Side Hustle

Side Hustle is a highly technical alternate line off the Turnpike trail in the Iron Hills trail system at southeast Cedar City. The Side Hustle trail lies at 6000 feet elevation on the lower slope of the mountain. It's 0.9 miles long with up-and-down riding but no overall elevation change, beginning and ending on Turnpike. It is a one-way, south-to-north trail. This ride should be attempted only by strong expert riders.

Southview Trailhead
On the north end, the Turnpike trail begins at the Southview trailhead. This will take you to the south end of Side Hustle after 1.8 miles. (You'll pass the exit from Side Hustle at mile 1.1.) There's a bathroom with running water, a bike repair stand, a privacy-screen for changing clothes, and ample parking. On the paved Southview trail, go 100 yards until you cross the bridge. Now turn to the right at the first singletrack (Turnpike) after you cross the bridge.

Shurtz Canyon Trailhead
On the south end, Turnpike has a trailhead on the gravel Shurtz Canyon Road. Stay left on Turnpike at the forks with Black Ops and Elevate and you'll reach Side Hustle at mile 2.5. This trailhead has a bathroom and large fenced parking area. A BLM campground is adjacent at the trailhead. The Turnpike trail begins eastbound at the break in the east side of the fence.

The Side Hustle trail is one-way for bikes, south to north. It begins and ends on the Turnpike trail in Iron Hills. The ride requires expert overall skill level, with good line picking, strength, and rapid reaction.

The track is narrow hand-made singletrack that links various boulder fields. Rough volcanic rocks have been added to natural outcrops to create drops, ramps, and roll-overs. There are no ride-arounds for the technical challenges.

Coming from Southview, you'll pass the exit of Side Hustle at mile 1.1. Note that while the trail sign at the exit says to ride "south to north" it doesn't actually say "do not enter." So if your directions are turned around you could go the wrong way. The entry is further down Turnpike at mile 1.8 from Southview. Out and around from Southview is a 4-mile ride with 450 feet of climbing.

From the southern trailhead, you'll pedal 2.5 miles on Turnpike to reach Side Hustle. Out and around from Shurtz Canyon is 6.6 miles with 600 feet of climbing.

The trail generally follows the same contours as the Turnpike trail, which lies a bit uphill from Side Hustle. Between boulder fields, Side Hustle has narrow dirt singletrack on the shoulder of the hill.

While most of the stunts are bouncy rough drops, there are occasional uphills. It requires a bit of momentum to bang up these spots. You may need to session the trail a couple of times to get familiar.

Picking your line as you enter a stunt area can be critical, especially for bigger bikes with a long wheelbase. It's almost a given that you'll hit your chainstay or pedals against a trailside rock when you turn your bike in a couple of the stunt areas.

There was one stretch where I couldn't figure out where the trail went, and I had to hike around to find where it exited the rock outcrop. Yes, there were paint spots, but they were too tiny to see until I was off my bike. They blended into the rough multi-colored rocks.

With more riders, the lines will be ridden in and tuned up. But don't expect this trail to be dumbed-down for you. It is, and should remain, a challenge.

Bottom Line!
Tough little trail with significant challenges. Trials riders will enjoy this.

Bathrooms:  Southview and Shurtz trailheads
Repair stand at Southview trailhead
Water:  Southview only, at sink in bathroom
Camping:  BLM campground at Shurtz Canyon, right at the bottom of the Turnpike trail

Getting there:
Southview Trailhead. At the southern I-15 Cedar City exit (Exit 57 to Cross Hollow Road and Highway 130), turn east onto Highway 130. Immediately turn right (south) from 130 onto Old Highway 91. Drive 0.3 miles. Watch for the sign for Southview Trailhead and turn left on Shurtz Canyon Drive. Now stay on Shurtz Canyon Drive to the trailhead and find a spot to park. Start out on the paved Southview trail.
Shurtz Canyon Trailhead. Exit I-15 and head south on Old Highway 91 as above. At 2.4 miles, turn left on Tipple Road. After 0.6 miles, turn left on Shurtz Canyon Road (mislabeled "Shirts" on the road sign). Go 0.7 miles and turn left into the trailhead. The trail is on the east side of the parking area.