Ghost Flats Trailhead

The 13th Hole and Ghost Flats Trails loop near Cedar City offers a diverse mountain biking experience, transitioning from the fun, winding singletrack of the 13th Hole Trail, with its juniper and pinion pine forests and views over Cedar City, to the raw, technical challenge of Ghost Flats. You'll encounter terrain ranging from ancient Jurassic Period clay and rock to loose angular boulders and "chunk" on the demanding downhill sections. The changing scenery includes glimpses into the canyon behind The Red Hill, making for a dynamic ride.

This difficult 17.4-mile (27.9 km) mountain bike loop, with its 3203 feet (976 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes to complete. It's best suited for experienced riders seeking a significant technical challenge, particularly on the Black Diamond-rated Ghost Flats segment. As part of the Iron Hills Trail System, the trailhead is generally accessible, but always ensure your bike is ready for the varied terrain and carry ample water, especially during warmer periods.

What makes this route stand out is its stark contrast: the 13th Hole Trail provides a more approachable, scenic ride, while Ghost Flats delivers a thrilling, expert-level downhill. This combination allows riders to experience both flowy sections and highly technical descents within a single loop. The geological features, including the Jurassic Period clay and rock, add a unique natural history element to the ride, making it more than just a physical test.

The Lightning Switch and Ghost Flats Loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience near Cedar City, Utah, blending challenging climbs with technical descents. You'll navigate through varied landscapes of pinion pine and juniper, with the ground shifting between dirt and rock, often displaying distinctive salmon and dirty-white colors. As you ascend, the views open up, providing sweeping panoramas over the valley and glimpses of landmarks like The Red Hill and even the Cedar City Temple in the distance.

Planning your ride, know that this 9.0 miles (14.6 km) loop with 2269 feet (692 metres) of elevation gain is best tackled between late April and October, though some years allow for riding from March to November. The entire route is rated moderate, but be aware that the Ghost Flats descent is significantly more technical than the Lightning Switch climb. Always carry enough water, as sun exposure is ample throughout the 1 hours and 54 minutes estimated ride time.

This loop is a standout part of the larger Iron Hills Trail System, known for its unique combination of scenic vistas and technical challenges. While the Lightning Switch climb is a rewarding test for intermediate riders, the Ghost Flats descent is rated Black Diamond for physical difficulty and Double Black Diamond for technical challenge, making it a true test for advanced mountain bikers. Some locals even opt to ride Lightning Switch as an out-and-back to avoid the most technical sections.