Flying Porcupine: A relentless 4,800-foot Moab descent that strings Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, LPS and Porcupine Rim into one epic day

MOAB SHUTTLE FIELD GUIDE

Flying Porcupine: A relentless 4,800-foot Moab descent that strings Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, LPS and Porcupine Rim into one epic day

This guide lays out the route, shuttle logistics and essential gear for the Flying Porcupine — an 18‑mile, two‑shuttle trail combo in Moab that delivers high-speed flow, technical sections and big views.

Flying Porcupine: A relentless 4,800-foot Moab descent that strings Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, LPS and Porcupine Rim into one epic day.

Duration
18 Miles • 3-5 hours
Location
Moab
Operator
Hazard County Shuttle
Category
Shuttle
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Flying Porcupine stitches together some of Moab’s most celebrated singletrack — Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, LPS and Porcupine Rim — into a single, efficient outing that drops roughly 4,800 feet over about 18 miles; it’s a best‑day‑ever type of ride, equal parts flow, technical rock and panoramic desert exposure.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

A continuous 4,800‑foot descent over 18 miles

The Flying Porcupine combines Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, LPS and Porcupine Rim to create an extended descent with a mix of high‑speed flow, technical sections and exposed rim riding — all packed into a single shuttle‑supported outing.

THE TERRAIN

Flow, tech and chunky desert chunder

Expect a variety of surfaces and features: sustained singletrack flow, flow‑tech sections, rocky ‘chunder,’ drops and purpose‑built features that reward solid line choice and confidence on your bike.

THE LOGISTICS

Two shuttles are essential — timing is tight

The combination requires two shuttle rides: the first drops riders at the Eagle Eye trailhead and the second returns riders to the LPS trailhead; making the connection between shuttles is time‑sensitive and part of the trip’s operational rhythm.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The day unfolds as a succession of high‑adrenaline descents bookended by short shuttle rides: a morning shuttle drops you at Eagle Eye, you thread dynamic singletrack through Hawks Glide to meet the second shuttle, then descend LPS and Porcupine Rim to the Colorado River — a relentless, satisfying run of Moab singletrack that leaves you wanting more.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits — and who should think twice.

1
Expert Mountain BikersThis is an advanced technical and endurance route that rewards experienced riders comfortable with sustained singletrack speed, exposure and rocky features.
2
Riders Dependent on Shuttle SupportBecause the route relies on two shuttle pickups and a tight connection window, riders who need shuttle logistics or who prefer supported laps will find this format ideal.
3
Fit, Endurance RidersThe full combination spans roughly 18 miles and significant descending; riders should be prepared for long hours in desert conditions and the possibility of extra pedaling if shuttles are missed.
4
Beginners & Casual RidersNot recommended — the operator classifies the trail as advanced and the format expects competence on technical, exposed singletrack and the ability to manage shuttle timing.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration & Distance

The full combination covers about 18 miles and typically takes 3–5 hours depending on group speed and stops.

Meeting & Logistics

Park and meet at Rim Cyclery in Moab; be ready to board 15 minutes before the scheduled departure to allow for bike loading.

What to Bring

Carry ample water (a minimum recommendation of 100 oz. per rider), ample food, spare tubes, pump, patch kits, multi‑tool, spare derailleur hanger/cable/master link, lube, shock pump, extra layers, headlamp and a basic first‑aid kit.

Shuttle Timing & Safety

Be aware that the itinerary requires catching a second shuttle; operators shuttle to the highest trailhead weather permits — missing the second shuttle forces you to pedal significant climbs to reconnect.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where do we meet for the shuttle?

Meeting and parking are at Rim Cyclery in Moab; be ready to board 15 minutes prior to departure to allow bike loading.

How long and how far is the Flying Porcupine?

The route is about 18 miles long and the trip typically takes 3–5 hours.

What level of rider is this for?

This trail combination is rated advanced and is intended for experienced mountain bikers comfortable with technical singletrack and exposure.

How much water and what gear should I bring?

Bring a minimum of 100 ounces of water per rider, plentiful food and snacks, and full repair and safety gear (spare tubes, pump, patch kit, multi‑tool, spare cable/derailleur hanger/master link, shock pump, extra layers, headlamp, sunscreen and first‑aid kit).

What happens if I miss the second shuttle?

There is no third shuttle; if you miss it you must pedal either 4 miles up Sand Flats road to the Eagle Eye/LPS trailhead or 3 miles up the Porcupine Rim jeep road to the Porcupine Rim overlook to reconnect.

Can I extend the ride to include UPS (Upper Porcupine Singletrack)?

Yes — if fit and time permit you can pedal a short distance from the drop‑off point to access UPS; options include a 0.25‑mile pedal to Porcupine Rim Campground for Lower UPS, or longer approaches (about 1.2–1.7 miles additional pedaling) to reach the full UPS, which adds roughly 3 miles and 600 feet of climbing.