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Klondike Bluffs: Mega Steps -> Alaska -> Nome Loop

Moab

A rocky up-and-down combination of the best black diamond trails at Klondike Bluffs.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
17 km
Ascent
384 m
Descent
383 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
1.4 km
High Point
1.6 km
Gradient
Klondike Bluffs: Mega Steps -> Alaska -> Nome Loop Map

This recommended route connects portions of the Mega Steps trail to Alaska and Nome (among others) to maximize the mileage on the technical black diamond trails on the north end of the trail system. The route as depicted climbs directly to the top via the Baby Steps North Trail, but for an even longer ride, consider tacking this onto the end of the Klondike Bluffs Sampler instead of descending Mega Steps.

Description

However you choose to get to the top, once you reach the top of the ridge, you're in for a true treat! The quality of the riding really ratchets up once on Mega Steps, but instead of descending Mega Steps, you'll remain on top of the ridge to pick up the Alaska trail. Alaska provides superb ridgeline riding with entertaining rock slabs, rock rolls, and other tech features. This is one of the highlights of the ride, combining a delightful trail character with stupendous 360-degree views.

Alaska takes a left turn and begins ripping back down the side of the ridge with a vengeance! This rock slab-filled descent is an absolute riot and epitomizes Moab's modern combination of singletrack and rock slab trail routing. Despite a few short riser climbs, it's easy to keep the downhill pace high!

To make the most of the technical singletrack, bypass Homer and continue following Alaska, but then take a left to climb a bit back uphill on the Nome trail. Yes, you're interrupting the flow a bit to climb up the Nome trail but rest assured—it's worth it.

Once you've finished the climb, you're in for a fantastic descent to finish! Nome is a massively underutilized trail that offers superb rock slab riding filled with rollers and rock gardens aplenty. This trail drops consistently back toward the valley below, rocking and rolling through endless features and finishing on the final few feet of the Mega Steps trail.

Once at the bottom, take a right on Dino Flow to pedal back to the North trailhead to finish the route.

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between March and November

Features

  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • Drops
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area