Mountain Biking In Moab
Guide to Popular Trail Options
Mountain Biking In Moab
Mountain Biking options abound in Moab. With a nearly endless supply of singletrack it can be daunting to figure out where to start. Everyone’s pretty much in on the loop— ahaha!— about Moab’s world-class mountain biking. The terrain is naturally challenging and legitimately hyped. If it’s your first time in Moab with your bike, YEWW! Here are a few trails where one must immediately put your suspension to work.
While you’re getting ready to get loose out there, remember this is a raging oven of a landscape. Bring more water than you’d ever think necessary— it will be necessary. During the heat of the summer, it’s not a bad idea to start your rides in the early morning so that you can be finished by the time the heat of the day rolls around. And another thing, be prepared to make all the friends on these world-class runs filled with other trail lovers. See you on the rim!
Slickrock Trail
It shouldn’t be possible to miss this famous trail at Sand Flats Recreation Area. The 11-mile loop is strenuous, and newbs should keep in mind there’s a lot of uphill that challenges momentum. Following the white dotted line takes about 3 hours to complete. Bring $5 for the entrance fee, or $20 to camp.
- Distance: 11 miles
- Elevation: 997 feet
- Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: moderate
- Percent Singletrack: 100%
Dead Horse Point Trail
A 14.4-mile loop that is as effortless as it is insanely scenic. Come to this single track for a leisurely, fast-paced ride with top-notch views just 20 minutes from Moab. Keep in mind Dead Horse State Park does have a parking fee of $20. It’s great for beginners and low-stress cruises.
- Distance: 14.4 miles
- Elevation: 644 feet
- Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
- Percent Singletrack: 100%
Gold Bar Rim to Portal Trail
Thank heavens for full suspension. Watch your head, feet, and the 1,300-foot ledges on these point to point single tracks. Gold Bar and the Portal are highly difficult, dangerous, and incredibly rewarding. Turn on Gemini Bridges Trailhead 15-minute drive from Moab. Once on Gold Bar the ride is 3.6 miles and adding the Portal is another 2.5 miles. The portal trail is for experts only and it is highly recommended to walk certain sections.
- Distance: 3.6 miles one way on Gold Bar 2.5 miles one way on Portal
- Elevation: 82 feet (as a one-way shuttle)
- Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Percent Singletrack: mixed double and singletrack
The Whole Enchilada
It’s an epic 34-mile journey (without the added hour-long shuttle or drive to Geyser Pass Trailhead). The ride begins in the Manti-La Sal Mountains and ends through a tunnel at Grandstaff Canyon Trailhead. If you’re looking for a shorter version, Porcupine Rim is the last 14.7-mile leg of the enchilada and a Moab shredding staple hands down. Even though this ride is a shuttle and features a large elevation loss there is a fairly large amount of climbing and physical riding involved. Bring lots of water, pack a lunch, and start early to avoid the heat. The higher sections of this ride cannot be accessed in the winter and early spring months due to snow. Save the hassle of setting up your own shuttle by using Coyote Shuttle to get you to the top worry-free.
- Distance: 34 miles from trailhead to trailhead add 4 more miles if you chose to ride back into town.
- Elevation: 1,283 feet ascent 7,794 descent
- Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Percent Singletrack: mixed double and singletrack 100% dirt and rock surfaces
Navajo Rocks Chaco Loop
This 17-mile single-track loop is 20 minutes from Moab. Locals enjoy this route for intermediate riders, and riding it clockwise or counter seems to be in constant debate. There’s plenty of slickrock, cliff edges and drop-dead gorgeous sightseeing here. If you’re looking for a more brief trip, you can trim off pieces of this loop in numerous sections.
- Distance: 17-mile loop
- Elevation: 1,342
- Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Percent Singletrack: 95%