Moab, Utah, isn’t just a mountain biking destination—it’s the mountain biking destination. With over 150 miles of trails ranging from beginner-friendly rolling slickrock to expert-only technical descents, there’s a ride for everyone. But planning a Moab biking trip takes more than just bringing your bike and hoping for the best. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your two-wheeled adventure.
If you’re flying in, you’ll need to think about logistics:
Great introductory ride overlooking vast expanses of red rock desert, including distant glimpses of the Windows section of Arches National Park. Perfect for families with younger children or novices.
Dead Horse Point State Park singletrack trail, formerly known as the Intrepid Trail is accessed from the main parking lot. The main loop spans 9 miles and offers several spectacular views along the way with rolling terrain mixed with short climbs.
Moderate sustained climbs on varied slickrock terrain and exciting downhill lead you to views of prehistoric dinosaur tracks and an astounding overlook or Arches National Park. Good fitness, basic shifting and braking skills will benefit the rider on Klondike Bluffs.
If you are looking for self-guided mountain biking in Moab, you have plenty of trails to choose from, and some great resources and maps for planning your adventure. Below is a quick list of the top bike trails in Moab with links to the MTB Project that has teamed up with the local Bureau of Land Management to make the trails in Moab accessible to all ability levels. While you're visiting Moab, be sure to treat the land like you live here.
Need to Know: Usually only fully rideable July–October due to snow at higher elevations.
This is the last section of the Whole Enchilada trail, approximately 11.5 miles. Very difficult and has several technical sections that may require riders to walk their bikes through some areas. More about this bike trail
Need to Know: Close to Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point.
Need to Know: One of the most scenic biking areas in Moab with easier terrain, and e-bike friendly too.
Approximately 22 miles of difficult and expert riding. Highest elevation is about 6,000’ and the lowest is about 4,000’. Most of this trail is single track with an average of 5% grade, max grade is 20%. The latter sections should not be attempted by intermediates or ego-driven advanced riders - deadly falls await your first mistake on the Portal Trail! More about this bike trail
Starts the same as the Magnificent 7 (as in the first of the 7) but doesn't include the lung throbbers, and the kind of deadly drops as in the latter of the Mag 7 (ie. Portal Trail). More about this bike trail
Moderate to intermediate 12 miles of challenging slickrock, sandy washes, and sustained climbs. Dinosaur footprints can be found along the trail. More about this bike trail
The iconic Slickrock trail is very difficult and technical, approximate 10.5 miles. The trail includes steep climbs, sandy sections, and petrified dunes. More about this bike trail
This 100 mile trail is recommended for experienced long-distance riders. Is best if done in 3 to 5 days with a vehicle support and overnight camping along the route. The highest elevation is approximately 6,183’ and the lowest is about 3,900’. The average grade is 2% with a max grade of about 47%. More about this bike trail
Intermediate 12 to 16 miles of trails. Riders are required to have cardio fitness, stamina and technical riding experience. There is mostly slickrock terrain with ledges, drops and bowls. More about this bike trail
While the National Parks were still relatively empty, and the mining boom was all but forgotten by the early 1980’s, a new and unexpected renaissance was about to hit the hills of Moab. An entirely new sport called “mountain biking” marked the beginning of a Moab’s modern reputation as the “Adventure Capital of the West”.
Mountain biking was pioneered in Marin County and Crested Butte, but Moab, Utah was the place where mountain biking sparked public imagination. It was a clever ploy by Hank Barlow to launch the first issue of “Mountain Bike Magazine” with photography of people riding the new pedaled contraptions on the rolling slickrock hills with red rock cliffs and blue skies blazing in the background - a cue taken from film director John Ford perhaps? It worked; and the rest is mountain biking history.
Free Insiders Guide to Moab, UTWhat to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Our Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.
Expedition GuideWhat to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.
