get the skinny

    Skinny tire riders have great options in the Moab area. Make sure you have money or your pass and ID for park entrance fees. Carry plenty of water and food. Watch the weather. It could be sunny in Arches and rainy in the La Sals. Check out the profiles for the rides below here.

    Ride the path

    Riding the paved path to Arches, or to Utah Hwy 313 and onto Dead Horse Point or Canyonlands, is a beautiful ride. The path has a few tunnels so that you can ride without having to worry about crossing any highways and is 100% protected from cars. The path is a great spin and ride in itself.The Moab Canyon Pathway begins in town at 500 West (Denny’s), or park and start at Lions Park, at the junction of US Hwy 191 and Utah Hwy 128. The park has ample vehicle parking, restrooms on both sides of the highway, and a picnic pavilion. This is a great place to start your adventure.

    Canyonlands national park

    The ride in Island in the Sky in Canyonlands begins at the Junction of US Hwy 191 and Utah Hwy 313 and is 70 miles round-trip to Grand View Point of Canyonlands. Begin with a gradual climb and a nice set of switchbacks; then it is more of a climb than you would think. If headed to Grand View Point in Canyonlands, ride past the entrance gate across the open vistas before the road narrows and the shoulder lessens. If you don’t want to bite off the full 70-mile ride, drive to the visitor center in Canyonlands and pedal to the overlook and back, 25 miles round-trip. The ride to Upheaval Dome is an additional ten miles and well worth it.Water and snacks are available for purchase at the visitor center.

    Dead Horse Point state park

    The ride to the visitor center in Dead Horse Point State Park is about 21 miles one way from the intersection of US Hwy 191 and Utah Hwy 313. It is the same ride as to Island in the Sky, but turn off about 14 miles into the ride. The ride has gradual climbing, is often windy, and has no shade.The visitor center has hot and cold drinks and a few snack items available.

    Arches National Park

    This is an out-and-back, 45-mile ride from town. The 18 miles of riding in Arches is mostly rolling terrain, and a steady workout in both directions. Explore The Windows and Delicate Arch Road for more mileage. Water is available at the visitor center and Devils Garden Campground.This park is very popular and has lots of traffic. Drivers aren’t watching for cyclists, so be careful! There is very little shoulder, so ride in the spring or winter and only if you’re experienced at hugging the white line. If you have to ride during busy days, ride before 8am or after 4pm.

    Potash Road, Scenic Byway 279

    This gorgeous 33.4-mile round-trip ride meanders along the Colorado River and offers sights such as petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and rock climbers on Wall Street. Expect a slight headwind on your return. The road is narrow with no real shoulder.

    La Sal Mountain Loop

    This 62-mile loop ride is challenging and remote, so depart early and be prepared. This tour has it all: beautiful red-rock canyon scenery and stunning alpine vistas. The favorite direction is riding south toward Ken’s Lake. Head out on Spanish Valley Dr. Continue straight at the turn for Ken’s Lake. From here you will start a long and demanding climb.A large part of this road was repaved recently and is really luscious to ride! It’s fairly new pavement from Oowah Lake (15.6 miles past Ken’s Lake) to the intersection with the Castle Valley Road.After cruising along the top, you’ll descend into Castle Valley past its famous rock pinnacles and then drop down to the Colorado River. The pavement is rough in a few places so stay focused. Take a left on Utah Hwy 128 as it winds its way back to Moab. Make sure to hop on the bike path at Grandstaff Canyon.If you don’t want to ride the entire loop, drive to the Castle Valley Road intersection and park (there are a few places safely off the road). Then, you will have a beautiful climb to the summit and a nice descent to return.