Top 13 'Ridge-Riding' High-Desert Cycling Trails to master across the American Southwest in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
There's a special kind of magic that happens when your tires are rolling on a narrow ribbon of dirt, with the world falling away on both sides. This isn't just cycling; this is 'ridge-riding'. It's the art of traversing the spine of the earth, where every pedal stroke rewards you with 360-degree vistas that stretch for miles. You feel exposed, exhilarated, and profoundly connected to the landscape. It’s a feeling of floating above it all, a perspective that changes how you see both the trail and the world.
Now, imagine that experience set against the backdrop of the American Southwest. We're talking about a land of fiery red rock, twisted juniper trees, cobalt-blue skies, and canyons so deep they seem to hold ancient secrets. The high desert is a cyclist's paradox: stark and unforgiving, yet breathtakingly beautiful and endlessly rewarding. Its unique geology carves out some of the most spectacular and technically demanding ridgelines on the planet, making it the ultimate playground for adventure seekers.
So, as you start planning your epic adventures for 2025, we've compiled the definitive list. These aren't just trails; they are rites of passage. From the slickrock playgrounds of Utah to the technical masterpieces of Arizona, this is your guide to the 13 most awe-inspiring high-desert ridge-riding trails you need to conquer. Get ready to climb high and ride the sky.
1. The Gooseberry Mesa Grand Tour, Utah
Gooseberry Mesa is the undisputed king of slickrock riding, and its reputation is well-earned. Located near Hurricane, Utah, this is less a single trail and more a mind-bending network of routes painted on a massive sandstone canvas. The "Grand Tour" is a local's favorite combination that links the North, South, and Hidden Canyon Rims, delivering an unforgettable experience that is part technical puzzle, part scenic wonder.
The ridgeline sections here are legendary. You’ll find yourself navigating a maze of rock, following white paint dots along the very edge of cliffs that drop hundreds of feet to the Virgin River valley below. The views of Zion National Park in the distance are simply staggering. It’s a low-speed, high-consequence environment that demands constant focus, balance, and a healthy respect for exposure. The feeling of cleaning a technical section right on the rim is a satisfaction few other trails can provide.
Pro Tip: Ride this trail with low tire pressure for maximum grip on the slickrock. The route isn't always obvious, so a GPS is your best friend. Plan for more time than the mileage suggests; this is a physically and mentally demanding ride. Best seasons are spring and fall to avoid the brutal summer heat.
2. The Hangover Trail, Arizona
Sedona is known for its spiritual vortexes, but for mountain bikers, the true energy comes from trails like Hangover. This is an expert-level, high-exposure masterpiece carved into the side of a massive red rock fin. It's not a ride for the faint of heart, but for those with the skills and nerve, it’s a bucket-list achievement that delivers unparalleled thrills and photo opportunities.
The main event is the long, contoured section of slickrock that traverses a sheer cliff face. At times, the trail is only a few feet wide, with nothing but air between you and the canyon floor. The "saddle" section, where you cross over the spine of the rock formation, offers jaw-dropping views in every direction. I was discussing epic rides with Goh Ling Yong the other day, and we both agreed Hangover is a true test of nerve and a masterclass in trail building.
Pro Tip: Ride this as part of a larger loop by connecting it with Munds Wagon Trail and Cow Pies. This is a one-way trail for good reason—do not attempt to ride it backward. Confidence on narrow, off-camber rock is an absolute must.
3. Mack's Ridge Loop, Colorado
Just outside Fruita, the Kokopelli Loops area is a high-desert playground, and Mack's Ridge is its crown jewel. This trail perfectly embodies the Colorado desert experience: fast, flowy singletrack punctuated by technical rock features and, of course, that signature ridgeline. The trail climbs steadily before rewarding you with a long, exhilarating ride along a ridge overlooking the majestic Colorado River.
The beauty of Mack's Ridge is its accessibility. While it has challenging sections, a strong intermediate rider can handle it. The ridge itself isn't as terrifyingly exposed as Hangover, but it provides a sustained feeling of high-speed, high-altitude cruising. You’ll feel like you’re flying as you carve through gentle turns with the entire valley spread out below you. It’s pure, unadulterated fun.
Pro Tip: Connect Mack's Ridge with Moore Fun for a truly epic loop that will test all of your skills. The area is very exposed to the sun, so ride early in the morning and bring more water than you think you'll need.
4. South Boundary Trail, New Mexico
Stretching from Angel Fire to Taos, the South Boundary Trail (SBT) is a high-alpine classic that descends into the high desert. While the whole trail is a 20+ mile epic, the final descent into Taos features some of the most sublime ridgeline riding in New Mexico. You’ll break out of the dense pine and aspen forests onto exposed, sun-drenched ridges with vast views of the Taos Plateau.
This section, often called "Heaven on Earth," is a fast, flowing ribbon of dirt that contours along the side of a steep mountain. The trail feels narrow and remote, giving you a sense of true backcountry adventure. You're riding the dividing line between two distinct ecosystems, with the lush mountains behind you and the arid desert opening up before you. It’s a stunning transition and a ridiculously fun ride.
Pro Tip: The SBT is best ridden as a shuttle. The high elevation means the trail is often snow-covered until late spring or early summer. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, even on a sunny day.
5. The Ribbon Trail, Colorado
The Ribbon is not your typical trail. Located near Grand Junction, this route is a unique and thrilling descent down one gigantic, continuous slab of slickrock. For a significant portion of the ride, you are literally following the spine of a massive rock fin as it winds its way down toward the valley. There's no dirt, just a wide-open expanse of stone.
The experience is surreal. You pick your own line, floating down the rock and using its natural contours like a concrete pump track. The sense of scale is immense, and the views are otherworldly. While not a narrow ridge in the traditional sense, the feeling of being perched atop this massive geological feature, with steep drop-offs on either side, absolutely qualifies it as a premier ridge-riding experience.
Pro Tip: The Ribbon is best connected to the Lunch Loops trail system via Andy's Loop and Holy Cross for a full day of riding. The rock can be slick when wet, so avoid this trail after a rainstorm.
6. Hiline Trail, Arizona
Another Sedona stunner, Hiline is a trail that demands respect. It's a technical climb followed by an even more technical and exposed traverse and descent. This ride is for advanced riders only, but the reward is a spot on one of the most iconic pieces of singletrack in the Southwest. The trail is etched into the side of a steep red rock slope directly across from the majestic Cathedral Rock.
The ridge-riding portion is a narrow, off-camber traverse with serious consequences for any mistake. Your focus will be lasered in on the few inches of trail in front of you, but every time you stop to catch your breath, you’ll be mesmerized by the panoramic views. Conquering Hiline is a badge of honor in the mountain biking community.
Pro Tip: Uphill traffic is not allowed on the main descent section. Ride the loop clockwise starting from the Hiline Trailhead. Pack your knee pads and your courage for this one.
7. Thunder Mountain Trail, Utah
Located in Red Canyon just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park, the Thunder Mountain Trail is one of the most visually stunning rides you will ever do. The trail winds its way through a labyrinth of crimson and orange hoodoos, creating a landscape that feels like it’s from another planet. It’s a relatively short ride, but it packs a serious punch.
The final descent is where the ridge-riding magic happens. The trail narrows and follows the spine of a series of steep, erosion-carved fins. You’ll be switchbacking down tight, exposed ridges with hoodoos towering above and canyons dropping away below. It’s a rollercoaster of a ride that’s as technically engaging as it is beautiful.
Pro Tip: This trail is often ridden as a point-to-point shuttle, but it can also be done as a loop using the paved bike path. The soil is very sensitive when wet, so please stay off the trail after rain.
8. White Mesa's Dragon's Back, New Mexico
The White Mesa Bike Trails near Albuquerque are a hidden gem, offering a truly unique riding experience on gypsum and sandstone terrain. The area feels like a lunar landscape, and the marquee feature is a section known as "Dragon's Back." It’s an aptly named, narrow spine of rock and dirt that snakes through the badlands.
Riding the Dragon's Back is a pure test of balance and nerve. The ridge is just wide enough for a singletrack trail, with steep, crumbly drop-offs on both sides. You’ll need to maintain your momentum and look ahead as you flow over the undulating terrain. It’s a short but intensely memorable part of a larger network of fun, rollercoaster-like trails.
Pro Tip: The white gypsum soil can be blindingly bright, so sunglasses are essential. This area is extremely remote and has no water, so come fully prepared.
9. Captain Ahab, Utah
Back in Moab, Captain Ahab is a masterfully built trail that descends from the Amasa Back mesa. While it's famous for its technical slickrock slabs and drops, it also features incredible sections of exposed riding along the cliff edges overlooking the Colorado River. It’s a relentless, full-body workout that keeps you on your toes from start to finish.
The trail often hugs the rim, forcing you to navigate chunky rock gardens and steep rolldowns with nothing but a thousand feet of air to your side. These sections provide that thrilling ridge-riding sensation, combining technical challenge with breathtaking, high-consequence scenery. It’s a challenge that even a seasoned rider like Goh Ling Yong seeks out for its pure, unadulterated thrill.
Pro Tip: Ahab is a downhill-only trail. Use the Amasa Back jeep road for the climb up. This trail is best for long-travel, full-suspension bikes that can handle the endless barrage of rock features.
10. Picketpost to Kelvin Trail, Arizona
Part of the much larger Arizona Trail, the Picketpost to Kelvin section is a rugged, remote, and truly epic high-desert traverse. This point-to-point ride takes you through the heart of the Sonoran Desert, with towering saguaro cacti and volcanic geology as your backdrop. The trail is raw, challenging, and incredibly rewarding.
The ridge-riding here is less about sheer cliffs and more about traversing the high spines that divide the desert washes and canyons. You’ll spend long sections on elevated singletrack, flowing through cholla forests with unobstructed views of the dramatic desert landscape. The feeling of remoteness and self-sufficiency on this trail is immense.
Pro Tip: This is a serious backcountry ride that requires a shuttle and excellent navigation skills. Water is scarce, and cell service is non-existent. Attempt this only in the cooler months (winter/early spring).
11. Zippity Do Da, Colorado
The name says it all. Located in Fruita's 18 Road trail system, Zippity Do Da is pure, high-speed joy. It's famous for its long, swooping descent down the spine of a clay-based badland ridge. The trail is fast, flowy, and feels like a natural rollercoaster.
You’ll drop into the trail and immediately be greeted with a narrow ridgeline that undulates for nearly a mile. With steep, rounded drop-offs on both sides, it requires focus, but the trail is so well-built that you can let off the brakes and just fly. The sensation of speed while being so high up on the ridge is an adrenaline rush like no other.
Pro Tip: Zippity is the cherry on top of a great day of riding at 18 Road. Warm up on trails like PBR and Joe's Ridge before hitting the main event. Be aware of other riders, as this is a popular and fast trail.
12. Little Creek Mesa, Utah
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Gooseberry Mesa, Little Creek Mesa offers a wilder, more remote, and arguably more challenging slickrock experience. This is a place for advanced riders who are comfortable with route-finding and raw, technical terrain. The rewards are solitude and some of the most spectacular views in Southern Utah.
The ridgeline riding here is top-tier. You’ll follow faint cairns across vast expanses of sandstone right along the edge of the mesa. The exposure is constant, and the technical moves are unrelenting. You’ll have to hop gaps, navigate narrow rock spines, and drop into hidden bowls, all while the entire Zion landscape unfolds before you.
Pro Tip: A GPS is absolutely mandatory here, as the trail is very difficult to follow. Bring extra food, water, and a full repair kit. Let someone know your plan, as you’re unlikely to see many other people.
13. The Palisade Plunge (Upper Section), Colorado
The Palisade Plunge is one of the newest epic trails in the Southwest, a massive 32-mile descent from the top of the Grand Mesa down to the town of Palisade. While the entire trail is an adventure, the upper sections offer an incredible high-alpine and high-desert ridge experience.
After descending through alpine forests, the trail breaks out onto exposed ridgelines that offer jaw-dropping views of the Book Cliffs and the Colorado River valley. This section, known as the "Land's End," follows the rim of the mesa on fast, purpose-built singletrack. You're riding on the edge of the largest flattop mountain in the world, and the sense of scale is simply mind-boggling. It's a grand finale to our list and a monumental ride for 2025.
Pro Tip: This is a shuttle-only, point-to-point trail that requires a full day. Be prepared for a huge range of temperatures and weather, as you descend over 6,000 vertical feet. Check trail conditions before you go, as the top section can hold snow late into the season.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Riding the spine of the high desert is an experience that stays with you. It's more than just the physical challenge; it’s the mental clarity that comes from being in a vast, beautiful, and demanding environment. These 13 trails represent the pinnacle of ridge-riding in the American Southwest, each offering a unique blend of thrill, beauty, and adventure.
As you plan your 2025 cycling calendar, consider pushing your boundaries and adding one of these epic routes to your list. Remember to ride within your limits, respect the fragile desert environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles, and always come prepared. The desert rewards the bold, but it demands respect.
Now it's your turn. What are your favorite high-desert ridgelines? Are there any hidden gems we missed? Share your stories and recommendations in the comments below—let's build the ultimate trail guide together
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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