The Desert Sunrise Mountain Bike Tour is Rim Tours’ answer to Moab’s summer heat — a beginner-friendly morning ride that starts at 6:00 AM, includes a gourmet breakfast overlooking Arches National Park, and wraps up by 11:30 AM before temperatures peak. It is one of the best summer activities in Moab for visitors who want an authentic mountain biking experience without the punishing midday sun. Starting at $125 per adult, the tour includes everything: bike, helmet, breakfast, snacks, and an expert guide.
What Makes the Desert Sunrise Tour Special
Most Moab mountain bike tours run during the cooler morning and early afternoon. The Desert Sunrise tour takes this a step further by launching at dawn, which offers two distinct advantages: dramatically cooler riding temperatures (often 20-30 degrees lower than midday) and one of the most spectacular sunrise views in canyon country.
Your guide picks you up from downtown Moab and drives to the Courthouse Loop area of Moab Brands, where a full breakfast spread awaits. Think fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, and hot coffee, all served at a scenic overlook while the sun climbs above the red rock formations of Arches National Park. This is not a granola bar eaten in a parking lot — it is a real sit-down meal in camp chairs with an unbeatable view.
The Ride: Courthouse Loop at Moab Brands
After breakfast, your guide helps you get fitted on a full-suspension Santa Cruz mountain bike and covers safety fundamentals and basic riding technique. The ride follows the Courthouse Loop section of the Moab Brands trail system, covering approximately 8-12 miles over 2 to 2.5 hours.
The terrain is perfect for beginners and moderate riders. The loop starts on wider doubletrack before transitioning to undulating singletrack with a few sections of Moab’s famous slickrock riding surface. Your guide makes frequent stops for riding tips, rest, and photos. Along the way, you will park the bikes and take a short hike to the edge of a dramatic box canyon that drops into Arches National Park — a viewpoint that most Moab visitors never see.
For groups with more experienced riders, guides have the discretion to include moderate-level singletrack sections that add technical challenge without overwhelming beginners in the group.
What Is Included
The Desert Sunrise tour is fully outfitted:
- Bike: Full-suspension Santa Cruz mountain bike sized to fit you
- Safety gear: Helmet and bike insurance
- Food: Full breakfast spread plus trail snacks and water
- Extras: Complimentary Rim Tours water bottle (yours to keep)
- Transport: Pickup and drop-off from downtown Moab
You do not need to bring anything except weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes (lightweight hiking shoes or sneakers work perfectly). A small backpack or hydration pack is recommended for carrying extra water and shedding layers as the morning warms up.
Pricing and Logistics
- Adults: Starting at $125 per person
- Children (12 and under): Starting at $110 per person
- Group discounts: Available for parties of 7 or more
- Minimum group size: 3 persons (smaller groups, please inquire)
- Start time: 6:00 AM (6:30 AM beginning September 1)
- Return time: Typically by 11:30 AM
Advanced booking is required. This tour runs daily during summer season and is one of the most popular options for families visiting Moab between June and September.
Why This Tour Works for Summer Visitors
Moab summers regularly see temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit by early afternoon. Many outdoor activities become uncomfortable or unsafe during peak heat. The Desert Sunrise tour solves this by getting you on the trail during the coolest hours and returning you to town before noon. That leaves your afternoon free for swimming, floating the Colorado River, visiting Arches National Park, or simply relaxing at your hotel pool.
It is also an ideal option for families with mixed experience levels. The beginner-friendly terrain means everyone from first-time riders to experienced cyclists can enjoy the same tour together. Rim Tours has been guiding in Moab since the late 1980s, and our guides are experts at reading group dynamics and adjusting the ride to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need mountain biking experience for this tour?
No experience is required. The Desert Sunrise tour is rated beginner to moderate, and your guide provides instruction on riding fundamentals before hitting the trail. The terrain is manageable for first-time mountain bikers who are in reasonable physical condition.
What if my group has fewer than 3 people?
Contact Rim Tours directly. We can often combine smaller groups or arrange a private tour. Call or text 435-259-5223 for availability.
Is this tour available year-round?
The Desert Sunrise format is specifically designed for summer months (June through September) when early morning starts make the biggest difference. During spring and fall, Moab temperatures are much more comfortable, and we offer a full range of half-day and full-day tours that take advantage of the cooler weather.
How physically demanding is the ride?
Moderate. You will ride 8-12 miles over varied terrain with some short climbs and descents. Most reasonably fit adults and active children can complete the tour comfortably. Your guide sets the pace and makes frequent stops.
What happens if it rains?
Desert rain is rare in summer, but if conditions are unsafe, Rim Tours will work with you to reschedule or adjust the tour. Light rain can actually make for spectacular desert riding with cooler temperatures and dramatic cloud formations.