Slickrock: The World’s Most Famous Trail
The legendary loop that put Moab on the map as the global “Mountain Bike Mecca.”
Riding the Slickrock Trail is a bucket-list experience. This world-renowned route isn’t just a trail; it’s a high-grip roller coaster across a vast landscape of ancient, petrified sand dunes. While it is iconic, it is also a relentless physical test that will challenge your fitness and your technical bike handling.
The Experience
- The Terrain: The route is 95% Navajo Sandstone, offering “infinite” traction that allows you to climb and descend grades you never thought possible.
- The Workout: This 11-mile loop is a constant series of short, punchy climbs and steep, off-camber descents. Don’t let the mileage fool you—it rides like a 20-mile trail.
- The Views: Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the La Sal Mountains, Arches National Park, and the deep canyons of the Colorado River.
⚠️ Essential Tips for the Rock
- Navigation: Follow the painted white dashes (the “dashed line”) on the rock. Getting lost on the open sandstone is easy, so keep your eyes on the markers.
- The Practice Loop: If you’re unsure of your skill level, start with the 2.3-mile Practice Loop. It offers a taste of the main trail’s difficulty without the full 11-mile commitment.
- Water & Heat: There is zero shade and no water on the trail. In the summer, the rock radiates heat like an oven—carry at least 4 liters of water and start as early as possible.
Quick Stats
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 11-mile Main Loop (plus 2.3-mile Practice Loop) |
| Surface | Mostly solid sandstone with occasional sandy washes |
| Difficulty | Technical & Physical (Advanced/Expert) |
| Highlight | High-traction climbing and 360-degree desert views |
SHUTTLE RUNDOWN 🚐💨
1️⃣ LOCK IT IN 🎟️
Secure your spot online. Dates fill up fast! Book early to ensure you aren’t left behind while the crew is dropping in.
2️⃣ GEAR UP & LOAD OUT 🚲
Meet at Rim Cyclery in Moab. We arrive 15 minutes early to professionally load and secure your rig. We pull out on time to maximize your daylight on the dirt! ☀️
3️⃣ THE CRUISE 🏔️
Rest your legs and enjoy the view. We handle the white-knuckle driving, washboards, and tricky canyon navigation. You focus on the epic ride ahead.
4️⃣ THE ARRIVAL 🤘
We unload; you ride.
- Shop Departures: A pedal back to the shop once you finish. 🏁
