The best traffic-free bike rides around Moab

This guide features 5 dedicated touring cycling routes around Moab that prioritize minimal traffic, allowing you to enjoy the stunning red rock landscapes with greater peace of mind.

The ideal times for touring cycling in Moab are spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and pleasant. While summer can be hot, early morning rides are often enjoyable before the intense heat sets in. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While this guide's routes are rated moderate to difficult, Moab generally offers excellent family-friendly options, particularly on its extensive network of paved bike paths like the Moab Canyon Pathway. These paths connect directly to attractions like Arches National Park and offer a safer, car-free environment for all ages. For routes in this guide, consider the moderate rated routes for those with some cycling experience.

Moab's landscape is diverse. You can expect a mix of undulating terrain, rolling hills, and some significant climbs, especially on routes that venture into areas like the La Sal Mountains. For instance, the Bridge over the Colorado River – La Sal Loop Road - Info Kiosk loop from Holiday Inn features over 500 meters of elevation gain. Other routes, like the Mural "The Delicate Arch" – Kane Springs Road loop from Moab, offer more moderate climbs.

Moab is renowned for its dramatic red rock scenery. Along these routes, you can expect breathtaking views of towering sandstone formations, expansive canyons, and the distant La Sal Mountains. Highlights in the wider Moab area include natural monuments like Corona Arch and Morning Glory Natural Bridge, as well as impressive viewpoints such as Courthouse Tower and Three Gossips Viewpoint. Some routes also follow the scenic Colorado River.

Yes, several routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path. Examples include the Bridge over the Colorado River – La Sal Loop Road - Info Kiosk loop from Holiday Inn and the Mural "The Delicate Arch" – Kane Springs Road loop from Moab, providing varied scenery throughout your ride.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Moab, with an average score of 4.9 stars from 17 ratings. Reviewers often praise the unparalleled scenic beauty of the red rock landscapes, the extensive network of bike-friendly paths, and the unique geological formations that make every ride an adventure.

Yes, routes like the Bridge over the Colorado River – La Sal Loop Road - Info Kiosk loop from Holiday Inn incorporate sections along the Colorado River, offering picturesque views of the water winding through the dramatic canyons. The wider Moab area also features the popular Potash Road, which is a relatively flat and scenic ride following the river.

Parking is generally available at trailheads and designated areas around Moab. For example, the Mill Creek Trailhead and Parking is a known spot. Many routes in this guide start from Moab itself, making it convenient to access them from town accommodations or public parking areas.

While Moab is primarily a desert environment, there are a few seasonal waterfalls. The Mill Creek Waterfall is a notable natural feature in the area, often accessible via short hikes. While not directly on the cycling routes, it's a nearby attraction worth exploring if conditions allow.

To find less crowded routes, consider exploring options outside of peak tourist times (mid-day, weekends during spring/fall). Routes that venture further from the immediate town center or those with a 'difficult' rating, such as the Bridge over the Colorado River – La Sal Loop Road - Info Kiosk loop from Holiday Inn, might offer a more solitary experience due to their challenging nature and length.