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Slickrock Mountain Bike Trail
Moab, Utah
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
29 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 5/10/09 by david_darling |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 12 miles | Global Rank: 4 |
| Tread: Other | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 332 | Wishlist: 95 |
| Avg. Speed: 3.86 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 28min |
Directions:
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Description: This trail is probably the most well known mountain bike trail in the country. That being said, it is not necessarily the BEST trail in the country. It is definitely unique due to the tread (rock) and the desolate landscape that surrounds the area. The trail is full of short steep climbs and descents and will really work your legs out. Plan on taking a few hours (3-4) to ride the loop all the way around. If you plan on hitting this trail in the summer (like we foolishly did), be sure to get there real early before it starts getting unbearably hot. Don't even think of trying to do this trail in the evening because it will still be just as hot (due to the enormous heat capacity of the rocks). Again, the trail is unique and is perfect for mountain bikers looking for a trail that is totally different from anywhere else they have ridden.
Description: This trail is probably the most well known mountain bike trail in the country. That being said, it is not necessarily the BEST trail in the country. It is definitely unique due to the tread (rock) and the desolate landscape that surrounds the area. The trail is full of short steep climbs and descents and will really work your legs out. Plan on taking a few hours (3-4) to ride the loop all the way around. If you plan on hitting this trail in the summer (like we foolishly did), be sure to get there real early before it starts getting unbearably hot. Don't even think of trying to do this trail in the evening because it will still be just as hot (due to the enormous heat capacity of the rocks). Again, the trail is unique and is perfect for mountain bikers looking for a trail that is totally different from anywhere else they have ridden.
added in 2003 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Porcupine Rim in Moab
Wasatch Crest in Salt Lake City
Snow Park Loop in Park City
NEARBY TRAILS
- Portal Trail in Moab (4.1 miles away)
- Amasa Back Trail in Moab (5.6 miles away)
- Porcupine Rim in Moab (5.6 miles away)
- Arches NP Main Road in Moab (6 miles away)
- Circle O Trail in Moab (9.8 miles away)
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by tysande on October 16, 2009
Fun, Tiring, and spectacular! Some great scenic views of Moab and the river.
* Review edited 10/16/2009
reviewed by cpadebo on October 13, 2009
While I'm not the most experienced mountain biker I can tell you that this trail is trully unique. It's like riding on giant boulders of solid rock melded together with lots of ups and down. Be prepared for a workout as the climbs are challenging. I love how many of the downhills have an uphill waiting at the end so you can really let the bike fly down the hill.
reviewed by kuala_tahan on June 1, 2009
Real cool trail, never ridden anything like it anywhere before. Not too technical, lots of quick up and downs, short steep climbs and short steep descents. Highly recommended, try not to ride it mid-day, the rock turns the trail into an oven. Go morning or later afternoon
reviewed by COGator00 on May 20, 2009
SLICKROCK!! Intense med-short burst climbs with roller coaster fun downhills. Trail is not highly technical (no big step-up/down) but does require a high level of fitness if you want to actually ride up the climbs. If you go to Moab and don't go here you're cheating yourself out of one great rewarding challenge! The views of Arches and of the looming Porcupine make this trail a must for all skill levels (bring your H2O!!).
Similar Trail: Chutes and Ladders for the burst/up 'n down climbing required, otherwise nothing else like it!
reviewed by TMWJR777 on April 8, 2009
Don't know what all the fuss is about this ride. Been there and rode it once, that was enough. I guess it's cool if you are into the whole "work out" part of riding. I myself didn't care for it all that much. Climb for 3 or 4 minutes, downhill for 30 seconds and repeat for 11 miles. Not my idea of**ood time, I'd rather get my climbing over with, then bomb back down to the car. To each his own I suppose. Gotta do it at least once just to say you have I guess.
Similar Trail: Anything else in Moab(Amasa Back, Moab Rim, Porcupine Rim, Bartlett Wash, Sovereign Sngletrk)
reviewed by BFD on August 3, 2008
My brother and I hit this trail several years ago and we still talk about how much fun we had to this day...Totally worth it the drive from just about anywhere. Take plenty of water.
reviewed by steve32300 on July 11, 2008
You deffinatly get traction here and I can attest to it.I am a clydesdale rider at 280 and until I invested into a rachet style rear hub, I broke 2 pawl body's and a chain all in one trip to slick rock.Never made it more than 2 or 3 mile's out on the trail before haveing to walk back to the truck to go back to town to get the bike fixed.Now that I have a new rear wheel and hub that can take that kind of abuse,I cant wait to get back there.
Similar Trail: I dont think there is another like this one.
reviewed by JackPompanoBeach on July 11, 2008
I don't know why so many people seem to be down on Moab. This trail kills! If you are into thrills, there are some wicked downhills, turns, and the views are breathtaking. I think guys are down on it because the steep climbs are pretty taxing, and there is a greater chance of maybe getting hurt since its all solid rock. This is by far one of my favorite rides, and is tons of fun!
Similar Trail: Gooseberry Mesa
reviewed by NoTrace on April 19, 2008
Get your slicks on so you stick and ride some wild angles on this trail. The rock is like sticky tape (to both tires and skin) so you can go nearly straight up and down. Everyone one should do this ride at least once.
reviewed by Brannam on February 2, 2008
Bring all the water you can carry, the trails in Moab will work every part of your body and mind during the summer. Slick rock has some great drops and even better climbs. The veiws are great and the rocks will bleed you when you go down. No MNT Biker should pass up a chance to ride this route.
Similar Trail: Mmmm, nothing!
reviewed by Terry_Tiessen on November 26, 2007
Slickrock rocks! This is some of the craziest riding in the world. You don't even realize how good the traction can be on this trail. I definitely climbed the steepest I ever have on Slickrock. The views are great too. Natural Selection viewpoint is awesome! Even when the trail is wet, the trsaction is incredible. We went in the heat of day in mid September and it was about 90 degrees...but it's a dry heat..yeah right. I finished off my 100 ounce Camelbak, and also drank most of a bottle. This is a trail that all mountain bikers need to try. I wish I could make a slickrock slurry and have my own slickrock at home in Oregon. Awesome ride!
Similar Trail: Sovereign & Amasa Back
reviewed by Siberian on October 9, 2007
This trail is always a curiosity. You will see people on cruisers tooling around with no problem, and at the same time you will see veterans fearing to go over the first steep hill. This is as much a psychological trail as it is a physical one...but amazing once you get the hang of it. Rated a 4 only because there isn't much variety. You are either going up or down, both of which require concentration and effort.
reviewed by skibum on October 8, 2007
Some choose to decry this trail as overrated, saying it's a one-trick pony. That may be so, but it's a heckuva good trick! You can do things here you'd never dream of on any other surface. In addition to the fnatastic slickrock, the views are magnificent. This place is truly unique and worth every bit of the hype. Not for beginners or the unprepared, however. Bring water and avoid midday. The 10 miles will be among the most taxing 10 you've done.
Similar Trail: Porcupine Rim
reviewed by dougsmith on September 22, 2007
Tough trail especially if you go counter-clockwise. Very hot and very little shade. Trails give great traction, like riding on sandpaper. A trail to do put on your to ride list.
Similar Trail: Only other rides in Utah are anything like it.
reviewed by Russp17 on June 29, 2007
Sweet ride, good views, I loved it so much to see, nothing is quite like riding slick rock
Similar Trail: nothing compares
reviewed by abharper on June 15, 2007
Slickrock is fun. This is a great trail!! The hardest thing for me was how steep the ups and downs were. My husband did the whole loop while I goofed around and practiced on some short sections and enjoyed the view. It was fun, I'd recommend it for any level rider, just take it easy if you have nerves like mine! :) We went in March, good time of year to be there.
Similar Trail: Klondike Bluffs has some slick rock too and is good for beginners.
reviewed by arnolda14 on June 6, 2007
This is our Mecca. You haven't earned the badge of a true Mtn. Biker until you ride this. Doesn't matter how good you are or how long you've been riding or how many hours you've put in the saddle or how much you love it. You have to respect the Slickrock, make the pilgrimage and pay it hommage. Very few people would say this is their favorite trail, but it is a helluva ride and it is THE ride, so put away your clown suit and go ride this thing.
reviewed by Lancefan on December 2, 2006
You have not mountain biked, or for that matter lived, unless you have at some time riden some of slickrock. It is step and technical and almost impossible for even the best riders to ride all of it, but this trail is all about the experience.
reviewed by odogtriever on May 11, 2006
As good as advertised. Very crowded, but like no other trail.
Similar Trail: Goosebury mesa near Zion
reviewed by xtrsmith on April 10, 2006
sometimes overcrowded. may I recommend any of moab's other trails? most of them rock.
reviewed by gab26 on April 2, 2006
World famous slickrock what more can you say. Do it early or late to avoid the crowds and heat during the summer. To me either the hard loop or easy loop does not make any difference go either way and you will enjoy it.
reviewed by c3667 on November 21, 2005
This was a great trail!!! I had soo much fun . climbing was easy to do on what is basically a 11 mile paved trail. (with extreme angles and obsticals). I plan on doing this trail at least once a year!!!
reviewed by rocketbracket on November 14, 2005
definietly unique trail with awesome scenery. very tough for me a Florida rider used to getting a little rest on flat straights. no flat straights here. Slickrock loop requires constant concentration. short climbs up and downhills will work your legs to the max. make sure to hydrate well before and during the ride and have your bike brakes and your fitness level in very good shape. town of Moab and people there are also great.
reviewed by epoderom on July 16, 2005
Pretty tired the day I intended to go, but decided to go anyway, very glad I did. . . . .other trails in Moab have slickrock also but none as much as this trail. You can get into some wicked angles
reviewed by woodiebikes777 on May 4, 2005
Great trail, it's amazing to think you are riding on petrified sand dunes. Watch out, A Jeep trail crosses the bike trail a few times. There are some sandy areas which make it kinda hard.
reviewed by Pedro_Carvalho on December 23, 2004
An unique trail. Everybody should ride Slick Rock, especially in the Fall.
TRAIL TAGS
moab 5 wickedAdditional Utah Mountain Bike Info
Guidebooks |
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 | Mountain Biking Utah |  | Mountain Biking Hut to Hut: Telluride to Moab |
 | Backcountry Moab - Where The Tours Don't Go |  | Mountain Bike America Moab |
 More Utah trail books | |||
