The Whole Enchilada is not a single trail but a 34-mile route linking six distinct trails from 10,500 feet in the La Sal Mountains down to the Colorado River at 4,000 feet. Ranked the number one mountain bike trail in the world by Singletracks.com, it is also one of Moab’s most demanding rides — rated Black Diamond and requiring advanced skills, serious fitness, and at least 3 liters of water. Understanding its individual segments helps you decide which “bites” match your ability and the season.
The Six Segments, Top to Bottom
The Whole Enchilada is only rideable in its entirety after roughly July 1, when snow melts from the upper sections. Before that date (and after early October snows), riders tackle individual segments or partial combos. Here is each piece of the route:
Burro Pass
- Length: 4.2 miles
- Difficulty: Advanced — starts at 10,500 ft and climbs 700 ft with an average grade of 14%
- Character: Alpine terrain through spruce and fir forest. The initial climb to over 11,000 ft is the highest point on the route and a leg-burner before the descent even begins.
Hazzard County
- Length: 2.9 miles
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced, 9% average grade
- Character: Flowy descending through aspen groves with enough rocks and fast corners to keep things interesting. This is where the big views start opening up.
Kokopelli
- Length: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: Two-track road section, 7% average grade
- Character: A connector section on a jeep road. Fast and rocky, but a chance to catch your breath before the Porcupine Rim sections begin.
UPS (Upper Porcupine Singletrack)
- Length: 2.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderately challenging, 6% average grade
- Character: A fan favorite with slickrock rollers, tight corners, and technical rock features. This is where the terrain transitions from mountain to desert.
LPS (Lower Porcupine Singletrack)
- Length: 1.8 miles along the rim
- Difficulty: Technically challenging, 11% average grade
- Character: Home to the infamous “Snotch” — a steep rock feature that most riders walk. The exposure and technicality ramp up significantly here.
Porcupine Rim
- Length: 11.5 miles
- Difficulty: Advanced, 7% average grade
- Character: Fast, rough, and relentless. The jeep road section rattles your bones before transitioning to the final 4 miles of singletrack with Colorado River views.
Shuttle Logistics and Costs
Shuttle companies in Moab run daily departures heading south on Main Street, packed with riders and bikes. Depending on the time of year and which segments are open, shuttles drop riders at different starting points:
- Full route (Burro Pass): Highest cost, typically around $30 per person
- Mid-route starts (Hazzard or UPS): $20-$25 per person
- Timing: Most shuttles depart between 7:00 and 9:00 AM
For a guided Whole Enchilada tour, Rim Tours provides shuttle logistics, a packed lunch, expert route guidance, and the safety net of riding with someone who knows every rock and line on the trail.
The Bail-Out Problem and The Big Burrito Trail
One of the trickiest decisions on the Whole Enchilada is whether to bail out midway. By the time riders reach the LPS intersection, many are exhausted and low on water. Currently, the only bail-out option is Sand Flats Road — a busy dirt road shared with cars, ATVs, and motorcycles.
To address this safety issue, Grand County Trail Mix has been developing “The Big Burrito,” a 9-mile singletrack bail-out trail running from the LPS intersection to the northern entrance of the Fins and Things jeep route. The trail is being built in phases to minimize wildlife impact and integrate gradually with the Sand Flats Recreation Area. Once complete, it will give riders a safer, more moderate singletrack route back to town instead of forcing them onto a busy road.
When to Ride Each Section
| Season | Available Segments | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March-June | Porcupine Rim, LPS, UPS | Snow covers upper sections |
| July-September | Full route | Hot at lower elevations; carry extra water |
| Late September-October | Full route (snow permitting) | Best weather; fall colors in aspens |
| November-February | Lower sections only | Snow and cold limit options |
The sweet spot is late September through mid-October. The aspens are golden, temperatures are moderate, and the full route is typically open. This is also the most popular window, so book shuttles and guided tours well in advance.
Should You Ride It Guided or Self-Supported?
The Whole Enchilada’s fame draws riders who underestimate its difficulty. Every season, Search and Rescue responds to exhausted, dehydrated, or injured riders on this route. A guided tour with Rim Tours includes:
- Expert route-finding and line selection through every technical section
- A packed lunch so you do not run out of fuel
- Mechanical support and first aid from Wilderness First Responder-certified guides
- Local knowledge about current trail conditions, water needs, and pacing
Even experienced riders benefit from having a guide who knows where to push, where to rest, and which lines to take through features like the Snotch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ride the Whole Enchilada?
Most riders spend 6-8 hours on the full route, including breaks. Strong, experienced riders can finish in 4-5 hours, but rushing this ride is a mistake. The technicality and length are cumulative — fatigue in the final miles leads to crashes.
Can intermediate riders do the Whole Enchilada?
The full route is not recommended for intermediate riders. However, intermediate riders can enjoy individual segments like UPS or the lower Porcupine Singletrack, which offer the same stunning scenery with less cumulative difficulty. Talk to us about a guided half-day option that covers the best sections.
What bike should I ride on the Whole Enchilada?
A full-suspension trail or enduro bike with 140-160mm of travel is ideal. The terrain is rocky and technical throughout, and a hardtail will beat you up over 34 miles. Tubeless tires are strongly recommended — the sharp rocks on Porcupine Rim are notorious for flats.
Why is it called the Whole Enchilada?
The name reflects the idea that this route gives you “the whole thing” — every type of terrain Moab has to offer, from alpine forest to slickrock desert, all in one continuous descent. It is the full meal, not just a bite.
Is the Big Burrito trail open yet?
The Big Burrito is being built in phases. Check with Grand County Active Transportation and Trails for current status. When complete, it will provide a much-needed moderate bail-out option from the LPS intersection back to town.