Canyonlands, Arches and Moab's Best
Mountain Biking in Utah with Escape Adventures
Highlights
- Fully-catered gourmet meals throughout this physically demanding journey
- Expert guiding through the rugged terrain of Southern Utah
- Travel with the world's first carbon-neutral outfitter
Full Description
Explore the best of Southern Utah's moonscape terrain on bike let by expert riders and supported with bio-fuel powered vehicles.
For some, the Canyonlands of southern Utah bring to mind the last of the Old West and America's frontier. For others, it speaks of the mystical lives of ancient civilizations long gone. Guests have told us that for them, the countryside brings a feeling of awe at first glance, and as their experience in the desert unfolds, a deeper appreciation. One of the best ways to experience Canyonlands is from a mountain bike, moving freely through the desert with the trail stretched out before you. The sun is on your back and snow-capped mountains rise in the distance. Welcome to Moab!
Undeniably the mountain bike mecca of the world, experience this spectacular mountain bike trip through Utah's Canyonlands and Arches National Parks with our local shop, Moab Cyclery. Our adventure includes visits to Castle Valley, Fisher Towers, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park. A sampling of epic mountain biking include the legendary Porcupine Rim, Onion Creek, and Kokopelli's Trail.
This trip is a great introduction to mountain biking for riders of all levels. The abundance of trails and the variety of terrain makes it a great choice for a private group and a custom itinerary as well.
Includes:
- Two guides
- All meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day
- Support vehicle
- Snacks
- First-aid
- Bike maintenance
- Community gear
- Souvenir shirt
- Gratuities to local restaurants, hotels, transportation, and additional activities mentioned on this itinerary are paid by Escape Adventures. If you engage in an activity that is not part of this trip as outlined, then you are responsible for tipping.
Excludes:
- Airfare to and from our departure point
- Lodging before or after the tour
- Personal camping gear, rental bike
- Gratuities to Escape Adventures guides.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Klondike Bluffs
We’ll begin our week on a true Moab classic, the Klondike Bluff trail. During the ride we’ll pass imprints of three-toed dinosaurs that tramped across mud flats and river bottoms about 170 million years ago. At the turn around point, we’ll hike across the trail’s namesake bluffs, which erode to bonnets and elephant toes atop fractured fins and alcoves. Features of Arches National Park can be seen in the distance, backed by the scenic La Sal Mountains. Total Mileage | 10 miles Camping | Sand Flats Rec Area Terrain | 100% Jeep Road, No Van Support
Day 2: Kokopelli’s Trail, Onion Creek
Today we’ll discover the legend of Kokopelli as we ride a downhill stretch of his immortal trail. We’ll stop at Polar Mesa to see real dinosaur tracks that “walk” off the edge of a cliff! Our 4,000-foot descent starts as we ride through Thompson Canyon on large slabs of slickrock. After about 12 miles, we’ll climb Kneeknocker Hill (the name says it all!) to our lunch stop. After lunch, we descend Onion Creek, the most scenic section of the trail. Be prepared to get a little wet—we’ll be crossing the creek numerous times as we ride through the huge red cliffs cut by the creek. Total Mileage | 25 miles Camping | Sand Flats Rec Area Terrain | 100% Jeep Road, No Van Support
Day 3: Porcupine Rim
A short shuttle takes us up the Sand Flats Road where we’ll descend to the Porcupine Rim upper access trail. After a short one-mile climb, we’ll descend for fourteen miles on incredible singletrack down to the Colorado River. This trail is more technical than our other rides, but is well worth the extra effort! Total Mileage | 24 miles Camping | Sand Flats Rec Area Terrain | 100% Jeep Road, No Van Support
Day 4: Arches National Park
An early breakfast gets us ready for some of the best scenery in the country. We’ll pedal a backcountry route into Arches National Park, stop at the beautiful Windows section and hike until lunch. After lunch we’ll either shuttle or ride to Delicate Arch—the most photographed natural arch in the world. Total Mileage | 8-16 miles biking, 3 miles hiking Camping | Sand Flats Rec Area Terrain | 100% Jeep Road, 100% Van Support
Day 5: Slickrock
A technical adventure awaits us just outside of Moab where we ride the world-famous ten-mile slickrock loop that surrounds Negro Bill Canyon. This classic Moab ride is very challenging and has extremely steep, but short, climbs. We’ll begin our ride at the practice loop, getting used to the terrain and new skills we will need for the remainder of the trail. **The slickrock bike trail is difficult but should not be missed. We also have the option to do just the practice loop and opt for an easier ride that will be selected by Escape guides. Total Mileage | 11 miles biking Camping | Sand Flats Rec Area Terrain | 100% Slickrock, No Van Support
Day 6: The Shafer Trail, Canyonlands National Park
This morning we follow the historic Shafer Trail's dramatic descent as we head down off the Island in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park. Try not to smile too widely; you'll get dirt between your teeth! As the old sheep herding trail zigzags through a series of challenging switchbacks, we continue our descent onto the White Rim Plateau, over 1000 feet below our starting point. We'll end our ride, and our tour on a high note, with a delicious lunch at a Colorado River overlook, before shuttling back to Moab. Total Mileage | 25 miles biking Terrain | 100% Jeep Road, 100% Van Support
About The Operator:
Escape Adventures
Headquarters:
Las Vegas, Nevada
Specializing in western North America, Escape Adventures is a leader in first-class eco-friendly cycling and multi-sport adventure. In 2006, we became the world's first carbon neutral outfitter, bringing sustainable adventure to all the places we visit, from Alaska to Belize and beyond. By simply joining a tour with us, outdoor enthusiasts are now helping to preserve the beautiful backcountry areas they enjoy.
Whether cycling, hiking, climbing, or rafting, tour our guests claim that improving the environment has never been more fun. For example, by eating delicious organic menus prepared fresh on the trail, guests are supporting local and organic growers. They also do not contribute to pollution when riding in our brand new support vehicles powered by 100% renewable vegetable oil. And, by simply joining a tour and riding their bikes through some of the finest natural treasures of North America, guests are supporting the many efforts made by Escape Adventures to enhance and protect these areas.
With proven conviction for the land and people we serve, Escape Adventures maintains the highest standard of service in the industry. With over 16 years of experience and 50 destinations, we offer a wide variety of tours for a wide variety of active travelers. From road bikers to mountain bikers, from hikers to multi-sport enthusiasts, from first timers to accomplished athletes, Escape Adventures has just the adventure for you.
Escape Adventures is a proud partner of the Leave no Trace program, a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands.