Spring Mountain Bike Escapes: Top MTB Destinations to Hit This Shoulder Season

Spring is the perfect time to escape the mud season in the mountains and head for drier, sunnier trails. As the higher elevations thaw out, the shoulder season offers the perfect opportunity to explore some of the best mountain biking spots in the country. Whether you're looking to ride on desert dirt, coastal singletrack, or slickrock terrain, these destinations have just what you need to get your wheels spinning before the summer crowds arrive.

1. Sedona, Arizona: Hangover Trail

Sedona is a must-visit for mountain bikers looking for an unforgettable spring ride. Known for its iconic red rock formations and technical trails, Sedona offers some of the best mountain biking in the Southwest. The Hangover Trail is a local favorite, featuring challenging ridgelines, tight switchbacks, and stunning panoramic views. The spring weather makes this a prime time to tackle the technical sections while avoiding the summer heat.
Trail Map: Hangover Trail

2. Fruita, Colorado: The Mack Ridge Classics

Fruita is a must-ride destination for mountain bikers, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to all levels. The Mack Ridge Classics is a 24-mile route that delivers the best of what Fruita has to offer—flowy singletrack, technical climbs, and breathtaking desert views. This ride captures the essence of Fruita’s unique terrain, with a mix of challenging sections and smooth descents that showcase the area's iconic red rock landscape. Spring is the perfect time to explore this trail, as the cooler weather and fewer crowds make it an ideal ride.
Trail Map: The Mack Ridge Classics

3. Hurricane, Utah: Gooseberry Mesa

Hurricane, located in southern Utah, is another prime spring biking destination. Known for its slickrock terrain and jaw-dropping views, Gooseberry Mesa is a standout trail that every mountain biker should experience. With technical sections, smooth descents, and incredible vistas of Zion National Park, Gooseberry Mesa offers an unforgettable ride. Spring temperatures are perfect for riding here, with less dust and fewer crowds than in the summer months.
Trail Map: Gooseberry Mesa

4. Santa Cruz, California: Forest of Nisene Marks

Santa Cruz, California, is home to legendary mountain biking trails that run through redwood forests, coastal hills, and scenic singletrack. Forest of Nisene Marks is a must-ride, offering a perfect combination of flowy descents, challenging climbs, and shaded trails beneath towering redwood trees. The spring season is the ideal time to hit these trails, as the temperatures are mild and the redwoods are lush and green. Escape the mud season in the mountains and enjoy some of the best mountain biking in California.
Trail Map: Best of Nisene

Plan Your Spring Mountain Bike Adventure

Spring offers the ideal conditions to ride some of the best trails across the U.S., from Sedona’s red rock formations to the flowy desert trails of Fruita and the coastal forests of Santa Cruz. These top destinations are perfect for escaping the muddy mountain trails and getting back to what you love most—riding in the great outdoors. Grab your gear, pack your bags, and hit the road for an unforgettable spring mountain biking adventure!