Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, nestled in the Ozark Mountains near Jasper, Arkansas, has upped the thrill factor with a brand-new network of mountain bike trails.
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch now offers mountain biking trails in addition to rock climbing and ziplining activities, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a thrill on two wheels.
Approximately 10 miles of new singletrack are currently open. The management expects to open it up to about 21 miles. According to the Bike Program Manager, Andrew Onermaa, “Trails are primarily a hand-cut, cross-country style that weaves in and out of hollers, near rock formations, and up to the bluffs. We have green trails with lots of flow and blue trails with engaging technical features.”
The mountain bike trails found at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch are designed to cater to all skill levels, ranging from beginners to experts. These trails span over 700 vertical feet of elevation and take riders through streams, sandstone boulders, and towering crags while providing breathtaking Ozark scenery. The trails are carefully crafted with switchback berms, raw gravity, and challenging technical sections to provide a thrilling experience for any rider.
Rock Solid Trail Contractors are building the trails, future phases will include dedicated downhill runs, technical backcountry black trails, and a beginner skills park area.
“Mountain bike trails have been built to add another form of outdoor recreation to an already exciting hub of activity. We’ve spent a lot of time with Rock Solid and HCR Activities Director, Jason Roy, to find the best solutions to integrate mountain biking. These trails have ultimately added easier access to certain climbing areas and will assist in the infrastructure of signage, wayfinding, and amenities like additional resting areas,” Onermaa said.
A day pass at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is $10. You can bring your bike or rent a Specialized Turo Levo E-MTB for a half day ($50) or a full day ($90). Residents of Newton County have free day passes.
“We want to carry on the 27-year tradition of getting people outdoors to explore. Rock climbing, Via Ferratas, zip lining, and now Mountain Bike trails make HCR a hub for adventure in the Midwest,” Jaime Chalmers, HCR General Manager.
Another amenity at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is the Lodge Restaurant featuring made-from-scratch cooking 5 days a week, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The healthy and hearty menu satisfies an appetite created from a day of outdoor adventure. The Trading Company store offers light snacks, drinks, climbing gear, guidebooks, souvenirs, and daily necessities. It’s also where visitors to the Ranch can get their day pass, book a cabin or campsite, and purchase meal tickets. The campground offers shower and restroom facilities, as well as outdoor cooking stations. Free wifi is available throughout the central portion of the Ranch.
The landscape surrounding Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is already a biker’s dream. The Ozark Mountains provide a stunning backdrop of rolling hills, lush greenery, and dramatic rock formations. The new trails will undoubtedly wind through these scenic landscapes, offering riders breathtaking views in addition to an adrenaline rush.
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is located west of Jasper, Arkansas just off of Arkansas Highway 74 west. (HC 70, 261, Jasper, AR 72641)
Visitors can learn more about Horseshoe Canyon Ranch at their website https://horseshoecanyonduderanch.com/.
(All photos courtesy of Horseshoe Canyon Ranch)
2 Responses
I know a young man who has been working on those trails and got a tour of them back in February. They look awesome and the location is spectacular. The goats are fun to see but the dog watching the goats is the real gem. I’m looking forward to a trip down to stay on the ranch and do all of the fun things.
Over the past decade HCR has grown and transformed into a world-class rock climbing destination that exceeds new climber’s expectations every time; people can hardly believe when they see it. While this MTB’ing amenity will change some portions of the landscape, it’s truly impressive how well they have designed around all of the climbing areas and are not impacting any of the original routes. This is going to bring a level of badassery to this already impressive resort-style destination. This is such a cool upgrade to the Natural State!