Moab is regarded as one of the best places to go mountain biking in the world. In fact, many people consider it to be the mountain bike capital of the United States.
It gets its reputation from hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails and the fact it is one of the oldest mountain bike destinations.
Moab has worked hard to create an infrastructure geared towards attracting mountain bikers. It has lots of bike shops, mountain bike instruction, guides, and shuttle services to take the sting out of the big climbs. But, the local restaurants and brewery keep riders fed and watered in the evenings.
There are also some great campsites and hotels to stay in during your trip.
The Mountain Bike Terrain
There are many mountain bike trails to choose from in Moab. In fact, you could spend weeks in the area and still not ride everything. With the huge variety of mountain bike trails available, you won’t have too much trouble finding terrain to suit your skill level.
Moab’s varied terrain easily caters to inexperienced riders wanting to take in the area’s scenery. There are scenic routes that take in views of Moab’s stunning canyons and mesas. But more experienced riders can find some gnarly trails with technical rock features to challenge their skills.
There are so many possibilities for mountain biking in Moab, your main problem will be deciding where to ride.
When To Go Mountain Biking In Moab
Moab is located in a desert, and as a result, it experiences dramatic temperature changes throughout the day. The temperature also varies a lot with the seasons.
During the summer, the desert heat can be brutal, and the winters can be bitterly cold. But, if you choose your routes carefully, you can mountain bike in Moab all year round. The reason for this is that you can ride at different elevations to suit the temperatures. However, some mountain bike trails are buried in deep snow during winter, especially those at higher altitudes.
If you want to make the most of your mountain biking trip to Moab, the best times to go are in May, September, or October. But, you should be aware that some of the higher sections may still be too muddy or snowy in May.
Recommended Mountain Bike Trails In Moab
With the vast choice of mountain bike trails available in Moab, it can be tricky to know where to start. Therefore, here are some suggestions, based on difficulty:
Moab Mountain Bike Trails for Beginner To Intermediate Riders
The Brand Trails
If you are a beginner to intermediate mountain biker, you should start with the Brand Trails. This area has roughly 15 connected loops that are made up of trails ideally suited to your ability. However, there are some expert trails that you might want to avoid.
The way these trails are linked gives you lots of route options. The selection of green and blue trails allows you to pick your own itinerary to build your confidence and skills until you progress on to more challenging trails.
One of the big attractions to the Brand Trails is the stunning scenery. And it is also great for singletrack lovers. The trails are ideal for finding your feet, thanks to how they are connected. This means you can ride as much or as little as you want to.
Klondike
Another area to build your confidence and skills is the Klondike trail system. It is pretty similar to the Brand Trails, but it has more elevation and more technical terrain. The area is filled with many connected loops that allow you to choose the perfect route to suit your mood. However, an excellent route to do is the one that runs from Alaska to Dino via EKG and Megasteps. This is a 15-mile ride with 1,100 feet of climbing and epic scenery. The route is entertaining but perfectly suited to intermediate riders.
Moab Mountain Bike Trails For Advanced Riders
The Magnificent 7
If you know what you are doing on a mountain bike, you need to head to the Magnificent 7. This area is made up of a network of trails that are linked. You can ride a point-to-point route using a shuttle or choose from a variety of different loops.
With 70% of the Magnificent 7 consisting of singletrack, you are sure to love this area. It gets its name from the 7 linked trails that create an incredible traverse. The point-to-point route that takes in all 7 trails is fast and fun. There is lots of exposure and technical terrain, especially towards the end. Therefore, this one is not for nervous or inexperienced mountain bikers.
The Whole Enchilada
Another route that experienced mountain bikes need to ride is known as the Whole Enchilada.
The Whole Enchilada starts at an alpine pass way above the treeline and runs all the way down to the Colorado River. The route takes on a range of surfaces all the way along it. You will ride on black humus and red slickrock that the area is famed for. There are also paved cycle paths and, of course, fantastic singletrack.
With its variety of terrain and stunning scenery, the Whole Enchilada is regarded as one of the greatest mountain bike routes in the world. It is a big one, though. Even if you get a shuttle, the ride is over 35-miles long, and it is not an easy ride. Most of the route is downhill, which is very technical in places. Also, you will have to take on a couple of big climbs.
Final Thoughts
With its heritage and reputation, many mountain bikers may be intimidated by Moab. But, there is something for every level of rider in this stunning part of the world.
There are also lots of other things to do when you are not riding, so you can make your trip pretty varied and experience new things.
It is worth mentioning that when you go on longer rides, you need to be prepared. Make sure you have plenty of food and water to keep you going. But it is also essential to make sure your bike is in perfect working order and you have spare inner tubes, spare parts, tools, etc. Moab mountain bike trails are punishing for bikes. Therefore, being able to keep your bike running is essential.
With Moab being at altitude, you should definitely work on your fitness before your trip. The lowest altitude is 4,000 feet, and the highest point is at 11,000 feet, which will make a difference to your endurance.
