This Rad Local Lodge Is the Perfect Home Base for Utah’s Best Mountain Biking Trails

Known as the official spot to spend the night in and around Utah's Brian Head Resort, Brian Head Lodge is a comfortable, no-frills mountainside inn that features the easiest access to the outdoors (and everything needed to have an enjoyable overnight stay). It’s a cozy, clean, and friendly place to stay, featuring spacious rooms with comfortable beds. The lodge feels open and welcoming as soon as you step into the property and enter the high-ceilinged atrium area. The building is rustic, but it features updates and modern amenities, including a fitness center, pool area, and a small shop where you can purchase anything you need or forgot at home and souvenirs. 

Brian Head Lodge is a fantastic home base for visiting Brian Head Resort, which, at an elevation of 9,800 feet, is the highest town in Utah. Established in 1964, Brian Head Resort is geographically located (roughly) three hours from Las Vegas and about four hours from Salt Lake City. It’s nestled away amongst one of the world’s most beautiful natural environments, flanked by several famed national parks, monuments, and outdoor recreation areas.

Brian Head is one of Utah’s premier destinations for lift-served mountain biking. And it’s no secret that Utah, as a destination, is known for being an iconic mountain biking location. While Brian Head may not have as much fame or notoriety as Moab or Park City, the resort does offer 19 lift-served downhill trails and terrain suitable for riders of all skill levels. 

The lifts feature roll-on bike carriers, and those who didn’t bring their gear can rent a variety of full-suspension mountain bikes, helmets, and other protective gear. Travelers can also use the repair services and trail advice at the Giant Steps base area. This region is less crowded but just as enjoyable for exploring the mountain biking trails. 

The Brian Head bike park was built in collaboration with Momentum Trail Concepts. An extensive network of neighboring backcountry trails offers options for bikers of all ages and ability levels. Visitors can explore more than 100 miles of downhill singletrack and have access to an additional 100 miles of cross-country trails.

The area is highly scenic, and since it’s a less popular spot than other places throughout the state, it’s traditionally way less crowded. This means less congestion on the trails, less traffic on the road, and a more easygoing and enjoyable atmosphere. Those who are big into mountain biking events can attend one of this upcoming summer’s local happenings, including the Big Mountain Enduro from July 19–20, when Brian Head hosts the nationally acclaimed mountain biking competition at Giant Steps. There’s also Fly’n Brian from August 9–10, when this Utah Gravity Series returns, featuring talent from top gravity riders.

Setting your home base in town as Brian Head Lodge means setting yourself up for success to explore some of the state of Utah—and the nation’s—best mountain biking trails. The lodge features everything you need to rest and recover after a day outside, including a tasty on-site restaurant, bar space, and cool outdoor pool. Whether you’re only there to sleep in between trail sessions or hanging out for a day at the lodge to rest up for another adventure, it’s precisely what you’ll need to balance play with pausing for a brief break before your next pursuit. 

Mountain biking and hiking fans can't miss this destination with 13 miles of trails near Salt Lake City, which is open to the public. Those who aren't fans of hikes with a substantial amount of elevation (but still want to see some stunning Utah views) can plan to trek on these hikes which are so easy, even grandma can join in.