How to Plan An Epic Moab Mountain Biking Adventure

I’m going to get a lot of pushback for saying this, but I actually don’t love mountain biking in Moab. Sure, there’s some iconic riding and the views are amazing, but I much prefer the red rock of Sedona or the less crowded trails in Hurricane, Utah.

In my opinion, the Moab scene has become overwhelming over the past few years with National Park goers, off-road ATVers, mountain bikers, and hikers. The trails – although they were ahead of their time a decade ago – are overall good, but not the best.

But that’s all just my opinion. Mountain bikers love to flock to the red slickrock trails of Moab and it still remains a ‘mecca’ for many riders. Just visit on a weekend in October and you’ll see what I mean.

I’ve done a handful of trips to Moab and in this post, I share everything you need to know to plan your trip so you can decide for yourself if Moab mountain biking lives up to the hype!

Looking for the best trails? Download my checklist for the 10 best mountain bike trails in Moab.

Moab Mountain Biking Map

As you’ve probably guessed, there are A LOT of trails in Moab. These trails are spread out across 10 or so trail networks:

Klondike Bluffs
Klonzo
Navajo Rocks
Moab Brand Trails
Sand Flats
Horsethief & Mag 7
The La Sals
Amasa Back
Dead Horse State Park

Phew, that’s a lot! The first time I visited Moab, I was pretty overwhelmed by where to start and what to ride. Hopefully, this guide will give you a better idea of what trails and trail networks you shouldn’t miss.

Map of the mountain bike trail networks around Moab

Moab Mountain Biking: What to love & what to not

So why is Moab so popular with mountain bikers? For one, Moab was really the first place that drew mountain bikers decades ago. The slickrock riding was different from any other mountain bike terrain around the country and the awesome scenery and good weather made it a great place to visit.

Moab was ‘the place’ for mountain bikers in the 80s and that status has kind of stuck, for better or worse.

And it’s true – Moab does have good riding if that’s your style. I’d call it cross-country on steroids. There are lots of punchy climbs, plenty of chundery rock gardens, not a whole lot of sustained elevation gain/loss (depending on which trails you’re riding or if you’re shuttling), and big views almost non-stop.

There’s a little bit of everything for every type of rider from novice to expert but just be prepared for old-school style trails with not a ton of flow.

SO MANY trails
Epic views
Iconic slickrock riding
The Whole Enchilada (a bucket list ride for many mountain bikers)
Technical and challenging terrain
Good variety of trail difficulty
Lots to do outside of mountain biking (three national parks, tons of hiking, 4×4 off-roading…)

There are so many people
The town has become a ‘scene’ – not in a good way, IMO
There’s almost TOO much to ride
You can get in over your head if you’re not careful – there’s some challenging stuff in Moab
Summer heat and winter snow can make timing your trip a bit tricky

Mountain biker riding down rock garden on slickrock trail in Moab, Utah — Tackling a tricky rocky garden on Captain Ahab, one of the iconic trails in Moab

Moab’s Trail Networks

Now let’s get into the fun stuff! The mountain biking in Moab can be broken down into ten different trail networks. Some of these networks are pretty isolated while others you can link together to create bigger rides.

I’ve listed them in order of relative difficulty with Moab Brand Trails being the ‘easiest’ and Amasa Back being the hardest.

1. Moab Brand Trails

Click to enlarge

The Moab Brand Trails are home to some of the oldest singletrack in Moab and it’s a great place to warm up to the riding in Moab or bring the family if everyone has different skill or fitness levels.

Many of these trails have a cross-country feel, some on slickrock (like Circle O), although you can definitely find some tech here as well.

If you find the Moab Brand Trails difficult, it’s best to stay on the more beginner and intermediate trails around Moab. This network also has some great views out over Arches National Park!

Need to know for the Moab Brand Trails

This is a great place to warm up if you’re new to riding in Moab. It also has the ‘easiest’ trails in Moab.
Some people might tell you to ride the Circle O trail “because it’s a classic!”, but I didn’t find it all that fun… I think the other trails in this network are more worth your time and energy.
e-bikes are not allowed.

Planning your Moab Brand Trails ride

Where to park: There’s a large main parking area with bathrooms (no water)
Best trails to ride:
Beginner: EZ and Lazy (these two trails make a great beginner-friendly loop)
Intermediate: North 40, Sidewinder
Advanced: Deadman’s Ridge
Route recommendations: You really only need one day at the Moab Brand Trails. Here are two route options based on your skill level:
Moab Brand Intro Loop: This route isn’t too challenging, but I really like it, especially as a warm-up. North 40 loop is great and there are awesome views throughout.
Slightly Techy: Deadman’s is a great intro to Moab tech with some slow-speed riding, sections of slickrock, and a fun, fast finish. This route does have about a mile on the paved greenway.

Becky riding mountain bike on singletrack trail in Moab, Utah with tall boulders lining the trail — The Moab Brand Trails are a great place to warm up or take the family

2. Dead Horse Point

Map of the mountain bike trails at Dead Horse State Park in Moab — *Click to enlarge*

The trail system at Dead Horse Point State Park is another great option for riders or families looking for a cross-country day out on the trails. There are several loops you can do ranging from just a few miles to a 12 or 15-mile day.

The Dead Horse Point trails are located high up on a mesa and they overlook Canyonlands National Park. It’s actually where the ending of the movie Thelma and Louisa was filmed! I love riding here because it has some of the best views out of all the trail networks in Moab.

There is some exposure here, but you really have to get off the trail and walk to the edge to be in any kind of danger.

Need to know for Dead Horse State Park

There is a day fee required to enter Dead Horse State Park.
There’s a nice campground with options to book a yurt
Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed

Planning your Dead Horse State Park ride

Where to park: This parking lot is where most mountain bikers park.
Best trails to ride: All of them! You really can’t go wrong. Don’t miss Big Chief, though.
Route recommendation:
Deadhorse Loop: This route hits all of the trails at Dead Horse State Park for a 13-mile loop with epic views.
Make it shorter: The trails here are well-signed with trail maps, so it’s easy to adjust your ride to how you’re feeling if you don’t want to do the full 13-mile loop.

3. Klonzo

Klonzo Mountain Bike Trails Map in Moab — *Click to enlarge*

I feel like the Klonzo trail network falls a bit under the radar for Moab mountain biking, but it’s one of my favorite places to ride. I actually think there’s more flow here than most other networks in Moab. It’s also a great place to head if there are lots of people in town and you want to get away from trail traffic.

You can expect a little bit of everything here from cross-country climbing to flowy descents, rock features, and great views.

Gravitron is my favorite trail here – it’s kind of a hidden gem. You’ll also want to check out the trails on the other side of the road. The Red Hot to The Edge is an awesome downhill and Topspin and Rollercoaster are worth checking out as well.

Red dirt singletrack mountain bike trail in Moab, Utah — The Klonzo network is a bit under the radar, but it has great trails!

Need to know for Klonzo

It’s about a 2.75-mile drive down a dirt road to the Klonzo trailhead. Most cars should be able to make it, but maybe not after rain…
The Willow Springs Dinosaur tracks are nearby – check them out!
e-bikes are not allowed.

Planning your Klonzo ride

Where to park: This the main parking area
Best trails to ride:
Intermediate: Wahoo, Gravitron (rated black but it isn’t really…), The Red Hot, The Edge, Rollercoaster
Advanced: Topspin (mostly a blue but does have some techy sections)
Route recommendations:
Best of Klonzo: This route covers both sides of the Klonzo network and hits all my favorite trails there. Note, ride Wahoo counterclockwise, so you’ll repeat a small section of the trail.
Make it shorter: Save the southside trails for another day.
Do more: I haven’t ridden Houdini, but you could check it out.

4. Navajo Rocks

Trail map of the mountain biking trails at Navajo Rocks in Moab — *Click to enlarge*

Navajo Rocks is probably my favorite place to mountain bike in Moab. The trails aren’t too techy to be utteraly exhausting, but they still have some of Moab’s iconic punchiness. The majority of these loops are also on slickrock, so you really get the Moab experience. Plus, the views are epic! Navajo Rocks really has it all.

There are two loops you can do here, or if you’re feeling frisky, you can combine them into one really big loop. Whatever you decide, expect lots of rock riding, punchy ups, great views, and fast-rolling slickrock descents that aren’t nearly long enough.

Becky riding mountain bike on slickrock section of trail in Moab, Utah with tall red rock bluff on one side — *Navajo Rocks is a great place for moderate slickrock riding*

Need to know for Navajo Rocks

Navajo Rocks is made up of two loops – you can do either one or combine them to make it a 17+ mile ride.
The trails are best ridden clockwise.
Bring lots of snacks and water. These trails are punchy and a workout!

Planning your Navajo Rocks ride

Where to park: Navajo Rocks Parking – this is a good spot to park if you attempt to do both loops because you can bail (or resupply with food and water) at the halfway mark if you need to.
Best trails to ride: All of them! Both Navajo Loops are great. If I had to just choose one, I’d probably go with the east loop. Ride all trails clockwise for the best flow.
Route recommendations:
Navajo Rocks Loop: Don’t underestimate this ride. It’s a big day and your legs will definitely feel worked at the end.
Make it shorter: If you’re not up for a 17+ mile day, Navajo Rocks is easily broken up into two smaller loops. If I had to choose, I’d go for the eastern loop which will have you climbing up Rocky Tops and descending Ramblin.

5. Klondike Bluffs

Map of the Klondike Bluffs mountain bike trails in Moab — *Click to enlarge*

If you like techy climbing, Klondike Bluffs is the place for you! These trails are built on a low bluff (hence the name) and to get to the top of the bluff is… a bit of a grunt. Of course, techy climbing means techy descents as well.

I’ve ridden here a few times and while I wouldn’t call it my favorite place to mountain bike in Moab, it is worth checking out if you have the time. There’s a lot of slickrock riding, rolling (and oftentimes technical) traverses, and well-built downhill runs with some great flow.

Note: I’m not as familiar with the south side of Klondike Bluffs. The trails get decent reviews, but if it’s your first time to Klondike and you only have a day to ride there, I recommend riding the north side trails like Alaska and Homer.

Need to know for Klondike Bluffs

Bring your techy climbing legs if you want to get to the top of the bluff!
Don’t overestimate your miles here – choose a shorter ride and then add onto it if you still have juice in your legs.
You can stay lower on the bluff for easier riding. The green trails at the base have some good flow without too much tech.
The top has a bit of exposure, but nothing crazy.
Hike (or ride your bike) up to the dinosaur tracks!
I’m not sure if they cracked down on this, but there are some nice boondocking camp spots near the main trailhead (see where to park below)
e-bikes are not allowed.

Planning your Klondike Bluffs ride

Where to park: Main Parking – This is where I link to park. It has easy access to the trails and to the dinosaur tracks.
Best trails to ride:
Beginner: Dino Flow to Jurassic, Jasper, and Midline make a great beginner loop
Intermediate: Alaska, Homer (great descent!)
Advanced: Nome, EKG
Route recommendations:
Super Fun Klondike Ride!: This route cobbles together some of the mellowest riding in the network, but don’t expect it to be easy.
Make it easier & shorter: Instead of climbing Little Salty, climb up Baby Steps North instead.
Make it harder: Traverse along EKG instead of Dino Flow. You’ll be missing out on some fun singletrack, though!
Make it longer: After finishing Homer, climb up Nome and do the techy Nome loop.

Mountain biker facing away from camera looking out over desert landscape from atop a bluff in Moab, Utah — Klondike Bluffs has tough climbs, but the views are worth it!

6. Sand Flats

Map of the Sand Flats recreation area mountain bike trails in Moab — *Click to enlarge*

The Sand Flats Recreation Area has been the focus of a lot of new trail building over the last few years. The Raptor-themed trails (Falcon Flow, Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, etc…) offer a mellower finish to The Whole Enchilada (see the La Sals section below) and they make for a great loop – or shuttle – in and of themselves.

Sands Flats is also home to the iconic Slickrock Trail. It was once a moto trials trail and was one of the first trails mountain bikers adopted in Moab. That being said, I don’t think the full Slickrock Trail is worth it. It’s exhausting with all the steep ups and downs and there are way better trails to spend your energy on. That being said, it would be a blast on an e-bike – the Slickrock Trail is one of the few mountain bike trails in Moab that is open to e-bikers.

Need to know for Sand Flats

A 7-day recreation fee is required to enter the Sand Flats Recreation Area (waived if you’re camping at one of the campgrounds)
You can either pedal up Sand Flats Road to access the ‘bird trails’ or shuttle them (see Moab shuttle operators in the FAQs sections below)
The full Slickrock Trail loop isn’t worth it in my opinion. If you ride part of it, see my Slickrock trail option below.
e-bikes are only allowed on the Slickrock Trails.

Planning your Sand Flats ride

Where to park: There are a number of parking areas in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, so it really depends on what trails and rides you want to do. Here is the Slickrock Trail parking and this is the Falcon Flow Main Parking. If you’re camping in Sand Flats you’ll most likely be able to ride from your campsite.
Best trails to ride:
Intermediate: All the Raptor trails: Falcon Flow, Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, and Kestrel Run
Route recommendations:
The Raptor Route: This map shows a SHUTTLED route. If you want to pedal, you’ll need to ride almost 7 miles up Sand Flats Road. The grade isn’t too steep, but it’s 7 miles in addition to the 10 miles back down.
Make it shorter: If you want a shorter pedal-accessed route, just do the Falcon Flow trail (but be warned: there’s some climbing on Falcon Flow, too).
Make it part of The Whole Enchilada: I dive into The Whole Enchilada below, but this Raptor Route is a great alternative – and much easier – finish to TWE.
Better than Slickrock: If you do want to put yourself through the full Slickrock Trail, I recommend doing this route instead. You’ll thank me.

7. La Sal Mountains

Map of the La Sals mountain bike trails in Moab and The Whole Enchilada Route — *Click to enlarge*

The La Sal Mountains are the tall, 12,000+ foot and often snow-capped peaks that rise up behind Moab. They are also the starting point for one of Moab’s most infamous descents, The Whole Enchilada, as well as Porcupine Rim, one of Moab’s most popular trails.

There’s really not too much reason to head up into the La Sals unless you’re doing The Whole Enchilada, in which case you can read my TWE full trail guide here. You can also get a shuttle to the end of Sand Flats Road where you can access UPS and just do the final 15 miles of The Whole Enchilada, which I will argue is the best part.

Becky posing for photo on mountain bike on The Whole Enchilada trail in Moab with green meadow and mountains behind her — The Whole Enchilada starts high up in the La Sal Mountains and offers a different Moab mountain biking experience

8. Horsethief & Mag 7

Map of the Horsethief and Mag 7 mountain bike trails in Moab — *Click to enlarge*

I grouped these two trail networks together because most riders will either just do Horsethief or do both Horsethief and Mag 7 as a shuttled ride. If you’re only riding Mag 7 you probably aren’t reading this post because you know what you’re doing.

In my opinion, Horsethief is just ok…. I don’t think it flows as well as other trail networks. But that being said, some riders love it. Horsethief connects into the Mag 7 trails (the iconic and expert-only Gold Bar Rim and Portal trail), which are bike-it list rides for many mountain bikers heading to Moab. So, I don’t want to discourage you from checking this area out.

The upper Horsethief trails are a mix of cross-country and moderate tech with lots of punchy rock slab climbs. It’s the kind of trail system that makes you feel like you’re pedaling the entire time.

The lower Mag 7 trails are extremely technical and have massive exposure in some places. These should only be ridden by very experienced, confident riders. Mountain bikers have died on these trails.

To be fully transparent, I’ve only done a few rides at Horsethief (including the route I recommend below), so I’m not super familiar with all the trails here.

Need to know for Horsethief/Mag 7

Gold Bar Rim to Portal is an iconic shuttled ride, but only for very experienced mountain bikers. Riders have died on these trails from falling off the cliffs.
There’s a lot of other cool stuff in the Horsethief area like Gemini Bridges, Gooney Bird Rock, and Jeep Arch.
e-bikes are not allowed.

Planning your Horsethief/Mag 7 ride

Where to park: I like to park at Arth’s Parking because that means you’ll end on a downhill. The road there is dirt but well-maintained.
Best trails to ride:
Beginner: Gateway (a nice climbing trail that could also be a mellow descent)
Intermediate: Bull Run (a spicy blue), Great Escape, Rodeo (I haven’t ridden this trail, but it gets good reviews)
Expert: Gold Bar Rim & Portal (these two trails are seriously expert-only with lights-out consequences if you fall)
Route recommendations:
Always End On A Downhill: I thought this route was ok. Not the best in Moab, but worth doing if you want to check out the Horsethief area. Bull Run gets rave reviews from riders, but in my opinion, it was a bit chundery and tedious and didn’t have a whole lot of flow to it. Note that this is a figure 8 loop.
Make it easier & shorter: Skip the top part of Getaway and the upper descent down Bull Run by cutting over on the connector trail.
Two shuttled rides: A lot of mountain bikers shuttle Horsethief and Mag 7. Here are two shuttled options:
Intermediate: This Mag 5 route takes you down Gemini Bridges Road, which is pretty cool, but it is a dirt road. You also have a 9-ish mile ride on the paved bike path back to town (it does trend downward).
Expert: If you want to do Gold Bar Rim and Portal, here is the shuttled route. Confident riders only or it might just be the worst day of your life.

Mountain bike riding away from camera on singletrack trail in Moab, Utah surrounded by red rock formations and snow-capped mountains in the distance — The Mag 7/Horsethief area has a bit of everything from mellow cross-country to some of the hardest trails in Moab and everything in between

10. Amasa Back

Map of the Amasa Back mountain biking trails in Moab — *Click to enlarge*

Lastly, we have Amasa Back, which is where Captain Ahab and several other advanced mountain bike trails are. This area is pretty iconic – it’s where a lot of the early Moab mountain bikers hung out to ride slickrock back in the day.

Nowadays, most people head to Amasa Back for Captain Ahab, but there are a few other trails and route options as well. It’s important to point out, though, that these trails are for strong intermediates at the very least.

Need to know for Amasa Back

There’s no cell service at the trailhead and limited service depending on where you ride.
The trails in Amasa Back are quite technical and challenging. I’d say you should be a strong intermediate at the very least to head out there.
The Birthing Scene petroglyph panel is just up the road from the Captain Ahab parking area
You might get to see some base jumpers jump off the cliffs above the parking area!

Planning your Amasa Back

Where to park: This is the parking area for most of the Amasa Back trails. There’s a bathroom, but no water.
Best trails to ride:
Intermediate: HyMasa is the climbing trail, but you can also do it as an out-and-back if you don’t want to descent Captain Ahab.
Advanced: Captain Ahab! (One of my all-time favorite trails), Cliffhanger (I haven’t ridden this trail, but it’s one of the original slickrock trails in Moab and people ride it as an out-and-back)
Route recommendations:
Captain Ahab: This is an iconic ride in Moab and one of my all-time favorite routes. It’s pretty technical, though, so read through my Captain Ahab trail guide to make sure it’s a good fit for you. I also offer a few alternative options.
Make it longer: Add an out-and-back on Cliffhanger before starting in on Ahab. Here’s the route, although I recommend still climbing up HyMasa.

Mountain biker riding down technical section of rocky slickrock trail in Moab, Utah. — Captain Ahab is one of the most iconic mountain bike trails in Moab

Sample Moab Itineraries

There is SO much riding in Moab that it can be hard to even know where to start. Below are two rough itineraries to help you plan your trip. If you want more tips and details, let’s chat over Zoom!

3-Day Intermediate Moab Itinerary

Day 1: Navajo Rocks
Day 2: Sand Flats Raptor Trails (ideally a shuttle) and the Better Than Slickrock route
Day 3: Klondike Bluffs

3-Day Advanced Moab Itinerary

Day 1: Navajo Rocks
Day 2: The Whole Enchilada
Day 3: Amasa Back

Mountain biker riding away from camera on slickrock in Moab, Utah

FAQs & Facts about mountain biking in Moab

Q: When is the best time of year to mountain bike in Moab?

The best time to plan a mountain bike trip to Moab is during the shoulder seasons. April/May and September/October are prime for the best weather and temperatures. Summers get brutally hot and winters can be cold and snowy.

Since there is a short window of tolerable weather, Moab does get extremely busy during the spring and fall months, though, so expect to share the trails with a lot of other mountain bikers and off-road ATVers.

If you want a chance of avoiding the crowds, March and November can be great months to visit. Just be prepared for some colder days and nights and maybe rain or snow.

Q: What’s the best bike shop in Moab?

I don’t have a favorite, but here are some bike shops in town that offer rentals, services, and even guided tours:

– Poison Spider Bicycles
– Chile Pepper Bike Shop
– Rim Cyclery
– Double Down Bike Shop
– Moab Cyclery
– Moab Bike Fiend

Q: Who can I book a mountain bike shuttle with in Moab?

There are several shuttle companies in Moab that offer mountain bike shuttles to three main trails and networks: [1] The Whole Enchilada (Burro Pass or Hazard County), [2] the Raptor Trails, and [3] Horsethief & Mag7.

I personally use Porcupine Shuttles, but Coyote Shuttles, Moab Cyclery, Poison Spider Bicycles, and Hazard Country Shuttles are also great.

Q: Can I book a Moab mountain bike tour?

Yeah! If you want a tour guide to show you around, Rim Tours and Moab Cyclery both offer day and multi-day tours around Moab.

Q: What are some good restaurants in Moab for post-ride food?

Moab is packed with some really great restaurants. Here are a few of my favorites:

Moab Garage: This is by far my favorite place to eat in Moab. They serve amazing breakfasts and lunches and they have all sorts of delicious and healthy(ish) things to choose from. Get a donut!!!!

98 Center: A Vietnamese restaurant serving authentic and tasty dishes

Sabaku Sushi: Surprisingly good sushi for the middle of the desert. They also have a nice outdoor patio in the back

Antica Forma: Good wood-fired pizza. The outdoor patio is really nice. This place can get busy, though!

Miguel’s Baja Grill: Pretty decent Baja-style Mexican food with big servings

Moab Food Truck Park: The only food truck I’ve tried is the Quesadilla Mobilla which serves really good and hearty quesadillas. There are usually a few other food trucks around as well

The Trailhead Public House & Eatery: Good place to get a burger

Q: Are e-bikes allowed?

No, e-bikes are not allowed on most trails in Moab. Please respect this. It’s not that the land use managers are being dicks, it’s because most of the trails around Moab were built with funding that requires the trails to be for non-motorized use only. And yes, e-bikes are (currently) considered motorized. They have a motor.

Q: How hard are the mountain bike trails in Moab?

Moab is definitely not the best place for beginner mountain bikers or those new to technical terrain. There are lots of punchy climbs, challenging rock gardens, and high-stakes exposure. Some of the networks, like the Moab Brand Trails and Klonzo, have entry-level options, but for the most part, Moab is better suited for more experienced riders.

Where to stay

Moab camping

Moab used to have a ton of places for dispersed camping, but in recent years land-use authorities have really cracked down on where you can camp outside of town.

There are still a few places where you can camp for free. Check out:

Willow Springs Rd.
Cotter Mine Rd.
Klondike Bluffs
Dubinky Well Rd.

The road conditions can vary pretty extensively – a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, but we have been able to get our 2WD low-clearance van into some spots.

If you’re looking for paid campgrounds, there are a number of options. Be sure to book ahead of time as Moab gets really busy during the peak season and campgrounds fill up fast.

Van parked at dispersed campsite outside of Moab, Utah — Moab has a number of dispersed campsites with free camping. Please respect ‘no camping signs’ and pack out all of your trash (including toilet paper!)

Moab Hotels & Rentals

Note: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I get a small commission at no cost to you. I stand by the products I recommend and greatly appreciate your support!

There are a lot of hotel options in Moab, many of them generic (think La Quinta, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, etc…)

But if you want a less generic option, here are a few cool hotels and rentals to check out:

Field Station Moab: This is a really cool hotel that caters to adventurers. They have in-room bike storage, a gear shop on site, a coffee shop, and an activity concierge. They also have van spots with hookups and all the amenities.
Creekside Guest Cottage: You won’t feel like you’re in the desert in this super cute cottage! It also comes with a hot tub.
Gonzo Inn: A fun and funky hotel within walking distance of downtown. They have a bike wash station and secure bike storage.
Moab Springs Ranch: A splurge, but would make for a great basecamp for a few days of riding!
The Finca: A super cute 3-bedroom house within walking distance to downtown.

5 Comments

Ian says:

September 11, 2024 at 10:42 pm

Thanks for the great summaries! I just finished up two days riding as I passed thru Moab from Santa Fe back home to WA state. Was my first time riding there, and with your notes and comments from others I went with Navajo Rocks to start with (also a good choice as I stayed at a campground a few miles down the road). Felt good and started the east loop early morning.

After about a mile, I realized that I didn’t really enjoy the slickrock riding. I kept going and did the full east loop, but had no interest in trying the west side. I can handle the bit of tech, and the punchy bits, it just… wasn’t fun. The views just about made it worth it.

So for day two I headed up to Klonzo, which is also on the way out of town, so that helped in deciding. Driving in with my ProMaster van was okay, but the few hundred feet of sandy creek ‘road’ was a bit sketchy; kept the speed up and made it. As for the trails, that was the place to go for me. Loved it. Just a hint of slickrock sections here and there. And you’re right, Gravitron was a blast. Thought about trying Zoltar down to Houdini, but realized that was likely all slickrock, so stuck with your route and did the south side. Rollercoaster was quite fun, along with Topspin.

Now on to Cave Lake at Ely tomorrow on my way home. Rode that one last year and loved it.

I might stop in Moab again if I’m “passing thru”, but now I know that the slickrock stuff just isn’t worth it for me.

1. Becky Timbers says:
  
  September 13, 2024 at 1:08 pm
  
  Moab’s slickrock is definitely unique! And not for everyone. It’s good that you started with only one of the Navajo Rocks loop instead of committing to a bigger slickrock ride. I think Klonzo is way underrated – it’s one of my favorite networks in Moab. Glad you loved Gravitron!
  
George Hudetz says:

May 26, 2024 at 8:17 pm

Thank you for this. However, I thought that e-bikes are allowed on the trails in Dead Horse Canyon State Park?

1. Becky Timbers says:
  
  May 27, 2024 at 9:04 am
  
  They are, sorry for that! I just updated it.
  
Jodi Cassell says:

December 27, 2022 at 9:40 pm

Wow! I’m so glad I found your blog! This is so well-written with so much great info. Thank you! I’m in California and want to do some travel to the Southwest at some point. I’m curious … I’m actually in the market for a new bike right now and thought I’d ask for your input. I’m currently riding a 2012 Rocky Mountain Element 30 and it feels like all the bike I need to do the sort of riding I want to do – mostly cross country – some technical, no jumps or anything wild. But I’m looking for a lighter bike, so am considering bikes like the Juliana Wilder TR… do you think that would be an appropriate bike for the type of rides above and similar in Sedona? I was actually fine on my old GT hardtail until I started trying slightly harder (easy black diamond) trails. Anyway – so you are a coach – do you ever hold clinics in CA? I’d love to do a clinic with a woman instructor! Thank you – Jodi