Slickrock Bike Trail
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Type
Slickrock; Loop Ride
Difficulty
Physically difficult, technically difficult
Attractions
The Slickrock Bike Trail possesses a terrific combination of challenging riding and scenery. The practice loop offers an introduction to riding on slickrock.
Length
10.5 miles (main loop); 2.2 miles (practice loop)
Trailhead
On Sand Flats Road, 2.3 miles from the intersection of the Sand Flats Road and Mill Creek Drive in Moab.
Description
The Slickrock Bike Trail is located on a heavily eroded sandstone plateau between Moab Valley and the Colorado River in the Sand Flats Recreation Area. To reach the trailhead from Moab, drive 2.3 miles east on Sand Flats Road from the intersection of Mill Creek Drive and the Sand Flats Road. The Slickrock Trail is normally used from March through November although the spring and fall months are the most popular. Snow usually covers the trail from late December through February. Early morning and evening rides are best during the summer when mid-day temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Trailhead facilities include a parking area, rest rooms, and information boards. There is no drinking water in the area. The Sand Flats Recreation Area is managed through a unique partnership between Grand County and the Bureau of Land Management. A day use fee is charged.
Trail Basics
The Slickrock Bike Trail was established in 1969 for motorcycle riding and is open to both motorcycles and mountain bikes. It is not suitable for three-wheel and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles because the trail crosses steep side slopes and traverses narrow ledges. The routes of both the main trail and the practice loop are indicated by painted white dashes. Trail intersections are also painted on the rock. Short sections of sand provide a change from the rock. There are tough spots that may, for some, require walking bikes.
The Main Trail
The complete trip along the main trail from the trailhead out to the loop, around the loop, and back to the trailhead covers a distance of 10.5 miles, not counting any spur routes. The trail constantly changes elevation as it crosses a series of Navajo sandstone domes and fins. Because of the numerous steep ascents, many riders need 4 or 5 hours to complete the trail. Several portions of the main trail are marked with yellow dashes where the trail follows narrow ledges or abrupt drop-offs. Riders are cautioned to be especially careful at these locations and anywhere else the trail approaches a cliff, changes grade, or crosses rutted rock.
The Practice Loop
For riders with less time and/or experience, there is a 1.7 mile practice loop. The practice loop begins at the top of the first rings, about 0.2 miles north of the trailhead, and returns to that point via a segment of the main trail. While the practice loop is easier than the main trail, it is still a difficult trail and should be approached with respect.
Click here for additional information on the Slickrock Trail and the Sand Flats Recreation Area.