Rim-to-River Thrill: Riding the Lower Whole Enchilada from LPS to Porcupine Rim

MOAB BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Rim-to-River Thrill: Riding the Lower Whole Enchilada from LPS to Porcupine Rim

A focused guide to the Lower Porcupine Singletrack and Porcupine Rim Trail in Moab—what to expect on the route, the technical choices you’ll face, and the gear and logistics to ride it safely.

Rim-to-River Thrill: Riding the Lower Whole Enchilada from LPS to Porcupine Rim.

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

The Lower Whole Enchilada stitches Moab’s Lower Porcupine Singletrack (LPS) into the Porcupine Rim Trail for a compact, adrenaline-heavy descent that skirts sandstone ledges, rock features and exposed rim runs before dropping toward the Colorado River. This guide breaks down the route, the technical forks and the finish at the river so riders can plan a focused, safe outing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Lower Porcupine Singletrack into Porcupine Rim

The LPS connects directly into the Porcupine Rim Trail to form the lower half of the Whole Enchilada system, delivering a mix of singletrack rims, flow sections and a final exposed run that looks down toward the Colorado River and Grandstaff area.

THE TECH

Notch vs. Snotch — choose your line

Shortly after the start riders encounter a fork: The Notch is a steep, highly technical option best left to the most experienced; The Snotch opens with an off‑camber rocky switchback and a technical slab feature. Both feeds return you to rim riding and flowy corners.

THE VIEW

Porcupine Rim overlook and river finish

Mid-ride, the Porcupine Rim overlook provides a natural pause for snacks and photos of Castle Valley; the descent continues through a bone‑chattering rock garden before finishing at the Porcupine Rim Trailhead River Parking Lot beside Grandstaff Campground on Hwy 128.

What the day feels like

What the ride feels like

Expect a concentrated Moab experience: initial singletrack that alternates technical moves and flow, a critical fork where riders must pick between extremely technical or technical slab lines, then a fast, rock‑strewn middle section and an exposed final singletrack that rewards attention with expansive Colorado River and Castle Valley views.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits — and who should reconsider.

1
Advanced Trail RidersIdeal: the route is rated advanced with technical slabs, drops and rock gardens that reward skilled bike handling and confidence on exposed singletrack.
2
Intermediate RidersPossible with caution: intermediates can enjoy many flow sections but should avoid The Notch and pick conservative lines through technical features.
3
Casual or Family RidersNot recommended: the trail’s technical rating and exposed sections make it unsuitable for casual family rides or riders new to desert singletrack.
4
E‑bike RidersNot allowed: e‑bikes are prohibited on this trip.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The Lower section covers roughly 13.5 miles and typically takes about 2–4 hours to complete.

Meeting & Pickup

Meet at Rim Cyclery for the in‑town pickup and shuttle logistics.

What to Bring

Carry ample water (minimum recommended 100 oz. per rider), food, spare tubes, pump/CO2, multi‑tool, spare derailleur hanger, chain master link, patch kits, shock pump, extra layers, headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses, first aid kit and a charged cell phone.

Bike Prep & Safety

Moab’s terrain rattles components; keep your bike in excellent working order and bring parts and tools to handle common mechanicals. Practice Leave No Trace principles.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where is the meetup for the shuttle?

The in‑town pickup meeting location is Rim Cyclery.

How long is the Lower Enchilada (Lower LPS + Porcupine Rim)?

The lower section is approximately 13.5 miles and generally takes about 2 to 4 hours to ride.

How technical is the route?

This trail is rated advanced with technical sections including The Notch, The Snotch, slab features, rock gardens and optional drops.

Can I ride an e‑bike on this trip?

No—e‑bikes are not allowed on this route.

What are the essential items I should carry?

Bring ample water (minimum of 100 oz. per rider recommended), food, spare tubes and tools, pump, patch kits, spare cable and derailleur hanger, multi‑tool with chain breaker, extra layers, headlamp, sunscreen, first aid kit and a phone.

Can the shuttle change my drop‑off depending on conditions?

Yes—the shuttle will serve the highest trailhead that weather and conditions permit on the day of your ride.