Moab

Overview

Moab is the mecca of off-road riding in the American Southwest. Famous for its unique slickrock formations and challenging technical terrain, Moab offers everything from scenic beginner trails to extreme technical challenges that have defined the sport.

Trail Highlights

Fins and Things

• Distance: 9.2 miles
• Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
• Highlights: Slickrock fins, panoramic views, technical climbs
• Trail Type: Loop
• Time: 2-3 hours

Slickrock Trail

• Distance: 10.5 miles (2.3 mile practice loop)
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Highlights: Iconic slickrock riding, steep climbs and descents
• Trail Type: Loop with practice area
• Time: 3-4 hours

Pritchett Canyon

• Distance: 9 miles
• Difficulty: Expert Only
• Highlights: Extreme obstacles including Rocker Knocker and Yellow Hill
• Trail Type: Out and back
• Time: 4-6 hours

Hell’s Revenge

• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Highlights: Steep slickrock climbs, Colorado River overlook
• Trail Type: Loop
• Time: 2-3 hours

Sovereign Trail System

• Distance: 30+ miles of single track
• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Highlights: Flowing single track, great for skill building
• Trail Type: Multiple loops
• Time: Variable

Access Points

Sand Flats Recreation Area

• Location: Sand Flats Road (for Fins & Things, Slickrock)
• Amenities: Restrooms, camping, fee station
• GPS: 38.5744, -109.5642
• Fee: $5 day use, $30 camping

Kane Creek Boulevard

• Location: Southwest of town (for Pritchett Canyon)
• Amenities: Limited parking
• GPS: 38.5403, -109.5892
• Notes: High clearance recommended to trailhead

Sovereign Trail Parking

• Location: Willow Springs Road
• Amenities: Parking area, trail map
• GPS: 38.6051, -109.5987
• Fee: Free

Trail Videos

Fins and Things Full Run

28:11

Slickrock Trail Guide

19:57

Pritchett Canyon - Expert Lines

25:10

Skill Level Recommendations

15:02

Trail Conditions

• Spring (March-May): Perfect temperatures, busy season
• Summer (June-August): Extremely hot, ride early morning only
• Fall (September-November): Ideal conditions, very busy
• Winter (December-February): Cool but rideable, possible snow

Safety Considerations

• Slickrock provides amazing traction when dry but is dangerous when wet
• Carry more water than you think you need
• Start early to avoid crowds and heat
• Cell service is spotty on trails
• Stay on marked routes to protect cryptobiotic soil

Recommended Gear

• Tire pressure: 8-12 PSI for slickrock
• Radiator fan for slow technical sections
• Minimum 2 liters of water per person
• Sun protection is critical
• Recovery gear for group rides

Local Amenities

Moab Town (0-5 miles from trails)

• Multiple bike shops
• Full services and lodging
• Restaurants and breweries
• Hospital and urgent care
• Grocery stores

Bike Shops

• Moab Cyclery
• Chile Pepper Bike Shop
• Poison Spider Bicycles
• All offer parts, service, and local knowledge

Camping

• Sand Flats Recreation Area
• BLM camping along Highway 128
• Multiple private campgrounds
• Dispersed camping on BLM land

Skill Level Recommendations

Beginners

• Start with Sovereign Trail System
• Try the Slickrock Practice Loop
• Ride with experienced locals
• Consider guided tours

Intermediate

• Fins and Things is perfect progression
• Lower sections of Hell’s Revenge
• Klondike Bluffs area
• Practice line selection on slickrock

Advanced/Expert

• Full Slickrock Trail
• Hell’s Revenge complete
• Pritchett Canyon (expert only)
• Golden Spike (extreme)

Environmental Considerations

• Stay on designated trails
• Cryptobiotic soil is fragile - don’t ride on it
• Pack out all trash
• Respect wilderness study areas
• Follow seasonal closures

Best Practices

Slickrock Riding Tips

• Lower tire pressure for better grip
• Look ahead, not down
• Momentum is your friend
• Stand up for better balance
• Trust the traction

Heat Management

• Start before sunrise in summer
• Carry electrolyte supplements
• Wear light colors
• Take breaks in shade
• Know heat exhaustion signs

Trail Etiquette

• Yield to uphill traffic
• Stay right on two-way trails
• Respect private property
• Keep speeds reasonable
• Help others when needed