ST. GEORGE — The first “bike-only” trail in the high elevations and the Western corridor of Washington County is up and rolling on Utah Bureau of Land Management land.

The all-abilities Revenant Trail will consist of 18-20 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails in the scenic West Mountain area. The trailhead is 30 minutes west of downtown St. George, near the Shivwitts Indian Reservation and the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area.

Kyle Voyles, BLM National Cave and Karst Program Lead, Utah Cave Coordinator and Outdoor Recreation Planner, told St. George News that the new bike-specific trails are not intended for hiking or equestrian use.

“That is due to the style of trail and the speed at which the riders are traveling. All these trails are one-way for the same reason,” Volyes said.

He added that this trail system is a stepping stone. Voyles said he hopes to open the area as a gateway to more recreational trails.

When visiting the Revenant Trail project, visitors will enjoy views of the surrounding desert landscapes, including unique rock formations, Beaver Dam National Conservation Area and the distant Pine Valley Mountains. Desert native plants such as cactuses and yucca, Joshua trees, and wildlife such lizards, desert birds and mountain sheep are nearby.

Voyles said the first construction phase included the preliminary design for all 12 miles of trail, the trailhead location and design, and the construction of the first six miles. These trails feature six directional downhill lines ranging from beginner (green) to expert (black).

The trails offer a classic bike park feel with large berms, tabletops, and jumps ranging from mild to extreme. Each feature includes a ride-around and/or a B-line that allows riders to bypass it if they choose.

Voyles said many groups teamed up with the BLM St. George Field Office, including the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, Washington County, Surface Trails, International Mountain Bicycling Association and Trail Solutions, private donors and hardworking volunteers. He said the undertaking had been many years in the making. The project was made possible through a $500,00 grant from the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, with the BLM donating $350,000 for the first six miles in the lower area.

Kevin Christopherson, President of the Trail Alliance of Southern Utah, told St. George News that he has been working on the project since 2016. The biking community has wanted to expand Southern Utah’s offerings. Christopherson said most interest is in increasing biking trails because the paths are crowded.

“What I heard over and over when I talked to people was we need more beginner trails for new people or more advanced trails. We need more downhill expert trails,” Christopherson said. “But universally, we heard we need some high-elevation trails.”.

Thanks to higher elevation and ideal topography, Christopherson said Revenant Trails will offer residents and visitors a backcountry bike park experience unlike any other in the Southwest Utah region. He added that Southern Utah offers ideal topography for fun, sustainable gravity trails designed for riders and families of all abilities.

“It’s the first trail center of its kind in Southwest Utah, and it’s coming to St. George,” Christopherson said. “The Revenant Gravity Trails promise fun for riders and families of all abilities.”

Voyles pointed out that in this instance, because the trail was built in such a specialized niche, the BLM staff couldn’t construct the trail system. They built single-track trails in the past, so a contractor was hired to build this trail. Voyles added that his staff had input to influence how the contractor built the trial to mitigate any effects on the resources and the alignment of the trail.

“A lot of the general public doesn’t realize that the Bureau of Land Management does more than just own the land,” Voyles said. “They understand what BLM is, but they don’t realize that we work with the community in partnerships to develop these projects for the public.”

The BLM is currently under agreement with the International Mountain Bicycling Association and Trail Solutions to begin the next construction phase. This phase will involve approximately 5-6 miles of a downhill-specific trail starting high on Hell Pass Road and ending in the valley, connecting with the current trail network. This work is anticipated to begin in the fall.

Voyles said this second phase is designed as a large-capacity staging area with parking for 32 vehicles, a single- or double-vaulted restroom, a kiosk with interpretive information, and a bike repair station. He said they hope to complete the project by early 2025.

Visitors are advised to follow these safety tips: Bring plenty of water, wear appropriate gear and be aware of weather conditions. The desert can be extremely hot during summer, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended.

Voyles said to bring water year-round due to the area’s dryness and to be aware rattlesnakes are in the area. The elevation of the trail system goes from 4000 to 6000 feet, with steep grades and is open year-round, with possible closure at the top due to snow.

Christopherson added that people of different skill levels can go together to the trailhead. The experience is “very social.” For example, a family may go there, and the children and mother may go on the green trail while the father decides to hit the expert trail. The trailhead is constructed in the middle of all six trails.

“So you can sit in the parking lot and see six trails and people riding them. So it’s very spectator-friendly,” Christopherson said. “You can see your friend or your kids coming off the hill, and you can watch them come back to the trailhead. So it’s unique that way.”

Christopherson said his nonprofit group has invested an estimated $45,000 in volunteer time. He appreciates all the partners who have rallied to fund and volunteer for the project. He estimates another $48,000 is needed to complete the entire project. Donations can be made here.

Christopherson added that the name The Revenant Trails comes from a folklore figure that returns to life after death, epitomizing revival and re-imagined by a dedicated community.

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