Biking the Whole Enchilada Trail in La Sal Mountains to Moab
Adventure Destination

Biking the Whole Enchilada Trail in La Sal Mountains to Moab

Tackle the Whole Enchilada Trail from La Sal Mountains to Moab, covering 26 miles of diverse terrain. Known for its hard technical descents and spectacular views, it’s a favorite among adventure seekers during spring and fall.

Mountain Biking8.8/10Hard
Photo Gallery

Category

Mountain Biking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Hard

About This Adventure Destination

Biking the Whole Enchilada Trail is one of Utah's premier mountain biking experiences, offering stunning landscapes and diverse terrains from the La Sal Mountains to Moab. This epic ride is essential for any biking enthusiast who wants to experience the breathtaking beauty and technical challenges of this unique region. The trail spans over 26 miles, descending from mountain ridges to the high desert terrain, showcasing the area's remarkable topography.

Editorial Assessment

The Whole Enchilada Trail, stretching from the La Sal Mountains to Moab, offers an exhilarating outdoor adventure experience, renowned for its diverse terrain and stunning landscapes. It's a sought-after destination for mountain bikers seeking thrilling rides combined with breathtaking natural beauty.

Biking the Whole Enchilada Trail in La Sal Mountains to Moab

Adventure Guide to Biking the Whole Enchilada Trail in La Sal Mountains to Moab

1

1. La Sal Mountains Trailhead

  • Overview:

    Located at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet, the La Sal Mountains trailhead marks the beginning of the Whole Enchilada Trail. The cooler temps and verdant forests provide a stunning contrast to the arid desert below. Notably, this starting point features ample parking and restrooms, making it a convenient launch site. 2. Burro Pass As riders descend, they encounter Burro Pass. This section is particularly known for its technical rocky terrain and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The challenging sections are balanced by thrilling downhill runs, ensuring that riders experience both adrenaline and beauty. 3. The Porcupine Rim Ending near Moab, the Porcupine Rim provides sweeping vistas of the Colorado River and canyon cliffs. This segment is famous for its flowy singletrack and is often hailed as a highlight for its stunning natural beauty. Riders should enjoy the unique geological formations visible throughout this part of the trail.

2

Local Insights

  • Overview:

    The Whole Enchilada Trail is not only significant for its physical challenges but also holds cultural importance for the local community. Biking events and competitions are regularly held, promoting tourism and camaraderie among outdoor enthusiasts.

3

Visitor Tips

  • Best times to visit:

    Late spring or early fall for optimal weather conditions.

  • What to bring:

    Bring plenty of water, snacks, a repair kit, and a camera for photos.

  • Driving directions:

    From Moab, take UT-191 south for about 20 miles; the drive typically takes 30 minutes. This trail is an unforgettable adventure for both experienced and novice bikers alike, culminating in views that showcase the stark beauty of the Moab area.

Reviews

S
Scott Wilcox2 months ago

Start of one of the greatest MTB rides on the planet.

J
Jakub Rokos3 months ago

Great ride. Fairly long for an intermediate. About 6 hours back to town. Great views. Lots of trail variety.

R
Rage Thomasa year ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

M
Moksiia year ago

Absolutely beautiful, for the lower part of the trail you will need tubeless tires. As I had 9 flats and did not manage to hold air in my tires.

P
Philip Raineya year ago

Riding The Whole Enchilada was amazing! As a moderately skilled mountain biker who has a moderate fitness level, this was awesome - very challenging but doable. Bring more water than whatever you're planning on, and enjoy the great experience. We did this in a group of 5 and found that a comfortable size for support. It took our core group about 6 hours of ride time to complete. On the day we descended, we observed riders from 12 to 60 years old. The 12 year old was a great rider, and the 60 year old was in great shape.

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Vertical Elegance: Scaling Ancient Art’s Corkscrew Summit in Moab11.4 mi
Moab, Utah

Vertical Elegance: Scaling Ancient Art’s Corkscrew Summit in Moab

A focused, 4-hour climb at Fisher Towers that takes intermediate to advanced climbers up the nearly 400-foot corkscrew pinnacle known as Ancient Art.

11.4 miView Trips & Details →
Poison Spider — Four Hours on Moab’s Rugged Slickrock and Sand12.9 mi
Moab, Utah

Poison Spider — Four Hours on Moab’s Rugged Slickrock and Sand

A guided, 4-hour offroad run along the iconic Poison Spider Trail in Moab covering sandy washes, slickrock sections, and technical obstacles; this guide explains what to expect and what’s provided.

12.9 miView Trips & Details →
Looking Glass Rock: A Beginner Multi‑Pitch That Ends with a 140‑Foot Rappel Through an Arch13.1 mi
Moab, Utah

Looking Glass Rock: A Beginner Multi‑Pitch That Ends with a 140‑Foot Rappel Through an Arch

A concise, skill‑building climbing experience on Looking Glass Dome in Moab that teaches rope management and rappelling while topping out on a spacious summit.

13.1 miView Trips & Details →
Moab Brands / Bar‑M: 30 Miles of Singletrack Where Families and Experts Share the Same Red Rock Playground14.1 mi
Moab, Utah

Moab Brands / Bar‑M: 30 Miles of Singletrack Where Families and Experts Share the Same Red Rock Playground

A family‑friendly network of more than 30 miles of intersecting trails with options from flat kid‑friendly rides to double‑black technical lines, plus sweeping views of Arches and Moab Canyon and an easy paved ride back to town.

14.1 miView Trips & Details →
Slickrock: An eleven‑mile roller coaster across petrified sand dunes14.1 mi
Moab, Utah

Slickrock: An eleven‑mile roller coaster across petrified sand dunes

A private, guided advanced mountain‑bike tour of Moab’s Slickrock Trail that navigates steep ascents, descents and off‑camber rock while expert guides teach lines and technique for a safer, more confident ride.

14.1 miView Trips & Details →
Backside Ascent of Light House Tower: 180° Views from a Card‑Table Summit15.0 mi
Moab, Utah

Backside Ascent of Light House Tower: 180° Views from a Card‑Table Summit

A technical, four‑pitch trad climb (Lonely Vigil, 5.10b) that tops out above the Colorado River with a sweeping 180‑degree vista of Big Bend — this guide details what to expect and who should attempt it.

15.0 miView Trips & Details →