Cedar City is gaining national and global attention after receiving a major designation tied to its growing outdoor recreation scene.
The city has officially been named a 2026 IMBA Trail Town, a recognition from the International Mountain Bicycling Association that highlights communities committed to building high-quality, accessible trail systems.
What the IMBA Trail Town Designation Means
The IMBA Trail Town designation is awarded to locations that prioritize sustainable, purpose-built mountain biking trails.
According to local trail leaders, the recognition reflects years of planning and development focused on creating trails that are accessible to riders of all skill levels.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association plays a major role in promoting trail access and improving outdoor recreation infrastructure across the country.
A Decade of Trail Development in Cedar City
Trail development in Cedar City didn’t happen overnight.
About 10 years ago, IMBA partnered with the Bureau of Land Management to help design the Iron Hills trail system on the south end of the city.
Since then, the collaboration has continued, with Cedar City becoming a testing ground for trail design strategies used in other regions.
Some trails, including Lava Flow and Lichen It, were specifically designed to support multiple skill levels on a single route.
This means:
- Beginners can ride comfortably
- Intermediate riders can progress
- Advanced riders still find a challenge
Over 100 Miles of Trails Nearby
One key factor in earning the IMBA Trail Town designation is accessibility.
To qualify, a community must offer a significant number of trail miles within a short distance from town.
In Cedar City’s case, there are more than 100 miles of trails within a 30-minute drive of downtown.
This level of access makes it easier for both locals and visitors to enjoy the trail system without traveling far.
Designed for All Riders
A major focus of Cedar City’s trail system is inclusivity.
Trail planners have worked to ensure that riders of different experience levels can share the same spaces safely and comfortably.
Families, beginners, and experienced riders can all use the system, often on the same trail networks.
This approach has helped position Cedar City as a destination for a wide range of mountain biking enthusiasts.
Continued Growth Ahead
Even with the new designation, trail development in Iron County is ongoing.
Local organizations continue working on expanding and improving the system, with additional trails planned for the future.
The recognition as a 2026 IMBA Trail Town highlights both what has already been built and what is still to come.
