1.
Courthouse Wash – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Porcupine Rim Trailhead Parking
56.7km
02:55
910m
910m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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The best road cycling routes in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 28, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many routes winding through this stunning landscape, it's hard to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it, and we've been there. That's why we've put together this guide. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so you don't have to guess.
Road cycling in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area is all about embracing the raw beauty of the American Southwest. Expect routes that traverse dramatic canyon landscapes and follow the Colorado River through desert terrain, offering open vistas and unique geological formations around every bend. The area provides a network of paved and unpaved roads, ranging from easy loops to more challenging climbs, so there's something for every skill level.
If you're looking for a serious challenge with significant elevation gain, the Courthouse Wash – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Porcupine Rim Trailhead Parking is a difficult 35.2 miles (56.6 km) route that truly earns its place as a top pick. For those who prefer expansive views and a more moderate ride, we'd point you towards the Potash Road, a 40.9 miles (65.9 km) path that showcases the canyon and desert scenery beautifully. More than 700 road cyclists have already explored Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area with komoot, so dive in and find your next adventure.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courthouse Wash – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Porcupine Rim Trailhead Parking | 56.7 km | 910 m | Hard |
| Potash Road | 65.9 km | 410 m | Moderate |
| Matrimony Spring – Moab Canyon Pathway loop from Site 8 | 27.2 km | 360 m | Moderate |
| Moab Canyon Pathway – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Moab | 29.8 km | 280 m | Easy |
| Courthouse Towers Viewpoint – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Moab | 31.8 km | 360 m | Moderate |
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Potash Road
65.9km
03:21
410m
410m
Potash Road offers a unique road cycling experience through Moab's iconic red rock desert, tracing the Colorado River. You'll pedal past towering sandstone cliffs, catch glimpses of ancient Potash Roadside Petroglyphs, and marvel at the vibrant blue potash evaporation ponds that punctuate the landscape. The route provides a mix of relatively flat sections and some rewarding climbs, making it a dynamic ride for those who enjoy varied terrain.
Planning your visit is straightforward, but be mindful that this is a state motor route, so sharing the road with vehicles is essential. Parking is available, though arriving early is always a good idea to secure a spot and enjoy the cooler morning temperatures. Given the desert environment, always carry ample water, especially during warmer months, as amenities are scarce along the way.
This 40.9-mile (65.9 km) route, with its moderate difficulty and 1344 feet (410 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 3 hours and 21 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic alternative to more crowded areas, offering a sense of desert solitude while still providing access to impressive geological formations and historical sites, including several arches accessible via side trails.
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3.
Matrimony Spring – Moab Canyon Pathway loop from Site 8
27.2km
01:18
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.
Moab Canyon Pathway – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Moab
29.8km
01:22
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.
Courthouse Towers Viewpoint – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Moab
31.8km
01:33
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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6.
Bridge over the Colorado River – La Sal Loop Road - Info Kiosk loop from Moab
103km
05:45
1,810m
1,810m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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7.
Courthouse Wash – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Moab
39.1km
01:51
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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8.
Moab Canyon Pathway – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Moab
11.9km
00:29
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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9.
Bridge over the Colorado River – La Sal Loop Road - Info Kiosk loop from Grand County Transit Hub
51.7km
02:22
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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10.
Corona Arch Trailhead – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Holiday Inn
39.0km
02:00
230m
230m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Hans
May 24, 2026, Bridge over the Colorado River
Parts of the cycle path along US-191
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Hans
May 24, 2026, Moab Canyon Pathway
A super bike path that is well maintained. Super usable for training
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Hans
May 23, 2026, Park Avenue Viewpoint and Trailhead
A very beautiful valley as one of the first viewpoints after entering the park. It is easy to hike
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Moab is a desert gateway town built for adventurers, framed by red-rock arches and mesas all set along the Colorado River. It’s the ideal base for exploring world-famous landscapes like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, plus slickrock mountain biking, rafting excursions, and scenic drives through rugged canyon country. Downtown offers a nice mix of good food, galleries, gear shops, and local hospitality.
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Lisa
June 25, 2025, Moab Canyon Pathway
This paved, off-the-road bike trail runs all the way from just north of Moab to the entrance for Arches National Park, and a few miles beyond. If you have enough power in your quads, you can even use this as a link-up to ride all the way to Canyonlands National Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
There are over 20 road cycling routes available in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore.
What are the difficulty levels of road cycling routes in Grandstaff Canyon?
The road cycling routes in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area range from easy to difficult. You'll find 7 easy routes, 10 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly road cycling routes?
Yes, there are several easy road cycling routes. A great option for beginners is the Courthouse Wash – Moab Canyon Pathway loop from Moab, which is 17.0 miles (27.4 km) long and typically takes about 1 hour 14 minutes to complete.
Where can I find parking for road cycling in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
Many routes start from established parking areas. For example, the popular Courthouse Wash – Bridge over the Colorado River loop begins from the Porcupine Rim Trailhead Parking. Other routes may start directly from Moab, offering various parking options within the town.
Are permits required for road cycling in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
Generally, permits are not required for road cycling on public roads within the Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area. However, it's always advisable to check with local authorities or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for any specific regulations or temporary restrictions before your ride.
Are there family-friendly road cycling options in Grandstaff Canyon?
Yes, routes like the Courthouse Wash – Moab Canyon Pathway loop from Moab are considered easy and suitable for families. These routes often follow paved pathways, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for all ages.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Grandstaff Canyon?
The best seasons for road cycling in Grandstaff Canyon are typically spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are milder. Summers can be very hot, and winters can bring cold temperatures, though cycling is possible year-round with appropriate gear.
What kind of views or attractions can I expect to see while road cycling?
Road cycling routes in Grandstaff Canyon offer expansive views of canyon landscapes, the Colorado River, and unique desert scenery. You might pass by natural landmarks such as Morning Glory Natural Bridge or ride through areas like Grandstaff Canyon Creek, providing stunning geological formations and open vistas.
Are there any loop road cycling routes in Grandstaff Canyon?
Yes, many road cycling routes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Courthouse Wash – Bridge over the Colorado River loop and the Courthouse Wash – Moab Canyon Pathway loop.
Can I use a mountain bike on these road cycling routes?
While these routes are primarily designed for road bikes, many of the roads are paved or well-maintained, making them accessible to mountain bikes as well. However, for optimal speed and comfort on paved surfaces, a road bike is generally preferred. If a route includes unpaved sections, a mountain bike might offer more versatility.
What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Grandstaff Canyon?
The road cycling routes in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.3 stars. Cyclists often praise the stunning canyon and river views, the varied terrain, and the opportunity to experience the unique desert landscape.
What are some of the common starting points for road cycling routes in the area?
Common starting points for road cycling routes include the town of Moab itself, offering easy access to routes like the Courthouse Wash – Moab Canyon Pathway loop. Other routes, such as the Courthouse Wash – Bridge over the Colorado River loop, start from specific trailheads like the Porcupine Rim Trailhead Parking.
Are there any advanced road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, experienced riders looking for a challenge can tackle routes like the Courthouse Wash – Bridge over the Colorado River loop from Porcupine Rim Trailhead Parking. This difficult 35.2-mile (56.6 km) route features significant elevation gain and offers a rewarding ride with spectacular views.
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