Moab to Lake Powell
TOUR DESCRIPTION
This six-day trip from Moab, UT to the shores of Lake Powell is one of the most diverse trips we offer. From the steep, red canyon walls of Lockhart Basin and the feel of classic Moab mountain biking, to the high desert mountains overlooking Canyonlands National Park, to the long views from the Abajo Mountains and Bears Ears National Monument, to skirting Dark Canyon Wilderness and finally the fissured sandstone of Cedar Mesa this trip is simply a mind-blower.
We created this Moab to Lake Powell mountain bike tour for those who don’t want a guide, don’t want to be supported during the week and generally just want their own self-serve adventure with a bit of logistical assistance. Each day we relocate a very deluxe camp setup (provided by Ready Camp) of (2) 10×10 canopies, full kitchen, dry firewood, camp chairs, fresh water, coolers of food and beverages (you purchase prior to trip) and all your personal gear like tents, bags and clothing. You can go as cheap or deluxe as you want on food, beverages and amenities!!
Arrival Day
Our meeting point for this trip is Moab, UT at Chili Pepper Bikes. The day before the trip starts you can pick up a cooler (if needed) from us to do your shopping for the week.
Day One:
We will depart Chili Pepper Bikes in Moab by 7:30am and shuttle to the start on Hurrah Pass west of Moab where you’ll join Lockhart Basin Rd. The ride along Lockhart follows the Colorado River far below and mirrors the White Rim Trail on the other side within Canyonlands National Park. Soaring red rock cliff walls and buttes are all around. Enjoy! Ride length is about 24 miles.
Day Two:
Day two on Lockhart Basin Rd is more of the same for the first half of your day…which is a good thing! Lockhart Basin is widely known as a hidden gem in the Moab area – a White Rim-lite if you will. Later in the day the basin gives way to more open country and wider views yet still quite stunning. You are now skirting the border of the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Our camp tonight is tucked in among a maze of boulders and small red rock formations. Ride length is about 24 miles.
Day Three:
Day three is our shortest day as we cover 21 miles, but this also marks our ascent into the Abajo Mountains. We first will shuttle you across a short paved section to the start of the day’s route (you can ride it if you’d like). The ride profile is “up” as we ascend into the Abajao Mountains and Bears Ears National Monument along Bridger Jack Rd. A deep valley flanks you on your left as the flora turns to pinyon and juniper pine. The grade is gentle and there is no hurry today, so take your time and enjoy the day. Camp tonight is one to remember – an incredible, hidden camp situated about a one minute’s walk to a jaw-dropping overlook of Salt Creek Canyon, Canyonlands NP and the La Sal Mountains. Ride length is about 21 miles.
Day Four:
Day four the terrain rolls, but we gain our highest elevation of the trip in the Abajo Mountains and Bears Ears National Monument. Some of the views that open up from this vantage point are truly memorable such as the Notch. Long views of the entire Four Corners region, the backside of the tallest peaks of the Abajo Mountains, the Bears Ears formation itself and peeks down into Dark Canyon Wilderness. Ride length is about 23 miles.
Day Five:
As we begin to drop in elevation out of the Abajo Mountains the topography will slowly change from the pine forest higher up back to pinyon and juniper below. As you navigate he route you’ll also notice the transition into fissured sandstone of Cedar Mesa with hidden slot canyons revealing themselves far below you. The Tables of the Sun mesas appear to your SW as a seemingly bottomless chasm of various fingers of the Dark Canyon Wilderness to the NE at the same time. Late in the day the country that borders Lake Powell will reveal itself with the remote Henry Mountains serving as an ominous backdrop to the entire scene. Camp tonight provides a great vantage point to the entire landscape. Ride length is about 27 miles.
Day Six:
Your final day completes not only the entire route, but also the full transition into slot canyon country. The route contours just above famous slot canyons like Cheesebox and White Canyon’s. The road is littered with slick rock caps to enjoy on your bike throughout the day. Nearing the end of your day the skyscraper-like canyon of walls of what used to be Glen Canyon signal the eastern end of Lake Powell and Hite Marina. We’ll be there waiting for the shuttle back to Moab. Ride length is about 27 miles.
What’s Included in My Trip?
> Shuttle Van and driver
> Luggage, gear and cooler/food relocation
> Ready Camp kitchen and general gear
Not Included
> Alcoholic Beverages – we can haul and keep them cold though!
> Lodging
> Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
> Weather Control – Mother Nature has a mind of her own
GALLERY / PHOTOS
