Such bare-bones amenities might seem an inconvenience to some, but for others, it's part of the charm that makes Brian Head a special place to visit.

In the winter, the ski resort, about 40 miles from Cedar City, caters to Nevada and California residents, not bothering to compete for northern Utah residents because of the multitude of ski resorts on the Wasatch Front.

But for summer activities, Brian Head switches its campaign to northern Utah, hoping to draw vacationers tired of 90-plus-degree days to its high slopes in the southwest reaches of the state.

For mountain bikers, the area couldn't be more welcoming from the heat.

Imagine more than 200 miles of trails at your disposal, tremendous views and few others to worry about running into on the trails.

The resort is grown up just enough to offer numerous trails to keep a biker happy for a week, but not to the point where it has lost its rustic appeal.

If fine dining and shopping are desired after a ride, head to Park City. Brian Head doesn't have much to offer in that area, but chances are you'll be so whupped from riding, leaving your temporary quarters in the evening won't seem like such a great idea.

The isolation is part of Brian Head's marketing ploy, as word is slowly getting out about the summer gem.

"It's like a local secret we hate to let out, but if we don't, there is no room for improvement," said the resort's marketing director, Bob Whitelaw. "It might be tough to get people up here, but once they are here, they enjoy the solitude and love the cool weather."

At almost 10,000 feet elevation, Brian Head offers low temperatures, with an average summertime temperature of 67 degrees and some classic rides.

"We're more unique," said Chris Dever, the resort's summer operations manager, in reference to other resorts that offer mountain biking.

"When you can start at 11,300 feet, you're riding right at the tree line level so it's much cooler when other places are hot."

As for the trails, there is enough to keep any level of mountain biker happy.

If you want a fun, twisting trail through an aspen grove, try the Scout Camp Loop, an 11-mile romp with just enough difficulty to keep you alert.

Those looking for more of a challenge can try Dark Hollow, a trail that drops several thousand feet from an alpine forest to redrock desert. Bikers who love climbs have plenty to choose from, and with many trails starting at close to 11,000 feet, even the smallest bump can feel like a grunt.

New last summer was a slalom course with jumps, banks and a rock garden and a downhill trail that will take riders right down the face of the mountain with several steep switchbacks to test the nerves.

The slalom course was used last summer in a National Off-Road Bicycle Association Mountain Bike Series race. The slalom and cross-country course drew rave reviews from the racers and Tom Spiegel, the race director for the series, who proclaimed it was the best course the series has had.

Dever agreed.

"We've had nothing but positive feedback, and usually people find something to complain about," Dever said. "We had zero complaints."

Other events include the Epic 100 and Titanium 50 mountain-bike race, the Fat Tire Festival, the Thunder on the Mountain motorcycle rally and an Oktoberfest celebration.

Brian Head offers chairlift services to its bike park on Fridays and weekends, which is a great choice if riders want to hit several trails in one day with some ascending, but not enough to make your legs toast. An accommodating shuttle is available as well, which comes in handy since many of the trails drop several thousand feet in elevation. The reward can be lunch in the small town of Parowan while you are waiting for the ride back up.

Those wanting a break from the dirt have the options of some beautiful road rides with little traffic that take you nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument, a natural amphitheater that rivals Bryce Canyon for views.

While there are a few hotel options, visitors to Brian Head will probably opt to stay in one of the many condo rental units available so you can bring your own food and cook your own meals. The "town" mostly is limited to a general store, which also stands in as the post office and liquor store, and a grill and pizza joint, so dining out isn't much of an option.

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Contact Lya Wodraska at lwodraska@sltrib.com or 801-257-8907. Send comments to livingeditor@sltrib.com.