The Soveregn Trail in Moab offers miles of fun and scenic singletrack

Last year this was my last ride in Moab, I crashed on the last mile of the Sovereign Trail cracking some ribs and my sternum. As it happened, it turned out that this would also be my last Moab ride for 2011 as well, luckily for me though, this was not due to a crash. This time around I made it around the Sovereign Trail in one piece.

Trail Stats & Information Sovereign Trail

Nearby Town: Moab

Length: 15.45 miles : there are numerous options to lengthen or shorten the ride – My ride was 9.81 miles

Trail Type: Lollipop

Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically difficult. Physically very difficult

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically moderately demanding with some very demanding sections

Duration: Book say’s 1-3 hours my time 2.38 hours

Trailhead Elev: 4,358 feet

Top Elev: 4,854 feet

Book Description

Sovereign is one of the newest mountain biking trail systems in Moab. The terrain in and around Sovereign is generally flatter than most of the terrain in the Moab area. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking this ride won’t be fun or challenging.The Sovereign Trail offers plenty of technical sections as well as rolling fast twisty singletrack sections and some short slickrock sections. The Sovereign Trail has quickly become one of the top Moab rides

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My Experience

I got to the Trailhead early, and was happy to be the first to arrive. Seeing as I had done this trail last year, I knew how to find the trail (unlike last year).
The trail climbs gradually for the first mile with some moderate technical stuff, nothing serious. What goes up must come down, and the gradual climb is followed by a gradual but fast slickrock downhill section, again, although fast, nothing very technical. The singletrack is fun to ride, and is unlike all the other Moab rides, although large sections are on slickrock, it’s not the redrock like most other trails. The Sovereign trail is pretty much a “Low Ride” with max. elevation gain of 970 ft. The Sovereign Trail is not extremely technical on the whole, but there are numerous short sections that are very technical, and should be approached with caution.

Conclusion

I had a score to settle with the Sovereign Trail, and I did, the Sovereign Trail and myself are back on good terms. This trail is a fun trail, and as I mentioned above, unlike the other Trails Moab is famous for. Although I had a great ride, and will definitely do this trail again, it is not in my Moab’s “Favorite List” For anyone that like myself has a lot of time to ride the Moab Trails, then add this to your list, if you only have a few days to a week, then the Sovereign would probably not make my list.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : For a weekday, It was moderately busy

Wild Life : Definitely don’t need it on this scenic trail

Scenery : Really nice scenery.

Getting There : Willow Springs Road Trailhead: On US-191 north of Moab, turn east on dirt Willow Springs Road. Keep L at fork at mile 1.3. At mile 2.0, park in the rock-outlined area on your left N 38° 41.876′ W 109° 39.868′, just before a natural gas pump building on the R. Start the ride by continuing down Willow Springs Rd. Other : You can make this ride as long or as short as you like, there are numerous “Link Trails” that can be taken. Good Luck in finding a good trail map for this trail

My Trail Rating : 8 / 10

This Sovereign Trail review is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Campgroud. Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more. The Sovereign Trail is just a 15 min. drive from your campsite. Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 4 years running. Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

The new Pipe Dream Trail in Moab, a fantastic singletrack that starts in downtown Moab

Last year October this trail did not exist, and I was pleasantly surprised to have a +10 mile singletrack at my doorstep.
I did the Pipe Dream all the way, from Hidden Valley to Aspen Street and back. Having the smell of Burger King follow me all the way was not easy, knowing that it would only be a 5 min detour to add Burger King or McDonalds to the trail.

This time I did not give in to temptation, but it was very difficult.

Trail Stats & Information Pipe Dream

Nearby Town: Moab

Length: about 12.00 miles as an out & back

Trail Type: Out & Back

Skill Level: [what the books say] No info

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically moderately demanding.

Duration: about 3 hours

Trailhead Elev: 4,428 feet

Top Elev: 4,663 feet

Book Description

 

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My Experience

For the past 5 years I have spent the whole month of October in Moab, I always stay at the Moab Rim Campark. As many know, the Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim Trail is one of my favorite Moab rides. Moab Rim Campark is literally just 10 min. ride to the Hidden Valley Trailhead, following the “Under the Wires” trail.

I was pleasantly surprised this year to find a new trail starting ( or finishing) at the Hidden Valley Trailhead.. The Pipe Dream.

The Pipe Dream was officially opened on June 17th 2011, so it really is a brand new Trail.

The trail is very well built, and runs the whole length at the foot of the Hidden Valley and Moab Rim. The trail is far from being flat, and is no means a fast flowing trail. I started the ride directly from Moab Rim Campark at about 10 am on a Monday. I was pretty surprised at the number of riders already on the trail, it is clear that the Pipe Dream is already a very popular trail.

The ride from Hidden Valley to Moab Aspen Street, is a lot easier than from Aspen Street to Hidden Valley. Technically both directions are moderately technical, however physically the ride to Hidden Valley is a lot more strenuous, due to more climbing.

 

Conclusion

The people that built the Pipe Dream did a fantastic job, the singletrack winds itself around, under and over some unbelievable rocky terrain. It’s a great slow and moderately technical trail, that offers a lot of options. Out and Back from downtown Moab, but for the real “grinderz” among us, it can form a fantastic loop with Hidden Valley and Moab Rim.

It’s already clear that the Pipe Dream is a huge success, and is becoming very popular, very quick.

 

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : For a weekday, It was moderately busy

Wild Life : a snake

Scenery : Really nice scenery.

Other : Have not done it myself, but the Pipe Dream can be a great option to loop the Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim. Physically extremely demanding, but it would make a hell of a loop none the less.

 

My Trail Rating : 7 / 10

 

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This Pipe Dream Trail review is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Campgroud.

Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more.

The Pipe Dream Trail starts from your campsite.

Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 4 years running.

Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

 

Enjoy miles and miles of stunning 360 degree views on the Amasa Back - Pot Arch and Rockstacker trail in Moab

The Amasa Back – Pothole Arch and Rock Stacker Trail is in my opinion Moab’s most scenic trail, and if planned well is also one of Moab’s best rides. This trail can also be a complete nightmare, extremely busy, so be well prepared when planning this beauty.

Trail Stats & Information Amasa Back

Nearby Town: Moab

Length: 12.95 miles

Trail Type: Out & Back (lollipop) or loop with Jackson (not recommended)

Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically very difficult to extreme. Physically very difficult.

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate to extreme . Physically moderate / demanding

Duration: Book say’s 3-4 hours my time 5.07 hours

Trailhead Elev: 4,000 feet

Top Elev: 4,886 feet

Book Description

You’ll want to watch the first 100 feet of this trail. It can ruin your ride in a hurry. The entire trail should be approached with respect. It’s short, but it’s a grunt with technical challenges thrown in here and there, some on the edge of a 500-foot cliff. Ledges drop into deep sand at points. it asks for speed and can surprise you as you round a corner. The ride from here can be extremely rewarding for a very experienced riders with a good sense of direction and maybe a guide. There is a petroglyph panel worthy of a visit, but the riding just gets harder from this viewpoint as you climb on the very technical slickrock onto the huge sandstone monolith that is Amasa Back. Don’t even think about the singletrack that goes down the backside. it is scary and exposed the whole way. Trail Surface; Technical 4WD track. Ledgy bedrock, sand, slickrock, loose and hardpack sediments. Scary exposure.

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My Experience

I will not even consider riding this trail, if I cannot get started at the crack of dawn. This time I was ready to Rock ‘n Roll at 7 am. Anyone that has ever done the Amasa Back knows Mr Toad is the very first unfriendly obstacle you have to get passed. That is not really a big problem for anyone that knows what to expect. However I have seen people start bombin’ down Mr Toad to suddenly be confronted with a 5 foot verticle drop.. Too Late, they are airbourne, unprepared, and the wrong angle.. A quick end to the Amasa Back.. Over within 40 seconds. Take it easy on Mr Toad, he’s a grumpy old sod!! From Mr Toad the Amasa back section itself is a 2.5 miles short climb. The climb is not very strenuous, and apart from one or two short sections it is a pretty easy climb. Getting an early start means you will have the trail to yourself, which means you can just relax and enjoy the Amasa Back, and take photo’s without having 35 other people in the photo. There are a few pretty technical sections on the way up, I suggest taking them in, and even memorizing the line you should take on the way down, ‘cos coming down the Amasa is one of the many highlights, and it’s a fast downhill ride. Once at the top of Amasa, you are advised to take a break, enjoy the scenery, and make sure your quick release’s are fully fastened, the next mile is manic with some very gnarly sections that are actually doable. Saying that, do not hesitate once you’ve approached the obsticle, if you hesitate on some of these drops, you are in big trouble. The large rock Island on your left is Jackson Hole. Hopefully you made it down the Amasa in one piece, from here you start another climb, following the fantastic Pothole Arch Trail. Again, the climb is pretty moderate, but there are one or two very technical sections, that I choose to walk. Once the 4 wheel drive trail veers off, the Pothole Arch Trail becomes singletrack and slickrock. From this point the ride takes a very nice and dramatic turn, no more up, from here it’s DOWN, and a fast and windy down, until you reach the turn off to pick up the Rockstacker. The Pothole Arch downhill is a really fun section, there is a small degree of technical sections, but nothing major. At this point ignore the Rockstacker Trail, just cruise onto the Slickrock Spurs and enjoy the rollercoaster ride that takes you to Pothole Arch. This is one massive Slickrock playground, enjoy the spur, and the stunning scenery from the top. After you are done playing on the Slickrock Spurs, make your way back to the start of the “RockStacker Trail” For those people that find the Amasa Back technical, or the Poison Spider technical, the Portal Trail or even Moab Rim, then I suggest you go back the same way you just came, ‘cos believe me, the Rockstacker is one mental trail, extremely technical. Walking the majority of the Rockstacker is very technical, let alone riding it. Saying that, there are people that actually ride, or attempt to ride these sections.. On the Amasa Back, I talked about technical drops of 4 feet, on the Rockstacker, it’s technical drops of 20+ feet. I myself am far too sensible ( and scared) to even try riding these sections, and my steed is not built for this kind of riding ( yeah ok it’s a lame excuse) BUT, I still love the Rockstacker, I walk about 50% of this trail, luckily most of it is the first half. Once passed the halfway mark, I feel safe enough to get back on my steed. Now even the second half is no picnic, but at least it’s doable technical and lots of fun. At the end of Rockstacker you can pick up the Jackson Trail back down to the Trailhead, I myself do not like this trail, it is just not rideable, or just far too technical. I suggest picking up on the Amasa Back again, and having one hell of a Downhill experience.

Conclusion

Plan this trail in advance, if you get an early start, and you get there before the crowds, you will have a fantastic ride. The route I did is fun, technical, fast, furious, mental, but worth every second you get to spend on the trail. In my books this is probably the most scenic rides in not just Moab, but in the USA.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : On this ride I had the trail to myself untill the downhill section. However this trail can be extremely busy Wild Life : Definitely don’t need it on this scenic trail Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic Moab Scenery. The best out there Other : If possible do an early weekday ride. On weekends / holidays the trail can be VERY busy.

My Trail Rating : 10 / 10 [ if timed well ]

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The Amasa Back Trail review is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Campgroud. Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more. Amasa Back Trail is just a 12 min. drive from your campsite. Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 4 years running. Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

Early Morning on one of the worlds greatest trails, the Porcupine Rim Trail in Moab

The Porcupine Rim Trail in Moab is together with the Slickrock Trail the most popular Moab ride. This trail is probably on the wishlist of more mountain bikers than any other trail, and not just in the USA, but worldwide.
The Porcupine Rim is a fantastic trail, physically it’s an easy ride, 90% being a very fast downhill, however technically this trail can rip you and your steed to pieces.

Many a Mountain Biker has lost the battle on the Porcupine..

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: I clocked 14,74 miles
Trail Type: P2P [ Point 2 Point ]
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically very difficult to abusive. Physically difficult.
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate to very challenging. Physically moderate
Duration: 2-5 hours
Trailhead Elev: 6,000 feet
Top Elev: 6,800 feet

Book Description

Porcupine Rim is arguably the most diverse of all local Moab rides and definitely one of the most memorable. Aerobically it is moderately difficult, with an 800-foot elevation gain right off the bat. Technically, it’s extremely challenging. An extended climb to the head of Negro Bill Canyon (named for mulatto William Granstaff, a prospector-settler who came to the area in 1877) on a narrow mining track is followed by an unforgettable stretch of double-track leading along the edge of Porcupine Rim, with stomach-churning views straight down on Castle Valley. From a jungle of juniper-piñon, sandstone outcrops, and cacti, you’ll begin a long descent down rugged double-track teeming with drop-offs that often come at you when you least expect it. This leads to single-track, sometimes smooth and other times boulder-strewn. The trail deposits you onto UT 128, and the final six miles back to town are paved. General location: 10 miles east of Moab.

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My Experience

There is a very good reason why The Porcupine Trail is on the wishlist of so many Mountain Bikers, it’s one hell of a ride, and deserves a spot as one of the Best trails to ride.

I was dropped of at the Trailhead at the break of dawn, the sun had not yet shown herself. This trail can get very busy, and I wanted her all to myself. At 7 am I started my ride.
The first 45 minutes is a climb, nothing serious, and actually even the climb is fun trying to tackle the obstacles.

You know when you are “Topped Out” when you get the fantastic view of Castle Valley. Enjoy the views from here, and take this opportunity to prepare yourself and your steed for the adrenalin pumpin’ mayhem ride that will either put a smile on your chops for a few days, OR have you cryin’ for your “mummy” like a little baby!

The Porcupine has no mercy at all with mountain bikers, go too fast.. you’re fucked, go too slow..you’re fucked, choose the wrong line.. you’re fucked, hesitate .. you’re fucked… So basically if you don’t find the right balance on the Porcupine, either you, your steed, or both are fucked.

Physically this trail is pretty easy, nothing too serious, however technically this trail CAN be severe. The very time I did the Porc. I ended up walking out with my tail between my legs, after destroying TWO derailleur hangers, and shreddin’ my back tire.

The dragons teeth on this trail are brutal, and appear out of nowhere, just when you think it’s safe to open up, a carpet of dragons teeth appear out of nowhere!. Just make sure you have max. puff in your rubbers, otherwise you to, will be walking out.

From the view point to the singletrack section is very technical, not technical because of drops or other dangerous obstacles, but more because of speed issues, clipping, and very sharp and loose terrain that will cause you to wipeout at the blink of an eye, and doing a face plant on the Porcupine is gonna hurt big time!

The fun continues on the singletrack section, this section is VERY technical as well, but different technical to the previous 8 miles. The singletrack has some VERY gnarly stretches that will very quickly put an end to your ride, and a lot more if you are out of luck.

The singletrack is very narrow, and clipping your pedals is inevitable. The speed that can be reached on this section is scary, so you have to make sure your steed is is optimal working order, doing 35 mile on a trail that is less than a foot wide and having a 7 foot gap appear out of nowhere is scary, just hope your brakes are working…

” Well going 35 miles on a trail that is less than a foot wide with a sheer drop on one side is just crazy shit!!. Use your common sense.. “

Yeah, right, that’s what I would think as well, but once you are on the Porcupine, all common sense goes disappears like a fart in the wind, and just like that fart, you just gotta go with the flow on the Porcupine.

Conclusion

Dude, I was on fire, and my loyal steed was smokin’!!, This is the FIRST time I have cleared the Porc. without any need of Trail side maintenance, and / or body bacon.
This time it was a Perfect Storm, the weather was great, I had the trail to myself, I was in top form and my steed was running like a greased whippet.. things just could not have been better.

The Porcupine Rim Trail is unique, and it’s not hard to see why this is one of the greatest trails in the USA and even the World.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : I started at 7 am and finished at 11am and saw NOBODY!!
Wild Life : none
Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic Moab Scenery
Other : The Porcupine is a very technical trail, but don’t be put off by this, unlike many technical trails, the Porcupine is 95% doable. It’s VERY hard on your bike, take ALL the parts you have, incl. extra inner tubes, tire, chain and derailleur hanger(s)

My Trail Rating : 10 / 10 with a GOLD Star

Porcupine Rim Trail review is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Camp groud.
Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more.

The Porcupine Rim Trail is just 20 min. drive from your campsite.
Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 5 years running.

Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

Trail Videos taken on the Porcupine Rim Trail. Oct. 2011

The Poison Spider Mesa Trail and the Gold Bar Rim Trail, 2 of Moab's greatest rides

The Poison Spider Mesa Trail combined with the Gold Bar Rim trail is one heck of a mountain biking epic not to be missed.

This combination offers the experienced Mountain biker hours and hours of fun, scenic, fast, scary, and technical mayhem under the Moab sun.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: I clocked 22.14 miles
Trail Type: P2P [ Point 2 Point ]
Skill Level: [what the books say] no info
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate to challenging. Physically challenging. Navigating Gold Bar Rim can be quite a challenging
Duration: It took me 8.50 hours, but can be done in 6 hours
Trailhead Elev: Poison Spider = 4,037 ft – Gold Bar = 4,576 ft
Top Elev: 5,446 feet

Book Description

POISON SPIDER :

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My Experience

The Poison Spider Mesa Trail is one of my favorite Moab rides, but I always loop it with the Portal Trail.

The Gold Bar Rim Trail is listed in my “Best 15 mtb trails in the USA” but I have only ever come up the Gold Bar Rim and down Portal as a P2P.

I was really stoked about combining these two fantastic trails and riding them as a P2P.

I knew from experience it was going to be a long day, but I didn’t realize just how long it was going to take me. Luckily I had a very early start, at the crack of dawn, I was on the Poison Spider, I knew I would easily clear the Poison before anyone else even started on the trail.. Great, I was all alone on the Poison, this gave me plenty of time to take pics, shoot vids, and to just relax and enjoy the the trail.
The sun was still on the horizon, so the temp. on the Poison was very comfortable, I was on top form, and so was my loyal steed. We cleared the Poison incl. a side trip to the Arch in under 3 hours.

Once at the top of Poison, on the “Rim” I relaxed and prepared for the long and tricky Gold Bar Rim. For some reason I thought it was gonna be all downhill from this point, I was wrong in a big way, it was a lot of up’s and down’s, and by now the sun was high enough for the Rim to start heating up.

I veered off the Gold Bar Rim and took the extremely technical “Blue Bar” Trail. I will not say much about this trail, except that it is an Illegal Trail, closed to protect the Big Horn Sheep. I did not know this at the time, and going down Gold Bar Rim it is not at all clear that this trail is illegal, however coming “up” Gold Bar Rim it is clearly stenciled in the Rock. I will add that the “Blue Bar Trail” is extremely technical, and certain areas are VERY Dangerous, certain sections on this trail makes the “Portal Trail” seem like a walk in the Park.

Please respect the Laws of the Trails, and stay on the Gold Bar Rim

If you have never done the Gold Bar Rim Trail before, it can be very tricky to navigate, at one point you will be following the “Gold Spike Trail” and then it will be the “Gold Bar Trail” you should not attempt this trail without a good map.

The Gold Bar offers some fantastic technical sections, I was happy to have cleared a few, but most of them were too tricky for me.

Remember, this is a long and very remote trail, do not take any risks on this trail, if anything goes wrong, you are a long way from anywhere, and it could be days before you see someone else.

Conclusion

Well, I have to be honest, we are talking about two of Moab’s greatest trails, no matter how you approach them, you are going to be guaranteed a ride of your life. The Poison is scenic, fun and moderately technical, and can be done as an Out and Back, or looped with the Portal Trail, or as a P2P with the Gold Bar. As a P2P with Gold Bar, this becomes a technical and remote trail. 24 remote miles of Moab splendor, don’t under estimate the Gold Bar Rim, it’s a tricky trail, and a LOT can go wrong on this Trail.

For everyone that like myself likes a bit of a challenge and remote rides, then this combination of coming up the Poison Spider, and down the Gold Bar Rim could be the best mountain biking experience you could wish for.

This combination is NOT suited for anyone without some navigation skills, the remoteness is your best friend, or your worst enemy on this trail.

And as the guide book states : Treat it like it’s sacred. Respect it. Love it. Care for it. Most of all, fear it.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : 3 moto crossers, that were seriously lost, and needed my help 3 times to get back to the main road.
Wild Life : none
Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic Moab Scenery
Other : This is a very remote ride, carry ALL your spare parts in case anything happens. Carry a good Map, and know how to use it. and carry as much fluids as you can. If you get lost, head back up to the “Rim” and follow it back towards Moab and head down the Portal or back down the Poison Spider.

My Trail Rating : 10 / 10 with a GOLD Star

Poison Spider – Gold Bar Rim Trail review is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Camp groud.
Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more.

The Poison Spider – Gold bar Rim Trail is just 20 min. drive from your campsite
Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 5 years running.

Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

Trail Videos taken on the Poison Spider and Gold Bar Rim Trail. Oct. 2011

The Flat Pass Trail aka Steel Bender a fantastic trail with stunning Moab scenery

The Flat Pass trail is a fantastic trail, and chances are that if you can ride this trail on a week day, you will have the trail to yourself. Flat Pass Trail and Steel Bender are not really the same trail, Flat Pass is ideal for mountain bikers, and follows the Steel Bender that is the 4×4 trail, the only difference is, the Steel Bender is about 2 miles longer. For anyone planning a trip to Moab to Mountain Biking should definitely put Flat Pass Trail on the list of “Must do” trails.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town: Moab

Length: Guide book states 15.5 total miles, I myself clocked 19.4 miles from Kens Lake Trailhead and 21.76 miles from Moab Rim Campark

Trail Type: Loop [ out & back is an option ]

Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically difficult to extreme. Physically moderate to difficult.

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate to challenging. Physically moderate

Duration: Book say’s 2-4 hours my time 5.56 hours

Trailhead Elev: 5,200 feet

Top Elev: 6,000 feet

Book Description

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My Experience

I had heard a lot of good things about the Flat Pass Trail, and it has been on my to do list for a few years, the only reason I kept postponing this ride was because of the high amount of “Road Miles” needed to loop this trail. The trailhead is easy to find, just head for Kens Lake. The trails starts with a easy climb on a gravel road to the Flat Pass. At this point you head down, and have to make a sharp left and cross the creek, or just do as I did, and miss the turn-off and carry on up a dead end trail untill you realize it ain’t going anywhere, so you will have to turn around and back track. Once on the real trail, which is mostly slickrock, the real enjoyment begins. The trail climbs moderately with plenty of obstacles to keep you busy, and it’s actual a fun climb. The fun continues until you top out, then you get some really fun sections of hard packed sand.. open up here and ride like a bat out of hell, until you hit the rocky downhill section. Technically quite challenging, but nothing too serious, it’s just a fun bumpy downhill, choose your path, and stick to it. There are a few high drop-offs, but I always managed to find a safe way down.. All in all the trail section of the Flat Pass Trail is fantastic, with a high fun factor, and offers stunning Moab scenery. This trail does not attract the crowds like numerous other Moab Trails does.

Conclusion

This time I started from Moab Rim Campark and looped the whole trail in just under 22 miles. The last time I started at Kens Lake Trailhead, and clocked just under 21 miles. The only downside of the Flat Pass trail is about 50% is on the road. Once you are actually off the road and on the trail, it is absolutely fantastic, and any mountain biker is guaranteed to have a fantastic time. The trail is easy to follow, but you will definitely need a map if you have never done this trail before, as there are a few other nameless trails branching off. There are in total 4 creek crossings on this trail, and my advice is to get your feet wet, and carry your steed across. I did not do this, and after each creek crossing there is a foot of sand and your rear derailleur really gets gunked up. Once on the trail, try and avoid the far sides of the trail, even if it seems the perfect line, try and stay within 2 feet from the sides. I learned the hard way, and had a total of 7 punctures from thorns. For anyone with a bit of extra time and energy, I would suggest riding Flat Pass as an Out and Back, it would shave about 5 miles off the total milage, which means it would be about 16 miles of fantastic pure mountain biking miles.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : none, I had the trail to myself.

Wild Life : none

Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic Moab Scenery

Other : Carry a proper map, and like all Moab trails a good puncture outfit and extra inner-tubes, and carry your bike across the creek, the sand will gunk your derailleur.

My Trail Rating : 8.5 / 10 [ As a P2P I would give this trail a 10/10 ]

This Flat Pass Trail review is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Campgroud.
Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more.

The Flat Pass Trail can be looped from your campsite.
Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 5 years running.

Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

 

Trail Videos taken on the Flat Pass Trail. Oct. 2011

Spectacular views on the Moab Rim Trail

The Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim is one of my Moab favorites. This trail offers fantastic scenery, a very remote feeling without being remote ( if anything goes wrong, it’s no more than a 1.5 hour walk to civilization).
The Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim trail offers everything the big trails offer, such as Porcupine. The trail can be looped, or as an out and back.
This trail offers the longest and steepest slickrock downhill section, almost a mile of solid mental 22 percent downhill.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: about 13 miles (14.3 miles if you visit the Moab Rim View Point)
Trail Type: Loop or Out & Back
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically extremely difficult to downright abusive. Physically difficult
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate – difficult. Physically moderate [ if done from Hidden Valley ]
Duration: 2-4 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4000 feet
Top Elev: 5400 feet

Book Description

If you are not a skilled mountain biker do not attempt this ride. Be sure to take lots of water. This trail can be ridden from Moab, as a loop or as a shuttled trip, in either direction. It has a brutal climb at the head and an equally brutal downhill at the tail anyway you slice it. The ride up from the northern end on the massive rock slab to the rim is one of the most difficult climbs I know of. The southern end is so technical that you are going to be walking the bike. The northern end can be ridden in its entirety, if you are very fit and very skilled. Trail Surface: Extremely rugged 4WD trail and a very technical singletrack that is only suitable for hiking–portage or risk bone damage. Huge ledges, sand, loose rock, and hardpack. Kayenta slab rock, Navajo sandstone.

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My Experience

I have lost count on how many times I have done this trail, and I still love it as much as I did the first time. The scenery is great, the trail is exciting and has an adventurous feel to it. As always the 40 min. portage is a grunt, but once on Hidden Valley, the grunt was well worth it, and is soon forgotten about. The side trip up to the Moab Rim View point is very strenuous, and even though it might not look very technical, it has the potential of destroying you and your bike if you loose control at very high speed.

Conclussion

This is still one of my favorite trails, it’s more like an adventure than a “ride” . Last year I wrote that the singletrack that cuts through Hidden Valley was in really bad shape, and it was becoming almost impossible to ride because they were so deep. The good news is, the trails for whatever reason in excellent shape again.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : about 5 hikers
Wild Life : a Bull Snake
Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic 360 degree 3D Scenery
Other : Be WELL prepared for punctures, carry spare tubes and a repair kit. This advice is for ALL Moab rides, not just this one. DO NOT attempt this trail if you are not experienced riding on extremely rocky trails and very steep drops.

My Trail Rating : 10 / 10

This Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim Trail review is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Campgroud.
Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more.

The Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim Trail starts from your campsite.
Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 5 years running.

Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

In the past I have received emails from people that call me crazy ‘cos of the way I rate this trail, a lot of people call this trail “extremely difficult to very dangerous ” So let me explain how I rate a trail.

I myself would put me in the “Intermediate MTB’er” category, and far from being Advanced. So on a trail like this, where there is a 40 min. portage, that is IMPOSSIBLE to ride both up or down, I do not consider this section Mountain Biking.. If I did, this trail would be “Suicidal”

All the trails I rate are based on my opinion, and on how “comfortable” I was while riding it.

Moab MTB Trail Videos taken in October 2010

[youtubegallery]
Sovereign Trail 3|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ezGbxTjM7g
Sovereign Trail 2|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41a84ehkOuY
Sovereign Trail 1|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5aB6y6qJWA
Slickrock Trail 2|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNyndJskkbE
Slickrock Trail 1|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=137U9IZ2990
Amasa Back Trail 3|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XyQL4ENr2k
Amasa Back Trail 2|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQOMX_TL0HY
Amasa Back Trail 1|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZBsQLZrb14
Flat Pass Trail 3|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5XlZG3ebko
Flat Pass Trail 2|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGvxXJq_Axk
Flat Pass Trail 1|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4VsYj23tl8
Portal Trail|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBdcbBHJIis
Poison Spider|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhzqfT2wZaU
Hidden Valley 2|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYWR-cdHhjQ
Hidden Valley 1|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23aUU_PM1vo
[/youtubegallery]

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This Post is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Campgroud.
Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more.

Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

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The Sovereign Trail Moab

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This is the first time I have actually ridden the Sovereign Trail, although I have been to the trailhead twice before, but each time it was too busy for my liking. They say the first time is always the best, but in this case I’m not so sure. Just minutes from finishing the trail I produced the “Mother of all Endo’s” , Endo’in off a 4 ft legdge and finishing the Sovereign Trail by cracking my Sternum as a souvenir … Luvly Jubly !!

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Trail Stats & Information Sovereign Trail

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: 15.45 miles : there are numerous options to lengthen or shorten the ride
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically difficult. Physically very difficult
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically moderately demanding
Duration: Book say’s 1-3 hours my time 2.03 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4,358 feet
Top Elev: 4,854 feet

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Book Description

Sovereign is one of the newest mountain biking trail systems in Moab. The terrain in and around Sovereign is generally flatter than most of the terrain in the Moab area. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking this ride won’t be fun or challenging.The Sovereign Trail offers plenty of technical sections as well as rolling fast twisty singletrack sections and some short slickrock sections.
The Sovereign Trail has quickly become one of the top Moab rides

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My Experience

Finding the Trailhead Parking was easier than finding the actual trail, luckily for me, someone else arrived, and they pointed out the general direction. However, once you have actually found the trail, it’s easy to follow, and pretty well marked. But, be careful, there are loads of various other trails in the Sovereign system.

The trail is great, starts off with an easy peddle up a dirt track, and then onto a wash-out that will take you to the first of the slickrock, marked with blue arrows. This is a fun technical section, completely manageable if you find the right path. Although there are a few sections that are pretty strenuous, the majority of the trail is pretty easy going, no extreme climbs or drops, however there are plenty of rocky down sections and a couple of very sharp switchbacks with pretty brutal drop-offs if you over-ride them to put a permanent end to your fun ride.
I was feelin’ pretty stoked on the trail, and my steed was handling the trails really nice, I probably got a bit too cocky on the last bit of slickrock before hitting the wash-out just 2 min from the finishing point. I un-willingly produced the “Mother of all Endo’s” getting launched off a 4ft drop that I did not see coming. In mid air I still tried to lift the front of my bike in the air as to land on either the back wheel, or both wheels simultaneously, however that did not happen. My first attempt of the Sovereign Trail ended with a cracked Sternum and a face covered in “bacon”

Sovereign Trail 1 – Rip3d 0

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The world famous Slickrock Trail in Moab Utah

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The Slickrock Trail is THE Trail that put Moab on the map, and is probably the worlds most famous trail. Mountain Bikers from around the globe travel to Moab to ride the Slickrock Trail.
There is no doubt that the Slickrock Trail is as fantastic as it is unique, but it is a trail that I have done numerous times, and I never get very exited about the thought of riding the Slickrock Trail. The crowds on this trail can be unbearable, and on a busy day, there are actual waiting lines in front of certain sections of this trail.

So, does the Slickrock Trail live up to it’s world famous reputation?… read on…

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Trail Stats & Information Amasa Back

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: 9.85 miles
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically very difficult to extremely dangerous. Physically very difficult to abusive
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically demanding
Duration: Book say’s 2-3 hours my time 2.45 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4,575 feet
Top Elev: 4,802 feet

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Book Description

This trail is VERY difficult and dangerous. Do not ride alone, but do not bring along you family, your girlfriend, or anyone that you love who is not an advanced rider. Despite the fact that the trail is shown on the Discovery Channel for kids to drool over, it is extremely dangerous and parents should exercise extreme caution with children under 18 (or over) who want to ride here. You could get them into serious trouble. The Slickrock Trail is VERY well marked with painted white lines like the middle of a highway, and there are yellow caution markers and black diamonds to warn you of deadly sections ahead. Be sure to watch for these warnings after you hit the main loop at mile 2.5. Hills on the trail are short, but grueling and very steep. If you let you momentum carry you it could get you into trouble on twisty sections with off-camber turns, but mostly it is momentum that will allow you to ride up the really steep stuff. Traction is fantastic, except when wet or icy. Watch out for winter! Trail Surface: slickrock, obviously, with a painted white line guiding you into the most outrageous situations. At times it is like riding on the outside edge of a 300-foot high basketball.

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My Experience

The first time ever did the Slickrock Trail was 4 years ago, I had just arrived in the USA, and did not realize just how popular this trail actually was. I arrived at the parking lot at about 11am on a Saturday, just to find the parking lot completely full, which meant that there were probably 100′s of riders on the Trail… not a good first impression for me, seeing as I’m an unsociable bastard!!

Now whenever I do the Slickrock Trail I leave at the crack of dawn on a weekday. This time around I was at the trailhead at 7am.. at an empty parking area!!.

Having the Slickrock Trail to yourself as the sun comes up is just a fantastic experience, and I was loving every second of it. It’s probably ‘cos I’m getting older, but it seems like the trail gets more strenuous each year, but because it’s such a fantastic trail you tend to forget you are busting your lungs.
For a fantastic 2.45 hours I did not see a single person on the trail, the first people I saw was just 10 min. the trailhead, just starting the ride.