Popular routes
Below are digital maps of four Moab routes we suggest checking out. There are many other routes that can be developed for riders of different levels and these routes have options. If you need help with developing a route, contact us.
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Neil Beltchenko's Peaks and Plateaus route has seen a ton of traffic since its posting. While the route was established as a counter-clockwise loop, we recommend riding it clockwise starting from Moab.
To shorten this route a little, we suggest skipping the Flat Pass aka Steel Bender jeep route and riding Spanish Valley Drive instead. Southbound Spanish Valley Drive is lightly traveled except for the after-work traffic between 5 and 5:30 pm. The route can be shortened a little bit more by bypassing La Sal and heading directly south towards the Lisbon Mine. |
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A classic route with dozens of options, the White Rim is becoming more popular with bikepackers. There is rarely water on the route except for the difficult to reach Green River and occasional water holes after a storm. A permit is required for camping which is only allowed in specific sites.
The best thing about bikepacking the White Rim is the opportunity to cross paths with other users who are usually more than willing to share their water and maybe even a beer. |
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A challenging over-nighter, we recommend riding this loop clock-wise in order to descend the highway to Hole in the Rock....a must see road-side attraction with a small convenience store that serves ice cream. The tour of the cave-house and the quirky attractions around the property is an absolute riot. It is worth the stop and you can restock with water. There's a great camp spot at the top of Kane Springs soon after departing the highway. If you don't make it that far, the Behind the Rocks area between the top of Pritchett Canyon and Hwy 191 has plenty of spots of to bivy for the night.
This route is best done in the Spring when water is plentiful in Kane Springs. If you plan on doing this route in the Fall, we recommend 2.8 or wider tires as the sand can get pretty soft. A fun over-nighter that passes through the lush Brown's Canyon community, this route utilizes the Black Ridge Rd that provides amazing views of the La Sals. After crossing Hwy 191, you'll get to descend a sandy and ridiculously steep drop that leads you to the top of Kane Springs. A quick side trip down the highway to the Hole in the Rock for a resupply and tour of the cave home is perfect for either the start of day two or the end of day one. Best done in the Spring to avoid deep sand in Kane Springs, the route is totally possible other times of the year with tire sizes of 2.8" or wider.
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trip planning
Our rental equipment selection is designed to help you save space and weight by offering items that many people are unwilling to purchase for one trip. We also want to give those who are hesitant about committing to a specific item to give it a try. Maybe you've never used a quilt or an Elkhorn rack and you'd like to test one on your Moab adventure.
Below is a comprehensive list of items needed for a good bikepacking trip. Underlined items can be rented or purchased from us.
Below is a comprehensive list of items needed for a good bikepacking trip. Underlined items can be rented or purchased from us.
- Bike gear: Bike, helmet, packs, and lights.
- Shelter: A tent, tarp, or bivy.
- Sleep system: Sleeping bag or quilt and pad.
- Cooking: Stove, fuel, lighter, mug, pot and spoon.
- Water: Water filter and purification tablets with a water reservoir and bottles.
- Clothing: Riding shorts/pants, long sleeve sun hoodie (synthetic or wool), synthetic or wool socks, versatile rain/wind jacket, Buff, long fingered bike gloves, and clothes for camp, such as long underwear, a warm hat and a puffy coat.
- Navigation: GPS route on phone and GPS. Map of the area.
- Hygiene/toiletries: Sunscreen, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrush, wet wipes, toilet paper, wag bag, chamois cream, ziplock bag for waste items.
- Bike repair tools: Spare tube, a patch kit, pump, CO2 inflator, tire levers, chain quick link, plug tool, patch kit, extra sealant, chain lube, and a multi-tool.
- First-aid supplies: Small first aid kit for scrapes and blisters, personal medicines and other items such as contact solution and reading glasses if necessary.
- Miscellaneous: Food, a headlamp, extra batteries, sunglasses, a camera and a journal are some of the extra items you might want.
Trip Preparation
Have you done an overnight backpacking trip? Can you ride your unloaded bike in similar off-road terrain for a distance twice your target daily mileage for a loaded bikepacking trip? Can you fix a chain using a quick-link and chain tool? Can you plug a tire and use a CO2 inflator? Can you perform basic, preventative bike care such as adjust a derailleur cable, lube a chain, and inflate tires with a bike pump? Can you boil water with a camp stove? Can you follow a GPS track on your phone using a mapping program such as Ride With GPS or Trail Forks?
If you answered yes to these questions, you are ready for an unsupported bikepacking trip. If you answered no to any of these questions, you may want to study up, find an experienced riding partner to help you, look for an intro ride in your area, or hire a guide. Our bike bag partner Nuke Sunrise Bike Bags has ambassadors in Reno, NV, Phoenix, AZ, and Wichita, KS. There are many other bikepacking enthusiasts around the country that frequently lead free, beginner style bikepacking trips in their local area. If you want to figure it all out yourself, we suggest checking out Bikepacking.com and their accompanying YouTube channel.
If you answered yes to these questions, you are ready for an unsupported bikepacking trip. If you answered no to any of these questions, you may want to study up, find an experienced riding partner to help you, look for an intro ride in your area, or hire a guide. Our bike bag partner Nuke Sunrise Bike Bags has ambassadors in Reno, NV, Phoenix, AZ, and Wichita, KS. There are many other bikepacking enthusiasts around the country that frequently lead free, beginner style bikepacking trips in their local area. If you want to figure it all out yourself, we suggest checking out Bikepacking.com and their accompanying YouTube channel.