MOAB BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE
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.
Slickrock: An eleven‑mile roller coaster across petrified sand dunes.
Adventure brief
Slickrock: An eleven‑mile roller coaster across petrified sand dunes
On Moab’s iconic Slickrock Trail you ride an eleven‑mile roller coaster of petrified sand dunes — a near‑continuous ribbon of rock punctuated by steep climbs, technical descents and off‑camber slopes. The route tests bike handling and fitness while offering sweeping views of the La Sal Mountains, Arches National Park and the Colorado River, led by guides who know the terrain and the proper lines to ride it well.
Moab, Utah, is synonymous with rugged desert landscapes and some of the most iconic mountain biking trails in the world. At the heart of this outdoor playground lies the Slickrock Trail, a demanding eleven-mile stretch of petrified sand dunes sculpted by millennia of natural forces. Hazard County Shuttle offers private guided mountain bike tours on this singular terrain—an experience engineered for seasoned riders craving a technical challenge coupled with jaw-dropping scenery.
The Slickrock Trail is often described as a roller coaster on stone: steep climbs, rapid descents, and off-camber sections weave through a surface that is 95% smooth rock with occasional fine sand patches tested by countless tires. This isn’t your average ride; it demands skillful bike handling and physical endurance. But the payoff is immense. Riders are treated to panoramic views of the La Sal Mountains’ snow-capped peaks and the iconic red rock arches of Arches National Park stretching beyond the horizon.
Guided by local experts at Hazard County Shuttle, riders receive hands-on instruction in choosing the best lines to manage the terrain’s unique contours—turning technical challenges into thrilling flow. The guides’ intimate knowledge transforms what can be an intimidating ride into a confident, memorable journey tailored to the rider’s pace and skill set. Meeting just two miles from downtown Moab, these private tours also come with the option to rent high-performance mountain bikes perfectly tuned for the Magnificent 7 trail network.
Moab’s combination of geological marvels—petrified sand dunes, towering cliffs, and delicate arches—makes it a standout destination for mountain biking. Hazard County Shuttle’s Slickrock tours provide an unmatched gateway to these natural wonders, placing riders squarely in the middle of an adrenaline-fueled adventure that’s as educational as it is exhilarating. Whether you're ticking off a bucket-list ride or pushing your limits, this guided experience ensures you get the most out of Moab’s legendary terrain.
Route Schematic
Route schematic
Key stops and sections along the Slickrock Trail — where the terrain changes and the best views appear.
Slickrock Trailhead (Slickrock parking lot)
Meet at the Slickrock parking lot located about 2 miles from town for a pre‑ride briefing, gear check and route orientation.
Petrified sand‑dune sections
Ride across the petrified sand dunes that make up the trail’s signature slickrock surface — a sequence of steep ascents, descents and off‑camber slopes that define the route’s roller‑coaster character.
Viewpoint ridges
Frequent high points and ridge lines provide sweeping views of the La Sal Mountains, Arches National Park and the Colorado River, offering natural pauses to survey the landscape.
This is an advanced, physically demanding trail that tests bike handling and fitness; operators may alter plans for safety, and group size requirements apply.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Eleven miles of unrelenting slickrock
The Slickrock Trail is an eleven‑mile ride that’s roughly 95% rock, composed of petrified sand dunes arranged as a series of steep ascents, descents and off‑camber sections that will test both your fitness and bike‑handling skills.
Panoramas of La Sal, Arches and the Colorado
Throughout the ride you’ll encounter expansive vistas with views of the La Sal Mountains, nearby Arches National Park and the Colorado River — visual payoffs for the physical work of the trail.
Local expertise to dial your line selection
Guides who know this terrain ‘like the back of their hands’ teach proper lines and techniques so experienced riders can push their skills while making the overall experience more enjoyable and memorable.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
Expect a kinetic, physical experience: a continuous sequence of rock slabs and rolling ridgelines that demand precise body position and confident line choice. Steep climbs come fast and are followed by technical descents and off‑camber sections; the guides break the route into teachable segments so you learn the lines and techniques that make the slickrock rideable rather than merely survivable.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The desert is harsh and typically very dry; carry a minimum of 100 oz. of water per rider and bring food/snacks to maintain energy on the eleven‑mile route.
If you need a bike, the operator can arrange rentals and dial in a ride suitable for the local trail system (for example, setups for the Magnificent‑7 trails).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ride?
The Slickrock Trail route covered on this tour is eleven miles.
Where do we meet?
The tour meets at the Slickrock parking lot located about 2 miles from town.
Who is this tour for?
The tour is aimed at seasoned or experienced mountain bikers; it tests bike handling and fitness and is considered an advanced ride.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes — bike rentals can be arranged so you arrive on a dialed‑in ride suitable for the local trails, including setups appropriate for the Magnificent‑7 trail system.
How much water should I carry?
Riders are recommended to carry a minimum of 100 oz. of water each, and also bring food and snacks to sustain energy levels.
Is there a minimum group size?
There is a two‑person minimum for the tour, though single riders can book a private tour.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-18T01:24:35.265Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.