The “Super Klondike” is a 40+ mile singletrack linkup from North Klondike Bluffs to downtown Moab, connecting some of the best trail systems in the area through Sovereign, Klonzo, and Moab Brands. It is one of the premier big-day rides in Moab for experienced mountain bikers — the kind of ride that Rim Tours guides do for fun during the off-season. If you are looking for a legitimate all-day Moab singletrack adventure, this route delivers.
What Mountain Bike Guides Do for Fun
Moab mountain biking season winds down at the end of October, and November is prime time for local riders. The weather is cool and dry, the trails are empty, and guides fresh off a busy season have the fitness and trail knowledge to tackle ambitious routes. The “Big Ride” concept is borrowed from events like Single Speed Arizona (SSAZ): a barely marked course, roughly 40 miles, some snacks along the way, and the expectation that you make it a party.
Moab has no shortage of big-day options. The White Rim in a day and Lockhart Basin are classic long routes, but they are mostly doubletrack. Connecting big singletracks in Moab requires going north of town to avoid long road pedals. One option is the Mag 7 to Portal via Navajo Rocks and Chisolm — but at roughly 65 miles, that tips into “too big” territory for most riders.
The Super Klondike Route
The Super Klondike route starts at North Klondike trailhead and heads south, connecting the following trail systems:
-
North Klondike Bluffs — About 10 miles of undulating, flowy singletrack across the bluff tops. The opening climb (locals call it “Alaska”) is a gut-punch, especially on a singlespeed, but once on top the riding is excellent.
-
Sovereign Trails — These were among the first singletracks in Moab, now mostly shared with dirt bikes. Starting from Klondike Bluffs Road, the Sovereign singletrack connects to Cedar Mountain trail through a rocky geologic zone higher in the sedimentary stack than Moab’s famous red rocks.
-
Klonzo — The descent on “Borderline” is one of the more fun descents on the route. From Klonzo, “Zephyr” trail grazes a corner of Arches National Park and connects to the north end of Moab Brands.
-
Moab Brands — The final stretch parallels the east side of Highway 191 heading south into Moab. The route finishes with fun descending on “Sidewinder” before coasting the bike path back to the river.
Planning Your Own Big Ride
If you are considering tackling the Super Klondike or a similar big-day route, here is what we learned:
Shuttle logistics matter. You need a vehicle at the North Klondike trailhead and a way to get back. We booked shuttle vans and recruited volunteer drivers.
Have an emergency plan. On our ride, a pedal snapped off 10 miles in. Mechanicals on a 40-mile singletrack route are a different challenge than on a 10-mile loop — you are a long way from anywhere. Designate an emergency contact and consider having a support person who can reach key access points.
Set up an aid station. A friend who could not ride volunteered to set up a rest stop near the halfway point with fresh pancake PB&Js, salty snacks, and water refills. This made a significant difference in the back half of the ride.
Budget your daylight. We headed out from the aid station at 2:30 PM and were tight on daylight, finishing about 30 minutes before dark. In November, sunset comes early. Plan accordingly.
Expect attrition. Initial enthusiasm was high, but as the date approached, the reality of 40+ miles of Moab rocks caused a rush of last-minute bail-outs. We started with 16 riders from an initial group that was significantly larger.
Best Time for Big Moab Rides
November is the sweet spot. Temperatures are in the 50s-60s, the trails are dry, and crowds are minimal. October works too, though the end of tourist season means trails may still be busy. Some ambitious riders tackle big routes in March-April, but spring weather is less predictable.
The past decade has seen Moab’s shoulder seasons stretch considerably. Visitors and riders now arrive throughout November and sometimes into December. If you time a visit for early-to-mid November, you will find great conditions and minimal competition for trail space.
Guided Big Ride Options
If a self-supported 40-mile singletrack day sounds appealing but the logistics sound daunting, Rim Tours offers guided options that cover similar territory with full support. The White Rim in a Day is a supported single-day epic covering the entire 100-mile White Rim road. For a multi-day singletrack experience, the Magnificent 7 tour hits Moab’s premier singletrack trails with guide support, meals, and transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be for a 40-mile Moab singletrack day?
Very fit. This is not a casual ride. You should be comfortable riding technical singletrack for 6-8 hours and have experience with sustained climbs at elevation. Most riders on our Big Ride were active guides or local riders with years of Moab experience.
Can I rent a bike for a ride like this?
Yes. Rim Tours and other Moab bike shops offer daily rentals of high-quality full-suspension mountain bikes. Make sure you rent something appropriate for all-day riding — a full-suspension 29er with at least 130mm of travel is recommended for the varied terrain.
What trails can I link for a shorter big ride?
If 40 miles sounds like too much, the Klonzo to Moab Brands connection is a great 15-20 mile option that still feels like a big day. Navajo Rocks is another excellent standalone system with 20+ miles of connected singletrack.
Is November too cold for riding in Moab?
No. November daytime temperatures typically range from 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for hard riding. Mornings can be chilly (30s-40s), so dress in layers. Snow is rare at Moab’s elevation (4,000 feet) in November.