The best road cycling routes in the Markagunt Plateau

The Markagunt Plateau offers incredibly diverse terrain for road cyclists. You'll encounter high-elevation forested highlands with fir, spruce, and quaking aspen, especially above 7,500 feet. The region also features unique volcanic landscapes with cinder cones and lava flows, creating stark visual contrasts. Additionally, parts of the plateau, particularly near Cedar Breaks National Monument, showcase stunning red rock formations and hoodoos, similar to Bryce Canyon National Park. Expect challenging climbs and exhilarating descents on winding roads through narrow canyons and open vistas.

Yes, the Markagunt Plateau offers routes for various skill levels. For beginners or families, there are easier options like the Coal Creek and East Bench Trail Loop, which is 10.4 miles long with a moderate elevation gain of 509 feet. Another easy route is the Pa'rus Trail loop from Springdale, covering 8.0 miles with only 59 feet of elevation gain. These routes provide a gentler introduction to the region's beauty.

Experienced road cyclists looking for a challenge will find plenty to test their limits. The Tabernacle Dome & Lambs Knoll route is a difficult 44.9-mile path with a substantial elevation gain of 3,213 feet. The region is also known for its scenic byways, such as the Patchwork Parkway (Utah Highway 143), which features climbs of approximately 4,500 feet in under 20 miles, cresting at over 10,000 feet near Cedar Breaks National Monument.

The best time for road cycling in the Markagunt Plateau is generally from late spring through early autumn. During these months, the weather is most favorable, offering crisp mountain air and clear skies. Autumn is particularly stunning, as the quaking aspen leaves turn golden, providing a vibrant contrast to the red rock formations and dark lava fields. Due to the high elevation, some routes may be inaccessible or challenging during winter months due to snow.

Absolutely! The Markagunt Plateau is rich in natural wonders. You can cycle past Temple of Sinawava and experience the dramatic geological amphitheater of Cedar Breaks National Monument with its colorful sandstone and limestone formations. The region's volcanic history means you might also encounter fascinating lava fields and formations like Mammoth Cave, one of Utah's largest lava tubes, or Navajo Lake, formed by a lava flow. The View of the Watchman is another iconic sight.

The Markagunt Plateau is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from high-elevation forests to striking red rock formations and unique volcanic features. Many appreciate the challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, as well as the breathtaking panoramic views that make for an unforgettable cycling experience.

Yes, there are several loop options. A notable challenging loop is the 90-mile route starting from Cedar City, which has been part of the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah. This route takes riders through the Red Hills, Parowan Gap, and ascends the Markagunt Plateau, passing Navajo Lake and Cedar Breaks National Monument before descending back to Cedar City. For a shorter option, consider the Coal Creek and East Bench Trail Loop.

The Markagunt Plateau is home to several stunning scenic byways perfect for road cycling. The Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway (Utah Highway 14) offers diverse landscapes, while the Patchwork Parkway National Scenic Byway (Utah Highway 143) provides significant elevation gains and passes through Brian Head. The Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway (Utah Highway 148) is shorter but offers spectacular views of Cedar Breaks National Monument.

The road cycling routes in the Markagunt Plateau vary significantly in length and elevation gain. You can find shorter, easier routes like the Pa'rus Trail loop from Springdale at 8.0 miles with 59 feet of elevation gain. On the more challenging end, routes like Tabernacle Dome & Lambs Knoll stretch for 44.9 miles with an impressive 3,213 feet of climbing. The average route length is around 20-30 miles, with elevation gains often ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand feet, reflecting the plateau's mountainous nature.

While specific parking areas for each route are best checked on individual komoot tour pages, many routes in the Markagunt Plateau originate from towns like Cedar City or Springdale, or near popular attractions like Cedar Breaks National Monument. These locations typically offer designated parking facilities. For routes within national parks or monuments, follow their specific parking guidelines.

Yes, you can find amenities in and around the Markagunt Plateau. Towns like Cedar City, Springdale (near Zion National Park), and Duck Creek Village offer various options for cafes, restaurants, and accommodation. Brian Head also has resort facilities. It's advisable to plan your route and check for services in advance, especially when venturing into more remote sections of the plateau.

Generally, permits are not required for road cycling on public roads and scenic byways within the Markagunt Plateau. However, if your route takes you into specific areas like Zion National Park or Cedar Breaks National Monument, standard entrance fees for the park or monument may apply. Always check the official websites for these protected areas for the most current information on fees and regulations.