Bike East Zion: Applecross Trails & Tunnel Updates
Summer in Zion National Park is unforgettable, but it can also be busy, hot, and full of travel logistics. Between crowded parking lots, shuttle lines, limited access points, and new restrictions on oversized vehicles traveling the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway, many visitors are looking for a better way to experience the park and surrounding area.
That is where East Zion comes in.
Located near Orderville, Mount Carmel, and the East Entrance of Zion National Park, East Zion offers a quieter, higher-elevation side of the region with red rock views, open landscapes, mountain biking, scenic paved rides, and access to one of the most exciting new riding areas in Southern Utah: the Applecross Trail System.
Whether you are staying on the east side, traveling in an RV, visiting from Kanab, or simply looking for a new Zion adventure away from the main canyon crowds, East Zion is quickly becoming one of the best places to ride near Zion National Park.
Why Ride East Zion This Summer?
Most visitors picture Zion from the Springdale side: the main canyon, shuttle stops, Angels Landing, The Narrows, and the paved Pa’rus Trail. Those are all iconic experiences, but they are only one part of the greater Zion area.
East Zion feels different. The landscape opens up. The crowds thin out. The temperatures can feel more manageable because of the higher elevation. Instead of spending your whole day waiting in traffic or planning around shuttle logistics, you can hop on a bike and explore a side of Zion that many visitors still overlook.
For summer travelers, that matters. Biking gives you freedom. You can cover more ground than walking, move at your own pace, stop for photos, and turn a travel day into an actual adventure. If you are looking for East Zion bike rentals, mountain biking near Zion National Park, or scenic rides near the East Entrance, this area deserves to be on your list.
Applecross: East Zion’s Mountain Biking Playground
The Applecross Trail System is one of the biggest reasons East Zion has become such an exciting destination for mountain bikers. Located just outside Zion’s east entrance near Zion Cycles East in Orderville, Applecross delivers purpose-built, flowy singletrack wrapped in classic Southern Utah scenery, red dirt, juniper and pinyon forests, and open views that stretch toward the park boundary.
This is not just another dusty desert trail network. Built on private land with a stacked-loop design, Applecross was created to offer a fun, sustainable, and accessible mountain biking experience on the east side of Zion. With roughly 35 miles of singletrack (and more still coming), the system spans beginner-friendly greens through intermediate blues to advanced blacks, complete with berms, rollers, wood features, ramps, and decks. Climbs stay manageable and enjoyable, so you can focus on the ride instead of grinding. It’s ideal for riders looking to progress, families with confident younger riders, and experienced mountain bikers wanting a different flavor of Zion terrain something more flow-oriented and lap-friendly than the tech-heavy mesas farther west.
What the ride feels like: Expect a mix of flowing turns, rolling terrain, and high-speed rhythm sections that invite you to stay off the brakes. The higher elevation (roughly 6,000–6,800 feet) keeps things cooler than the lower desert, and the landscape is part of the experience—ride through open ponderosa and juniper stands with panoramic glimpses into Zion.
Ride Applecross and experience some of the best mountain biking near Zion National Park.
A sampling of the trails you’ll find:
Magic Carpet and Sidewinder – Easy, fast, floating descents perfect for warming up or building confidence. Magic Carpet especially lives up to its name with smooth, sweeping lines.
Duck Duck Goose, Ring Around the Rosie, and Lunar Ride – Intermediate classics packed with well-built berms, wood features, jumps you can roll or boost, and pure flow.
Maestro – A standout for intermediate-to-advanced riders: big, smooth jumps, excellent berms, and a few steeper sections that reward good line choice.
Elliptical, Stair Master, Little Dipper, Pinion Run, and Canyon Connection – The climbing and connector trails that link everything together efficiently so you can string together multiple laps.
For those seeking more challenge: Bison Escape, Bison Chute, Radio Flyer, and similar expert lines deliver technical rock, steeper pitches, and higher-consequence features.
Newer riders will find Applecross an excellent place to build skills and confidence on progressive, purpose-built terrain. Regular riders get a fun way to stretch their legs, chase speed, and experience a quieter, higher-elevation side of the Zion region. Many visitors treat it as the perfect half-day or full-day option, adventurous enough to feel exciting, approachable enough to fit easily into a trip, and designed so you can keep riding laps until the light fades.
Whether you’re spinning easy loops on the greens or linking the upper trails for bigger descents, Applecross delivers that rare combination of flow, scenery, and accessibility that makes East Zion such a compelling place to ride.
What Bike Should You Rent for Applecross?
Did you know Zion Cycles can deliver bikes directly to Zion’s east side?
For Applecross, a full-suspension mountain bike is the best choice for most riders. These bikes are purpose-built for singletrack—handling dirt, rocks, berms, climbs, and descents with more control, comfort, and confidence than a rigid or hardtail bike. The suspension keeps your wheels planted through the flowy sections of Magic Carpet or Duck Duck Goose and absorbs the hits on steeper lines like Maestro or Bison Chute, so you can stay relaxed and ride longer.
At Zion Cycles East we stock a strong selection of modern full-suspension trail and enduro bikes ready for Applecross:
Trek Fuel EX – Versatile trail bike that balances climbing efficiency with playful descending
Trek Remedy – All-mountain capability with a bit more travel for bigger terrain
Trek Slash – Enduro-focused for aggressive descents and technical features
Prefer a high-end demo experience? Step up to our demo fleet:
Yeti SB140, SB150, and SB160 – Premium suspension platforms known for smooth travel and precise handling
Santa Cruz Tallboy – Agile, efficient, and fun on both climbs and flow trails
If you want extra help on the climbs, are riding with a mixed-ability group, or simply want to squeeze more laps out of your day, an electric mountain bike is an excellent option. E-MTBs still require pedaling, but the motor assist helps you climb more efficiently, cover more ground, and save energy for the fun descents. Our e-bike lineup includes:
Trek Fuel EXe – Lightweight trail e-MTB with natural-feeling power
Trek Rail – Longer-travel e-enduro bike for bigger days and steeper terrain
Santa Cruz Vala – High-performance e-MTB with the lively feel Santa Cruz is known for
Whether you need a traditional full-suspension mountain bike, a premium demo, an e-mountain bike, or a guided Applecross experience, our team at Zion Cycles East will match you with the right setup based on your experience, goals, and trail plans. Stop by or reserve online—we’ll get you dialed and pointed toward the trailhead so you can focus on the ride.
Scenic Paved Riding Near East Zion
Not every ride needs to be a mountain bike ride. One of the best things about East Zion is that it also works well for casual riders who want scenic views without committing to technical singletrack.
With new and developing access around the East Zion corridor, paved and road-based riding near the East Entrance is becoming a great option for visitors who want a more relaxed experience. A scenic ride can be perfect for couples, families, RV travelers, or anyone who wants to enjoy the landscape without the intensity of a mountain bike trail.
Before heading out, always check current conditions, traffic, road rules, and route options. Zion’s east-side roads are beautiful, but they can include narrow sections, curves, and vehicle traffic. Our team can help you understand what is realistic for your group and point you toward the best ride for the day.
For riders looking to enjoy Zion National Park itself, remember that bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on the paved Pa’rus Trail and on park roads, but bikes are not allowed through the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Always follow posted rules, ride single file, yield when required, and use caution around shuttles and vehicles.
How the New Zion Tunnel Restrictions Affect Summer Visitors
The historic Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel — your gateway to Zion’s east side.
Beginning June 7, 2026, Zion National Park began enforcing strict size and weight limits on the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance. Vehicles that exceed any of these limits are no longer allowed on this 10.7-mile corridor (which includes the historic Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel):
Length: 35 feet 9 inches for a single vehicle; combined vehicles (truck + trailer) cannot exceed 50 feet overall, with no more than 26 feet from hitch to rear axle
Width: 7 feet 10 inches (including mirrors and attachments)
Height: 11 feet 4 inches (including roof racks, AC units, etc.)
Weight: 50,000 pounds
The previous escort/permit system that allowed oversized vehicles through the tunnel has been discontinued. There are no exceptions or workarounds for the corridor itself.
For visitors traveling in oversized RVs, buses, trailers, or large touring vehicles, this changes how you plan a Zion trip. Many travelers now need alternate routes around the park rather than driving straight through the Zion–Mt. Carmel corridor. That does not end your Zion adventure—it simply means planning ahead and considering the east side of the park as a smart, low-stress option.
If you are already staying in Orderville or Mount Carmel, approaching from the east, or looking for something rewarding without navigating main-canyon congestion or tunnel restrictions, East Zion offers a strong alternative. Instead of spending extra time in the car or fighting crowds, you can ride. The Applecross Trail System sits just outside the east entrance and delivers purpose-built, flowy singletrack with red-rock scenery, manageable climbs, and options for every skill level—turning a potential travel hassle into one of the highlights of your trip.
Rather than treating East Zion as a simple pass-through, make it part of the adventure. Grab a full-suspension or e-mountain bike from Zion Cycles East, hit the trails, and experience a quieter, higher-elevation side of the Zion region that many visitors now discover precisely because of these new restrictions.
Who Should Ride East Zion?
East Zion is a great fit for several types of visitors.
If you are a mountain biker, Applecross should be on your radar. It is one of the most exciting trail systems near Zion and a great way to add singletrack to your trip.
If you are traveling with family, East Zion offers a quieter alternative to the busiest parts of the park. A guided ride or well-planned rental can give your group a memorable outdoor experience without the stress of figuring everything out alone.
If you are staying in Orderville, Mount Carmel, Kanab, or at one of the East Zion lodging properties, renting a bike nearby can save you time and help you enjoy the area right where you are.
If you are visiting in an oversized vehicle affected by the new highway restrictions, East Zion gives you a smart way to keep your day active and fun without depending on tunnel access.
And if you have already ridden Zion Canyon from Springdale, East Zion gives you something new. Same greater Zion magic, completely different ride.
Tips for Riding East Zion in Summer
Summer riding in Southern Utah is amazing, but preparation matters. Start early when possible, bring more water than you think you need, and wear sun protection. Even at higher elevations, the desert sun is strong.
Choose the right bike for the route. Mountain bikes are best for Applecross and singletrack. E-bikes or pavement-friendly bikes are better for scenic road and paved riding. If you are unsure, ask before you ride.
Know your limits. Applecross has approachable options, but mountain biking still requires balance, braking, shifting, and trail awareness. A guided tour is a great choice if you want local knowledge, route support, and help choosing trails that match your comfort level.
Most importantly, respect the area. Stay on designated trails, avoid riding muddy trails, yield appropriately, and help protect the landscape that makes East Zion special.
Start Your East Zion Ride With Zion Cycles
Zion Cycles East is located at 1 North Fork County Road in Orderville, Utah, just minutes from the Applecross riding area and convenient to East Zion lodging, Mount Carmel, Kanab, and the East Entrance of Zion National Park.
We offer mountain bike rentals, e-mountain bike options, local trail advice, and guided Applecross mountain bike tours for riders who want a more supported experience. Whether you are looking for a half-day ride, a full-day adventure, or a better way to explore East Zion this summer, our team is here to help.
Zion is more than one canyon, one entrance, or one scenic drive. This summer, discover the east side on two wheels.
Ready to ride East Zion? Book your bike rental or guided Applecross mountain bike tour with Zion Cycles and experience one of the best new ways to explore the Zion area.
