Note: I will be adding photos to all Brian Head related pages in spring 2008 when the mountain biking park re-opens.

The Bunker Creek Trail is one of two great downhill trails located at Brian Head Mountain Bike Park, the other being Dark Hollow. The trail starts at Brian Head Peak (11,307 feet) and descends towards Panguitch Lake in the east. Over the course of 12 miles this trail descends 3,000 feet. Although the trail is primarily downhill, there is a little bit of climbing necessary.

The Bunker Creek Trail offers smooth riding at the higher elevations, alpine meadows, beautiful woodlands, and rocky areas full of tree roots. There are two options associated with the trail - the left fork and the right fork. The right fork (left trail as you are descending) is less technical and better suited for more casual riders.

Shuttle service is available to take you back to Brian Head for $17.50 per person per trip, or you can arrange for your own shuttle.

Trail Description

The following information is courtesy of Brian Head Resort. Posted with permission.

Left Fork of Bunker Creek
Intermediate – 12 Miles

Heading up the Sidney Peaks Trail, you will come to a three-way intersection about a mile into the single-track. Passing straight through the intersection, staying on the Sidney Peak Trail you will end crossing a cattle guard in the meadow. Ascending to the rim of the plateau you are treated with some bumpy, heart pounding descents that will bring you to a double track road. From here you will cross over the road, picking the single track back up in a forested meadow. You will see signs for the Left Fork, on your right and the Right Fork on your left. Taking the trail on your right, your will find more great drops, weaving you through a spectacular Aspen forest. At the bottom of this single track you will cross a stream, and go to your right, east on the double-track road. Do not be lulled into thinking that the fun is over. The next 5 miles of double-track are just as fun and challenging. Riding the Bunker Creek Road at the “Y” follow the signs for Panguitch Lake, until you come to highway 143. Using caution go left on the highway for about a half mile were you will see the Phillips 66 on your right. Pull in get a cool drink and wait for your shuttle back to the top - if you are using the shuttle.

Right Fork of Bunker Creek
Intermediate – 12 Miles

Heading up the Sidney Peaks Trail, you will come to a three-way intersection about a mile into the single-track. Passing straight through the intersection, staying on the Sidney Peak Trail you will end crossing a cattle guard in the meadow. Ascending to the rim of the plateau you are treated with some bumpy, heart pounding descents that will bring you to a double track road. From here you will cross over the road, picking the single-track back up in a forested meadow. You will see signs for the Left Fork, on your right and the Right Fork on your left. Going left you will stay on single track, not very far into the trail you will come to a junction for Spruce Mountain, go right staying on the single-track of Right Fork. At the gated cattle guard the single-track meets the double-track Bunker Creek Road. Head down hill, and at the “Y” follow the signs for Panguitch Lake, until you come to highway 143. Using caution go left on the highway for about a half mile were you will see the Phillips 66 on your right. Pull in get a cool drink and wait for your shuttle back to the top - if you are using the shuttle.

Here is a map of the route. Free maps are also available on-site.

Getting There

Park at the top of Brian Head Peak and take the Sidney Peaks trail. The sign only mentions Sidney Peaks and Dark Hollow; it does not mention Bunker Creek.

Follow the single track and posted trail markers until you finally reach a three-way intersection. Go straight through the intersection.

When to Bike

Summer and fall are best. Spring can be a great time if it isn't too wet. Summer thunderstorms are common and temperatures can be cool even in July and August.