Moab Mountain Bike Menu

Better to be late to the party than to miss the whole enchilada.?The Whole Enchilada?is a world-famous mountain bike trail in Moab that usually means a shuttle ride to an epic seasonal drop-off point. Be ready for 7,000 feet and 15+ miles of descent with exposed views of Castle Valley. It’s fantastic, with plenty of tech and steep rolls seasoned with stunner views.?

Admittedly, I am a big fan of enchiladas, but after a recent visit, I’d say Moab is more like a family-style platter of sizzling fajitas. It has everything, from juicy steak and tender chicken to grilled shrimp, with piles of grilled onions and peppers. Plus, add copious toppings, like beans with melty cheese and spicy pico de gallo, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Moab’s mountain bike menu offers plenty of choices, from mild to super spicy.?

The Moab mountain bike scene has been on the map since the mid-80s, and Josh and I finally made it to this mecca in April. Over three decades later, it remains the stuff of legends; I can confirm the lore and reputation are deserved. Moab is not hype; it’s the real deal for a party on two wheels. When you tell bike pals you’ve been to Moab to ride, your street cred will go up a big notch.?

According to Moab Adventure Center, Rim Cyclery sold 15 mountain bikes in 1983, a leading number in the world. Today, 12 million are sold worldwide each year. Then, in 1985, Mountain Bike Magazine launched and helped spread the word about a new destination to ride. Pair that momentum with a superbly stunning landscape. I’d liken it to putting the Rocky Mountains and a sandstone desert in a giant geology bag: add a dash of salt, a splash of the Colorado River, then give it a good shake. Out comes petrified slick-rock and spectacular formations, mesas, and arches in vibrant colors from yellows and orange to deep brick reds. Great mountain bike trails, yes, but even better views.?

Magpie Cycling, Moab’s Local Bike Guide

When visiting a new mountain bike destination, I am a big believer in hiring a local guide. In Moab, check out Magpie Cycling and book Maggie and Mike’s crew for half-day or full-day guided rides. It’s a great way to gain insight on trails and routes that match your ability, plus you’ll learn essential skills and bike-handling tips. All the guides and coaches are certified, and listening to them will lessen your chances of having close-up encounters with slick rock. Learn to be a better biker, and as a bonus, ride with Maggie, “the bike scientist,” get local geology and naturalist tips, and even get to taste edible wildflowers with buds that taste like wasabi.?

We rode for three days with Magpie Cycling, covering trail systems at Klondike Bluffs, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Navajo Rocks. Don’t ask me to pick a favorite; that’s an impossible task.?

Funny thing, I did the most climbing on day one, with no one to blame but myself for requesting a route that took us to the top of Klondike Bluffs for an amazing vista. The reward was a rollicking descent down?Mega Steps! Maggie worked with me on better braking techniques right out of the gate, which certainly came in handy in subsequent days. Klondike Bluffs starts out unassuming and is certainly approachable as a Moab appetizer. Take?Dino Flow?to warm up, then climb?Little Salty?to?Alaska. Great spot to learn to ride some rock.?

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