Fat Tire Heaven

Moab and mountain biking have become synonymous. Slickrock and sandstone form a moonscape of crinkles and undulations that guarantee an exhilarating and often challenging ride. New trials are being built so there is always more to explore.

There are breathtaking trails for beginner and intermediate riders as well as bracing trails for the advanced technical rider, all with their own personalities, features and challenges. Many trails are multi-use so be aware of other trail users. The best time to ride is spring and fall or try a moonlight ride in the summer.

For beginners, the best way to experience Moab’s trails is on a guided ride with one of the town’s many outfitters. A guide can steer you to trails suitable for your skill level and keep you on the route. It can be hard to find trail markers.

A Word of Caution: Never wander off-trail. You can get lost in the maze of red rock. Always carry a map and plenty of water and food. Foods like energy bars are easy and fast to digest while giving the body needed fuel.

Some of the Many Trails to Try

Slickrock Bike Trail is Moab’s most famous and most popular ride. It was laid out by motorcyclists in 1969 and is still used by them today. What makes Slickrock unique is that it is solid Navajo sandstone and it is often necessary to find paths around and over the rock’s eroded features. Slickrock’s legendary difficulty makes it an expert-level route with a mix of steep climbs, steep drops, and ledges. Even the two-mile practice loop is hard. Slickrock Trail is unlike anything you will ever experience and even the best riders are challenged. Don’t let the short mileage fool you. This anaerobic ride will wear you out!

The trail is marked with painted white dashes. Don’t venture off this route as there are many areas where the trail approaches a cliff, changes grade or crosses rutted rock.

Difficulty: Slickrock Trail is technical, challenging, and very steep at points with sand and natural steps. Be prepared with plenty of water, food and a repair kit. The trail has no guardrails or fences and there’s exposure, cliffs and natural obstacles. For safety and preservation, follow the painted trail.

Another famous ride is Porcupine Rim, 14.4 miles one way from the trailhead on Sand Flats Road to Utah Hwy 128, 30.8 miles for the entire loop. The trail climbs 900ft from the trailhead with a 3,000ft descent on a loose, rocky Jeep trail and singletrack. (Sand Flats Recreation Area fee.)

One of the newest bike trails is the Intrepid trail system in Dead Horse Point State Park. (Fee required). The three biking loops have slickrock sections, looping singletrack, sandy washes and incredible scenery. The easiest and shortest loop is Intrepid (1.1 miles), followed by Great Pyramid Loop at 4.2 miles and the more challenging Big Chief Loop at nine miles. Nine miles northwest of Moab on US Hwy 191 and then 23 miles southwest on Utah Hwy 313 to the end of the highway.

For intermediate riders, Klondike Bluffs is a 15.6-mile out-and-back to Arches National Park boundary from the trailhead on US Hwy 191. It is an 800ft ascent with hardpack and slickrock. The route follows a Jeep trail imprinted with fossilized dinosaur tracks. This ride is a perfect warm-up for Slickrock. For the more advanced riders, there are four new trails in the Klondike area: Baby Steps, EKG, Mega Steps and Little Salty. These new trails are on a variety of terrain and will challenge you in a multitude of ways.

First-time-to-Moab mountain bikers should get properly outfitted at any of the many bike shops in town and then head to the MOAB Brand Trails. There is an easy seven-mile loop (family ride) on a dirt road with some rocky sections. (Note: it is shared with motorized vehicles.) Go north on US Hwy 191 for six miles. The turnoff is directly across from the Gemini Bridges turnoff.

The newest trail system is The Pipe Dream area. The trail, located along the southwest hills of the Moab Valley, is a difficult trail to ride and one that demands all of your attention. Portions of the trail system include the use of the County Class D dirt roads that are safe and better suited for less advanced riders. There are approximately 10 miles of trail and dirt road loops that can be hiked or ridden in the Pipe Dream area.

The Whole Enchilada is an epic 25 miles, mostly downhill run, from La Sal Mountains to the Colorado River. Shuttles can be arranged at any of the bike shops in town.   There are a few points to bail out.  This ride will take you at least six hours, the shuttle ride is about an hour, so you need t obe prepared.  Take a jacket, you start at over 10,500 ft.

Go Prepared!

• Always carry and drink plenty of water! Heat coming off the rock can make the air temperature even hotter. You need to stay hydrated.
• Carry and drink an energy drink for some needed sugar.
• Keep tabs on all of the people you are riding with.
• Begin your ride early and end before noon. The Utah desert can reach sweltering temperatures in the afternoon.
• Check your bike frequently. Riding on Moab trails loosens headsets and puts maximum stress on frames and components. Frequent inspections reduce the possibility of injury. Carry a tube, pump and some tools. Be prepared in case of an emergency.
• Wear a helmet.
• Carry and know how to use a map.

Note: Maps available at the Moab Information Center.

Rules of the Trail

• Be considerate of other riders and trail users. Give the rider ahead of you plenty of room.
• Uphill riders have the right of way.
• Mountain bikers have the right-of-way over motorized users.