Navajo Lake Loop: A Scenic Ride on the Virgin River Rim Trail

Introduction

Nestled in Cedar City, Utah, the Navajo Lake Loop offers a serene mountain biking experience with alpine vistas that take one's breath away. This trail segment, which is a part of the longer Virgin River Rim Trail (VRRT), is an ideal destination for those in search of a moderate biking challenge complemented by stunning natural beauty.

How to Get There

Departing from Cedar City, drive 25 miles eastward on U-14 and take a right onto Navajo Lake Road. Continue for another 5.4 miles past the lake to find parking on the left. Te-ah Campground lies just a bit farther, offering the option to turn this ride into an overnight adventure. Be warned: temperatures at 9,100 feet can drop below freezing, even in the early summer.

Trail Overview

Key Features and Specs

• Distance: 12 miles
• Level: Intermediate
• Route type: Loop
• Elevation change: 200 feet

Scenery and Terrain

The trail charms riders with its alpine views featuring abundant aspen and spruce. With only a 200-foot elevation change, this is considered the easiest section of the VRRT. However, the option to link up with other VRRT sections provides variety, allowing for a more challenging and longer ride.

Optional Routes and Intersections

Riders keen on extending their journey can continue on the Virgin River Rim Trail. Connector trails, such as the Dike Trail, provide seamless transitions back to the main loop around Navajo Lake.

User Experiences and Tips

• Early summer mornings at this altitude can be frigid, so pack appropriate layers.
• Although the loop is well-marked, there's no cell service, so prepare for an unplugged experience.
• For those who find the loop insufficiently challenging, other sections of the VRRT offer more technical terrain and climbs.
• One of the trail's great advantages is the lack of crowds, which allows for an uninterrupted ride through picturesque settings.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Navajo Lake Loop serves as an idyllic biking locale for riders who appreciate moderate challenges and breathtaking alpine views. Whether used as a standalone destination or as part of the more extensive Virgin River Rim Trail, it offers something for everyone. Just be sure to pack for all weather conditions and enjoy the beauty that this Utah trail has to offer.