The Slickrock Bike Trail in Moab, Utah, is an iconic 10.5-mile loop that offers mountain bikers a unique and challenging riding experience across the stunning Navajo Sandstone landscape. Carved from ancient wind-blown sand dunes, this trail, originally established for motorcycles in 1969, has become a mecca for mountain bikers seeking unparalleled slickrock terrain and breathtaking desert vistas. Exclusively for two-wheeled adventurers, the Slickrock Bike Trail welcomes both motorcycles and mountain bikes while remaining closed to four-wheeled vehicles, preserving its distinctive character.
Trailhead Essentials
Before embarking on your Slickrock adventure, familiarize yourself with the trailhead facilities designed to enhance your visit. The trailhead provides ample parking, a shaded structure for respite from the desert sun, a trail register to track ridership, vault toilets, picnic tables for pre- or post-ride meals, a trash dumpster to maintain the area’s pristine beauty, and an information kiosk with trail details. It’s crucial to note that drinking water is not available at the trailhead, so riders must bring an adequate supply, especially during warmer months.
Optimal Riding Seasons
The Slickrock Bike Trail beckons riders from February through November, with the spring and fall months presenting the most idyllic conditions. During these shoulder seasons, Moab enjoys comfortable temperatures and pleasant weather, perfect for tackling challenging trails. However, be aware that ice patches can linger on sections of the trail from late December through February, potentially posing hazards. Summer months, particularly from June to August, can bring intense heat with midday temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). For summer riding, early morning starts are highly recommended to beat the heat and enjoy cooler trail conditions.
Navigating the Trail and Practice Loop
For those new to slickrock riding or with limited time, the Slickrock Bike Trail offers a 1.7-mile Practice Loop. This shorter loop branches off to the right approximately 0.3 miles north of the trailhead and reconnects with the main trail. While the Practice Loop isn’t necessarily easier than the main trail, it serves as an excellent introduction to slickrock terrain, allowing riders to assess their equipment and skills closer to the trailhead. It’s important to understand that even the Practice Loop is considered a difficult trail and should be approached with respect. It is not recommended for novice riders or young children due to its technical nature.
Both the Main Trail and the Practice Loop are clearly marked with painted white “dashes” to guide riders across the sandstone. In areas where the trail traverses narrow ledges or abrupt drop-offs, yellow dashes provide extra caution. Riders should exercise extreme care in these yellow-marked sections and anywhere the trail nears a cliff edge, experiences significant elevation changes, or crosses deeply rutted rock formations. Expect to encounter challenging sections that may require dismounting and walking your bike. Due to numerous steep ascents and the technical nature of the terrain, most riders should anticipate a 3-4 hour completion time for the full loop. Be mindful of alternate bike routes and search and rescue routes indicated by white dots; these are not maintained, and sticking to the well-marked main route is strongly advised. The popular Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Trail intersects the Slickrock Bike Trail in six locations, so be aware of potential vehicle traffic at these crossings.
E-Bikes on Slickrock: Embrace the electric assist! E-bikes are welcome on the Slickrock Bike Trail and all designated 4×4 trails within the Sand Flats Recreation Area. However, e-bikes are not permitted on the Raptor Route and singletrack sections of the renowned Whole Enchilada trail system, including UPS, LPS, and Porcupine Rim singletrack. For comprehensive information about e-bike regulations and opportunities in Moab, explore Discover Moab’s E-Bike Guide.
Slickrock Mileage Breakdown
To help you navigate and track your progress on the Slickrock Bike Trail, here is a detailed mileage log:
- Mile 0.0: Trailhead parking area – your adventure begins!
- Mile 0.3: First Practice Loop junction – main trail veers left.
- Mile 0.8: Second Practice Loop junction – continue left on the main trail.
- Mile 1.5: Abyss Viewpoint – pause to admire the dramatic canyon views.
- Mile 2.3: Three-way junction – start of the main loop; turn left to begin the loop.
- Mile 2.6: Mountain View Cave – located above the trail, a subtle geological feature.
- Mile 4.0: Portal Viewpoint junction – stay right on the main trail.
- Mile 4.2: Panorama Viewpoint junction – continue right to stay on the main trail.
- Mile 6.7: Shrimp Rock – keep an eye out for this uniquely shaped rock formation.
- Mile 8.2: Three-way junction – loop ends; turn left to head back towards the trailhead.
- Mile 9.0: Abyss Viewpoint – another chance to soak in the Abyss views.
- Mile 9.7: Practice Loop junction – turn right to return to the trailhead area.
- Mile 10.2: Practice Loop junction – turn right again to head back to the trailhead.
- Mile 10.5: Trailhead parking area – you’ve conquered the Slickrock Bike Trail!
Avenza Map for Slickrock Bike Trail – Enhance your navigation with a digital map.
