An awesome post ride recharge station. Located right next to Chile Bikes.
Great outdoor patio that basks in the evening light located right in the middle of town. A fun place to relax after riding.
Must do Mountain Bike Ride of the Month – Rotorua, New Zealand
Must do Mountain Bike Ride of the Month - Rotorua, New Zealand - Billy T to Roller
Overview
Moab is the original mountain bike holiday destination. Every serious mountain biker should plan on visiting Moab at least once… although we bet that if you come once, you will end up wanting to come here every year. It’s that good.
We love everything about Moab, the trails, the town, the weather and the scenery. Whenever we are in Moab we prefer to stay right in town and then try not to drive much again as getting to Moab can be pretty epic from most locations in North America. Best to visit between late March and October. The alpine trails (such as the Whole Enchilada) are typically fully accessible from May to early October.
We have not provided any ‘Must do Rides’ in the Klondike Bluffs, Sovereign Trail System or Moab Brand Trails networks, only because these trails are relatively easy to navigate around and you can find all sorts of cool little routes to play on and create your own short ride (or epic if you like). We defenitely suggest you ride these areas as they are especially good for beginner and intermediate riders (with plenty of great riding for advanced riders as well).
For finding rides and routes in these riding areas we suggest downloading the Trailforks app for your mobile device…. it works offline on your phone’s GPS if you pre-load the maps or you can also buy a paper map at a local bike shop.
If you have the time we also suggest that you check out Arches National Park; it’s beautiful and well worth an explore. If you head into the park you might think about an early morning or early evening visit as the park can be really busy.
Things to remember about Moab:
– Moab is at a bit of an altitude (the town is at 4200 feet and then you climb from there). If you are coming from sea level you might need a few days to acclimatize. We have been surprised a few times when we roll in from sea level and find ourselves much more out of breath than usual.
– Moab is hot… start your rides early and plan to be done by 10 or 11 am. This will make your rides much more enjoyable and starting early also means you might head out again for an evening ride.
– Spring and fall are great times to visit. The peak of summer might be a bit too hot for most people’s liking.
– Wear loads of sunscreen and bring extra with you on your rides. Bring more water than you think you need. You will likely still drink it all.
– Watch out for flash floods. It rarely rains in Moab, but when it does, it is pretty intense. If caught in heavy rain get to high ground immediately. If you don’t understand what a flash flood is, just know that they are very dangerous. Do not take storms in the desert lightly. Many of the cool rock features in Moab were created by water erosion during flood events.
Trail Map
We recommend that you download the Trailforks app to access this map on your smartphone and use your phone’s GPS to position you on the map while you are out on the trails. This app can be used offline as long as you pre-load the maps ahead of time, making it an ideal option when traveling. You can also access routes with our Must do Rides below with the Trailforks app. We also recommend a paper map when traveling in Moab as some of the rides can be quite remote and if your phone dies you should have a back up plan for navigation.
Trailforks Map of Moab, Utah
Moab on Trailforks.com
Must Do Rides
Click on the rides below for more details and to sync the route to your Trailfoks app.
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Slickrock – Moab, Utah – Advanced Mountain Bike Route – 2 – 5+ hours
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Whole Enchilada – Moab, Utah – Advanced Mountain Bike Route – 2.5 – 7+ hours
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Mag 7 – Moab, Utah – Intermediate/Advanced – Mountain Bike Route
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Amasa Back – Captain Ahab -Pothole Arch – Moab, Utah – Mountain Bike Route
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Moab Brand Trails – Mountain Bike Riding Area
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Bartlet Wash – Moab, Utah Intermediate/Advanced – Mountain Bike Riding Area
Bike Shops
Chile Pepper
Great coffee shop located in-house. Located right in the middle of town.
(435) 259-4688 or (888) 677-4688
Poison Spider
Full service shop located on the North Side of town.
(800) 635-1792 or (435) 259-7882
Moab Cyclery
Loacted right in the middle of town.
(800) 559-1978 or (435) 259-7423
Rim Cyclery
Located close to the middle of town just off 100N street. They were the original bike shop in town; these guys helped put Moab on the map.
(888) 304-8219 or (435) 259-5333
Bike Rentals
Chile Pepper
(435) 259-4688 or (888) 677-4688
Poison Spider
(800) 635-1792 or (435) 259-7882
Moab Cyclery
(800) 559-1978 or (435) 259-7423
Rim Cyclery
(888) 304-8219 or (435) 259-5333
Camps/Coaching
Magpie Cycling
Western Spirit
They are dialed… in fact they’ve even given former president Bill Clinton a tour!
Moab Mountain Bike Instruction
Guiding/Shuttles
Coyote Shuttle
The original shuttle company in the USA (if not the world?)
(435) 260-2097
Western Spirit
They are dialed… in fact they’ve even given former president Bill Clinton a tour! Great for all your guiding needs.
(800) 845-2453 or (435) 259-8732
Rim Tours
Owned by Matt Hebberd who is in the mountain bike hall of fame as a pioneer of the sport.
(800) 626-7335 or (435) 259-5223
Poison Spider Shuttle Company
Operates out of Poison Spider Bike Shop.
(800) 635-1792 or (435) 259-7882
Porcupine Shuttle Company
Operates out of Poison Spider Bike Shop.
(800) 635-1792 or (435) 259-7882
Whole Enchilada Shuttle Company
Another great Moab shuttle company, and if your driver is named Kyle or Ross they probably have the Strava KOM on any trail you are about to ride.
(435) 260-2534
Weather
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Clear
High 34°/Low 18°
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Clear
High 33°/Low 17°
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Friday
Clear
High 33°/Low 17°
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Saturday
Clear
High 34°/Low 18°
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Sunday
Clear
High 34°/Low 20°
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Video
Caffeinated
Love Muffin Cafe
Serving breakfast and lunch.
Website (435) 259-6833
Chile Pepper Bike Shop
The best thing about starting your ride from Chile Pepper Bike shop is that you can have a great cup of coffee first at their in-house coffee shop.
(435) 259-4688 or (888) 677-4688
Moab Coffee Roasters
A great place for a coffee or a gelato. Free Wifi as well.
Website (435) 259-2725
Casual Restaurants
Pasta Jay’s
Wicked post ride meals featuring fantastic pasta feeds!
Website (
Miguel’s Mexican
This is one of our favorite places to eat in Moab. Located right on the main street. There is often a bit of a wait so get your name on the list before you get hungry, and then go for a walk on the main street.
Website (
Moab Diner
Great breakfast spot!
Website (
Eclectica
Such a relaxing and cool little cafe that also serves great coffee. The food is super healthy, the vibe is really chilled out and their patio is a perfect place to sit pre or post ride.
(
Counter Service
Milts
A classic burger joint with a great “fast food” and milkshakes. Conveniently located right at the base of the road up to the Slickrock trail.
435) 259-7424
Pubs
Fancy Restaurants
Sunset Grill
Great place to sit overlooking the town. A historic location that was once the family home of one of the biggest uranium mine owners in the United States.
Website (
Desert Bistro
One of the best restaurants in Moab.
Website (435) 259-0756
River Grill Restaurant
Located a short drive out of town on the shores of the Colorado River in a stunning location. One of the best restaurants in Moab.
Deals
Looking for last minute deals? Here is a link to all of our available properties in Moab. This is always worth a click as you can find great deals here.
Vacation Rentals
Moab Lodging and Vacation Rentals
A property management company that has access to some of the best properties in Moab and also some of the most unique properties. Most of their properties are super bike friendly and they serve the traveling mountain biker really well.
No Google Maps link as they have properties all over Moab…
Purple Sage
Purple Sage is one of our favorite places to stay in Moab and is a great mix of affordability, comfort and location. There are actually 8 units in this very mountain bike friendly building. The building is in a very quiet and walk-able location that is also really central to all of the riding in Moab. We have stayed here ourselves a number of times. There is also laundry, a kitchen, bike storage and workstation and a hot tub. A real home away from home.
Click below to read more about or book any of the Purple Sage Units:
*Note – all units sleep 4 people with the exception of the Kiva which sleeps 2.
The Kiva The Kokopelli The Verde The Contemporary The Aspen The Fontana The Red Rocks The Mission
Moab Flats
We like the Moab Flats. They are cool and simple apartments that are within walking distance of everything. Complete with an awesome set up for bikes and kitchens so that you can have a break from restaurant eating. Click below for more info – they actually have 8 units, to see them all type ‘Moab Flats’ into the search and you will find all the units.
Read More and Booking Details – Unit 1 Read More and Booking Details – Unit 2 Read More and Booking Details – Unit 3 Read More and Booking Details – Unit 4 Read More and Booking Details – Unit 5 Read More and Booking Details – Unit 6 Read More and Booking Details – Unit 7 Read More and Booking Details – Unit 8
Desert Garden
A very nice spot and reasonable prices. Units have kitchens so you can cook at home, the location is walking distance to everything and the grounds are huge and private. A great home away from home on your Moab mountain biking holiday and you can do most of Moab’s best rides right from your room.
Read More and Booking Details – Unit 1 Read More and Booking Details – Unit 2 Read More and Booking Details – Unit 3
Old Town Bungalo
We like the Old Town Bungalow. It is centrally located in Moab and you can easily ride to most of the trail heads from the door or you can spin to any one of the shuttle companies right from ‘home’. The only possible downside is that it is located next to a pub/restaurant so you might hear people chatting in the evening… but that could also be a great upside depending on how you look at things.
Moab Lodging and Property Management
We love this company; they are who we always use to find a place when we stay in Moab. It’s a property management company that has access to some of the best properties in Moab and most of their properties are super bike friendly. When you contact them make sure you use the Referal Code: RideSpots
1-800-505-5343
Luxury
Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa
Located about 10-15 mins drive out of town on the scenic banks of the Colorado River, this is an ideal place to stay if you are looking for a touch of luxury in an incredibly beautiful spot.
Best Western Plus – Canyonlands Inn
A higher end Best Western hotel located right in the heart of Moab. Awesome location.
Unique/BNB
Cali Cochitta Bed and Breakfast
A truly beautiful bed and breakfast with a perfect location for your mountain bike holiday!
Budget
River Canyon Lodge
Centrally located: you can easily ride to most of the trail heads from the door or you can spin to any one of the shuttle companies right from ‘home’. Enjoy the pool for a refresh after you ride and easily walk to everything in Moab after riding… no need to use your car if you stay here.
The Lazy Lizard Hostel
Located a little bit out of town near the start of the Pipedream trail.
Camping
Canyonlands RV Resort and Campground
Moab Valley RV Resort & Camping
Archview RV Resort and Campground
Located close to all the intermediate Moab Brand trails. Great view of Arches National Park from this area.
Slickrock – sandflats recreation area
This is a state run camping area with a variety of camping areas right up near the trail head of the Slickrock trail. Possibly the coolest location in Moab to camp on a riding holiday.
Kane Creek Rd
Located on the Colorado River between town and the Amasa Back area. A nice spot to camp.
Colorado River – state campgrounds
There are a whole series of beautiful state run campgrounds along the Colorado River. They are all gorgeous places to stay; just head out for a drive and pick your favorite camping spot.
Ken’s Lake – state campground
A basic campground located very close to Ken’s Lake
Swim/Beach
Mill Creek (Backside of Slickrock)
This is such an amazing place to come and relax after your day or riding. We like the swimming hole right below the parking area, or if you still have energy it is worth hiking up to swim at the Mill Creek Waterfall.
Ken’s Lake
Good big clear lake to swim or paddleboard or even catch crawfish. There is also a campground here.
Colorado River
You can swim anywhere upstream of the bridge. We are showing you the area right at the end of the Porcupine Trail as you will likely be finishing some rides here.
Other Sports
Rock Climbing – ‘wall street’
The Google Map link below is just a rough link. There is actually great climbing all along the cliff walls in this area. There is obviously more climbing in Moab and if you want to climb on your trip to Moab you will have many options.
4 Wheeling
Moab is world famous for off-roading and 4×4 driving. It’s very worthwhile to check out some of the tours and rentals in town or even use your own truck if you have one.
River Rafting
There are lots of tour outfitters in town. It’s well worth an afternoon river rafting trip on the Colorado once you finish your morning ride.
Activities/Attractions
Moab Off Roading
Check out any of the tour providers in town. Many of which are located on the main street.
Half Day River Rafting Adventure
Try booking this with one of the tour providers. A highly recommended activity while in Moab.
Rain Day
What? Rain in Moab??
… But if it does rain watch out for flash floods as they can be super dangerous. If it starts raining head for high ground immediately and get out of any canyons or low lying areas. You might want to just hunker down and drink coffee until the rain stops. Also, be warned that when the trails are wet in Moab, the gritty, sandy mud will destroy your bike. Best to wait until things dry out before riding. Think 50 grit sandpaper all over your beloved bike and components.
