Mountain Biking
Mountain biking originated in Moab, and the region has earned the well-deserved reputation as the mountain-biking capital of the world. Riders of all ages and skill levels are drawn to the many rugged roads and trails found here. One of the most popular routes is the Slickrock Trail, a stunning area of steep Navajo Sandstone dunes a few miles east of Moab. Beginners should master the 2⅓-mile practice loop before attempting the longer, and very challenging, 10-mile loop. More moderate rides can be found on the Gemini Bridges or Monitor and Merrimac trails, both found off U.S. 191 north of Moab. Klondike Bluffs, north of Moab, is an excellent novice ride, as are sections of the newer trails in the Klonzo trail system. The Moab Information Center carries a free biking trail guide. Mountain-bike rentals range from $40 for a good bike to $75 for a top-of-the-line workhorse. If you want to go on a guided ride, expect to pay between $120 and $135 per person for a half-day, and $155 to $190 for a full day, including the cost of the bike rental. You can save money by joining a larger group to keep the per-person rates down; even a party of two will save drastically over a single rider. Several companies offer shuttles to and from the trailheads.
Outfitters and Expeditions
Chile Pepper Bike Shop. For mountain bike rentals, sales, service, and gear, plus espresso, stop here before you set out. 702 S. Main St., Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/259–4688; www.chilebikes.com.
Poison Spider Bicycles. In a town of great bike shops, this fully loaded shop is one of the best. Poison Spider serves the thriving road-cycling community as well as mountain bikers. Rent, buy, or service your bike here. You can also arrange for shuttle and guide services and purchase merchandise. Want to ship your bike to Moab for your adventure? Poison Spider will store it until you arrive and the staff will reassemble it for you and make sure everything is in perfect working order. 497 N. Main St., Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/259–7882; 800/635–1792; www.poisonspiderbicycles.com.
Rim Tours. Reliable, friendly, and professional, Rim Tours has been taking guests on guided one-day or multiday mountain-bike tours, including Klondike Bluffs (which enters Arches) and the White Rim Trail (inside Canyonlands) since 1985. Road-bike tours as well as bike rentals are also available. Bike skills a little rusty? Rim Tours also offers mountain-bike instructional tours. For all tours, the larger the group, the cheaper the price per person. 1233 S. U.S. 191, Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/259–5223; www.rimtours.com. Tours start at $155 for a solo rider .
Western Spirit Cycling Adventures. Head here for fully supported, go-at-your-own-pace, multiday mountain-bike and road-bike tours throughout the western states, including trips to Canyonlands, Bears Ears, and the 140-mile Kokopelli Trail, which runs from Grand Junction, Colorado, to Moab. Guides versed in the geologic wonders of the area cook up meals worthy of the scenery each night. Ask about family rides, and road bike trips, too. Electric bicycles are available. 478 S. Mill Creek Dr., Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/259–8732; 800/845–2453; www.westernspirit.com. From $995.
