Mountain Bike Mecca: The Best Trails in Moab, Utah

A deep roundup of the very best mountain bike trails in the epic desert destination of Moab, Utah.

Mountain Biking Moderate, Difficult, Severe, Extreme

Also in Colorado, United States of America

Description

Moab, Utah is one of the oldest mountain bike destinations, and it's still one of the best. Whether you prefer Whistler to Moab, or you think the Swiss Alps region reigns as king, is irrelevant—everyone can agree that riding the slickrock and sand in the ultimate desert destination is a bucket list experience that all mountain bikers need to enjoy at least once in a lifetime... and preferably, at least once a year!

Moab has singlehandedly made slickrock riding famous, and now mountain bikers around the world seek out slabs of exposed bedrock to pedal along. These epic routes are some of the most technical—and most deadly—in the world, with signs on trails like Portal cautioning riders to dismount, as people have fallen to their deaths there before. And yet, the talented trail builders in Moab—primarily Moab Trail Mix—have constructed newer, more beginner-friendly trails, so now mountain bikers of any level can pull into town and find a ride to their liking.

In this guidebook, you’ll find a deep selection of the very best mountain bike trails in Moab. The trails listed here cover the gamut from beginner to pro rider. If you’re looking solely for beginner trails, check out the dedicated beginner guidebook for Moab. If you're looking for an even more curated selection of the very best routes, check out the top 5 guidebook. But if you want to see the array of options in Moab, you've come to the right place!

Routes included

The Whole Enchilada

One of the most epic mountain bike rides of all time, the Whole Enchilada drops over 9,000 feet of vertical and passes through every climate zone imaginable, from high alpine tundra to desert.

Extreme Mountain Biking

Distance: 52 km
Ascent: 816 m
Descent: 2.8 km

Slickrock Trail

One of the original world-famous mountain bike trails, the unique slickrock slabs provide an otherworldly ride experience

Severe Mountain Biking

Distance: 16 km
Ascent: 388 m
Descent: 388 m

Captain Ahab

Captain Ahab combines the best new-school singletrack trail building techniques with Moab's famous views and challenging rocks for a classic mountain bike experience.

Extreme Mountain Biking

Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 376 m
Descent: 376 m

Rockstacker to Jackson's

If death-defying ledge drops, massive boulders, narrow singletrack on top of a thousand-foot cliff, and jaw-dropping views constitute your idea of fun, then Rockstacker to Jackson's is for you!

Extreme Mountain Biking

Distance: 19 km
Ascent: 557 m
Descent: 557 m

Porcupine Rim

Porcupine Rim is a Moab classic in the true sense of the word. Mountain bikers have been braving Porcupine Rim's gnar since at least the 1980s.

Extreme Mountain Biking

Distance: 23 km
Ascent: 387 m
Descent: 953 m

Klondike Bluffs Sampler

This expansive trail system features miles and miles of slickrock and singletrack spreading out in every direction. The options are seemingly endless!

Difficult Mountain Biking