The best traffic-free bike rides around Cedar City

There are several dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Cedar City, offering a variety of experiences. This guide features 6 routes, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, perfect for exploring the region without vehicle interference.

Yes, Cedar City offers easy, car-free options perfect for beginners or families. The Lichen It Trail loop from Cedar Highlands is an easy 7.7 km ride. Another great option is the East Bench Trail – Coal Creek Trail loop from Cedar City, which is 12.4 km and also rated easy, providing scenic views along paved paths.

The no-traffic routes in Cedar City offer a blend of urban green spaces and natural desert landscapes. You'll cycle along paved trails like the Coal Creek Trail and East Bench Trail, which often follow waterways and offer views of the surrounding red rock formations and high desert plains. Some routes provide glimpses of the dramatic scenery that defines Southwest Utah.

Yes, all the no-traffic touring cycling routes featured in this guide are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path. For example, the Coal Creek Trail – East Bench Trail loop from Cedar City is a moderate 19.8 km circular route.

The spring and fall seasons are generally ideal for no-traffic bike touring in Cedar City. Temperatures are milder, making for more comfortable riding conditions. While summer can be hot, early mornings or evenings are still pleasant. Winter cycling is possible, but higher elevation routes may be inaccessible due to snow.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Cedar City, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the car-free paths, the accessibility of the trails within the city, and the opportunity to enjoy the unique Utah landscape without vehicle traffic.

While the routes themselves offer scenic views, you'll find highlights like the Coal Creek Trail and East Bench Trail which are popular for their accessibility and natural beauty. The C-Overlook also provides a great viewpoint near some of the routes.

Many of the routes, especially those starting within Cedar City, offer convenient access to public parking areas. For routes like the View from Bicentennial Park – East Bench Trail loop from Cedar City, you can typically find parking near the starting points in urban parks or designated trailheads.

While this guide focuses on routes primarily within Cedar City's immediate no-traffic network, the region offers longer scenic road cycling routes with light traffic, such as the Parowan Gap Scenic Cycling Route or the Cedar City to New Harmony route on Old Highway 91. These provide more mileage and challenge for experienced touring cyclists seeking extended rides. For more information on these scenic routes, you can visit Visit Cedar City's cycling blog.

Yes, many of the no-traffic trails in Cedar City, such as the Coal Creek Trail and East Bench Trail, are interconnected or run parallel, allowing for custom longer rides by linking different segments. This provides flexibility to extend your touring experience.

Generally, no special permits are required for cycling on the public no-traffic trails within Cedar City and its immediate surroundings. These trails are freely accessible for recreational use. However, if you venture into specific state or national parks, always check their individual regulations regarding entry fees or permits.