![Guided Mountain Bike Tour](https://rimtours.com/tours/amasa-back-ahab/) Whether you are visiting Moab for your very first time, or are getting a refresh on your Moab fix, mountain biking should be top of your must-do adventure list. The real question is, should you venture out on the trails on your own, or should you book a guided mountain bike tour to smooth your roll? That is the question. Below are a list of the pros and cons. First, a word upfront about my personal bias: I work for Rim Tours — Moab's original guided mountain bike outfitter. Rim has been in business since 1985, which also probably makes it one of the very first guided mountain bike outfitters in the country. I love Rim and I love mountain biking, so, of course, I think choosing a guided mountain bike tour is the best option, in many situations. But, let's face it — there are also plenty of situations where doing it yourself is the best option, too. Reasons To Go With A Guide Keep It Simple There's a lot to be said for keeping things simple, especially when you're in vacation mode. Booking a guided mountain bike tour means you leave all the work to someone else — Rim Tours will automatically include a bike rental, bike insurance, helmet, water bottle, trail snacks, ground transport, plus one of the most experienced guides — all part of a simple, single package (you even get to keep the water bottle as a souvenir.) The guide picks you up in town at an easy-to-find public location with lots of parking. All you need to do is show up with positive energy, weather-appropriate attire, and lightweight hiking shoes or sneakers. (It's also smart to bring a small camelback, backpack or fanny pack, if you have one, for carrying extra water and shedding layers.) **Navigation Though Moab's mountain bike trail system is one of the most well-marked in the country, it is still possible to make a wrong turn (after all, there are over 150 miles of singletrack trails to choose from.) Suddenly, you are faced with an unexpectedly difficult section of trail, way beyond your comfort level. Maybe even something a bit dangerous. Following a guide ensures that you'll avoid navigation errors, and if you do find yourself in over your head for a moment, your guide will be there to coach you through that section. So — not only safer, but you'll learn something, too!** **Riding Solo **If you're on your own, it is definitely safer to ride with at least one other person. In case of an accident or injury, there's someone who can help. Reasons to Ride DIY **Save Some Money **This is the most obvious one. A typical half-day guided tour (at Rim) is priced at $99. Even though that price includes the bike (2018 full-suspension Santa Cruz) and everything else listed above, it is a bit more than the typical one-day bike rental (bottom of the range is $60, and it can go up to $95, depending on the bike.) Guides also expect a gratuity at the end of the tour and 15 – 20% is typical. On the other side of the equation — most bike shops will want you to have a bike rack on your car to guarantee their bike is not harmed. If you're in a rental car, that means you'll probably need to rent a bike rack as well, which can be an additional $10 or more a day. Bike insurance starts at $10 a day, too. So, a typical bike rental with rack and insurance means the savings compared to a guided tour is somewhat less than you might think. Yet it's still a savings, and sometimes every penny counts. **Flexibility This, too, is an obvious reason some people might lean toward riding on their own. You can leave when you want, go where you want, ride as long as you want. Last minute change of plans? No problem (especially if last night went a little longer or harder than you expected and suddenly that 7 AM departure time isn't looking so great.) On the other hand, some of that same flexibility is available on a guided tour if you book it as a private tour**. **Sense of Adventure **If you're like me, you appreciate the challenge that comes with a little leap into the unknown. Heading out into the desert sans guide can definitely increase your sense of adventure (and risk.) END ORIGINAL CONTENT -->

DIY Ride or Guided Mountain Bike Tour?

For first-time Moab visitors and riders unfamiliar with desert trails, a guided mountain bike tour offers the best overall experience — you get a top-quality bike, expert navigation, safety support, trail coaching, and zero logistics for a price that is surprisingly close to renting a bike on your own. That said, experienced riders who know the area and want maximum flexibility will often prefer riding DIY. The right choice depends on your experience level, group size, and what you want out of your Moab riding day.

Full disclosure: the author works for Rim Tours, Moab’s original guided mountain bike outfitter, which has been in business since 1985. So yes, there is a bias toward guided tours. But we also recognize that DIY is sometimes the better call. Here is an honest breakdown.

Why a Guided Tour Is Usually the Better Choice

Everything Is Included in One Package

A guided mountain bike tour with Rim Tours includes a full-suspension Santa Cruz mountain bike, bike insurance, helmet, water bottle (yours to keep), trail snacks, ground transport to and from the trailhead, and one of the most experienced guides in Moab — all in a single package. Your guide picks you up at a convenient downtown location. All you need to bring is appropriate clothing, lightweight shoes, and a positive attitude.

Compare that to DIY: you need to rent a bike ($60-95/day), rent a bike rack for your rental car ($10+/day), buy bike insurance ($10/day), figure out where the trailhead is, navigate the trail system, carry your own water and snacks, and handle any mechanical issues yourself. The all-in cost difference between guided and DIY is smaller than most people assume.

Moab’s trail system has over 150 miles of singletrack, and while signage is generally good, wrong turns happen. A wrong turn in the desert can put you on terrain that is far beyond your skill level — or worse, in a dangerous situation. Following a Rim Tours guide eliminates navigation errors entirely, and if you do encounter a section beyond your comfort zone, your guide can coach you through it safely. You do not just avoid problems — you actually learn something.

If you are riding solo (without even a companion), a guide adds an important safety layer. Accidents happen, and in the desert heat, a simple fall that sprains an ankle can become a serious situation if you are alone and miles from the trailhead.

Local Knowledge You Cannot Get From an App

Our guides do not just know where the trails go — they know which sections are best at which time of day, where the views are, which lines to take through technical sections, and how to read your ability and adjust the ride accordingly. Many guests tell us that the guide’s insight and instruction was the most valuable part of their tour.

When DIY Makes More Sense

Cost Savings (Real, But Smaller Than You Think)

A typical Rim Tours half-day guided tour starts at $99 per person. A basic one-day bike rental starts at $60, plus rack rental ($10), insurance ($10), and possibly a shuttle fee. The actual savings of going DIY is roughly $20-40 when you account for all the extras. If you are on a tight budget, that savings matters. For multi-day visits where you plan to ride 3-4 days, renting a bike for the week becomes more cost-effective.

Flexibility

DIY means you leave when you want, go where you want, and ride as long as you want. No set departure time, no group pace to match, no itinerary. If last night ran long and you want to sleep in, nobody cares. This flexibility is the biggest genuine advantage of riding on your own.

That said, Rim Tours offers private tours that provide similar flexibility within the guided format. You can customize the departure time, trail selection, and pace when you book a private group.

Sense of Adventure

Some riders specifically enjoy the challenge of navigating an unfamiliar trail system on their own. Heading into the desert with a map, a full water bottle, and your own judgment can be deeply satisfying. If you are an experienced rider who thrives on self-reliance, DIY riding in Moab delivers that in spades.

The Bottom Line: A Decision Matrix

Factor	Guided Tour	DIY Ride
First time in Moab	Best choice	Riskier
Beginner rider	Best choice	Not recommended
Experienced rider, knows Moab	Either works	Great choice
Solo traveler	Safer choice	Carry safety gear
Budget priority	More inclusive	Slightly cheaper
Maximum flexibility	Private tour option	Best choice
Want to learn	Best choice	Self-directed

For most first-time Moab visitors, a guided half-day tour on the first day is the ideal approach. You learn the terrain, get comfortable on the bike, and get oriented to the trail system. Then, if you want to ride independently on subsequent days, you will have a much better foundation for choosing trails and navigating confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a guided mountain bike tour in Moab cost?

Rim Tours half-day guided tours start at $99 per person, which includes a full-suspension Santa Cruz mountain bike, helmet, insurance, water bottle, trail snacks, transport, and an expert guide. Full-day tours and multi-day tours are priced higher. Group discounts are available.

What bikes does Rim Tours provide?

All guided tours include current-model full-suspension Santa Cruz mountain bikes (Hightower, Tallboy, or 5010) sized to fit each rider. These are the same high-quality bikes we use across our entire tour program.

Do I need any experience for a guided tour?

No. Rim Tours offers tours for every level, from complete beginners to advanced riders. Your guide assesses the group’s ability and adjusts the route and pace accordingly. The Moab Brands and Desert Sunrise tours are particularly popular with first-time riders.

Should I tip the guide?

Yes, tips are appreciated and customary. 15-20% of the tour price is typical for good service.

Can I do a guided tour one day and rent a bike the next?

Absolutely. Many Moab visitors book a guided tour for their first day to learn the trail system, then rent bikes independently for subsequent days. Rim Tours also offers bike and gear rentals for self-guided riding.