By Lukas Brinkerhoff

Photos-Monique Beeley

He created an area where three separate ecosystems collide within two different major physiographic provinces. Within these distinctions lie valleys, mesas, plateaus, mountains, faults and ridges. What is left for our enjoyment is an area where you can ride slickrock, single-track, desert trails and endless roads within minutes of a metropolitan area. And to top it all off, it is virtually unknown to the biking community.

Among all of these features, flora and fauna, there are three reserves that have kept open space readily available and all have distinctive and extensive trail networks that cater to every level and style of riding.

The Santa Clara River Reserve sits just outside of St. George and houses an impressive amount of trails for its size. This is a great area for families who want to take rides that are neither physically demanding nor require a high level of bicycle handling. The majority of the trails are old roads that take you to see historical sites around the Santa Clara River such as the old graveyard and the many washes that labyrinth through the area. All told there are 14 designated trails within the reserve.

The Barrel Roll Trail is the highlight for more experienced mountain bikers.  Completely single-track, the trail loops around the mesas, climbing and dropping. It climaxes in its middle at a point that provides an amazing view just before you hit a technical section that includes some rocky rollers and a few skinny ups. The Barrel Roll is rather short, only 5.8 miles, but makes for a great after-work jaunt or a late afternoon ride. Locals are known to use the trail as part of a bigger loop linking it with Stucki Springs and over to the Bear Claw Poppy Reserve for a good five hour or more ride. The Barrel Roll will keep your interest even if you ride the loop for a couple of laps.