Trail Review: Applecross Trail System
Location: East Zion, Utah
How to get there:
To reach the parking area, turn onto North Fork Road from Highway 9 about one mile east of Zion National Park and drive uphill for 4 miles. Shortly after passing where the connecting trail crosses the road, take a right turn and continue uphill into the parking zone, which features multiple small parking spots arranged along two stacked loops.ย
Length: 15ย miles
Elevation: -800 of descending
Difficulty: Black, Blue and Green trails
Required Gear: Trail Bike, Protective Trail Helmet
Vibe: Scenic, Tree-covered, technical, Adrenaline-Inducing
Rating: โ โ โ โ โ (5/5)
Location: Upper Applecross Trailhead (North Fork Rd, East Zion)
Elevation: ~6,400' โ 6,800'
Best Season: Late May through October
Overview
The Upper Applecross cluster is the premier zone in the network. Sitting high above North Fork Road, the trail infrastructure is dialed with a stacked loop trailhead complete with flush toilets, running water, a bottle-fill station, and bike wash faucets.
Climbing & Connector Trails
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Elliptical (1.8 miles | +400 ft): The main climbing artery. Mellow, wide bench-cut singletrack that accesses the Diamond Deck and tops out at the Compass Deck.
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Stair Master (1.2 miles | +350 ft): Punchier two-way alternative through the pinon, juniper, and manzanita; cuts out mid-mountain loop distance.
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Ring Around the Rosie Climbing Trail (1.3 miles | +320 ft): Dedicated uphill-only singletrack with banked switchbacks climbing out of the North Fork road cut.
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Lollipop (0.9 miles): A tight, twisting lariat loop right off lower Elliptical near the trailhead.
The Descents
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Duck Duck Goose (1.2 miles | -400 ft): Upper-intermediate downhill off the Compass Deck. High-speed flow packed with berms, tabletop jumps, and wood bridge features.
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Ring Around the Rosie (1.5 miles | -470 ft): Intermediate flow line with tighter, steeper banked turns and a bike-park feel that drops back to the North Fork Road gate.
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Maestro (0.8 miles | -300 ft): Expert-rated technical line dropping off the Diamond Deck with rock features, drops, and steep transitions.
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Magic Carpet (1.6 miles | -350 ft): Playful, easier flow descent swooping through the trees from the Diamond Deck back toward lower Elliptical.
Final Thoughts on Applecross
A premier machine-built setup with smart climbing access and dedicated downhill laps. If you only have time to ride one section of the Applecross network, make it the Upper trails.
Happy riding, everyone, and LET'S JUST RIDE!
Map here: https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8025601/applecross-trail-system
