Moab sits like a dusty jewel in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, where ancient sandstone formations create the kind of natural playground mountain bikers dream about. This desert town has earned its reputation as one of the world’s premier mountain biking destinations, and for good reason.
The landscape here feels almost otherworldly, with towering spires, deep canyons, and slickrock surfaces that seem designed specifically for two-wheeled adventures. The riding season in Moab spans most of the year, thanks to the high desert climate that keeps trails rideable when other destinations are buried under snow.
Spring and fall offer the perfect weather, while summer brings intense heat that seasoned riders learn to navigate with early morning starts. Here’s a list of 17 trails that showcase why Moab remains the crown jewel of mountain biking destinations.
Slickrock Bike Trail
The Slickrock Trail stands as Moab’s most famous ride, and it’s not hard to see why. This 10.5-mile loop traverses the petrified sand dunes that give the area its distinctive character, offering riders a chance to experience what feels like biking on another planet.
The trail’s name comes from the smooth sandstone surface that early settlers found too slippery for their horses, though modern mountain bike tires grip surprisingly well on this unique terrain. The white dashed lines painted on the rock guide riders through a landscape of natural sculptures and breathtaking vistas.
Porcupine Rim Trail
Porcupine Rim delivers one of the most spectacular descents in all of mountain biking, dropping riders from the cool heights of the La Sal Mountains down into the red rock maze below. This 15-mile point-to-point trail starts in aspen groves and pine forests before transitioning into the classic Moab desert environment.
The technical descent requires solid bike handling skills, and the payoff includes views of the Colorado River winding through Castle Valley. Most riders arrange a shuttle to the top, though the truly ambitious can tackle the climb as well.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Whole Enchilada
The Whole Enchilada represents the ultimate Moab experience, combining multiple trail segments into one epic 26-mile descent that drops over 7,000 feet in elevation. This ride begins in alpine terrain near 10,000 feet and ends on the desert floor, passing through virtually every ecosystem Utah has to offer.
The trail includes sections of Burro Pass, Hazard County, Kokopelli, and Porcupine Rim, creating a mountain biking odyssey that takes most riders a full day to complete. The logistics require careful planning, but the experience ranks among the best single-day rides anywhere.
Amasa Back Trail
Amasa Back offers a more mellow introduction to Moab’s slickrock riding, though it still packs plenty of adventure into its 5.5-mile out-and-back format. The trail follows an old mining road before branching off onto smooth sandstone that leads to spectacular overlooks of the Colorado River.
This ride works well for intermediate riders who want to experience slickrock without the commitment of longer, more technical trails. The views from the end of the trail rival those found on much more difficult rides.
Dead Horse Point Single Track
Dead Horse Point Single Track winds through the area surrounding one of Utah’s most photographed viewpoints, offering riders a chance to experience the landscape that inspired countless Western movies. This 17-mile loop combines technical rock sections with flowing singletrack through juniper and pinyon pine forests.
The trail provides multiple opportunities to visit the famous overlook, where the Colorado River makes a dramatic horseshoe bend 2,000 feet below. The varied terrain keeps things interesting while never straying too far from the main park area.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Moab Brands Trail System
The Moab Brands trail system serves as the local’s playground, featuring a network of interconnected trails that range from beginner-friendly to expertly challenging. This area includes popular routes like Lazy EZ, Rockin’ A, and Circle O, all designed to showcase different aspects of Moab’s terrain.
The trails here offer something for every skill level, making it an ideal destination for groups with mixed abilities. The proximity to town means riders can easily grab lunch or make quick bike adjustments between rides.
Klondike Bluffs Trail
Klondike Bluffs takes riders through a landscape of towering red rock fins and narrow canyons, creating an intimate experience with Moab’s geological wonders. This 17-mile loop passes through Arches National Park backcountry, offering glimpses of formations that most visitors never see.
The trail includes both technical rock sections and flowing singletrack, with the highlight being a passage through a narrow slot canyon. The remote location means fewer crowds and a more wilderness-like experience.
Magnificent Seven
The Magnificent Seven trail system lives up to its name by combining seven different trail segments into one cohesive ride that showcases the best of Moab’s desert terrain. This 13-mile loop includes sections of varying difficulty, from smooth slickrock to technical rock gardens that challenge even experienced riders.
The trail offers constant views of the surrounding red rock formations, with the La Sal Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. The varied terrain keeps riders engaged while providing multiple opportunities to test their skills.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Bartlett Wash
Bartlett Wash offers a unique Moab experience by following an actual wash, or dry creek bed, through a landscape of towering canyon walls. This 7-mile out-and-back trail provides a gentler introduction to desert riding while still delivering the classic red rock scenery that makes Moab famous.
The trail surface varies from packed sand to slickrock, giving riders a taste of different desert riding conditions. The enclosed feeling of riding through the wash creates an intimate connection with the landscape.
Kokopelli Trail
The Kokopelli Trail represents one of the Southwest’s classic long-distance rides, stretching 142 miles from Moab to Fruita, Colorado. While most riders tackle only sections of this epic route, even shorter segments provide a taste of the varied terrain and stunning scenery that characterizes this cross-country adventure.
The trail passes through multiple ecosystems, from high desert to alpine forests, showcasing the incredible diversity of the Colorado Plateau. The first 20 miles from Moab offer some of the most accessible and scenic riding on the entire route.
Hymasa Trail
Hymasa Trail combines the best elements of several other Moab classics into one challenging but rewarding ride. This 8-mile loop connects portions of the Amasa Back area with new singletrack that winds through technical rock gardens and flowing sections. The trail offers spectacular views of the Colorado River and the surrounding red rock formations.
The relatively recent construction means the trail incorporates modern design principles while maintaining the classic Moab character.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Captain Ahab Trail
Captain Ahab delivers one of Moab’s most technically demanding rides, featuring steep slickrock climbs and descents that test both bike handling skills and fitness levels. This 14-mile loop includes sections that require riders to carry their bikes, adding an adventure element that sets it apart from other trails in the area.
The trail’s reputation for difficulty means it sees fewer riders, creating a more solitude-focused experience. The views from the high points include some of the most dramatic red rock scenery in the entire region.
Poison Spider Mesa Trail
Poison Spider Mesa Trail offers a classic Moab experience with a mix of technical climbing and flowing descents across varied terrain. This 16-mile loop begins with a challenging climb up the mesa before rewarding riders with spectacular views and engaging singletrack.
The trail includes sections of slickrock, loose rock, and hardpack dirt, providing a comprehensive introduction to desert mountain biking. The overlooks along the way offer stunning views of the Colorado River and the surrounding canyon country.
Moab Rim Trail
Moab Rim Trail provides one of the most challenging climbs in the area, gaining over 900 feet in elevation as it switchbacks up the steep canyon walls overlooking town. This 6-mile out-and-back trail tests riders’ climbing abilities while offering increasingly spectacular views with each gained foot of elevation.
The trail surface varies from loose rock to slickrock, requiring constant attention and bike handling skills. The reward at the top includes panoramic views of Moab, the Colorado River, and the surrounding red rock formations.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Arches National Park Backcountry
James Marvin/Flickr
The backcountry areas of Arches National Park offer mountain bikers access to some of the most pristine desert landscapes in the region, though riding requires careful attention to park regulations and designated routes. These trails provide opportunities to see natural arches and rock formations away from the crowds that visit the main park attractions.
The riding tends to be more technical and remote, requiring solid navigation skills and self-sufficiency. The experience offers a more wilderness-focused alternative to the more developed trail systems in the immediate Moab area.
Courthouse Loop
Courthouse Loop provides a relatively gentle introduction to Moab’s red rock riding while still delivering the spectacular scenery that makes the area famous. This 6-mile loop follows old mining roads and singletrack through a landscape dominated by towering red rock formations.
The trail offers multiple photo opportunities and serves as an excellent choice for riders who want to experience Moab’s character without tackling extremely technical terrain. The proximity to town makes it easy to combine with other activities or shorter rides.
Gemini Bridges Trail
Gemini Bridges Trail leads riders to one of the area’s most impressive natural rock formations, where twin spans of stone create a natural bridge across a deep canyon. This 13-mile out-and-back trail combines flowing singletrack with technical rock sections, providing a good mix of challenges and rewards.
The trail passes through varied terrain, from open desert to narrow canyons, showcasing the diversity of the Moab landscape. The destination bridge provides a dramatic backdrop for photos and a memorable endpoint for the ride.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Where Ancient Paths Meet Modern Adventures
These 17 trails represent just a fraction of what Moab’s red rock country offers to mountain bikers, yet they showcase the incredible diversity and quality that has made this area a global destination. The landscape here has been shaped by millions of years of geological forces, creating a natural playground that continues to challenge and inspire riders from around the world.
Today’s mountain bikers follow routes that indigenous peoples and early settlers used for centuries, though modern riders experience this terrain with a freedom and perspective that would have amazed earlier travelers. The combination of world-class trails, stunning scenery, and year-round riding conditions ensures that Moab will continue to define what mountain biking can be for generations to come.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fiftieth, these red rock trails offer experiences that transform both riders and their understanding of what’s possible on two wheels.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.