Gooseberry Mesa Windmill/North Rim

Dave, Mark and I took a quick trip down to St. George and for Dave and I took our first trip out to Gooseberry Mesa. We arrived at the Windmill Trailhead around 11:30am. It was around 35 degrees and really windy. This trail was a change of pace for us as we usually look strictly for downhill speed. We were not disappointed by the technical aspect of this ride.

We rode Windmill to Bowls and Ledges to part of North Rim that connected with Practice and then connected to White Trail and to the White Trail Trailhead, then we made our way back. We plan on going again near early May to hit the South Rim. Dave has some more photos I will get from him and post as well.

As you can see with the pics we were quite fascinated with the 1000 foot drop, oh and the scenery as well.

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You had a chance to leave Mark there and you didn't take it?

Cool stuff man. I'd like to get a MTB trip planned this year for that area. It's been too long! Maybe a little warmer temps though! :haha:

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Originally Posted by bigred72

We plan on going again near early May to hit the South Rim.

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You will not be disappointed. I think the South Rim is slightly better than the north rim. However, the best part there is the Hidden Canyon trail that connects the south to the north rim. Try to lap that a couple of times (in the south to North direction). Incredibly fun!

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Originally Posted by neilether

You will not be disappointed. I think the South Rim is slightly better than the north rim. However, the best part there is the Hidden Canyon trail that connects the south to the north rim. Try to lap that a couple of times (in the south to North direction). Incredibly fun!

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I agree. South Rim is the best. I haven't ridden Hidden Canyon yet or the Secret Trail.

Agreed, the south rim is phenomenal. I've done the entire loop several times and it doesn't disappoint. I have logged my fasted time alone. :ride:

My most favoritest loops out there is to start at the main Trailhead (white trailhead maybe....) and head out on the south rim until you get to Hidden Canyon, ride north on Hidden CAnyon and then cross over onto the North Rim. Ride the north rim out to the overlook, then come back on teh South Rim to Hidden Canyon again. Ride Hidden Canyon north again, and then back on the north rim to your car. 15+ miles of Gooseberry goodness and you get to hit Hidden Canyon twice. Yummy.

Maybe we'll nail a date down in the next couple of weeks. @blueeyes maybe you can put it up as a ride invite for different skill levels. Maybe get Ken out with us as well.

@bigred72 not this coming weekend but next weekend I think we have plans to camp at Little Creek Ken was telling me of a spot. If you come down I am sure we could find a ride on Goose or Little Creek. I need to start riding harder. I have plans for the White Rim in May.

I have spent a lot of hours/ 13 years riding gooseberry. I like riding the southrim out to the point and then back to the hidden canyon trail, then I ride the yellow trail back to the parking lot. 2 years ago on a very windy cold day in February I tried to get the bogley crew to follow me on the Hidden canyon trail. I took Redspecialized on it and everyone else missed out on seeing the best part of the mesa. Bruce, over on utahmountainbiking has a fun route which he calls Gooseberry classic.