MOAB SHUTTLE FIELD GUIDE
Flying Porcupine: Two Shuttles, 4,800-Foot Descent on Moab’s Most Celebrated Singletrack
A shuttle-served, 18-mile trail combination (Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, LPS, Porcupine Rim) that delivers flow, technical features and spectacular river-bottom finishes—this guide explains the logistics, parking and kit you need for the run.
Flying Porcupine: Two Shuttles, 4,800-Foot Descent on Moab’s Most Celebrated Singletrack.
Experience the thrill of Moab’s Flying Porcupine: a tightly linked sequence of Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, LPS and Porcupine Rim that together form Raptor-Pine. The combo delivers Moab flow, flow-tech sections, chunky chunder, drops and SICK singletrack across an 18-mile route with roughly 4,800 feet of descent—an efficient, best-day-ever loop when run with the shuttle plan.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Raptor‑Pine: Eagle Eye to Porcupine Rim
Four of Moab’s signature trails are stitched into a single day: Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, LPS and Porcupine Rim. Together they produce an 18‑mile run with about 4,800 feet of descent, a mix of flowy singletrack, technical features, drops and spectacular views.
Two shuttles, strict timing
The day is run with two shuttle rides: the first drops riders at the Eagle Eye trailhead to ride down to a shuttle rendezvous, and the second takes riders back up to the LPS trailhead for the final descent. There is no third shuttle—timing and pace matter.
Option to add UPS (Upper Porcupine Singletrack)
If you’re fit and the day allows, a short pedal from the drop point gives access to UPS. You can ride lower UPS via a 0.25‑mile pedal to Porcupine Rim Campground, or add the entire UPS (adding about 3 miles and 600 feet of climbing) by pedaling up to the Kokopelli Trail entrance and on to the UPS trailhead.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The Flying Porcupine unfolds as a shuttle-driven sequence: a first drop at Eagle Eye, a fast four‑mile descent through Eagle Eye and Hawks Glide to a second shuttle pickup, then a climb by shuttle back to the LPS trailhead for the closing run down LPS and Porcupine Rim to the Colorado River. The route emphasizes sustained flow interspersed with technical sections and bold exposure—run smart and expect an all‑day feel.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and who should choose another day.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The desert is harsh—carry ample water (minimum recommended 100 oz. per rider), plenty of food and snacks, sun protection, extra layers and a headlamp. Maintain your bike in top working order and bring tools/spares: extra tubes, pump, patch kit, tire levers, spare derailleur hanger, master link, multi‑tool with chain breaker, lube and shock pump. Also carry a first aid kit and fire starter; practice Leave No Trace.
Moab rattles parts loose—expect mechanical surprises. Pack comprehensive repair gear including spare cable, spare derailleur hanger, extra tubes and a pump, plus a multi‑tool and chain breaker to handle common failures in the field.
Bring ample water, extra warm layers and a windbreaker or waterproof jacket; even if you don't plan to be out late, a headlamp and warm layers are recommended.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Flying Porcupine route?
The route is about 18 miles and typically takes 3–5 hours to complete.
Where is the meeting and parking location?
Meeting takes place at the Porcupine Parking Lot—the river parking area on HWY 128 above Grandstaff Campground; the dirt lot holds over 30 vehicles.
How many shuttles are involved and what is the timing requirement?
The plan uses two shuttle rides: first to Eagle Eye, then a second shuttle back up to LPS. Riders must descend Eagle Eye and Hawks Glide (about 4 miles) in roughly 50 minutes to make the second shuttle; there is no third shuttle.
What happens if I miss the second shuttle?
If you miss the second shuttle you’ll need to pedal: either 4 miles and about 2,000 feet up to the Eagle Eye/LPS trailhead, or 3 miles up the Porcupine Rim jeep road to the overlook to access the route.
Are e‑bikes allowed on this trip?
No—e‑bikes are not allowed on the Flying Porcupine shuttle runs.
How much water should I carry?
You should carry a minimum of 100 oz. of water per rider, and consider more depending on conditions.