A look at new bike trails that offer a great workout and views of splendid scenery
With its rolling, rocky dunes and the striking desert beauty of its two national parks Arches and Canyon lands, Moab has long been one of the premiere destinations for the adventure-minded. Many of its trails are of particular interest to mountain biking enthusiasts, who flock there for things like the Slickrock Bike Trail, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.
Yet, many mountain bikers have lost interest in Moab’s trails in recent years for the simple reason that they have nothing new to offer. Avid cyclists were drawn instead to places like Fruit, CO or other popular biking locations in New Mexico and Arizona. To keep Moab relevant in the mountain biking world, a group called Moab Trails Alliance has been working to develop new mountain biking trails in the Mo
Biking, in all of its forms, is an excellent exercise. If you’ve had a gastric bypass or another bariatric procedure, you should always talk to your weight loss surgeon before attempting a strenuous activity like mountain biking, but if your doctor gives you the go ahead, making a trek down to Moab could be a great way to get a workout and a taste of the great outdoors on some of the area’s new trails.ab area.
Bringing Bikers Back to Moab
Moab Trails Alliance was formed in 2003 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to create a better system of trails for outdoor adventurers of all kinds. Working in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management and the county, MTA has helped to open many new mountain-biking trails with skill levels ranging from beginner to expert. Unlike the double track trails of old laid by off road vehicles, these new trails run single track through the serene desert landscape, offering the challenge of riding over Slickrock and the excitement of the steady climb and quick descent.
Here’s a look at some of the new trails:
- Moab Brands Mountain Biking Area. A system of loops that weaves by cliff sides over Slickrock and through ravines, the Moab Brands trails amount to about 30 miles of mountain biking majesty. With trails that range from easy to advanced, this area has a trail for just about everybody.
- Bull Run. Offering an intermediate challenge, Bull Run is a fun ride about five miles long that runs along the cliffs on the north edge of Bull Canyon. You can ride Bull Run from the top or the bottom, though taking it uphill may offer a bit more of a challenge.
- Pipe Dream Mountain Biking Area. A more challenging single track trail, Pipe Dream is about five miles long and flows through foothills beneath the cliffs. With views of the Moab Valley and the Arches, Pipe Dream offers a ton of scenery while also working you hard with steep inclines.
Moab’s new trails are great for riders of any skill level, but if you’re not up for mountain biking, Moab also offers a bevy of hiking trails that will let you experience the natural beauty of this unique landscape. Just be sure to check with your doctor before attempting any of these potentially vigorous adventures in the desert heat.