesa, my car had no dream of making it all they way to the trail head. (More on my car in a different post.) BUT... That is just fine. The road was no challenge for my Specialized Enduro. Nothing but a minor inconvenience. It only added five miles each way, and it was a fairly flat, but incredibly rocky, five miles.
This is by far the most insane trail system I have ever ridden on. Maybe its just because of how different the trails were than what I am used to. Coming from the Pacific North West, the signature slick rock is quite the trip. While the riding was technical and fantastic, the real draw of these trails is the scenery and the views! The trails zig and zag across and around the rim of the mesa. Taking the North and South Rim trails lead to some of the most fantastic views I have ever seen. One of those views is pictured above.
If you ever get the chance, make Gooseberry Mesa a must see. It has fantastic mountain biking and hiking terrain. Some of the best in the world. It has numerous camp spots on the side of the road leading up to the trailheads as well.
Get out there and explore. Its worth it!
