7 Best Backcountry Biking Trails in Utah’s Aquarius Wilderness
Utah’s Aquarius Plateau is the highest forested plateau in North America but for backcountry bikers, it’s something even more, a rugged playground of alpine meadows, slickrock ridges, and deep canyon cuts. This wilderness rewards those who work for it, offering miles of remote trails where silence reigns and scenery stuns. It’s not for casual riders, these routes demand stamina, gear, and grit. But the payoff? Pure, unfiltered freedom. Whether you’re pedaling past a pine-fringed meadow or navigating a wash beneath red cliffs, these seven trails prove that the best rides come with a little dust and a lot of soul.
Big Flat Loop
The Big Flat Loop delivers a classic Aquarius ride, high, quiet and packed with natural beauty. You’ll pedal through sweeping alpine meadows, shaded spruce forests, and rocky ledges with panoramic views of Boulder Mountain stretching into the distance. The elevation keeps summer heat at bay, and sightings of mule deer, wild turkeys, and even elk aren’t uncommon. While the climbs can test your lungs, the flowing descents and open scenery reward every bit of effort. With minimal technical features, it’s ideal for intermediate riders craving solitude, challenge, and unforgettable vistas without extreme terrain.
Lake Powell Overlook Trail
The Lake Powell Overlook Trail starts with a steady climb through juniper groves and red sandstone, then delivers a jaw-dropping surprise, a sudden sweeping view over the endless blue of Lake Powell far below. It’s a trail of contrasts, cool alpine air up top, desert heat in the distance. The route mixes short, punchy climbs with smooth, fast descents that make the effort worthwhile. Remote and undeveloped, this ride demands preparation, bring water, tools, and a GPS. But the solitude, silence, and scale of the landscape are unforgettable. It’s a reminder that Utah’s wildness comes in many forms.
Enoch Backcountry Trail
The Enoch Backcountry Trail isn’t just a ride, it’s a test of grit. This rugged, remote route dives deep into wild terrain with zero cell service and barely a soul in sight. Loose gravel, sharp switchbacks, and off-camber climbs will push your balance and stamina to the edge. But for riders who thrive on challenge, the payoff is unbeatable sweeping mountain views, cool pine-scented air, and pure, undisturbed solitude. It’s the kind of trail that leaves your legs aching and your head clear, a backcountry favorite for bikers who ride to disconnect and go farther than most dare.
Twentymile Wash to Phipps Trail
Linking Twentymile Wash and Phipps Trail creates a full-day backcountry epic through some of Utah’s most surreal terrain. You’ll ride (and occasionally hike-a-bike) through narrow red rock corridors, sandy floodplains, and winding slot canyons that twist through towering cliffs. Expect soft sand, creek crossings, and a few rugged carry sections but also hidden arches, striped canyon walls, and total immersion in raw desert beauty. This route isn’t about speed, it’s about endurance, navigation, and awe. For riders who want to earn their wonder, few trails deliver like this one.
Harris Wash Connector
The Harris Wash Connector is a dream route for adventurous bikepackers ready to trade comfort for connection with the wild. This remote, multi-day loop links deep canyon systems via sandy paths, slickrock shelves, and scattered creek crossings. You’ll climb, haul, and hike through ancient terrain where cell service vanishes and stars dominate the night sky. Campsites are primitive, water is scarce, and the silence is complete. It’s not for beginners, but if you’re ready to rough it and ride through a landscape untouched for centuries, the reward is raw beauty and hard-earned solitude.
Bear Valley Loop
The Bear Valley Loop is perfect for those seeking a mellow backcountry ride that still captures the spirit of the Aquarius Plateau. Winding through open valleys and along seasonal creeks, this trail offers big skies, gentle grades, and peaceful scenery without the thigh-burning climbs or nerve-wracking drop-offs. It’s well-suited for intermediate riders, families, or anyone wanting a relaxing pedal with chances to spot elk, hawks, or even a distant black bear. This ride reminds you that adventure doesn’t always have to be extreme sometimes, it’s just about soaking in the quiet beauty around you.
Aquarius Bench Trail
The Aquarius Bench Trail feels like pedaling along the edge of another planet. Hugging high cliffs with vertigo-inducing drops, this route delivers endless views over Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase-Escalante. It’s exposed, raw, and not for the faint of heart but the scenery is nothing short of otherworldly. Red rock canyons stretch for miles, and the quiet is absolute. The trail is rough, with little margin for error, but every moment feels alive and unscripted. It’s the kind of ride that humbles you, thrills you, and stays with you long after the dust has settled.
