Tag Archives: St. George

So you find yourself at a summer conference in Las Vegas, and you figure you’ll sneak up to Zion afterward to ride the famous mountain bike trails at Gooseberry Mesa. There’s one big snag, though: daytime highs are predicted to hit 105º. You assure yourself it’s just a “dry” heat, as you have been dreaming of riding God’s Skate Park, Rattle Snake Rim, and Hidden Canyon for years and you are not about to let this chance pass by. Some might call you crazy, but we know you’re simply motivated. Before you hit the trail, however, take a gander at these tips and lessons I have learned over six summers in the dry heat of Southern Utah. I guarantee some forethought about heat and hydration will lead to more fun on the slickrock and the freedom to enjoy many more days on the trail. DRY HEAT. What does that really mean? To me, “dry heat” means the temperature in the shade is significantly cooler than the temperature in the sun. This can be really helpful, especially if I need to cool down, since simply finding a tree or rock outcropping can really help me cool down and rest. But WHY … Continue reading →