Lunar Escape Trail

Lunar Escape is a downhill run in the Applecross trail system, a network of machine-built mountain bike trails that starts about a mile outside Zion National Park's east gate on North Fork Road. Riders reach it by climbing the short, aptly named Lunar Ride route to the top of the system's downhill trails, then dropping into Lunar Escape and its neighboring lines. The surface mixes packed dirt with loose limestone slabs, so the trail rewards momentum and line choice over hard braking.

Good to know

• Part of the Applecross network, built through a partnership between the Zion National Park Forever Project, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, and local bike shops
• Elevation across the broader trail system runs roughly 6,000 to 6,800 feet
• Riding season is generally late May through November; the lower trailhead has parking but no water or restroom
• This is a mountain bike trail, not a hiking route — expect bike traffic on the descent