Cryptobiotic Trail

Facility · Utah ·

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management

St. George Field Office (Bureau of Land Management UT) · Open Access

3,661 ft
Elevation
Recommended Users: Mountain Bikers, Hikers. Singletrack trail. 3 miles in length. Difficulty: Moderate/Easiest. From the midway point on Goosebumps Trail, the Cryptobionic Trail makes a beeline downhill toward the Virgin River, winding for 3 miles through a series of flowing turns that are perfect for riders just developing their downhill skills. With a gradual drop in terrain, speeds are easily manageable and this trail is just pure fun. “Crypto” ends at the Virgin Dam Trailhead where riders can find a restroom, stone picnic tables, and the intersection with the rugged Rim Trail.Mountain Biking Loop: Numerous looping opportunities are available.

Getting there

Virgin Dam Trailhead—From Interstate 15 Exit 16, head east on State Route 9 to Hurricane City for 9.5 miles. Turn right on Main Street. Take the first left onto State Route 59 and at 3.1 miles turn left on the gravel road (marked by a very large gravel turnout on the shoulder of SR 59). Travel 1.9 miles and turn left. At 0.2 miles turn right. Continue for another 1.3 miles the trailhead. Jem Trailhead—From Main Street in Hurricane City, take the first left onto State Route 59. At 5.0 miles turn left on to the gravel road. Travel 0.25 miles to the trailhead. (To reach Cryptobionic Trail from this trailhead check the Area Trails Map for options.) Alternative Parking Area—From Main Street in Hurricane City, take the first left onto State Route 59 and at 3.1 miles turn left on the gravel road (marked by a very large gravel turnout on the shoulder of SR 59). Travel 2 miles and park in the disturbed area on the right.

37.19618, -113.23479 · 37°11'46.3"N 113°14'5.3"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 98°F in Jul, down to 51°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F525766738394989689766251
Low °F293340445261686759473528
Precip in1.41.81.40.80.50.20.61.00.91.00.91.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Cryptobiotic Trail

Can you reserve a site at Cryptobiotic Trail?
No. Cryptobiotic Trail is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Cryptobiotic Trail

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Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.