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5-Day MTB + Scenic: The Ultimate Mountain Bike Itinerary in Moab

If you’re building your dream mountain bike itinerary in Moab, get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Moab is one of those places that still feels like a rite of passage for riders — the original mecca of slickrock and sandstone. 

But let’s be honest: it’s not for everyone. The climbs are punchy, the terrain is raw, and the desert doesn’t forgive mistakes. Still, if you crave big views, technical rock, and that “cross-country on steroids” energy, there’s nowhere better.

Why Moab Wins (and Sometimes Doesn’t)

What to Love:

  • Iconic slickrock riding you won’t find anywhere else
  • Endless trails from beginner loops to legendary rides like The Whole Enchilada
  • Big desert views and postcard sunsets
  • Access to three national parks for off-the-bike exploring

What to Not Love So Much:

  • The crowds — Moab can feel like a scene these days
  • Brutal summer heat and snow-dusted winters that make timing tricky
  • Trails that can feel “old-school techy” rather than smooth and flowy
  • So many trail options it’s almost overwhelming

That’s why having a planned itinerary helps — so you hit the highlights without burning out.

5-Day MTB Itinerary and Beyond

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1 – Warm-Up & Acclimate

Start light at Moab Brand Trails or Klondike Bluffs. These networks mix fast singletrack and sandstone playgrounds, perfect for shaking off travel legs and getting used to traction on slickrock. Keep it under 15 miles and finish with a cold drink downtown.

Day 2 – Slickrock, the Classic

The Slickrock Trail in Sand Flats Recreation Area put Moab on the map. Expect steep roll-ups, endless traction, and panoramic views that make every climb worth it. Bring extra water and sunscreen — it’s all sun, all day.

Day 3 – Navajo Rocks Adventure

A must-ride for intermediate and advanced riders. Navajo Rocks is a mix of flowing rock, short technical climbs, and jaw-dropping scenery. Ride the Big Mesa Loop or link both sides for a 17-mile challenge. Locals call it “Moab’s most balanced ride” — and they’re not wrong.

Day 4 – Rest & Recovery

You’ve earned it. Explore Arches National Park, grab a bite in town, or cruise the paved Moab Canyon Pathway for an easy spin. Moab’s rest days are just as scenic as the rides themselves.

Day 5 – The Finale

If you’ve got legs left, shuttle The Whole Enchilada — a bucket-list descent dropping from alpine forest to desert floor. Too much? Try Amasa Back or Captain Ahab for advanced fun closer to town. End the trip with sunset at Dead Horse Point for one last look at the red rocks.

Off-Bike Activities

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When you need a break from the saddle, Moab has plenty of ways to fill your time. Whether you’re chasing views, refueling, or giving your legs a rest, the town and surrounding parks deliver just as much adventure off the bike.

Arches National Park

Just minutes from downtown, Arches is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Trails range from easy strolls to more strenuous treks, each offering spectacular desert scenery and photo ops that make the effort worthwhile.

Canyonlands National Park

For sweeping desert vistas, Canyonlands is hard to beat. The Island in the Sky district offers stunning overlooks that feel otherworldly — you’ll gaze down on layers of red rock carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. It’s an easy day trip from Moab and a must for sunrise or sunset.

Rafting the Colorado River

Swap your handlebars for a paddle and cool off on the water. Guided rafting trips on the Colorado range from mellow half-day floats to full-day adventures through the red-rock canyons. It’s a fun change of pace — and a great way to rest your quads while still soaking up that famous desert scenery.

Moab Brewery

After a long ride, there’s no better reward than a pint and a hearty meal. Moab Brewery is the go-to local watering hole, serving craft beers, burgers, and post-ride camaraderie in a laid-back setting.

Love Muffin Café

Start your rest day right with a breakfast burrito or fresh-baked muffin from this local favorite. Their locally roasted coffee and cozy vibe make it a great spot to fuel up before exploring Arches or Canyonlands.

Best Bike Shops and Shuttles in Moab

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The local bike shop is the heart of Moab’s mountain biking community — part gear hub, part trail beta HQ, and part rescue squad when your ride goes sideways. Whether you need a last-minute shuttle, trail repair, or a new pair of gloves after an unexpected tumble, these shops have you covered. Stop in for rentals, advice, and local insight that you just can’t get from a trail map.

Poison Spider Bicycles

As you roll into town from the north, this shop is hard to miss. The bold mural on the south-facing wall of Poison Spider has become almost as iconic as Moab’s red rocks themselves.

Inside, you’ll find a full-service bike shop offering rentals, repairs, and local trail advice from passionate riders who know every line on Slickrock. Owner Scott Newton has built a shop that’s as much about community as it is about bikes.

Moab Cyclery

  • Address: 391 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
  • Website: moabcyclery.com
  • Price: From $20.00

Locally owned and rider-run, Moab Cyclery has long been a favorite stop for visitors. They offer everything from bike rentals and repairs to daily shuttles and gear. The staff here is especially known for being friendly and knowledgeable — they’ll happily talk you through current trail conditions or set you up with post-ride snacks.

Bonus: they even have a shower, perfect for cleaning up before heading into town for dinner.

Chile Pepper Bikes

  • Address: 702 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
  • Website: chilebikes.com
  • Price: From $79.00

Established in 1995, Chile Pepper Bikes is another Moab staple. As an authorized dealer for brands like Giant, Transition, Evil, Norco, and Devinci, it’s a go-to for serious riders.

Even after changing ownership in 2023, Chile Pepper continues to uphold its reputation for top-tier service, rentals, and gravity racing expertise. They also run shuttles throughout the week, making them a convenient one-stop shop for your Moab riding plans.

Moab Gear Trader

If you love a good gear co-op, Moab Gear Trader is a hidden gem worth a stop. It’s packed with quality outdoor gear for all kinds of adventures — from biking and hiking to rafting, trail running, and climbing. Whether you forgot your camp stove or just want to browse for souvenirs, it’s the kind of place where you’ll always find something useful (or tempting).

Start Your 5 Days of Riding & Views

This 5-day mountain bike itinerary Moab balances iconic trail experiences with recovery, variety, and the region’s stunning scenery. From the slickrock thrills of Slickrock Trail to the lovely loops of Navajo Rocks, and a well-timed rest day in between, you’ll experience Moab’s best. 

Plan carefully (water, trail difficulty, weather), listen to your body, and you’ll ride hard, explore big, and come away with memories of one of the world’s mountain-biking destinations.

Mountain Bike Itinerary in Moab FAQs

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

The prime riding seasons are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when temperatures are moderate and trail conditions are ideal. Summer can be dangerously hot, and some higher-elevation trails remain snow-covered in winter.

Do I need a permit or pass to ride the trails in Moab?

Most Moab trails are open to the public, but areas like Sand Flats Recreation Area (home of the Slickrock Trail) require a small day-use fee. National park entrances (like Arches or Canyonlands) also charge separate entry fees if you plan to visit on rest days.

What level of experience do I need for Moab’s trails?

Moab caters to all skill levels, but many trails are intermediate to advanced due to steep climbs, technical rock sections, and exposure. Beginners should start with easier networks such as Moab Brand Trails or Dead Horse Point before tackling Slickrock or Navajo Rocks.

How crowded do the trails get?

Expect heavier traffic in spring and fall, especially on marquee trails like Slickrock. To avoid crowds, start rides early in the morning, explore lesser-known trails, or plan midweek visits instead of weekends.