Moab has got to be one of my favorite vacation destinations. This place is incredible for outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s simply hard to beat.
Arches National and Canyonlands National Parks are nearby for some wonderful sightseeing as well. It is arguably the top destination for mountain biking and four-wheeling in the United States, but the other recreational opportunities are nothing to sneeze at, either. There is river rafting, rock climbing, hiking, canyoneering and so much more.
One of my favorite trails is Slick Rock. It’s just like nothing else anywhere. This trail has been featured in more films than I can name, and it’s pretty much an old staple, but it doesn’t seem to get old.
The sandstone offers more traction than seems possible. Most of the time, your skill as a cyclist is the only limiting factor to what you can climb and descend. A full suspension trail bike with at least 4 inches of travel is probably the most enjoyable rig to have.
Suddenly, you are not just trying to survive — the rolling and undulating rock becomes the world’s biggest skate park with ramps and bowls everywhere. The sky is the limit in terms of creativity — if you can dream it, you can do it. Be aware that if you do go down, it’s like landing on pavement. The road rash can be pretty painful, so riding conservatively might be the way to go the first time around.
Porcupine Rim is another great mountain biking trail, but make sure you ride it in the right direction. It is either a three-mile climb and then a 15-mile descent — or the other way around. I only made that mistake once. This trail has a totally different feel compared to Slick Rock — it has much more of a desert atmosphere.
This trail is definitely technical, as are most in Moab, so be on your toes. You might come around a corner and suddenly find yourself looking at a 5-foot drop right near the edge of the canyon. Although it is often highly traveled, make sure to bring plenty of water, tools and sunscreen. A wonderful day can quickly turn into a nightmare if something goes wrong in a remote place.
I like to camp down by the river. It’s cooler, and although you don’t get as much sun later in the day, it’s nice to have a place to cool off. Spring and fall are my favorite times to visit — it’s cool at night and just right during the day.
Keep in mind that it is a desert, for Pete’s sake — it can get hot. Blue skies on the weekend bring people out in droves, and it can get crowded, so the weekdays are preferable, but it’s well worth the trip either way.
Don’t forget your sunscreen and happy trails!
