Moab’s Mountain Biking Guide: Where to Ride, Rent, and Explore

When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking – Arthur Conan Doyle
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Chasing Mountain Biking Trails, Finding Freedom

Moab is one of those places every mountain biker dreams about. The desert town has earned its spot on the global riding map with sandstone slickrock, technical descents, flowing singletrack, and alpine escapes in the nearby La Sal Mountains. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an approachable loop, or an expert ticking off bucket-list epics like Porcupine Rim, Moab delivers.

This guide is designed to give you everything you need to plan: trail recommendations by skill level, shop and rental info, safety tips, and even downloadable maps.

Quick Facts Moab Mountain Biking

Category Details
Best Seasons Spring (Mar–May), Fall (Sep–Nov)
Summer Riding Early morning or La Sal Mountains
Trail Types Slickrock, desert singletrack, alpine trails
Trail Network 150+ miles, beginner to expert
Shuttles Available for Porcupine Rim, Mag 7, Amasa Back
Bike Shops 10+ in town, rentals & repairs

Top moab MTB Destinations

The Best Trails by Difficulty

Beginner-Friendly

Bar M Loop – 7 miles, 350 ft elevation. Wide, forgiving, with great views toward Arches.
Dead Horse Point Trails – 16 miles total, mostly easy singletrack perched above the Colorado River.
Lazy-EZ Loop (Moab Brands) – Short, fun, with rolling slickrock features for new riders.

Intermediate Classics

Navajo Rocks – 17 miles, 1,200 ft gain. Rolling sandstone, moderate climbs, incredible scenery.
Klondike Bluffs – 20+ miles of mix-and-match loops; famous for exposed dinosaur tracks.
Amasa Back / Lower Captain Ahab – Technical sandstone features, but rideable for solid intermediates.

Advanced & Expert

Slickrock Bike Trail – 10.5 miles, 1,000 ft climbing. Iconic, demanding, and unlike any other ride in the world.
Porcupine Rim – 14.7 miles, 1,100 ft descent. Shuttle-served epic that finishes at the Colorado River.
Captain Ahab (full) – 9 miles, 1,200 ft descent. Steep, technical, and built for advanced riders.
Mag 7 to Portal – 20+ miles. Varied terrain ending with Portal, an extreme expert-only finish.

Interactive Maps and Downloads

  • Trailforks & MTB Project – Download maps for offline use; cell service is unreliable.

  • GPX Downloads – Coming soon: downloadable GPX files for top Moab trails. Perfect for GPS devices or apps like Gaia GPS.

Mountain Bike Shops and Rentals in Moab

Moab is loaded with bike shops—each one ready to set you up for success.

  • Poison Spider Bicycles – Legendary shop, excellent rentals, great gear selection.

  • Chile Pepper Bike Shop – Friendly atmosphere, large rental fleet, shuttle bookings available.

  • Moab Cyclery – Known for repairs and guided tours.

  • Double Down Bike Shop – Great for performance bikes and advanced rider support.

Insider Tip: Reserve your rental or shuttle weeks in advance during spring and fall.

Safety Callouts

  • Hydration: Minimum 3 liters of water per ride.

  • Sun Exposure: Wide-brim hat and sunscreen for breaks.

  • Heat Management: Ride mornings in summer.

  • Trail Hazards: Some trails (like Portal) have deadly exposure. Know your limits.

  • Weather: Desert storms can roll in fast; check forecasts.

What to Pack for Moab Rides

  • Helmet, gloves, and pads if needed

  • 3L hydration pack + electrolytes

  • Snacks or a light meal

  • Multi-tool, spare tube, and mini pump

  • GPS or offline map

  • Light jacket (spring/fall evenings get cool).

FAQs: Mountain Biking in Moab

Is Moab beginner-friendly?
Yes. Trails like Bar M, Lazy-EZ, and Dead Horse Point are perfect for beginners.

What is the most famous trail?
The Slickrock Bike Trail—an international icon.

Do I need a shuttle?
Only for longer point-to-point epics like Porcupine Rim or Mag 7.

Can I ride in summer?
Yes, but stick to mornings or the higher-elevation La Sal trails.

Are e-bikes allowed in Moab?
Yes, on some trails, but not all. Check trail-specific rules.

Next Steps for Planning Your Moab Ride

  • Pick your season – Spring and fall offer the best balance of weather and trail conditions.

  • Match your trails to your skill level – Don’t underestimate difficulty ratings.

  • Reserve rentals and shuttles early – Especially on weekends.

  • Download offline maps – Service is unreliable in canyon country.

  • Plan post-ride recovery – Moab Brewery and local food trucks are rider favorites.

Pro Tips

  • Start Slickrock at sunrise to beat both the heat and the crowds.

  • Always carry more water than you think you’ll need.

  • Don’t miss Navajo Rocks if you want a “classic Moab feel” without the extreme difficulty.

  • Shuttle Porcupine Rim only if you’re an experienced rider—there’s exposure and serious technical terrain.

Your Moab Mountain Biking Adventure is Waiting

Moab isn’t just a mountain biking trip. It is a pilgrimage. With its unique terrain, variety of trails, and a town built around the riding culture, it’s a destination that every biker should experience at least once. Plan ahead, ride responsibly, and you’ll leave with stories (and maybe a few sore muscles) that will stick with you long after the dust settles.

What are you waiting for?

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