The Experience
Our Desert Skills Retreat is a truly special opportunity to ride bikes in the desert with rad women. Ride the world class trails systems around Gooseberry Mesa, and pair that with amazing meals provided by our private chef. Grab your girlfriends and join us in the desert to elevate your skills with on-trail coaching and incredible riding, epic sunsets, and great conversation under the stars. Top that with sunset yoga sessions, evenings by the campfire, and moments that will leave you feeling inspired to ride your bike like never before. Skill Level: INT-ADV Fitness Level: 3/7
Highlights
Elevate Your Skills
on Trail
Camp in Yurts under the stars
Chef Prepared Meals
A Retreat Made
for Women by Women
Epic Desert Riding
Itinerary
DESERT SKILLS RETREAT | INT-ADV
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HAPPY HOUR + WELCOME DINNER
Our retreat is hosted on the north rim of Gooseberry Mesa, just outside of Hurricane, Utah; home to the best trails in SW Utah. See 'Arrival & Departure' section for more details on the location.
Check in: 3pm
Arrive, check in with our crew, then get your gear and bike organized. We'll have tools, pumps, etc. available to assist with anyone needing to build their bikes after travel.
In the evening, join us for happy hour followed by a welcome dinner, prepared by our in-house chef.
DESERT SKILLS
Start your morning with a chef prepared breakfast overlooking the desert landscape. *(Note: There will be food options available for all dietary needs.)
Then spend the day with a professional MTB coach and get personalized on-trail skills coaching. We will stop to session at select areas on the trail and spend the morning working on skills that will elevate your abilities for technical riding.
Midday, we will have a picnic lunch overlooking the epic views of our surroundings, then head back out to work on more skills for technical riding. We'll play on rock rolls, dig deep with technical climbing challenges, and provide tips to expand your skillset for all areas of your riding.
Our afternoon ride will end back at the yurts for happy hour, dinner, and an evening by the campfire.
MESA RIDING & SUNSET YOGA
Today we’ll spend the full day on one of Southern Utah’s best mountain bike trail systems, Gooseberry Mesa. We’ll explore technical climbs, epic slickrock descents, and experience epic views everywhere!
This is a big day, so we’ll take our lunch with us on the trail. We’ll plan to be out riding for 6+ hours and have lunch at an incredible point along the trail with amazing views. Note: There is an option for some of the group to ride a shorter loop and the rest of the group to ride the full big day option.
After this amazing day, we’ll head back to the yurts for happy hour, sunset yoga, and dinner prepared by our chef.
LANDS OF THE ANASAZI
Today we head to Little Creek Mesa for a big day of riding. Boasting 20+ miles of technical slickrock and singletrack, Little Creek Mesa Trail will not disappoint.
This area is known for its rich history as well as its archaeological significance. It’s also known for being an area where riders get lost on their ride. There’s something magical about riding a trail that is off the beaten track, hard to find, and hard to follow (and we know every turn). We’ll follow cairns through this incredible desert ride with incredible views towards Gooseberry Mesa and the Pine Valley Mountains.
We'll stop for a lunch mid-ride, as we'll be out for 4-6 hours. Then we’ll loop back to the start, where cold beverages will be waiting for trailhead celebrations.
Finish the day with evening stretches, sunset with charcuterie, and a beautiful dinner prepared by our chef.
YOGA, BREAKFAST & HEAD HOME
Rise and shine for sunrise yoga with views of Zion National Park. We'll waken our bodies with the rising sun and then enjoy a final breakfast together overlooking the desert.
Check out: 11am
Optional Add On:
Spend the day in full recovery mode and join us for a soaking session at Zion Canyon Hot Springs. We will provide you with a 3-hour pass to enjoy the healing waters of 50+ pools of volcanic water plus cold plunges, barrel saunas, and a full service spa.
Extras
Details
What's Included
4 Nights Lodging in Yurts
3 Days Guided MTB
Private Yoga Sessions
All Meals prepared by a Private Chef
1 Day On-trail Skills Coaching
Shuttles to/from Trailheads
What's Not Included
Equipment Rentals (Bike, helmet, pedals)
Camping Equipment (Sleeping bag, headlamp, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages & trail snacks
Dates
August 2026
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Destination Info
Accommodations
The accommodations for this retreat are at the Gooseberry Mesa Yurts, just outside of Hurricane, Utah. There are four yurts for our group, with four beds (bunk bed format) in each yurt, and van camping spots nearby. The yurts are clean and comfortable with epic views and trails right outside. You will receive a packing list that outlines 'what to bring'.
Our lodging is intentionally chosen to reflect the character and style of each destination—both beautiful & unique. Each property we partner with offers convenient access to the trails, cleanliness, helpful amenities, and they are always welcoming to mountain bikers.
Arrival & Departure
📍Trip Location: Gooseberry Mesa | Hurricane, UT
This retreat takes place at the Gooseberry Yurts on the edge of Gooseberry Mesa. The yurts are located at the end of a 7.5 mile drive on gravel road, about 35-45 minutes from Hurricane, UT. Detailed arrival instructions will be sent upon booking.
Arrival Day:
Check in: 3pm
Happy Hour + Welcome Dinner: 5pm
Departure Day:
Check out: 11am
Enjoy a relaxing morning prior to the scheduled check out. There are no rides scheduled on departure day.
Getting There & Away
Arrival by Car:
The retreat location is about 45 minutes from Hurricane, Utah, which includes 7.5 miles down a gravel road. Your car should be capable of handling 4x4 backroads. The road is maintained, but ruts can form if heavy rains have occurred recently. Detailed location and arrival instructions will be provided during booking.
By Air: St George Airport (SGU) or Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS).
By Shuttle: If you fly into St George Airport, we can provide you with a shuttle to the yurts for $65 (one way). You can choose this as an add on during booking or contact us to make arrangements.
Shuttle Services from Las Vegas & Salt Lake to St George:
St George Shuttle
Skill & Fitness Guide
The following outlines the minimum skill level and fitness base recommended to have the most fun at this retreat.
Skill Level - Strong Intermediate (Blue/Black Trails): You have a strong understanding and practice with the skills of braking, shifting, cornering and descending. You are able to navigate variable terrain at a good pace. You are confident and comfortable riding singletrack trails and can easily navigate roots, rocks, mud, sand and creek crossings. You are capable of a front wheel and rear wheel lift and can put the two together to navigate over obstacles. You are fairly confident on steep climbs and descents, but you may walk sections on trails that are rated Black or Double Black.
Fitness Level - 4/7: You have moderately strong mountain bike fitness. You bike or exercise 3-4 times per week all year long for at least 2-3 hours per session. You are comfortable biking for 2-3 hours at a strong pace and 4-6 hours with some stopping or at a slower pace. You can comfortably ride 5 days back-to-back with climbing of up to 1500ft per day.
FAQs
Is this camping? What do I bring?
Yes, this is camping in yurts. A yurt is a round structure that provides an efficient space to sleep and relax. The yurts include mattresses, so all you have to bring is a sleeping bag, pillow, and a headlamp. The bathrooms are pit toilets (toilet paper is provided).
We will provide all serving items (plates, bowls, cups) and utensils for meals. Please bring anything you need for your own personal kit (toiletries, life stuff, etc.).
How much riding will we do each day?
The first day will be a full day on the trail, however, we will be providing coaching and practicing skills. The following days are full days of riding where you can expect to spend 4-6 hours on your bike.
There will be ample time for breaks and the trip is designed to keep you going from start to finish, as long as your skill and fitness match the recommended levels for this specific trip.
Do I have the skills for this trip?
This retreat is designed for INTERMEDIATE to ADVANCED riders. The following outlines the minimum skill level and fitness base needed to have the most fun on this experience.
Skill Level - Strong Intermediate (Blue/Black Trails): You have a strong understanding and practice with the skills of braking, shifting, cornering and descending. You are able to navigate variable terrain at a good pace. You are confident and comfortable riding singletrack trails and can easily navigate roots, rocks, mud, sand and creek crossings. You are capable of a front wheel and rear wheel lift and can put the two together to navigate over obstacles. You are fairly confident on steep climbs and descents, but you may walk sections on trails that are rated Black or Double Black.
General Fitness Level - 4/7: You have moderately strong mountain bike fitness. You bike or exercise 3-4 times per week all year long for at least 2-3 hours per session. You are comfortable biking for 2-3 hours at a strong pace and 4-6 hours with some stopping or at a slower pace. You can comfortably ride 5 days back-to-back with climbing of up to 1500ft per day.
What should I wear for riding in Utah?
In general, you can expect warm sunny days in Utah. Typical Spring/Fall temperatures range from 75-85F (25-30C) during the day and dropping to 45-55F (7-13C) in the evenings. You will need quick drying biking clothes for each day, and it is also recommended to bring a jacket with you. Sudden changes in weather can occur and all riders must be prepared. Refer to the suggested packing list for detailed information on what to bring. You will also be able to leave items in our van each day so you can have back up supplies if needed throughout the day.
Do I need a hydration pack for this trip?
Yes, it is very dry and hot in Utah. We recommend all riders should be prepared to carry 2-3L of water on them each day.
Will there be quality snacks available?
Our crew will have some snacks available, however, it is up to each participant to provide their own personal snacks and electrolyte replacement tabs or chews while riding. There are stores nearby where these can be purchased upon arrival if you choose not to bring them in your luggage.
Are their gluten free, dairy free, or vegan food options available?
All of our trips can cater to most dietary needs, however, make sure you tell us in advance so we can be properly prepared. Complete your online profile with us to notify us of any dietary needs or allergies.
Once you’re in town with us, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from that cater to special dietary needs. If you are vegan or have strict dietary needs, you may want to go to the organic food store in St George to purchase some supplementary items for yourself. There is also a refrigerator in your room to allow for storage of any special items you may want to have on hand.
I’ve never travelled with my bike. Will there be someone available to help me assemble my bike?
Our guides will be there to help you build your bike at the start of the trip and pack it up at the end. We will have tools available and we’re very experienced in assembling and packing bikes. We’ll gladly give you tips and help you out during the entire process.
What do I need to know about trip insurance?
Note that trip insurance is required for all riders on any Ride the Earth tour. You must provide proof of policy prior to departure. We recommend World Nomads to provide you with affordable trip insurance. They offer excellent coverage for mountain bikers.
Is gratuity for guides and activities included?
Although tipping is completely up to your discretion, it is customary to provide gratuity for guides and drivers. A typical gratuity for your expert mountain bike guides is 5-10% of your trip cost per person and 2-5% for drivers. This may be given to the lead guide on your trip or to each person individually.