The best beginner mountain bike trails in Moab are Bar M (Courthouse Loop), Dead Horse Point Singletrack, Klondike Bluff, Rusty Spur, and the Lazy EZ Loop at Moab Brands. These five trails offer smooth surfaces, manageable climbing, and the kind of red rock desert scenery that makes Moab one of the top mountain biking destinations in the world — without requiring advanced skills or extreme fitness.
We have been guiding riders on these trails since 1985. Here is a detailed breakdown of each one, plus everything you need to know to choose the right ride.
Top 5 Beginner Mountain Bike Trails in Moab
1. Bar M / Courthouse Loop
The single best trail in Moab for an absolute first-timer.
- Distance: 8.8-mile loop
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Trailhead: Moab Brands Trailhead, 10.6 miles north of town on Hwy 191. Turn right at the sign for Moab Brands, follow the gravel road to the large parking lot (pit toilets available).
What to expect: Wide doubletrack — roughly the width of a jeep road — with gradually sloping hills over packed dirt. Some sections cross slickrock (which can be bumpy) and short sandy stretches. The trail loops through open desert with spectacular views of Arches National Park the entire way. This is the most forgiving trail surface in Moab, and the gentle terrain means you can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than watching every inch of trail ahead of you.
Many riders add the Rusty Spur Trail (see below) as a singletrack side trip partway through the loop. Rim Tours offers this as a half-day guided Courthouse Loop tour.
2. Dead Horse Point Singletrack
The trail with the most dramatic views of any beginner ride in the region.
- Distance: 8-20 miles (multiple interconnected loops)
- Difficulty: Beginner to low-intermediate
- Trailhead: Dead Horse Point State Park Visitor Center parking lot, 33.2 miles from Moab. Drive north 11 miles on Hwy 191 to Hwy 313. Turn left, drive 14.6 miles. Turn left at the intersection, drive 7 miles to the entrance booth ($20 fee), then continue to the Visitor Center.
What to expect: Machine-built singletrack that is slightly wider than typical hand-built trails, with rolling terrain and moderate climbing. The standard route out to Big Chief Point is about 8 miles and rewards you with panoramic views from 2,000 feet above the Colorado River — one of the most photographed viewpoints in Utah. After the morning ride, many groups break for lunch at the main overlook, then finish on the Twisted Tree and Prickly Pear trails on the west side of the park.
The trail quality here is excellent — smooth, flowy, purpose-built for mountain biking. Available as a half-day or full-day guided tour.
3. Klondike Bluff
A classic Moab ride that earns its views with a steady climb.
- Distance: 9.4 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Low-intermediate
- Trailhead: 19.5 miles north of Moab. Take Hwy 191 north 16.5 miles to a well-signed dirt road bearing right, about 1 mile before the airport. Follow the dirt road approximately 3 miles to the main parking lot.
What to expect: The first 1.5 miles is flat riding on a jeep road crisscrossing a (usually) dry wash. Then the trail transitions to 3.5 miles of steady, low-angle climbing across tilted slickrock, gaining 850 feet to the top of a ridge at the boundary of Arches National Park.
This is the ride where you discover what “grippy sandstone” really means — your tires stick to the angled rock in ways that feel impossible until you experience it. Watch for dinosaur tracks embedded in the sandstone along the way. At the top, a short hike leads to breathtaking views down into the heart of Arches. The ride back is almost entirely downhill.
A good fitness base helps on the climb, but the grade is never steep — just sustained. Guided tours available.
4. Rusty Spur
The perfect first singletrack experience.
- Distance: 1.6 miles (end to end)
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Trailhead: Same as Bar M / Courthouse Loop (Moab Brands Trailhead). The trail begins and ends at different points off the paved bike path that runs from Moab out to Moab Brands.
What to expect: A gentle singletrack trail winding through low blackbrush with smooth turns and no technical obstacles. This is the trail where many riders experience singletrack for the very first time. At only 1.6 miles, it is short enough that it never feels committing — you are on it, you experience the flow of singletrack, and you are done. Most riders combine it with the Courthouse Loop for a complete beginner experience.
Can be included in a guided Courthouse Loop tour.
5. Lazy EZ Loop (Moab Brands)
A step up from the Courthouse Loop, still firmly beginner-friendly.
- Distance: 3.7-mile loop
- Difficulty: Low-intermediate
- Trailhead: Same as Bar M (Moab Brands Trailhead)
What to expect: 95% singletrack, with fast, flowy serpentine sections and a few large trailside boulders that serve as fun obstacles (easily avoided). This is where you start to feel the addictive flow that makes mountain biking so compelling — sweeping turns at moderate speed through open desert terrain. It is a great “next step” trail after the Courthouse Loop.
Part of the Moab Brands trail network, which also includes North 40 and Deadman’s Ridge. Your guide can mix and match trails to suit your group’s ability level. Available as a half-day guided Moab Brands tour.
How Mountain Bike Trails Are Rated
Trail difficulty in Moab generally follows this progression:
| Rating | What It Means | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Wide trails, gentle grades, smooth surfaces, no technical features | Bar M, Rusty Spur |
| Low-Intermediate | Singletrack, moderate climbing, some uneven surfaces | Dead Horse Point, Klondike Bluff, Lazy EZ |
| Intermediate | Sustained climbing, narrower trails, some rocky sections | Navajo Rocks, Magnificent 7 |
| Advanced | Steep grades, technical rock, exposure, high fitness demands | Slickrock Trail, Amasa Back |
| Expert | All of the above, plus significant consequence for mistakes | Porcupine Rim / Whole Enchilada |
Important: Moab’s rating system can feel different from what you are used to at home. Trails rated “beginner” in Moab are genuinely beginner-friendly — wide, smooth, and forgiving. But be cautious about jumping to “intermediate” trails without local knowledge or a guide, as the terrain changes significantly.
When to Ride in Moab
- Best months: September, October, March, April, May — comfortable temperatures, dry conditions, longer days
- Summer (June-August): Too hot for most riders. Temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees, and exposed desert terrain offers no shade.
- Winter (December-February): Rideable on warm days, but cold mornings, short daylight, and occasional snow/ice limit options.
- Morning starts are standard in warmer months to beat the afternoon heat.
Pro tip: October is widely considered the single best month for mountain biking in Moab. Warm days, cool nights, stable weather, and stunning fall light on the red rock.
Guided vs. DIY
For beginners, a guided tour offers significant advantages:
- Trail selection — your guide picks the right trail for your group’s ability, rather than guessing from a map or app
- No logistics — transportation, bike rental, helmets, water, snacks, and park fees are all handled
- Skills coaching — your guide teaches technique as you ride: braking, body position, line choice
- Safety — a guide knows where the tricky spots are, carries repair tools and first aid, and knows the area if plans need to change
- Local knowledge — geology, history, wildlife, hidden viewpoints
That said, the beginner trails listed above are well-marked and manageable for self-guided riders who are comfortable with basic navigation. If you go on your own, stop by a local bike shop for current trail conditions and directions.
Ready for More? Intermediate Trails to Try Next
Once you have ridden a few beginner trails and want to step up:
- Navajo Rocks — flowing singletrack with more sustained climbing and technical interest
- Klonzo Trails — varied terrain with some rocky sections
- Bartlett Wash — open slickrock riding with route-finding
- North Klondike Singletrack — fast, flowy, machine-built singletrack with moderate climbing
- Magnificent 7 Trails — a full-day singletrack adventure through varied desert terrain
And when you are truly ready for the advanced stuff:
- Slickrock Trail — the iconic 11-mile sandstone loop
- Amasa Back / Ahab — technical desert singletrack with exposure
- Porcupine Rim / Whole Enchilada — the ultimate Moab descent
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest mountain bike trail in Moab?
The Bar M trail (Courthouse Loop) is the easiest mountain bike trail in Moab. It is an 8.8-mile loop on wide doubletrack with gentle hills, packed dirt surfaces, and no technical features. It is suitable for riders with no off-road experience, including families with older children.
Can I mountain bike in Moab with no experience?
Yes. Moab has several trails specifically suited for first-time mountain bikers, including Bar M, Rusty Spur, and Dead Horse Point. The only skills you need are basic bike handling — comfortable using hand brakes, shifting gears, and pedaling uphill. A guided half-day tour is the best way to start, as your guide will select the right trail, provide a bike and gear, and coach you on technique.
How long is a half-day mountain bike tour in Moab?
A typical half-day guided tour involves about 2.5 hours of riding time and runs approximately 4-5 hours total including transportation to and from the trailhead. Most morning tours finish around midday.
What should I bring on a guided mountain bike tour?
On a half-day guided tour, bring athletic clothing, closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Everything else — bike, helmet, water, snacks, and park fees — is included. See our full packing guide for multi-day tours.
Are Moab mountain bike trails open year-round?
Most trails are technically accessible year-round, but the best riding seasons are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). Summer is too hot for comfortable riding, and winter days are short with occasional snow. Some trails may be closed temporarily after heavy rain to prevent damage to wet surfaces.