Vernal, Utah is slowly but surely becoming the state’s next great mountain biking destination. With trail systems like McCoy Flats, Red Fleet, La Pointe, and more, there’s plenty of desert singletrack to explore in Northeastern Utah. Plus, the 2017 NUMB Fest is happening Memorial Day Weekend, which is the perfect venue to check out these excellent trails.
I recently went to Vernal on assignment for KSL Outdoors and shot a video about mountain biking McCoy Flats. It was my first time riding there and I was very surprised at how much fun it is. From the highway, the landscape looks flat. But once I got pedaling on a trail called Retail Sale, the rolling hills, technical rock gardens, and dry washes combined to make a joyous ride. McCoy Flats is playful terrain, and the locals I rode with showed me how to maximize the fun. Here’s the finished segment from KSL Outdoors.
There’s free (primitive) camping in the area, and everything you need in town for a successful trip. Don’t forget to visit Altitude Cycle for any bike needs you may have, and for good local beer, stop in at the Vernal Brewing Company. I recommend the .50 caliber IPA.
For more information about NUMB Fest or mountain biking in Vernal in general, check them out at bikenumb.org.