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

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.

Duration
11 Miles
Location
Moab
Operator
Hazard County Shuttle
Category
Bike Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

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.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

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.

THE VISTAS

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.

THE GUIDANCE

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.

1
Seasoned mountain bikersThis is a bucket‑list ride for experienced riders who can handle steep climbs, technical descents and long sections of exposed rock.
2
Riders seeking coached progressionRiders who want to learn proper lines and techniques will benefit from the guides’ local knowledge and instruction on this technical terrain.
3
Small groups or private ridersThe tour accommodates a two‑person minimum or a single‑person private booking, making it suitable for pairs and solo travelers booking private guiding.
4
Not ideal for beginnersBecause the trail demands bike handling and fitness, it is not an appropriate first‑time mountain‑bike outing for novices.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to bring

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.

Bike rentals & gearing

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).

Booking Notice

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.