ST. GEORGE — The opportunity to explore East Zion’s wilderness has expanded with the completion of phase two of the Applecross Mountain Bike Trail. The trailhead is tucked between the pinons, pines and junipers a quarter-mile onto North Fork County Road in Orderville.
The Zion National Park Forever Project, in partnership with the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation and local businesses, announced the finalization of the second part of the new mountain bike trail system. The milestone is a part of the three-phase project to enhance recreational opportunities in the area.
“This project is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration and community support,” Natalie Britt, president and CEO of the Zion Forever Project, emailed St. George News. “We are thrilled to see Phase II come to life and look forward to continuing our work with our partners on Phase III. These trails offer incredible recreational opportunities, support the economy, and promote sustainable tourism.”
On Tuesday, a ribbon cutting was held near 1 N. Fork County Road, in Orderville, to celebrate the completion of phase two. A pin of the trailhead’s location can be found here. Among those in attendance were professional mountain bikers Tyler McCaul and Jaxson Riddle, state and county dignitaries, riders from Get Outside, and the Hurricane and Kanab Mountain bike teams.
Zachary Almaguer, director of Marketing and Communications for the Zion Forever Project, told St. George News that the trail’s phase two adds 24.5 miles of mountain biking trails to the already completed phase one, bringing the total trail mileage to 34.5. Phase three funding and planning are currently underway. He added the project promises even more exciting developments for outdoor enthusiasts.
The total cost of phase two was $500,000, funded by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. Additionally, the Ford Bronco Fund contributed $10,000.
Patrick Morrison, recreation program director for the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, highlighted the importance of the grant program during the event, saying the program is designed to build sustainable recreation opportunities across the state.
“The completion of phase two here at Zion is a perfect example of how these funds can be used to enhance outdoor experiences and support local communities,” Morrison said.
Almaguer noted that the Southern Utah business Zion Cycles also played a crucial role in leading the community fundraising efforts. He added that some of the land for the bike path was donated by area families, the McLaws and Neelemans.
Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh, Kane County Commissioners Patty Kobeja, Wade Heaton and Celeste Meyeres, Head Advisor for the Governor’s Office of Rural Affairs Stephen Lisonbee, Zion Cycles owners Scott and Heidi Williams also were in attendance.
Photo Gallery
Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh welcomes guests to the Applecross Phase II Mountain Bike Trail ribbon cutting ceremony, near Zion National Park, Utah, July 9, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Wade Wixom, Zion Forever Project, St. George News
Youth riders with Utah Get Outside nonprofit group at the Applecross Phase II Mountain Bike Trail ceremonies, Zion National Park, Utah, July 9, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Wade Wixom, Zion Forever Project, St. George News
The Applecross Phase II Mountain Bike Trail is completed east of Zion National Park, Utah, July 9, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Wade Wixom, Zion Forever Project, St. George News
Natalie Britt, CEO of the Zion Forever, speaks at the Applecross Phase II Mountain Bike Trail ceremony, Zion National Park, Utah, July 9, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Wade Wixom, Zion Forever Project, St. George News
Stephen Lisonbee, Utah Senior Advisor for Rural Affairs, speaks at the Applecross Phase II Mountain Bike Trail ceremony, Zion National Park, Utah, July 9, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Wade Wixom, Zion Forever Project, St. George News
The Hurricane Tigers Mountain Bike Team at the Applecross Phase II Mountain Bike Trail ceremony, Zion National Park, Utah, July 9, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Wade Wixom, Zion Forever Project, St. George News
Scott-Williams-Heidi-Gledhill, owners of Zion Cycles speak at the Applecross Phase II Mountain Bike Trail ceremony, Zion National Park, Utah, July 9, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Wade Wixom, Zion Forever Project, St. George News
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