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Routes
Mountain biking trails
United States
Utah
Iron County
Cedar Highlands

C-Trail

Moderate

3.0

(10)

58

riders

C-Trail

01:48

13.5km

660m

Mountain biking

The C-Trail offers an exhilarating mountain biking experience, covering 8.4 miles (13.5 km) with a significant descent of 2162 feet (659 metres). You can expect to complete this moderate route in approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. As you navigate the trail, you'll encounter varied terrain, from cool aspen groves to challenging switchbacks and rock gardens. The route provides expansive views, especially from the C-Overlook, where you can see Cedar City and the vast desert landscapes.

Planning your ride on the C-Trail requires some preparation, as this route is considered advanced-intermediate technical, or black diamond, and is not suitable for novice riders. You will need strong confidence, excellent balance, and precise braking control to handle its many tight turns. While primarily a downhill experience, be ready for sections with loose gravel and sharp basalt fields in the lower parts of the trail. This route is frequently ridden as a shuttle run, but you can also incorporate it into longer loop rides if you prefer.

This classic singletrack descent is known for being a super-twisty flight straight down Cedar Mountain, providing a thrilling ride for experienced mountain bikers. The trail's design and natural features make it a popular choice for those seeking a challenging and engaging ride in the Iron Hills Trail System. It stands out in the region for its combination of technical sections and panoramic vistas, offering a memorable outing.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Get Directions
1

113 m

C-Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

This viewpoint gives a panoramic view of Cedar City and its surroundings. There are informative boards along the overlook telling the history of the city.

Tip by

2

2.96 km

C Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

C Trail offers a challenging downhill ride with shaded sections. It's best to ride this trail in the summer, as it can become muddy in winter due to snow melt. The trail is shared with hikers, so ride cautiously and respect others on the path.

Tip by

3

6.70 km

East Bench Trail

Highlight • Trail

If you are riding in Cedar Mountains, this is the perfect spot for you to admire what you have just accomplished, or what you are about to embark on, depending on whether you get here at the start or the end of your ride.

Tip by

B

13.5 km

End point

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.2 km

166 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

13.2 km

166 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation
Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

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Today

Sunday 11 October

16°C

10°C

98 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 46.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of the C-Trail for mountain biking?

The C-Trail is generally rated as Advanced-intermediate technical or a 'Black Diamond' trail. It features challenging switchbacks, rock gardens, and loose gravel, requiring strong confidence, excellent balance, and precise braking. It is not recommended for novice riders.

What kind of terrain can I expect on this mountain bike trail?

You'll encounter varied singletrack terrain, including aspen groves, numerous tight switchbacks, and sections with rock gardens and loose gravel. The lower parts of the trail can also have sharp basalt fields. While primarily a downhill descent, there's also a very steep and demanding climbing section with tricky rocks and tight turns.

Are there any notable viewpoints or landmarks along the route?

Yes, the trail offers expansive views, especially from the C-Overlook. From here, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of Cedar City, the surrounding mountains, deserts, and agricultural fields. Parts of the descent also lead through cool aspen groves.

What is the best time of year to ride the C-Trail?

The best time to ride this trail is typically during the spring and fall months when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, and winter conditions may bring snow and ice, making the trail impassable or dangerous.

How do I access the C-Trail, and where can I park?

The C-Trail is often ridden as a shuttle run, where riders are transported to the top. You can also access it as part of longer loop rides by utilizing paved roads or gravel climbs. Specific parking details for the trailhead are best researched locally, as shuttle services often have designated drop-off and pick-up points.

Does the C-Trail connect with other mountain biking routes?

Yes, the C-Trail is an integral part of the broader Iron Hills Trail System. It offers connections to other downhill flow trails such as Highlands, Green Hollow, Boulder Dash, Lava Flow, and Iron Giant, allowing for diverse riding experiences. The komoot tour also includes sections of the C Trail and the East Bench Trail.

Are dogs allowed on the C-Trail?

As a multi-use trail within the Iron Hills Trail System, dogs are generally allowed. However, it's crucial to keep them on a leash and ensure they are well-behaved, especially given the presence of other bikers and hikers. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to ride the C-Trail or access the Iron Hills Trail System?

Currently, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the C-Trail or the Iron Hills Trail System for recreational use. However, it's always a good idea to check the latest regulations from local land management agencies like blm.gov before your visit, as policies can change.

Is the C-Trail suitable for families or beginner mountain bikers?

No, due to its 'Advanced-intermediate technical' rating and challenging features like tight switchbacks, rock gardens, and steep sections, the C-Trail is not suitable for families with young children or beginner mountain bikers. It requires significant skill and experience.

What should I be aware of regarding other trail users?

The C-Trail is a multi-use trail, meaning you will likely encounter hikers in addition to other mountain bikers. Always be courteous, announce your presence when approaching, and yield to uphill traffic. Maintain control of your speed, especially around blind corners.

Are there any specific features that make this trail unique?

The C-Trail is known as a 'classic fast and tight singletrack descent' and a 'super-twisty flight straight down Cedar Mountain.' Many of its corners are equipped with berms, which is a feature less common on multi-use trails, enhancing the flow for mountain bikers.

Nearby routes

Moderate

22

Cedar Mountain loop via Turnpike

03:32h

35.2km

830m

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