This Top 5 Mountain Biking Destinations in the USA is based purely on my personal experience I have gained while traveling around the USA for the past 5 years riding the trails.

What is a Trails Destination?

This Top 5 is put together with the following in mind. If you had a weeks vacation, and would like to ride at least FIVE different trails in that week, all within a 20 mile radius, then in my books these are the best places to use as a base to get the best rides. 

This list is NOT a list of Best Trails ( for the Top 15 Best USA Trails 2011 click here)  and as I mentioned above it’s based on my personal opinion and based only on the places I have been.  

TOP 5 MOUNTAIN BIKING DESTINATION’S IN THE USA  

 Henry W Coe State Park – Gilroy / Morgan Hill – CA

The Henry W Coe State Park offers miles and miles and miles of the sweetest fast flowing singletracks a mountain biker could ever wish for.

The trails are well maintained and marked, but definitely not over done, and a map is definitely needed. All the trails start in the valley, and no matter what trail combination you choose, you will spend the first couple of hours climbing, and I don’t care how fit you are, you will be walking your steed quite a bit on the way up. However, the trails are so fantastic, even the brutal climb puts a smile on your chops, Why?.. ‘cos you know the downhill is gonna be out of this world!, and worth every second of the strenuous climb.

These are rolling hills, so it’s definitely not just an up & down trail network, however  even the rolling hills start up high.

Looping, lollipopin’, out & back, you name it, the world is your oyster on the Henry Coe, and you can easily spend days exploring these fantastic trails.  

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Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Gilroy – Morgan Hill

Length: Your call, but remember a Coe mile is very strenuous

Trail Type: Loops, Lollipop, Out & Back.. you name it!

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically *challenging. Physically demanding – mental

*Note – I say technically moderate, ‘cos although there are no technical obstacles, the big problem is speed. The trails are very narrow, and extreme speeds are possible. Certain sections of trails are very bumpy, and 2 ft ruts appear out of nowhere.. and if you get caught out at high speeds, it ain’t gonna be beneficial to you!

The Pro’s :

• fantastic singletracks
• well marked trails
• very scenic
• trails are very low impact, chances are you will see nobody else.
• Trail Head easy to get to
• Free trail map at Hunting Hollow TH

The Cons :

• It can get VERY hot – early start is recommended.
• In the summer “stickers” are manic
• LOTS of fluids needed on these trails

Henry Coe Trails Review

 Moab – UT

I’m a huge Moab junkie, I love the Moab trails, and for 5 years running I have spent the month of October on the Moab Trails.

You could easily spend a couple of weeks here, and ride a different trail every day.

The Moab trails aren’t just fantastic, they are unique, and not just in the USA, but in the World.
A handful of my all time favorite trails are Moab Trails, Hidden Valley, Porcupine, Poison Spider, Gold Bar and Amasa Back and the world famous Slickrock Trail are just a few.

Riding on slickrock is a fantastic experience every mountain biker should at one point experience. Moab is without any doubt the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, and attracts more than 150,000 mountain bikers from around the world each year.

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Trail Stats & Info

Town : Moab

Trails : some of the worlds best trails ( in my opinion) can be found in Moab. Some of my fav. trails are Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim, Porcupine Trail, Poison Spider down Gold Bar, Amasa Back – Rockstacker and the Flat Pass trail.

Pros :

• Moab is a funtastic town, manic for MTB’ers
• Trails are ALL unique
• Trails are very scenic
• Trails are technical
• Huge choice of trails to choose from, from beginners to advanced, Moab can accommodate.
• Good trail maps available at the bikeshops

Cons :

• A lot of people that know me, will actually be quite surprised that I put Moab on the second place, ‘cos everyone that knows me, knows I’m a self confessed Moab Junkie. Although I love the Moab trails, there is also a lot about Moab that I don’t like. The main reason Moab is in second place, is probably the same reason I put Henry W Coe at the first place… CROWDS!
  Moab trails (can) get VERY busy, I would never hit a Moab trail during a weekend, and in Moab I always get a very early start. I’m an un-sociable bastard, and although I don’t mind meeting fellow MTB’ers on the Trails, in Moab it can be bang out of order.
• A lot of the Moab  Trail Heads are pretty remote, and you definitely need a shuttle or drop off and pick up.
• Expect to pay over the odds at the bike shops, I always try and “stock up” with parts before arriving in Moab.  

South Lake Tahoe – CA

The South Lake Trails are in three words FAN TAS TIC !

 Probably  my all time favorite trail is in South Lake Tahoe the Cold Creek – Star Lake – Armstrong Pass – Corral Trail is the “Viagra” of MTB Trails, if this doesn’t do it for you, then nothing will.

The thing I personally like about the Tahoe trails, is you have to earn your reward, the saying “No pain no gain” definitely goes for these trails.

The trails are brutal, technical, scenic and  damn right fun.

The majority of the Tahoe trails are fairly technical, and physically demanding with a lot of climbing.

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Trail Stats & Info

Town : South Lake Tahoe

Trails : If like me you like pretty technical and demanding trails, then Tahoe is definitely for you. The section from Freel Pass all the down Armstrong and Corral is probably the best ride you will and can ever experience. 100% pure mayhem and adrenalin pumpin’ fun on a mtb.

Pros :

• Fantastic technical Trails
• Many of the better trails ( in my opinion) can be looped
• Trails are very scenic
• Good trail maps available at the bike shops

Cons :

• South Lake Tahoe has a very short mtb season
•  The timing of these trails is pretty essential for a great riding experience – weekends can be manic on the trails.

Sedona AZ 

Sedona offers some fantastic and unique trails, for all levels of experience.

The scenery Sedona has to offer, is fantastic, and Sedona is perfect for mountain bikers.

There is a large choice of trails in Sedona, suited for all levels of experience.

Some of my favorite Sedona trails are – the Highline Trail, Munds Wagon down Schnebly Hill and the Slim Shady- Llama -broken arrow loop.

All the above trails I mention are pretty technical and very demanding. If you prefer to takes things a lot easier on the trails, no problem, there are a lot of easy trails to choose from.

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Trail Stats & Info

Town : Sedona

Trails : A wide range of trails to choose from, from very easy ( Bell Rock) to very challenging (Munds Wagon Trail) 

Pros :

• Fantastic technical Trails
• All trails can be looped and most can be combined with other trails to make longer or shorter
• Trails are very scenic
• You don’t have to travel far to reach the trails
• A lot of the trails can be done from downtown Sedona

Cons :

• Trails can be very busy and over run by hikers and tourists
• Helicopters and (pink) jeeps can ruin the experience on certain trails.
• some of the better trails are not marked, and can be very confusing
• You need a “Red Rock Pass” to park at the majority of the Trail Heads

 Bozeman MT 

Bozeman offers some fantastic trails in the Hyalite Peaks area. These trails are scenic, and some of the trails are very strenuous and very technical, the The Hyalite to South Cottonwood Trail is a prime example of this.
Another fantastic MUST DO trail in Bozeman is the 28 mile beauty “Bangtail Divide” a trail that should be on every mountain bikers list.

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Trail Stats & Info

Town : Bozeman & Missoula

Trails : Two destinations for the price of One. Fantastic range of mtb trails, all levels from Easy to Mental

Pros :

• Fantastic technical Trails
• Variety of trails
• Trails are low impact and  scenic

Cons :

• For a lot of these trails ( Bozeman) you will need a drop off and pick up
• Very short season

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 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

Spectacular views on the historic Munds Wagon Trail

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I have been mountain biking around the USA now for 4 years, and also spend a lot of time on the European trails, and can say that I have done my fair share of trails. This also means that I’m not often lost for words on the trails, but every so often, out of the blue I find myself on a trail that just blows me away. It’s not just the trail, it’s a mixture of everything.. The trail, the scenery, the weather, how I’m feeling, how my bike bike is performing etc etc.
The Munds Wagon Trail and Schnebly Hill Trail just blew me away, it was the “Perfect Storm”

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Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Sedona
Length: 21.55 miles
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: [what the books say] no info
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically difficult. Physically very demanding
Duration : My time was 05:53:44
Elev Gain : 3,304 feet
Top Elev : 6,504 feet
Min. Elev : 4,135 feet

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Book Description

I could not find any Mtb Trail books describing the Munds Wagon Trail and Schnebly Hill Trail, so the below descriptions are based on my personal experience :

>> Munds Wagon Trail : 4 miles ( one way) of sweet scenic and fairly technical singletrack through stunning scenery. The trail is in excellent condition and easy to follow. The rewards are among the best, but you will have to work hard to earn them.

>> Schnebly Hill Trail : At the top of Munds Wagon Trail you will probably think the views cannot get any better.. well think again, the climb continues, and so do the stunning views. The first mile is an excellent narrow “chicken head” singletrack that takes you to the very top of the rim.. Now you are at the Top of the World!!..
Although the trail does continue to “Jacks Can Trail” .. My route took me onto a ( very nice) 4 wheel drive trail and back to Schnebly Hill Road, that then picks up the “Munds Wagon Trail ” for a “Gauntlet” ride back to the Trailhead.

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My Experience

The Trailhead was pretty busy with cars, but there are numerous trails that start here, and apart from a few friendly hikers, I had the trail to myself. The well maintained singletrack winds through both open and wooded areas with fantastic views. The trail is both smooth and rocky, and you even get to enjoy a slickrock section. The higher you get, the better the ride gets. In my books, this ride is very technical and physically very demanding, but the rewards are definitely worth it.

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

Checkout Mtb Trails in HDR : www.mtb-trails.com

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Amasa Back Trail in Moab Utah Mountain Biking at it's best

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If planed well, and with a bit of luck, the Amasa Back Trail in Moab could become your all time favorite trail ever. I say this, because this trail can be unbearably busy on weekends / holidays, and this will definitely put a damper on things. However, if you can get an early start on a weekday, this trail will be yours, and believe me, it will blow your mind. The highest danger factor on this trail, is the scenery, it’s almost impossible to keep your eyes on the trail.

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Trail Stats & Information Amasa Back

Nearby Town: Moab

Length: 11.06 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 2-3 hours my time 4.02 hours

Trailhead Elev: 4,000 feet

Top Elev: 4,800 feet

Book Description

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My Experience

This is not the first time I have done the Amasa Back, the first time I did it,was on a Sunday, in combination with the Jackson Hole Trail. That time the Amasa Back was just bang out of order, there were 100′s!! of people on the trail, mtb’ers, 4×4′s, hikers, quads, trial bikes.. you name it… Seeing as I’m an unsociable bastard , I hated it!.

Luckily I did notice that the trail was fantastic, and I knew that I had to time it right to enjoy the trail to it’s fullest.

This time around I got an early start on a weekday ( Wednesday) and I had the whole trail to myself!!

Be very careful at the start of the trail, ‘cos lots of riders get caught out in the first 3 min on “Mr Toads”. Once past Mr Toads and down to the creek, the trail starts clinbing on slickrock. The climb is not bad at all, there are a few sections that you will have to get off your steed, but in general the trail is pretty doable. The highest risk on this trail, is the stunning scenery, and it is almost impossible to keep your eyes on the trail. The Amasa Back trail is very well marked, with maps on all the junctions. Once at the top, you can turn around and bomb back down, or you can loop back onto the Amasa Back by connecting the Pot Hole Arch Trail, and then onto the Rockstacker Trail.

The Rockstacker Trail is stunningly scenic, but it is riddled with some mental grade 5 sections, but I would highly recommend this connector. When you get back onto the Amasa Back Trail, you will now be back tracking, a slight climb until you top out, and from here it’s just a roller coaster ride back to the creek 100% fun!!

There is also option to loop the Amasa Back Trail by connecting to the Jackson Trail. Personally I would not recommend this, 80% of this section is not rideable, and you end the trail on a strenuous climb, it also means you don’t get to enjoy the Amasa Back downhill.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the Amasa Back Trail is one of, or even THE most scenic and fun trail in Moab. However, this trail can for all good reasons be extremely busy. If possible do this beauty early on a weekday. The views on this trail are unbelievable, the trail is well marked, the slickrock climb is not too strenuous, and the downhill offers maximum thrill level.

Do this trail early on a weekday, and it is without doubt one of the best trails 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

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In 2009, trails in Moab Utah were again in the finals, but this time they were up against Colorado. The 5 finalists of the 2009 Mountain Bike Mayhem tour of the USA were :

• Hartman Rocks Epic Gunnison Colorado
• Kokopellis Trails Epic Fruita Colorado
• Hall Ranch Lyons Colorado
• Moab Rim via Hidden Valley Moab Utah
• Gold Bar Rim Trail down Portal Moab Utah

Picking this years winner was not easy, I did manage to get the list down to TWO trails, but I could not decide which one was better.

Every trail I tested, I did  at least twice, and usually on one of the rides one was uaually  better than the other, but with these two trails, they were perfect 10/10 both times around.
Numerous times I thought I had made my decision, but I just did not think it was fair towards the other Trail.

One thing is certain, although I am a Moab Junkie, and I luv the Moab Trails, this Year Colorado clearly beat Utah, and I have a DOUBLE WINNER for 2009

Mountain Bike Mayhem’s 2009 BEST Mountain Biking Trail in the USA goes to :

Kokopellis Trails Epic Fruita Colorado

AND  

Hall Ranch Lyons Colorado

Both trails are absolutely fantastic, and in my view offer EVERYTHING a mountain biker looks for.. they are both worthy winners!!

Now I know that, because a shop didn’t advise me against changing my brakes, that the shop is no good.. But let me make it VERY CLEAR, I have NEVER written or said anything bad against ANY shop.. that was and is not what I was looking for. What I was looking for, were the shops that I would recommend to my friends, and that I will definitely use again myself if in the area.

The Shops recommended on the 2009 Mountain Bike Mayhem Tour were:

The Hub Brevard North Carolina : www.hubbicycles.com
Smoky Mountain Bicycles Franklin North Carolina :  www.smokymtnbikes.com
Redstone Cyclery Lyons Colorado : www.redstonecyclery.com
Single Tracks Fruita Colorado :  www.single-tracks.com

All the above shops come highly recommended, and they deserve your custom.

So which shop can officially call it self the ” Best of the Best” ?

First of all, let me tell you WHY I chose this particular Shop.

The owner is very active and helpful on Mountain Bike Forums, he is an avid and active Mountain Biker, and not just locally. He spends a lot of his free time planning, maintaining and working hard on the local trail system. He is the owner of the shop and personally stands behind his products and services. His Shop is small, but has a huge reputation among a lot of hardcore mountain bikers
And most importantly, he is friendly, honest and knows everything there is to know about Mountain Biking and the history that goes with it.
I was hard pressed to find anything bad about the owner or the shop,.. BUT I did find one thing, that I will not forget in a hurry…..  HE was the one that recommended ” Sourdough “!!!!!

So, Mountain Bike Mayhem’s BEST MOUNTAIN BIKING SHOP IN THE USA 2009 goes to

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REDSTONE CYCLERY

Lyons Colorado

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Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Fruita
Length: about 41 miles
Trail Type: Loops
Skill Level: Aerobically: easy – strenuous,  Technically: easiest-difficult
Duration: 6+  hours
Trailhead Elev: 4500 feet
Top Elev: 5300 feet

Book Description (s)

[ Horsethief Bench ]
This ride offers spectacular views of the Colorado River along with an excellent singletrack section that is one of the best in the area for those seeking a moderate ride. The singletrack section along Horsethief Bench is just pure fun. Throw in the great views out to the beautiful Colorado River and you have a wonderful mountain biking experience.

[ Lions Loop ]
Another great ride with excellent singletrack, some great uphills, and spectacular overlooks to the Colorado River. This is one of the must-do rides in the area. You can do this ride and easily hook up with other trails in the area for a longer and more difficult ride.

[ Mary's Loop ]
Spectacular views of the Colorado River and an excellent singletrack section make this one of the best moderate rides in the area. This is a great introductory ride that should not be missed.

[ Troy Built Loop ]
The Troy Built Loop, named in honor of its builder, is the newest addition to the famed Kokopelli Trail, which links Grand Junction, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, via a mountain bike trail. This loop delivers some tough climbing on narrow and rocky singletrack. Views of the Grand Valley are spectacular. Some of the riding involves speedy descents along the edge of Rabbit Valley – one hell-of-a-long-way down. Once at the top of Mack Ridge, however, it’s a speedy wide doubletrack back to your vehicle. The views atop Mack Ridge offer distant sights of Utah, the Grand Mesa, and the entire Grand Valley. Terrain: Singletrack, doubletrack, jeep road, and some slick rock. The trail travels over arid and rocky terrain, skirting, at times, to precipitous canyon edges.

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My Experience

YET AGAIN ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!
I started the ride on a clear sunny Monday morning at 11 0′ clock.

My ride was as followed:

Trailhead >> Mary’s Loop onto >>Rustlers Loop >> back onto Mary’s Loop >> Wranglers Loop >>back onto Mary’s Loop >>  Horsethief Bench Loop >> back onto Mary’s Loop >> Steve’s Loop >> back onto Mary’s Loop >> Lion Loop >> Troy Built Loop >> back onto Lions Loop >> Mack Ridge Trail >> Moore fun Trails >> Trailhead

Conclussion

The first time around I gave this beauty a 10/10 with a Gold Star, and this time around with all the extra trails added I yet again give this Epic a 10 / 10 with another Gold Star..
The Kokopelli’s Trails are just a Mountain Bikers dream, I don’t care what your name is, how much your bike costs, and how tight or baggy your clothes are.. You WILL love this ride.. any mountain biker who can step forward and say he / she does not like these trails, obviously needs to start looking for a new hobby.

The trails are ALL fantastic, technical but far from impossible, stunning views, uphill climbs, fast downhill bombs, smooth singletracks, bumpy singletracks, and lots more.

• Mary’s Trail :[ 6 miles ]  Sweet easy scenic double and singletrack with stunning views.
• Rustlers Loop : [3.6 miles ] Fantastic easy swift running singletrack through stunning scenery.
• Wranglers :  [2.1 miles ] Easy trail, a nice ride.
• Horsethief Bench Loop : [3.7 miles ] Fantastic loop, with a short portage up to / from the trail. Excellent singletrack through stunning scenery
• Steve’s Loop : [ 3.6 miles ] Another beauty, excellent smooth level singletrack with fantastic views of the Colorado River
• Lions Loop : [ 4.8 miles ] bumpy but excellent singletrack with stunning views of the trails below.
• Troy Built Loop : [ 3.8 miles ] Steep rocky but doable downhill followed by sweet level singletrack  and a nice moderate singletrack climb
• Mack Ridge : [ 3.1 miles ] After a brutal gravel road climb ( lions loop) , you are rewarded with one hell of a great but technical singletrack with stunning views and scenery of the area and as far as Utah. Be careful on the steep and rocky downhill.
• Moore Fun Trail : [ 4.5 miles ] What a FUNTASTIC   Finish to the Epic, a brutal climb to the edge, but you get rewarded like a king. Fairly technical ride, but a MUST. Finishing your day on this trail from West >> East is the best you’ll ever get!!

The Kokopelli’s Loops definitely puts Fruita on the USA’s list of Mountain Biking Mecca’s.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : Fairly busy , But once beyond Steve’s Loop, I had the trails to myself.
Wild Life : who needs wildlife on a ride like this!?
Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic 360 degree 3D Scenery
Other : EVERY trail in the “kokopelli’s” is worth riding, Mack and Moore is pretty technical do not take lightly. Make sure you have PLENTY of fluids with you.

My Trail Rating : 10 / 10 with another  Gold Star

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