Moab’s famous Slickrock Trail was not built for mountain bikes. It was originally created in 1969 for Honda 90 trail motorcycles, was adopted by skateboarders in the late 1970s, and did not become a mountain biking destination until the mid-1980s, by which time it had already been putting Moab on the recreational map for nearly two decades. The trail’s history is a fascinating window into how Moab transformed from a declining uranium town into the mountain biking capital of the world, and understanding that history deepens any ride on this iconic 11-mile roller coaster of Navajo sandstone.
Born for Motorcycles: 1969
The first mention of the Slickrock Trail appears in the Moab Times-Independent on March 27, 1969, in an article titled “Proposed New Slickrock Trail Would Provide Thrills for Trail Bikers” by Dick Wilson. At this point, the trail was merely a proposal for a marked route for the then-new breed of ultra-lightweight Honda 90 trial bikes.
The article describes how BLM managers and local enthusiasts “mounted on trail bikes to demonstrate the cycling potential of the slickrock” and hiked over the major portion of the proposed route. The pitch to the BLM was straightforward: “The Slickrock Trail has been laid out tentatively on knobs of bald Navajo sandstone whose undulating slopes and rounded surfaces provide a great deal of sport to riders of light bikes.”
In 1969, Moab was still in the grip of its uranium boom, and tourism was barely a footnote in the local economy. The Slickrock Trail was envisioned as a recreational amenity, not the foundation of a tourism empire. The article described the terrain in terms that mountain bikers today would instantly recognize: “If the BLM decides to establish the Slickrock Trail, it will provide visitors the opportunity of seeing a unique slice of terrain peculiar only to Southeastern Utah.”
The trail was completed by June 1969, when the Times-Independent reported that “five cyclists from Hill Air Force Base rode a portion of the trail over Memorial Day weekend,” including one noted as “a race enthusiast” who specialized in “hill climbing and desert scrambling.”
Growing Popularity and First Fatality: 1970s
The trail quickly gained traction. By 1971, a rental company called “C” It By Cycle Rentals had set up shop at Tex’s Tour Center north of the river bridge, driven by demand for motorcycle access to the trail. The national publicity was already generating pilgrimage-style visits: one person reportedly “flew to Moab for a ride on the bike trail but could find no bikes for rent.”
The trail’s popularity came with consequences. On May 26, 1975, the Slickrock Trail recorded its first fatality. Two motorcyclists from Salt Lake City and Provo were riding when one stopped near the edge of a cliff. His companion, misreading a hand signal, accelerated forward and could not stop in time, falling 600 feet to his death. A fisherman on the Colorado River below witnessed the incident.
This tragedy underscored what remains true today: the Slickrock Trail’s beauty comes with genuine exposure. The same undulating sandstone fins that make the riding so thrilling drop off into steep cliffs on multiple sides. Respect for the terrain is essential whether you are on a motorcycle, a mountain bike, or an e-bike.
Skateboarders Discover Slickrock: Late 1970s
In one of Moab’s more unexpected recreational chapters, local skateboarders began riding the Slickrock Trail in the mid-1970s. A group including David Urbanek, Joe Arnold, Ricky Berry, and Charlie Gonzales pioneered skateboarding on the sandstone, and their exploits were featured in “The Wide World of Skateboarding” magazine.
A 1978 Times-Independent article noted that “Moab has already become a haven for backpacking, fishing, 4-wheeling, motorcycling, and rafting” — with no mention of cycling — and predicted that skateboarding “may well be” the next sport to find Moab. After the magazine feature, “skaters started calling,” particularly from neighboring Grand Junction, Colorado.
The Navajo sandstone that makes Slickrock so distinctive has a surface texture that provides remarkable grip for tires and wheels of all kinds. The same properties that made it perfect for Honda 90s and skateboards would soon make it irresistible to mountain bikers.
Mountain Biking Arrives: 1980s
Mountain biking’s arrival in Moab was tied to a larger economic transformation. In 1982, Moab’s uranium processing plant closed, signaling the end of the mining era and the beginning of a desperate search for a new economic identity. In 1983, Rim Cyclery opened as Moab’s first mountain bike shop, and local riders began exploring the Slickrock Trail on the emerging new technology of off-road bicycles.
The timing was perfect. Mountain biking was exploding nationally in the mid-1980s, and the Slickrock Trail offered something no other trail in the country could match: 11 miles of continuous, petrified sandstone roller coaster with 360-degree views of Arches National Park, the La Sal Mountains, and the Colorado River corridor. The grip of the Navajo sandstone on knobby mountain bike tires was extraordinary, allowing riders to climb and descend slopes that would be impossible on dirt.
Media coverage followed, and Moab rapidly became known as the “Mountain Bike Capital of the World,” a reputation built primarily on the back of the Slickrock Trail and its third principal sport.
Slickrock Today
The Slickrock Trail remains one of the most famous mountain bike trails in the world, drawing thousands of riders each year. The 11-mile main loop (plus a 2-mile practice loop) climbs and descends a series of petrified sand dunes, with steep gradients, off-camber sections, and jaw-dropping exposure.
However, the Moab riding scene has evolved dramatically since Slickrock was the only game in town. Over the past two decades, the area has developed over 150 miles of purpose-built singletrack that many local riders consider superior to Slickrock for pure riding enjoyment. Trails like Navajo Rocks, North Klondike, Captain Ahab, and Dead Horse Point offer more varied terrain, better flow, and more rideable technical features.
Slickrock remains a must-ride for its historical significance, its unique terrain, and its views. But for riders visiting Moab for the first time, it is worth understanding that Slickrock is now one jewel in a much larger crown. Rim Tours guides can help you decide whether Slickrock belongs on your ride list based on your skill level, fitness, and what kind of riding experience you want.
For riders who want the Slickrock experience with a bit more assist on the brutal climbs, our Slickrock Trail e-bike tour is an excellent option that lets you enjoy the terrain without the full sufferfest of climbing 20-30% grades on an analog bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Slickrock Trail?
Slickrock is rated advanced. The trail features steep climbs (some exceeding 30% grade), steep descents, off-camber sections, and significant exposure near cliff edges. There is a 2-mile practice loop at the trailhead that gives you a taste of the terrain before committing to the full 11-mile loop. Strong bike handling skills and good fitness are recommended.
How long does it take to ride the Slickrock Trail?
Most riders complete the 11-mile main loop in 3-5 hours, depending on fitness, skill level, and how many times you stop for photos and rest. On a Rim Tours guided Slickrock tour, plan for a half-day experience including the practice loop, main loop, and breaks.
When is the best time to ride Slickrock?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best temperatures. The trail is rideable year-round, but summer heat makes midday riding dangerous, and winter can bring ice on the sandstone, which eliminates the trail’s famous traction. The sandstone rides well when damp (rain actually improves grip), so Slickrock is a go-to trail after rain when dirt trails are too wet.
Is the Slickrock Trail the hardest trail in Moab?
No. Slickrock is challenging due to its sustained steep grades and exposure, but several trails in Moab are more technically demanding. Captain Ahab, Porcupine Rim, and Gold Bar Rim all feature more technical features (ledges, rock gardens, drops) than Slickrock. Slickrock’s difficulty is more about endurance and gradient than technical bike handling.
Can beginners ride the Slickrock Trail?
The practice loop is accessible to fit beginners who are comfortable with hand brakes and can handle moderate slopes. The main loop is not recommended for beginners due to the sustained steep terrain and cliff exposure. If you are new to mountain biking in Moab, the Courthouse Loop or Dead Horse Point are better starting points.