Moab is taken into account ‘the mecca’ for mountain biking however how are you aware what to experience? Use this information to assist plan your Moab mountain biking journey!
I’m going to get a variety of pushback for saying this, however I really don’t love mountain biking in Moab. Certain, there’s some iconic using and the views are wonderful, however I a lot favor the purple rock of Sedona or the much less crowded trails in Hurricane, Utah.
For my part, the Moab scene has grow to be overwhelming over the previous few years with Nationwide Park goers, off-road ATVers, mountain bikers, and hikers. The paths – though they have been forward of their time a decade in the past – are total good, however not the most effective.
However that’s all simply my opinion. Mountain bikers like to flock to the purple slickrock trails of Moab and it nonetheless stays a ‘mecca’ for a lot of riders. Simply go to on a weekend in October and also you’ll see what I imply.
I’ve completed a handful of journeys to Moab and on this submit, I share all the things you’ll want to know to plan your journey so you may resolve for your self if Moab mountain biking lives as much as the hype!
Searching for the most effective trails? Obtain my guidelines for the 10 greatest mountain bike trails in Moab.
Moab Mountain Biking Map
As you’ve in all probability guessed, there are A LOT of trails in Moab. These trails are unfold out throughout 10 or so path networks:
Phew, that’s quite a bit! The primary time I visited Moab, I used to be fairly overwhelmed by the place to begin and what to experience. Hopefully, this information will provide you with a greater concept of what trails and path networks you shouldn’t miss.
Moab Mountain Biking: What to like & what to not
So why is Moab so widespread with mountain bikers? For one, Moab was actually the primary place that drew mountain bikers a long time in the past. The slickrock using was completely different from another mountain bike terrain across the nation and the superior surroundings and good climate made it an ideal place to go to.
Moab was ‘the place’ for mountain bikers within the 80s and that standing has sort of caught, for higher or worse.
And it’s true – Moab does have good using if that’s your type. I’d name it cross-country on steroids. There are many punchy climbs, loads of chundery rock gardens, not a complete lot of sustained elevation achieve/loss (relying on which trails you’re using or in case you’re shuttling), and large views virtually continuous.
There’s a bit little bit of all the things for each sort of rider from novice to professional however simply be ready for old-school type trails with not a ton of stream.
Moab’s Path Networks
Now let’s get into the enjoyable stuff! The mountain biking in Moab could be damaged down into ten completely different path networks. A few of these networks are fairly remoted whereas others you may hyperlink collectively to create greater rides.
I’ve listed them so as of relative problem with Moab Model Trails being the ‘best’ and Amasa Again being the toughest.
1. Moab Model Trails
The Moab Model Trails are residence to a few of the oldest singletrack in Moab and it’s an ideal place to heat as much as the using in Moab or deliver the household if everybody has completely different talent or health ranges.
Many of those trails have a cross-country really feel, some on slickrock (like Circle O), though you may undoubtedly discover some tech right here as nicely.
Should you discover the Moab Model Trails troublesome, it’s greatest to remain on the extra newbie and intermediate trails round Moab. This community additionally has some nice views out over Arches Nationwide Park!
Must know for the Moab Model Trails
Planning your Moab Model Trails experience
2. Lifeless Horse Level
The path system at Lifeless Horse Level State Park is one other nice choice for riders or households searching for a cross-country time out on the paths. There are a number of loops you are able to do starting from just some miles to a 12 or 15-mile day.
The Lifeless Horse Level trails are positioned excessive up on a mesa they usually overlook Canyonlands Nationwide Park. It’s really the place the ending of the film Thelma and Louisa was filmed! I like using right here as a result of it has a few of the greatest views out of all of the path networks in Moab.
There may be some publicity right here, however you actually must get off the path and stroll to the sting to be in any sort of hazard.
Must know for Lifeless Horse State Park
Planning your Lifeless Horse State Park experience
3. Klonzo
I really feel just like the Klonzo path community falls a bit underneath the radar for Moab mountain biking, nevertheless it’s certainly one of my favourite locations to experience. I really assume there’s extra stream right here than most different networks in Moab. It’s additionally an ideal place to go if there are many individuals on the town and also you wish to get away from path visitors.
You may anticipate a bit little bit of all the things right here from cross-country climbing to flowy descents, rock options, and nice views.
Gravitron is my favourite path right here – it’s sort of a hidden gem. You’ll additionally wish to try the paths on the opposite aspect of the street. The Crimson Scorching to The Edge is an superior downhill and Topspin and Rollercoaster are price testing as nicely.
Must know for Klonzo
Planning your Klonzo experience
4. Navajo Rocks
Navajo Rocks might be my favourite place to mountain bike in Moab. The paths aren’t too techy to be utteraly exhausting, however they nonetheless have a few of Moab’s iconic punchiness. Nearly all of these loops are additionally on slickrock, so you actually get the Moab expertise. Plus, the views are epic! Navajo Rocks actually has all of it.
There are two loops you are able to do right here, or in case you’re feeling frisky, you may mix them into one actually massive loop. No matter you resolve, anticipate numerous rock using, punchy ups, nice views, and fast-rolling slickrock descents that aren’t almost lengthy sufficient.
Must know for Navajo Rocks
Planning your Navajo Rocks experience
5. Klondike Bluffs
Should you like techy climbing, Klondike Bluffs is the place for you! These trails are constructed on a low bluff (therefore the identify) and to get to the highest of the bluff is… a little bit of a grunt. In fact, techy climbing means techy descents as nicely.
I’ve ridden right here just a few occasions and whereas I wouldn’t name it my favourite place to mountain bike in Moab, it’s price testing when you’ve got the time. There’s a variety of slickrock using, rolling (and oftentimes technical) traverses, and well-built downhill runs with some nice stream.
Word: I’m not as aware of the south aspect of Klondike Bluffs. The paths get first rate opinions, but when it’s your first time to Klondike and also you solely have a day to experience there, I like to recommend using the north aspect trails like Alaska and Homer.
Must know for Klondike Bluffs
Planning your Klondike Bluffs experience
6. Sand Flats
The Sand Flats Recreation Space has been the main target of a variety of new path constructing over the previous few years. The Raptor-themed trails (Falcon Move, Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, and so on…) provide a mellower end to The Entire Enchilada (see the La Sals part under) they usually make for an ideal loop – or shuttle – in and of themselves.
Sands Flats can also be residence to the enduring Slickrock Path. It was as soon as a moto trials path and was one of many first trails mountain bikers adopted in Moab. That being mentioned, I don’t assume the total Slickrock Path is price it. It’s exhausting with all of the steep ups and downs and there are method higher trails to spend your power on. That being mentioned, it will be a blast on an e-bike – the Slickrock Path is likely one of the few mountain bike trails in Moab that’s open to e-bikers.
Must know for Sand Flats
Planning your Sand Flats experience
7. La Sal Mountains
The La Sal Mountains are the tall, 12,000+ foot and infrequently snow-capped peaks that stand up behind Moab. They’re additionally the start line for certainly one of Moab’s most notorious descents, The Entire Enchilada, in addition to Porcupine Rim, certainly one of Moab’s hottest trails.
There’s actually not an excessive amount of motive to go up into the La Sals except you’re doing The Entire Enchilada, wherein case you may learn my TWE full path information right here. You may as well get a shuttle to the top of Sand Flats Street the place you may entry UPS and simply do the ultimate 15 miles of The Entire Enchilada, which I’ll argue is the most effective half.
8. Horsethief & Magazine 7
I grouped these two path networks collectively as a result of most riders will both simply do Horsethief or do each Horsethief and Magazine 7 as a shuttled experience. Should you’re solely using Magazine 7 you in all probability aren’t studying this submit as a result of you already know what you’re doing.
For my part, Horsethief is simply okay…. I don’t assume it flows in addition to different path networks. However that being mentioned, some riders find it irresistible. Horsethief connects into the Magazine 7 trails (the enduring and expert-only Gold Bar Rim and Portal path), that are bike-it checklist rides for a lot of mountain bikers heading to Moab. So, I don’t wish to discourage you from checking this space out.
The higher Horsethief trails are a mixture of cross-country and reasonable tech with numerous punchy rock slab climbs. It’s the sort of path system that makes you’re feeling such as you’re pedaling the whole time.
The decrease Magazine 7 trails are extraordinarily technical and have large publicity in some locations. These ought to solely be ridden by very skilled, assured riders. Mountain bikers have died on these trails.
To be totally clear, I’ve solely completed just a few rides at Horsethief (together with the route I like to recommend under), so I’m not tremendous aware of all the paths right here.
Must know for Horsethief/Magazine 7
Planning your Horsethief/Magazine 7 experience
10. Amasa Again
Lastly, now we have Amasa Again, which is the place Captain Ahab and several other different superior mountain bike trails are. This space is fairly iconic – it’s the place a variety of the early Moab mountain bikers frolicked to experience slickrock again within the day.
These days, most individuals head to Amasa Again for Captain Ahab, however there are just a few different trails and route choices as nicely. It’s necessary to level out, although, that these trails are for sturdy intermediates on the very least.
Must know for Amasa Again
Planning your Amasa Again
Pattern Moab Itineraries
There may be SO a lot using in Moab that it may be exhausting to even know the place to begin. Beneath are two tough itineraries that will help you plan your journey. If you’d like extra suggestions and particulars, let’s chat over Zoom!
3-Day Intermediate Moab Itinerary
3-Day Superior Moab Itinerary
FAQs & Details about mountain biking in Moab
Q: When is the most effective time of 12 months to mountain bike in Moab?
The perfect time to plan a mountain bike journey to Moab is through the shoulder seasons. April/Might and September/October are prime for the most effective climate and temperatures. Summers get brutally sizzling and winters could be chilly and snowy.
Since there’s a brief window of tolerable climate, Moab does get extraordinarily busy through the spring and fall months, although, so anticipate to share the paths with a variety of different mountain bikers and off-road ATVers.
If you’d like an opportunity of avoiding the crowds, March and November could be nice months to go to. Simply be ready for some colder days and nights and perhaps rain or snow.
Q: What’s the most effective bike store in Moab?
Q: Who can I e-book a mountain bike shuttle with in Moab?
There are a number of shuttle corporations in Moab that supply mountain bike shuttles to 3 foremost trails and networks: [1] The Entire Enchilada (Burro Cross or Hazard County), [2] the Raptor Trails, and [3] Horsethief & Mag7.
I personally use Porcupine Shuttles, however Coyote Shuttles, Moab Cyclery, Poison Spider Bicycles, and Hazard Nation Shuttles are additionally nice.
Q: Can I e-book a Moab mountain bike tour?
Yeah! If you’d like a tour information to indicate you round, Rim Excursions and Moab Cyclery each provide day and multi-day excursions round Moab.
Q: What are some good eating places in Moab for post-ride meals?
Moab is full of some actually nice eating places. Listed below are just a few of my favorites:
Moab Storage: That is by far my favourite place to eat in Moab. They serve wonderful breakfasts and lunches they usually have all kinds of scrumptious and wholesome(ish) issues to select from. Get a donut!!!!
98 Middle: A Vietnamese restaurant serving genuine and engaging dishes
Sabaku Sushi: Surprisingly good sushi for the center of the desert. Additionally they have a pleasant out of doors patio within the again
Antica Forma: Good wood-fired pizza. The out of doors patio is very nice. This place can get busy, although!
Miguel’s Baja Grill: Fairly first rate Baja-style Mexican meals with massive servings
Moab Meals Truck Park: The one meals truck I’ve tried is the Quesadilla Mobilla which serves actually good and hearty quesadillas. There are often just a few different meals vehicles round as nicely
The Trailhead Public Home & Eatery: Good place to get a burger
Q: Are e-bikes allowed?
No, e-bikes will not be allowed on most trails in Moab. Please respect this. It’s not that the land use managers are being dicks, it’s as a result of a lot of the trails round Moab have been constructed with funding that requires the paths to be for non-motorized use solely. And sure, e-bikes are (at present) thought-about motorized. They’ve a motor.
Q: How exhausting are the mountain bike trails in Moab?
Moab is unquestionably not the most effective place for newbie mountain bikers or these new to technical terrain. There are many punchy climbs, difficult rock gardens, and high-stakes publicity. A few of the networks, just like the Moab Model Trails and Klonzo, have entry-level choices, however for essentially the most half, Moab is healthier suited to extra skilled riders.
The place to remain
Moab tenting
Moab used to have a ton of locations for dispersed tenting, however in recent times land-use authorities have actually cracked down on the place you may camp outdoors of city.
There are nonetheless just a few locations the place you may camp totally free. Take a look at:
- Willow Springs Rd.
- Cotter Mine Rd.
- Klondike Bluffs
- Dubinky Effectively Rd.
The street circumstances can fluctuate fairly extensively – a 4×4 automobile is advisable, however now we have been in a position to get our 2WD low-clearance van into some spots.
Should you’re searching for paid campgrounds, there are a variety of choices. Remember to e-book forward of time as Moab will get actually busy through the peak season and campgrounds refill quick.
Moab Lodges & Leases
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There are a variety of resort choices in Moab, a lot of them generic (assume La Quinta, Hampton Inn, Vacation Inn, and so on…)
However in order for you a much less generic choice, listed here are just a few cool accommodations and leases to take a look at:
- Subject Station Moab: This can be a actually cool resort that caters to adventurers. They’ve in-room bike storage, a gear store on web site, a espresso store, and an exercise concierge. Additionally they have van spots with hookups and all of the facilities.
- Creekside Visitor Cottage: You gained’t really feel such as you’re within the desert on this tremendous cute cottage! It additionally comes with a sizzling tub.
- Gonzo Inn: A enjoyable and funky resort inside strolling distance of downtown. They’ve a motorcycle wash station and safe bike storage.
- Moab Springs Ranch: A splurge, however would make for an ideal basecamp for just a few days of using!
- The Finca: An excellent cute 3-bedroom home inside strolling distance to downtown.
Learn subsequent
Searching for extra nice using in Utah? Take a look at these associated posts:
What questions do you continue to have about mountain biking in Moab? Have you ever ridden there? What trails or routes do you suggest? Go away a remark under! And don’t neglect to obtain the 10 greatest mountain bike trails in Moab!
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The article provides a solid overview of the trails in Moab. It’s great to see a variety of options for different skill levels.
I appreciate the detailed descriptions of each trail network. It makes planning a trip much easier.
Interesting perspective on Moab’s popularity among mountain bikers. I wonder how it compares to other biking destinations.
The insights about peak seasons and timing for visits are helpful. I’ll definitely consider that when planning my trip.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and recommendations. I’m looking forward to trying out some of the suggested trails!