Moab mountain biking is probably unlike any other. Known as one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the world, Moab offers a vast and diverse array of trails set against the stunning backdrop of red rock formations, deep canyons, and expansive desert landscapes.
Riding in Moab means immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the desert Southwest. The awe-inspiring landscape enhances the overall Moab mountain biking experience. That’s why we don’t want you to miss the best Moab bike trails to explore, the best bike tours, and the places where you can rent a good bike.
Read on to learn more!
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What To Expect In Moab Mountain Biking
When embarking on a mountain biking adventure in Moab, there are several key factors to expect that contribute to the unique experience of riding in this iconic destination:
- Challenging Terrain: Moab is renowned for its rugged and technical trails. Expect to encounter a variety of terrain features, including steep rock slabs, slick rock surfaces, sandy washes, tight switchbacks, and challenging obstacles such as drops and ledges. Be prepared for physically demanding climbs and exhilarating descents that test your skills and endurance.
- Extreme Weather Conditions: Moab’s desert climate means temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day and between seasons. Summers can be scorching hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F (38°C) during the day. Conversely, winters can be cold, with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. It’s essential to plan your rides accordingly, bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing layers to stay comfortable and safe in changing weather conditions. If it gets too hot, you can always try Moab paddleboarding for a different kind of experience.
- Breathtaking Scenery: One of the most memorable aspects of mountain biking in Moab is the stunning natural beauty of the landscape. Prepare to be awed by towering red rock formations, expansive desert vistas, and the intricate geological features of the region. Take time to soak in the incredible views and appreciate the unique surroundings as you navigate the trails.
- Crowded Trails: Moab’s popularity as a mountain biking destination means that trails can become crowded, especially during peak seasons and holidays. Expect to encounter other riders, hikers, and occasionally, off-road vehicles sharing the trails. Practice trail etiquette by yielding to uphill riders, respecting trail closures, and maintaining a safe speed to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Trail Difficulty Ratings: Moab’s trails are typically marked with difficulty ratings ranging from easy (green) to extremely difficult (double black diamond). Before setting out, familiarize yourself with the Moab trail ratings and choose routes that match your skill level and comfort zone. Don’t hesitate to ask local riders or trail guides for recommendations based on your abilities and preferences.
- Adventure Opportunities: Beyond the trails, Moab offers a wealth of outdoor adventure opportunities, including rock climbing, hiking, river rafting, and off-road driving. Consider extending your stay to explore other activities and attractions in the area, immersing yourself fully in Moab’s rugged beauty and adventurous spirit. Get the best ATV and UTV rentals in Moab here.
Overall, mountain biking in Moab promises an unforgettable experience filled with exhilarating challenges, breathtaking scenery, and opportunities for adventure and exploration in one of the world’s most iconic outdoor playgrounds. With proper preparation and a spirit of adventure, you’re sure to create lasting memories on the trails of Moab.
8 Best Moab Bike Trails
Moab boasts an extensive network of trails catering to all skill levels, from beginner-friendly routes to highly technical and challenging terrain.
| 🟢 Easy 🟦 Intermediate ⬥ Difficult |
Some of the most famous trails include:
Magician 7
| 🟢 Easy |
The Magician 7 point-to-point path connects seven trails that are oriented downward. It descends 3,300 feet and spans 21 miles to reach the Colorado River from the summit of Highway 313. If completed, it offers an amazing 21-mile descent as well.
You’ll find fast ledgy sections, gorgeous vistas of the canyon rim, and some exposed riding. Mag 7 is a great choice if you’re searching for a strenuous downhill experience similar to those seen mountain biking in Colorado. Remember that the exposure and difficulty will grow as you descend.
Raven Roll
| 🟢 Easy |
Raven Roll is a well-known, one-mile green singletrack trail close to Moab, Utah. Both directions can be used on this main mountain bike trail. This trail takes 10 minutes to finish on average.
This trail has no obstacles; which is wide enough and can be ridden confidently solo.
Klondike Bluffs
| 🟢 Easy – 🟦 Intermediate |
Near Moab, the Klondike Bluff network offers over 50 miles of singletrack for a varied mountain riding experience. There are lots of chances for shorter, more enjoyable circuits and longer, trickier rides.
The trails are short, which you can connect for a lengthy, technical ride or keep things easy with short loops that are suitable for beginners. It’s also a fantastic option for groups with different skill levels.
Navajo Rocks
| 🟦 Intermediate |
Navajo Rocks offers a little bit of everything. Up here, the sight is breathtaking. On the Rocky Tops trail, you can stop on some of the higher spots to get a good view of the La Sals, typically covered in spring snow.
There are several difficult tech sections, slickrock, dirt, and flowing descents. It’s enough to amuse more experienced riders while providing an introduction to the world of desert riding for more intermediate riders. The sensation of riding on slick rock is introduced by a few off-camber portions and brief but steep climbs.
This is not a beginner route, but it would be a good place to start if you have some riding experience.
Slickrock
| ⬥ Difficult |
Most people would agree that the Slickrock trail in Moab lives up to its name, making it maybe the most well-known trail in the area. The red granite that appears slippery on the surface of Moab’s desert is actually not at all slick. It’s among the most sticky and secure surfaces you’ll ever see. This trail might be challenging as a beginner-intermediate rider, but it was like receiving a crash course in desert riding.
The Whole Enchilada
| ⬥ Difficult |
For most mountain bikers, riding the Whole Enchilada is equivalent to a right of passage. The famed shuttle trail is an amazing way to spend a day. It winds through about 30 miles of tough singletrack from high alpine portions reminiscent of Colorado mountain biking down the Colorado River.
The La Sals receive snowfall for a significant portion of the year; therefore, the shuttle from town drops you off as high as the weather allows. It’s best to go in the fall, after the snow has melted, if you’re determined to ride the entire thing.
The route begins with a strenuous 1,000-foot ascent to Burro Pass, which reaches a maximum elevation of 11,126 feet. From there, it descends about 8,000 feet back to town. The length of the Whole Enchilada is mostly what makes it tough. Though there are a few hike-a-bike portions and plenty of rock tech, the terrain is milder than other black-rated routes in the Moab area.
The Whole Enchilada is the ideal mountain bike track in Moab to hire a guide and get peace of mind, especially for those who are not experienced.
Captain Ahab
| ⬥⬥ Extremely Difficult |
Some of Moab’s best enduro-style riding, including fast descents over steep rolls, drops, and ledgy features, can be experienced on an Amasa Back Trail. You’ll ascend the Hymasa path, a short and enjoyable ascent over slick rock with some challenging sections, to reach Upper and Lower Ahab. All in all, brace yourself for a very manageable climb.
You may hop on Upper Ahab, which still has some climbing mixed in with entertaining rock tech, from the top of Hymasa. From Lower Ahab to the stream, it’s all pure gravity. You can simply bike the lower section for a shorter loop.
Like most mountain biking adventures in Moab, Captain Ahab is enjoyable to ride once you know where to maintain your pace and what’s around every turn.
Portal Trail
| ⬥⬥ Extremely Difficult |
Situated close to the Colorado River, the Portal Trail is the sister path to the Moab Rim Trail. This trail, which is only accessible by bicycle and trekking, climbs a slickrock bench from the Colorado River to provide sweeping views of the Moab Valley and the surrounding area.
Near the top, there’s a brief stretch of extremely exposed and narrow trail. Since three cyclists have died here, riders are required to get off their bikes and walk this area. Not to be taken lightly!
Moab Mountain Biking Tours
Moab has a vibrant mountain biking community with numerous bike shops, guided tours, and events throughout the year. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the sport, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts through different Moab mountain biking tours on offer.
Introductory Mountain Biking Adventure in Moab Courthouse
Location: Chile Pepper Bike Shop – 702 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Discover one of Utah’s most well-liked mountain biking areas during this 4-hour guided tour on the Moab Brands Trail. Explore Moab’s Courthouse Loop—a great route for people looking to get their first taste of off-road riding terrain and skills. This 7–10 mile journey offers a stunning perspective of Arches National Park along with a variety of terrain.
Families and novice riders with little to no mountain biking expertise would benefit most from this excursion. Included are park admission costs, light drinks, and snacks, in addition to the use of a bicycle and helmet.
Why we love this tour: This is a very great and helpful introduction to Moab mountain biking. It can double as a bonding time for family as well!
From $149.59
2 hour Moab Ebike Petroglyph Tour
Location: 1076 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
A peaceful, enjoyable, and family-friendly way to see Moab is on an e-bike. Kane Creek is home to numerous petroglyph panels and historic places. At a few, the guides will pause to talk about the glyphs’ commonalities and potential meanings.
This journey encompasses the outskirts of Moab Outback while traveling through a stunning canyon with breathtaking vistas. It consists About half of the journey is on paved roads and the other half is on a dirt path that has sharp edges.
Why we love this tour: Using e-bike for Moab mountain biking is a different kind of experience. It was also interesting to learn about the petroglyph panels and Moab’s history.
From $107.00
Moab Back Roads, History and Winery E-Bike Tour
Location: 1076 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Novice riders will ride Pedego electric bikes on Moab’s back roads all the way to the winery; for more experienced riders who feel comfortable cycling at a faster pace, they’ll take a longer, scenic route with some stops along the way, with stops at a famous Petroglyph Panel and/or a park with a spring that Spanish explorers used. A tasting session at the winery is included in the trip, and you can buy extra drinks or bottles of wine to take home.
Why we love this tour: I did not expect to drink fine wine with the most stunning red rock formations I’ve ever seen in the background! This is a 10/10 experience.
From $149.00
Moab Mountain Bike Rental
While Moab can be ridden year-round, spring and fall are typically the most popular seasons for mountain biking due to milder temperatures and more comfortable riding conditions. Here are a few local shops where you can rent grat bikes for Moab mountain biking:
Poison Spider Bicycles
- Location: 497 N. Main St., Moab, UT 84532
- Website: poisonspiderbicycles.com
- Price: From $80.00
All of the people behind Poison Spider are true cycling nerds and avid mountain bikers from Moab. The staff is made up of roadies, racers, free riders, BMXers, and just plain old cross-country fun hogs.
This bike shop in Moab offers excellent rentals and servicing for brands like Trek, Rocky Mountain, Orbea, Cervelo, Ibis, Pivot, and Yeti. They offer the most extensive and varied collection of rental bikes.
Moab Cyclery
- Location: 391 S. Main St. Moab, UT 84532 (In front of City Market)
- Website: moabcyclery.com
- Price: From $40.00
Moab Cyclery is a high-performance Moab bike shop with superior service, rentals, tours, shuttles, and equipment. Stop by and check a wide selection of bike parts, accessories, and clothing gear for your next adventure. They have standard, mid-grade, premium, and kids’ bikes for rent.
Get trail advice and some snacks, and you can even get a shower!
Bighorn Mountain Biking
- Location: Dead Horse Point State Park – UT-313, Moab, UT 84532
- Website: bighornmountainbiking.com
- Price: From $60.00
Rent a bike at one of the most well-known state parks in Utah. Gorgeous views of the La Sal Mountain range and Canyonlands National Park can be seen from scenic pathways that straddle the Colorado River. You can hire bikes at the trailhead seven days a week. Walk-ups are accepted as long as supplies last.
Bike rentals and deliveries are also available only with a reservation. The cost of renting a bike includes delivery and pickup.
Expect The Unexpected When Mountain Biking In Moab
Moab’s trails offer a wide range of technical features, including steep descents, rocky terrain, narrow ledges, and challenging obstacles. Riders have the opportunity to hone their skills and push their limits in a truly unique and exhilarating environment.
Prepare to be awed by towering red rock formations, expansive desert vistas, and the intricate geological features of the region. Take time to soak in the incredible views and appreciate the unique surroundings as you navigate the trails.
But most importantly, stay safe!
Moab Mountain Biking FAQs
Is Moab good for mountain biking?
Yes, Moab is an exceptional destination for mountain biking. It offers a vast network of trails with diverse terrain suitable for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. The stunning desert landscapes and unique geological features make for an unforgettable biking experience.
How long is the Moab bike trail?
The Moab bike trail network length varies depending on the specific trails you choose to ride. Trails in Moab can range from short loops to longer routes extending several miles or more. Some of the more famous trails, like the Slickrock Trail or the Whole Enchilada, can be over 10-20 miles long, while others may be shorter or longer.
What is the most famous trail in Moab?
The Slickrock Trail is arguably the most famous trail in Moab. Its unique surface of grippy sandstone and stunning views make it an iconic destination for mountain bikers from around the world. Other renowned trails in Moab include Porcupine Rim, Captain Ahab, and The Whole Enchilada.
Can you ride a hardtail in Moab?
Yes, you can ride a hardtail bike in Moab. While full-suspension bikes are popular due to the rugged terrain and technical features, many riders enjoy riding hardtail bikes in Moab. Hardtail bikes can handle the trails, but riders may experience more feedback from the terrain compared to full-suspension bikes.
How much does it cost to go to the Moab trail?
Access to the trails in Moab is generally free. However, if you choose to use them, there may be fees associated with guided tours, shuttle services, or bike rentals. Additionally, some trails may be located within state or national parks, which may require an entrance fee or pass for access.
Can you ride a bike in Moab at night?
Riding a bike in Moab at night is generally not recommended. Many of the trails are located in remote areas with rugged terrain and limited visibility, making night riding potentially dangerous. Additionally, some trails may be closed to biking after sunset due to safety concerns or park regulations. It’s best to stick to riding during daylight hours for safety reasons.