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

Blow Hard is a technical downhill single track trail located at Brian Head Mountain Bike Park. It is point-to-point and is completed with a shuttle, although you could do some major road riding to get back to the vehicle.

The trail offers incredible views of Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area and Cedar Breaks National Monument. The upper portion of the trail is said to average 22% slope per mile. There are lots of loose rocks and plenty of roots - definitely not for the beginner rider.

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.

Blow Hard
Intermediate to Advanced – 10 Miles

From the trailhead go left around Blowhard Mountain. Beneath the power lines turn right, and prepare to descend through some switchbacks. The trail follows a ridge offering gorgeous views of the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. About a mile past the Potato Hollow Trail junction you will veer left and follow the single track to Crystal Springs Road. Cross the dirt road and continue to Moot’s Hollow. From here the trail rises and circles Wood Knoll, head down and follow the divide between Upper Moot’s Hollow and Long Hollow. Crossing the National Forest Boundary, you will pass a sign for Blowhard Trial, head down the double track into Moot’s Hollow. You will head across a dirt road and follow a rock ledge descending into Lower Moot’s Hollow Gorge. Your shuttle will pick you up where the trail meets Highway 14 - or arrange for your own shuttle.

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

Getting There

Starting in Cedar City at Center and Main Street, drive up the canyon on highway 14. At mile 9.2 there is a gravel parking area on the left, if you are arranging your own shuttle, leave a vehicle in this general vicinity. To get to the trailhead continue up highway 14 to highway 143. Turn left on highway 143 and continue 2.3 miles to a gravel road on the left. Follow the gravel road under the powerlines (around 1 mile), just after the powerlines will be the trailhead sign on the right.

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.