Biking the Slickrock Trail in Moab

Biking the Slickrock Trail in Moab offers an extraordinary experience that captures the unique landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Renowned for its distinctive terrain, this trail is a must-visit for mountain biking enthusiasts, presenting a thrilling blend of challenging routes and breathtaking views. The adventure of navigating the slickrock, a type of sandstone, makes this trail especially significant, showcasing the region's geological and climatic history.

Adventure Guide to Biking the Slickrock Trail

Slickrock Bike Trail
- Location: Located just 10 minutes from Moab, this 10.5-mile loop is the most famous biking trail in the area.
- What Makes It Special: The trail is celebrated for its smooth, desert-like terrain and unique rock formations that challenge riders while providing stunning vistas of the La Sal Mountains and the expansive Moab Valley.
- Key Features: Open year-round, the trail features designated bike paths that help keep both bikers and hikers safe. It also has two practice areas for beginners to gain confidence.
Moab Brands Trail System
- Location: Just 15 minutes from downtown Moab.
- What Makes It Special: This extensive trail system offers a refresher to Slickrock’s intense conditions with less technical routes, making it an excellent option for families or novice riders.
- Key Features: Scenic overlooks and varying difficulty levels cater to both beginners and experts, providing a well-rounded biking experience.
Porcupine Rim Trail
- Location: About 30 minutes from Moab, this trail is slightly more remote.
- What Makes It Special: Renowned for its stunning views of the Colorado River and the Utah landscape, it adds a mix of technical descents along with thrilling downhill sections.
- Key Features: Featuring singletrack and rocky stretches, it is best suited for experienced bikers, showcasing Moab's rugged beauty.

Local Insights

Moab has a rich biking culture, hosting events like the Moab Bike Festival each fall, which highlights the local biking community.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather for comfortable riding.
What to Bring: Always carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
Driving Directions: From Moab, the Slickrock Trailhead is a quick 10- to 15-minute drive on Sand Flats Road, accessible via a well-marked turnoff.

Reviews

Jack Orton7 months ago

Very fun trail but not for the novice rider. Greg and give a 2 ish hour buffer before sunset as the trail gets tricky after dark. (Not fun but a good story). Walking your bike is very normal and regular yet frustrating. You’ll feel it in your legs the next day though.

Bryan Anderson3 months ago

Such a fun trail! My 13 year old son and I conquered this trail recently. It's (11) fairly difficult miles round-trip. Weather can and often changes on a dime. No matter what - always bring more water than you think you'll need. Be sure to consider having an extra chain, tube, etc. Very technical trail with multiple spots that, depending on your skill level, may require walking your bike. Overall a 10 out of 10 experience.

Janson Pace5 months ago

An amazingly grueling ride! Views are fantastic and the experience can't be replicated. I would highly recommend at least 75 ounces of water. We rode it in July starting at 8:30am. By the last 1 hour, the heat escalates quite a bit! I would recommend starting no later than 7:30. Very difficult. I would say it's doable by most kids who have ridden at least 1 year of NICA.

David Pestana2 months ago

The Moab Slickrock Trail has quickly become one of my favorite mountain bike rides! This trail offers a challenging technical experience, with steep climbs and tight, rocky switchbacks that will test your skills. One great feature is that electric-assist mountain bikes are allowed, making it accessible for a wider range of riders. The stunning vistas along the trail had us frequently stopping to snap photos. We chose to ride during sunset, transitioning into the night with bike lights, which was nothing short of magical. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the changing light highlighted the unique rock formations, transforming the landscape before our eyes. The way the rocks shifted colors and shadows in the fading light was an unforgettable sight. If you're looking for a trail that offers both technical riding and breathtaking scenery, the Moab Slickrock Trail is a must-ride!

Diego Corredora week ago

Bike trails are amazing here. Get ready for some hard out of saddle climbs while you combine it to fast quick downhills

Biking

Biking the Slickrock Trail in Moab