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Steamboat Mountain Trail
The Steamboat Mountain trail runs along the northern edge of
Springdale, just outside Zion National Park. It's a short and quick ride. The expected riding season
would be mid-February through December.
Looking east from the trail we see the Great White
Throne in the morning sunshine. Photos and trail review by Bruce
on July 28, 2021.
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| The trail is narrow singletrack hugging the skirts of the
mountain north of Springdale. There's a small loop on the western end, for
an out-and-back ride of 3.3 miles. Depending on conditions and
maintenance, I'd rate the trail intermediate in technical requirement.
Early in the ride, the breaks of Steamboat Mountain
loom above us.
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This is not a "destination" trail. But if you're
staying in the area with a bicycle and need some quick nearby
early-morning dirt, it will do.
I'm telling you about this trail because riders are constantly
asking on-line about bike rides while staying in Zion. This trail is
as close to Zion as it gets. You can quickly ride your bike from the
campground within Zion to this trail.
Rounding a corner, we're now in a position to
appreciate all of Steamboat Mountain to the north. Like most of the tall
cliffs in Zion National Park, this is Navajo sandstone from the Jurassic
era. |
| The trail begins on Winderland Drive, 0.3 miles north of
Highway 9 in Springdale. See the map. There's no trailhead here so you'll
need to pedal some streets. Note that parking in Springdale is
significantly restricted and the parking rules are constantly and
vigorously enforced. Even the paid parking strips fill up quickly in the
morning. So be sure that the spot your car occupies is paid for and/or
legal.
This is the entry to the trail on Winderland Drive.
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There's a tiny trailhead on Paradise Road, across from the
cemetery, that appears to have room for a couple of cars. This spot is 0.7
miles west along the trail. But you could park here and take Paradise
downhill to Winderland. Now turn uphill left, reaching the trail's beginning with
0.3 miles of easy pavement pedaling from where you parked. Or you could
just do the eastern segment out-and-back from the Steamboat Mountain
trailhead, then do the western segment.
This is the Steamboat Mountain Pioneer Trailhead on
Paradise Road. |
| Now about the ride...
On Winderland Drive, watch for a gravel ramp on the left (uphill) side
of the street. It goes up to the singletrack. The trail skirts the edge of
homes for a bit, then arcs around a basin above the cemetery.
Looking south toward Springdale with the cliffs
across the valley still in shadow.
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| Metal sculpture of a turtle at the
Steamboat Mountain trailhead. |
Antique rock-processing equipment along
the trail. |
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When you hit the trail kiosk at mile 0.7, the continuing
trail is 90 degrees to your right. The trail gets significantly more
difficult after you pass through the trailhead on Paradise Road.
Nearing the circle at the end of the trail. The
Moenkopi Formation is very colorful here. |
| At mile 1.4, the trail enters a small loop. Most riders will
stay straight for a counterclockwise loop. As you approach the edge of
private property, stay on the trail here. Do NOT try to find a way out to
the roads! You must go back the way you came.
The loop is 1/2 mile around. At mile 1.9, you'll be back on the main
trail with 1.4 miles to go for the return trip.
Heading back east along the trail.
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Getting there:
In La Verkin, turn east on Highway 9 and drive to Springdale. In
Springdale, the highway will turn from northeast to east. Immediately look
for Winderland Drive and turn left. After 0.15 miles, turn left on
Paradise Road. In 0.15 more miles, find the gravel parking area on the
left, across from the cemetery parking strip. You can do the eastern side
out-and-back from here, or you can take city streets over to upper
Winderland Drive to catch the trail on your left just above the last row
of homes (in 2021).
No water or bathroom at trailhead. |
Riding resources:
GPS track file (right-click and "Save as..."): Download
Lodging, camping, shops: Links to St.
George area resources |
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division of Mad Scientist Software Inc |
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