Southwest Utah in and around St. George is well known for its increduble variety of desert mountain bike trails. But in that web of intersecting singletrack, which routes are easy, yet challenging enough for beginners and kids? Bear Claw Poppy in St. George pretty much ticks all the boxes.
Bear Claw Poppy Mountain Bike Trail
What makes Bear Claw Poppy such a fun trail for kids is that the uphill is just as interesting as the down. The trail is basically an out-and-back loop, as in the uphill side is pretty much adjacent to the down. The ascent is a very mellow grade with smooth rollers that give the trail a roller coaster feel. An occasional steep step-up requires a bit of hard pedaling, and rocks or small ledges are sometimes encountered, but nothing is too technical. Any natural feature is small and kids have fun going off the “jumps” and “drops.” For the super cautious, everything can be walked or simply pedaled around.
The downhill is even more of a roller coaster with lots of whoop-de-dos, a few tight corners, lots of smooth dirt, a smattering of rock gardens, small ledges, and enough speed to give a thrill to even the most advanced mountain bikers. The descent is fun for all ability levels, as the trail splits at certain areas with signs pointing to the more difficult and easier variations, so kids can easily navigate the many options without inadvertently getting in overt their heads.
How to Ride Bear Claw Poppy with Kids
Bear Claw Poppy is located in the Bloomington neighborhood in St. George and begins at the Navajo Drive trailhead. There is a huge parking lot with a restroom here. A maze of trails can be confusing here at the network’s bottom, but good signage directs riders to the uphill path. However, just tooling around on the small hills right at the trailhead can be fun as well.
Once you locate the official uphill trail, follow it for only two miles to the top of Bear Claw Poppy. There are side trails that connect with the downhill trail on your right, in case you have to bail early and make a shorter ride. While this ascent may be a bit boring for experienced mountain bikers, kids and beginners will love how easy of a pedal it is.
The top of this uphill trail ends at the intersection of the Stucki and Snakepit Rim trails. Go right on Snakepit Rim where a very short steep hill awaits. Those who are in shape will easily crush this climb, but newbies can walk their bikes up to the top. Once there, the downhill adventure begins.
Bear Claw Poppy’s downhill is located on the east side of the hilltop and is well signed. Strap in for a rollicking good ride as the trail flows down through natural terrain features. Rolling hills, combined with pavement-like clay ground, makes for that amusement-park ride feel. The descent is not too steep overall, but the harder sections can be walked or circumnavigated. As you ride, be on the lookout for desert tortoises. Alternate descent options about for more challenge, and those break off on your left. Otherwise, stay right whenever possible until you reach the bottom and the trailhead.
The Wrap Up
So if you’re in St. George, for spring break, fall riding, or any time of year, take the kids mountain biking on Bear Claw Poppy. It’s easily the most popular trail in the area, and for good reason. The trail is fun, it’s easy, and it will boost your kid’s confidence and riding skill so they’ll want to go mountain biking again and again.