Summer mountain biking in Moab is absolutely possible — and actually a great time to visit — when you start early in the morning and know the right trails. Rim Tours adjusts our pickup schedule for summer tours, getting riders on the trail while temperatures are still cool and finishing before the heat kicks in. By late morning, you’re back in town with the entire afternoon free for swimming in the Colorado River, driving up to the cooler La Sal Mountains, or exploring Arches and Canyonlands. Plus, summer means fewer crowds and more availability on popular tours.
Why Summer in Moab is Underrated
Most visitors think of Moab as a spring and fall destination, and those are indeed the prime seasons. But summer offers some real advantages:
- Fewer crowds: The trails, restaurants, and campgrounds that are packed in April and October are noticeably quieter in July
- Longer days: More daylight means earlier starts are easier and you still have a full day ahead after your ride
- The Whole Enchilada opens: Burro Pass, the starting point of Moab’s most iconic ride, officially opens July 1st
- Family road trip season: If you’re passing through on a national parks road trip with the family, adding a morning bike ride is a perfect activity
- Higher elevation options: Trails at Dead Horse Point and the La Sal Mountain approaches are cooler than the valley floor
Our Favorite Summer Mountain Bike Tours
Courthouse Loop
The Courthouse Loop is the perfect introduction to mountain biking and our most family-friendly tour. We ride a combination of smooth singletrack and scenic doubletrack trails at the Moab Brands Trailhead, including viewpoints overlooking Arches National Park and a taste of Moab’s famous slickrock. This is the ideal first-ever mountain bike experience for kids and adults alike.
Best for: Complete beginners, families, kids, anyone new to Moab Duration: Half-day (morning) Difficulty: Easy
Dead Horse Point
Dead Horse Point is a fan favorite and makes a perfect second-day ride after the Courthouse Loop. The trails at Dead Horse Point State Park are a step up in technical challenge — fun, mostly smooth singletrack interspersed with small technical features. The park sits higher in elevation than the Moab valley, so temperatures are a few degrees cooler.
The real draw is the views. Dead Horse Point sits on a mesa 2,000 feet above the Colorado River canyons, and the early morning light on these formations is absolutely spectacular. We stop at our favorite viewpoints for photos — you’ll want plenty of storage on your phone.
Best for: Riders with some experience, anyone who did Courthouse the day before Duration: Half-day (morning) Difficulty: Moderate
The Whole Enchilada
The Whole Enchilada is Moab’s most iconic ride, and it officially opens for the season on July 1st when Burro Pass becomes accessible. The top of the route is nice and cool at high elevation, but the bottom gets toasty in midsummer — this is best as a late-summer option when desert temperatures start to drop a bit.
If you’re a faster, confident rider who wants to tackle this in mid-summer, pack plenty of water and follow our guides for efficient lines. If heat becomes a factor, we may divert to the Raptor Route — a fun, flowy alternative that has become a favorite with Moab locals.
Best for: Experienced, fit riders; best mid-July through September Duration: Full day Difficulty: Advanced (technical and physically demanding)
Klondike Bluff E-Bike Tour
E-bikes make quicker work of rides, which is a real advantage during summer — you cover more ground in less time and finish before the heat builds. The Klondike Bluff E-Bike Tour takes you through plentiful slickrock terrain with stops to see dinosaur footprints, a giant crack in the rock expanse, and views toward Arches National Park.
Best for: Anyone interested in e-biking, riders who want a less strenuous option Duration: Half-day (morning) Difficulty: Easy to moderate
What to Do After Your Morning Ride
The beauty of summer morning rides is having the rest of the day free. Here are our favorite ways to spend a Moab summer afternoon:
- Swim in the Colorado River — head to any of the boat ramps along the river for a refreshing dip
- Hike to Mill Creek swimming hole — a short hike leads to a natural swimming hole with a waterfall, one of Moab’s hidden gems
- Drive the La Sal Mountain Loop — temperatures drop dramatically as you climb. The scenic road offers hiking trailheads and stunning views, and it’s 20 to 30 degrees cooler at the top
- Visit the Moab Museum — learn about local history and rotating exhibits in air-conditioned comfort
- Shop Main Street — locally made goods, Moab souvenirs, and plenty of ice cream shops
- Afternoon rest, evening stargazing — Moab has a Dark Sky Community designation, making it exceptional for stargazing. Drive a short way out to Sand Flats Recreation Area or into Arches National Park for less light pollution and a chance to see the Milky Way
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot does it get in Moab during summer?
Daytime highs typically reach 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit from June through August, with peak temperatures between 2 and 5 PM. Mornings are significantly cooler — often in the 60s to low 70s at dawn — which is why early starts are essential. Rim Tours adjusts summer pickup times to get riders on the trail by 7 to 7:30 AM.
Is it safe to mountain bike in Moab during summer?
Yes, with proper precautions. Ride early in the morning, drink at least 3 liters of water, wear sun protection, and know the signs of heat exhaustion. On guided tours, Rim Tours provides water and our guides are trained to monitor riders for heat-related issues. We finish rides before the dangerous afternoon heat.
What should I bring on a summer mountain bike tour in Moab?
Bring a hydration pack with at least 2 liters of water (we also provide water), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt. Light-colored clothing helps reflect heat. Your guide will have additional water and snacks in the support vehicle.
Are there any trails in Moab that stay cool during summer?
The trails at Dead Horse Point are slightly cooler due to higher elevation. The top section of the Whole Enchilada starts at high elevation where it’s noticeably cooler. For truly cool summer riding, Rim Tours offers multi-day tours in Durango, Crested Butte, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon — all at 8,000+ feet.
Can I visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks during summer?
Absolutely — just plan smart. Visit early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures drop. Many visitors combine a morning mountain bike tour with an afternoon/evening national park visit. The parks are less crowded in summer than spring and fall, and sunset in the parks is spectacular.