It’s hard to believe, but spring is on the horizon. While many trails in the intermountain west will be covered in snow for several more months, we encourage you to take a road trip south if you’re itching to get in the saddle before then. As you know, we absolutely LOVE desert riding in the cooler months — especially in the red-rock desert. Our spring clinics are held in St. George, Utah, but there are many other red-rock mountain biking destinations. This week we’ll talk about Moab, Utah — a veritable red-rock-mountain-biking mecca! In this mini-guide, we’ll cover our favorite Moab rides.

Moab hosts some of the most unique riding and beautiful landscapes in the world. The town of Moab itself is charming and laid back, and is a great place to take your friends and family for a weekend or week.

And we don’t want to let the cat out of the bag too soon…but since you are on our email list, we want you to know first! We are hosting some events in Moab this fall! Stay tuned, we are announcing them February 7th.

Our Favorite Beginner Trails in Moab

Great Pyramid loop (4.2 miles): This is a fun beginner loop that takes you around the edge of the Dead Horse State Park peninsula. It is a great introduction to riding over red rocks and has some spectacular scenery. There are intermediate and advanced options on this trail system, so be sure to take picture of the map at the trailhead before you set out! For a fun beginner loop, take Intrepid to Great Pyramid. When you get to the Big Chief section, turn left to shortcut over to Raven Roll. Turn left at Raven Roll head back to the parking lot. Click here for the Trailforks link. If this loop is easy for you, try the Big Chief loop next time (Intrepid —> Great Pyramid —> Raven Roll —> Intrepid, 8 miles)!
Bar M Loop (8 miles): This is a relatively easy trail that winds through the foothills of Moab. It's a great option for first-time mountain bikers looking to get a taste of the terrain. (Click here for Bar M on Trailforks.)
Klondike Bluffs Beginner Loop: Klondike Bluffs is a system of trails built off the multi-use Klondike Bluffs road. This loop is great, stress-free ride for beginners. Trailforks link for entire system (not just the beginner loop).

Our Favorite Intermediate Trails in Moab:

Raptor Route links three amazing downhill trails: Eagle Eye, Hawk’s Glide, and Falcon Flow. (Please take a moment to appreciate all the alliteration.) These trails are fabulously fun, f’real. If you’re not in good shape, take a shuttle. Otherwise, pedal up Sandflats road. Click here for the Trailforks link.
Big Chief Loop. Was the Great Pyramid loop a little too easy? Try the Big Chief Loop in Dead Horse State Park! This really fun trail with incredible vistas is on the easier side of intermediate.
Klondike Bluffs Outer Loop: This trail is a bit longer, at 7 miles, but it's relatively flat and easy to navigate. It's a great option for those looking for a slightly more challenging ride. Click for the Trailforks link to the Klondike trail system.
Bartlett Wash: This takes you through a wash with beautiful red rock walls. Trailforks link.

Our Favorite Advanced Trails in Moab:

Slickrock. People travel from all over the world to ride the Slickrock trail, and it is absolutely worth the hype. There is no other trail like it. While this trail technically has an advanced-difficulty rating, many intermediate riders ride it — with a fair amount of hike-a-biking. Slickrock area on Trailforks.
The Whole Enchilada: This trail is one of the most iconic rides in teh world. It is a 27-mile point-to-point ride that starts at an elevation of 11,000 feet and ends at 4,200 feet, with a mix of steep climbs and descents, and technical sections. It's a great option for advanced riders looking for a challenging ride — definitely not for the faint of heart! Trailforks link. Parts of this ride are covered in snow during the winter, so be sure to check conditions. Pssst: book a shuttle!
Hymasa / Captain Ahab loop: This is a challenging trail that's about 6 miles long and is known for its steep climbs and technical descents. It's a great option for intermediate riders looking for a more challenging ride. Trailforks link.
Porcupine Rim: This is one of the most popular and scenic trails in Moab, it's a challenging 15-mile ride that takes you through red rock canyons and offers great views of the La Sal Mountains. This is a difficult trail with a lot of steep climbs and descents, but it's definitely worth it for the scenery. Trailforks link.
UPS. Don’t have enough time to ride the entire Porcupine Rim? You can ride a portion of it and get a really rad ride in!
The White Rim Trail: This is a 100-mile-long point-to-point trail that is considered one of the most challenging in Moab. It takes you through some of the most rugged and remote terrain in the area. Most riders do this trail in three or four days with support vehicles to carry food, water, and camping supplies. Campgrounds are spaced every few miles, but they can fill up a year in advance. Reserve early! Trailforks link.
Mag 7: This is a network of trails that offer a variety of advanced options, with a mix of steep climbs and technical descents. The Mag 7 trails are a great option for advanced riders looking for a more challenging ride. Trailforks link. This has several double-black sections and is recommended for only very advanced riders!

As always, check trail conditions before heading out and be aware of your own skill level and fitness. Additionally, It's a good idea to check with local bike shops or the Moab Visitors Center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions and closures. If you’ve never ridden in the desert, check out our tips!