Raptor Route: Four Raptors, One Moab Day — From Kestrel Run to Whole Enchilada Access

MOAB BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Raptor Route: Four Raptors, One Moab Day — From Kestrel Run to Whole Enchilada Access

A focused guide to riding Moab’s Raptor Route—four linked trails from Eagle Eye to Kestrel Run—with practical pickup, parking, and extension options for riders seeking technical exposure and big views.

Raptor Route: Four Raptors, One Moab Day — From Kestrel Run to Whole Enchilada Access.

Duration
12 Miles • ~2 to 4 Hours
Location
Moab
Operator
Hazard County Shuttle
Category
Bike Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The Raptor Route stitches four distinct singletrack experiences into a compact, high-value ride in the Moab desert: Eagle Eye, Hawk's Glide, Falcon Flow and the newly opened Kestrel Run. Together they deliver a mix of high-elevation vantage points, technical cliff-exposure sections and flowing lower trails, with easy access to the broader Whole Enchilada/UPS network for riders who want to lengthen the day.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Four Trails, One Network

Raptor Route comprises Eagle Eye, Hawk's Glide, Falcon Flow and Kestrel Run, each offering a distinct ride: Eagle Eye sits at the high point, Hawk’s Glide delivers the most advanced, cliff-exposed terrain, Falcon Flow provides intermediate lower-singletrack flow, and Kestrel Run completes the system.

THE TECH

Advanced Exposure and Flowing Lower Sections

Expect technical cliff-exposure and advanced features on Hawk’s Glide and intermediate, rideable flow through Falcon Flow—making the route suitable for riders who can handle a mix of sustained exposure and fast, flowy trail.

THE EXTENSION

Easy Access to UPS / Whole Enchilada

From the drop-off you can pedal a short distance to access UPS and the Whole Enchilada system: a quarter-mile pedal reaches Lower UPS, while the full UPS approach adds roughly 3 miles and 600 feet of climbing to reach the UPS trailhead.

What the day feels like

What Riding It Feels Like

The route threads high, exposed benchlines and cliff-hugging technical ridges down into wide, rolling lower singletrack. Riders move from the 2.3-mile highpoint of Eagle Eye through Hawk’s Glide’s advanced cliffs and into the 5.7-mile Falcon Flow before completing the two-mile Kestrel Run—an experience that rewards competent climbers and confident descenders and offers a clear push to extend into UPS and the Whole Enchilada if you want more distance.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.

1
Intermediate Mountain BikersWell suited: Falcon Flow and the route’s lower sections are intended as intermediate singletrack by local standards, offering flow without excessive technicality.
2
Advanced Riders Seeking ExposureA strong match: Hawk’s Glide contains the most advanced, cliff-exposed terrain and will reward riders comfortable with technical features and exposure.
3
Riders Wanting a Longer DayAppropriate: Riders wanting more can pedal to UPS/Whole Enchilada to add distance and climbing; be prepared for the added mileage and elevation gain when choosing this option.
4
Casual or Inexperienced RidersNot ideal: the system includes advanced exposures and technical sections; riders should be comfortable on intermediate desert singletrack and manage exposure where Hawk’s Glide is present.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Carry abundant water (minimum 100 oz. per rider recommended), ample food and snacks, sun protection and sunglasses, extra warm layers and a headlamp. Practice Leave No Trace.

Mechanical & Spares

Keep your bike in top condition; bring extra tubes, pump, patch kits, tire levers, a spare cable, spare derailleur hanger, master link, multi-tool with chain breaker, lube and a shock pump.

Safety & Emergency

Pack a first-aid kit, fire starter and a charged cell phone. Be prepared for rapid temperature changes—carry extra layers and a waterproof/wind layer.

Hydration & Nutrition

The desert is very hot and extremely dry—bring far more water than you think you need and calorie-dense snacks to maintain energy over 12 miles and 2–4 hours of riding.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where is the meeting location for the shuttle?

Meet at the Kestrel Run Parking Lot for the shuttle pickup.

Is there an entry fee to access the parking area?

A $2 fee applies to enter the Sand Flats Recreation Area; that fee is waived if you are camping or already have a day pass.

How early should I arrive for shuttle loading?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time for bike loading.

Can I extend the ride into the Whole Enchilada/UPS system?

Yes. A 0.25-mile pedal from the drop-off reaches Lower UPS; the full UPS approach requires about 3 additional miles of riding and roughly 600 feet of climbing to reach the UPS trailhead.

Can I find the Kestrel Run Parking Lot on common mapping apps?

No — you cannot find this parking area on Trailforks, Google, or Apple Maps; directions are available under 'Meeting Locations' on the operator website.

Will the shuttle always go to the highest trailhead?

The operator shuttles to the highest trailhead that weather conditions permit each day.