Slickrock Bike Trail

This 10.5-mile loop crosses a scenic and rugged expanse of rolling Navajo Sandstone, the remnant of an ancient desert environment of wind blown sand dunes. Originally established in 1969, for motorcycles, the trail has become a popular destination for mountain bikers. The trail is open to both motorcycles and mountain bikes. It is closed to all four-wheeled vehicles.

At the Trailhead

Trailhead facilities include a parking area, shade structure, trail register, vault toilets, picnic tables, trash dumpster, and information kiosk. No drinking water is available.

When to Ride

Normal riding season is from February through November, with spring and fall months being ideal. Ice may be found on parts of the trail from late December through February. Early morning rides are best during the summer when mid-day temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Trail

For riders with less time or experience, there is a 1.7-mile Practice Loop. The Practice Loop begins by turning right at the top of the first ridge about 0.3 mile north of the trailhead, and returns to that point via a segment of the main trail. The Practice Loop is not easier than the Main Trail, but offers riders an opportunity to test equipment and skills without venturing too far from the trailhead. It is still a difficult trail and should be approached with respect. It is not for novice riders or young children. The routes of both the Main Trail and the Practice Loop are indicated by painted white “dashes.”

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. There are tough spots that may require walking bikes. Because of numerous steep ascents, many riders need 3-4 hours to complete the trail. Be aware of alternate bike routes and search and rescue routes marked with white dots. These are not maintained and it is recommended that you stay on the well-marked main route. The Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Trail, also crosses the Slickrock Bike Trail six times.

E-Bikes at Sand Flats: E-Bikes are permitted on the Slickrock Bike Trail and all 4x4 Trails. E-Bikes are prohibited on the Raptor Route and singletrack portions of the Whole Enchilada,including UPS, LPS, and the Porcupine Rim singletrack. Learn more about E-Bikes in Moab HERE.

Slickrock Mileage Log

• Mile 0.0 Trailhead parking area.
• Mile 0.3 1st Practice Loop junction; main trail goes left.
• Mile 0.8 Second Practice Loop junction; main trail goes left.
• Mile 1.5 Abyss Viewpoint.
• Mile 2.3 Three-way junction. Start of main loop; go left.
• Mile 2.6 Mountain View Cave (above trail).
• Mile 4.0 Portal Viewpoint junction, main trail goes right.
• Mile 4.2 Panorama Viewpoint junction, main trail goes right.
• Mile 6.7 Shrimp Rock.
• Mile 8.2  Three-way junction, loop end; go left to return to trailhead.
• Mile 9.0 Abyss Viewpoint.
• Mile 9.7 Practice Loop junction; go right to return to trailhead.
• Mile 10.2 Practice Loop junction; go right to return to the trailhead.
• Mile 10.5 Trailhead parking area.