Yes … but only when trail conditions permit

If you search the internet for information about mountain biking in December, you'll probably come across an article in the online magazine Singletracks: "The 9 Best Winter Mountain Biking Destinations in the Southwest." It features the following map showing average snowfall across the US (for this article, I've superimposed Moab on the map:) !Average Snowfall Map US It should not have surprised me that Singletrack listed Moab at the "top" of their listicle (after all, Moab is often referred to as "The Mountain Biking Capital Of The World.") And yet, I _was_ surprised. Moab is not known as a winter recreation hot spot. The reasons for that are varied, as is the amount of winter precipitation.

**Precipitation Varies**

Some winters, Moab can receive up to a foot of snow, or more. And sometimes, due to continuous cold and dry conditions, that snow will linger on the ground for weeks or months. But other years, entire months can pass without a single snowflake or drop of rain. Last winter, for example, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac, Moab received zero precipitation through the first three weeks of December. Then, on Dec. 21 it got .03 inches and on the following day it got .32 inches. And that was it for the rest of the month. Last winter was one of Moab's driest.

Due to its 4,000 foot elevation, Moab in December is often fairly cold – average lows range around 20 degrees, while highs might average just above 40.

When Moab has snow cover, the biking trails can be nearly unusable. And even if an intrepid biker were able to negotiate the trail, riding on it when the soil is soften by snow can severely damage the trail. The best advice for bikers considering a visit to Moab during December and January is to call ahead to check trail conditions. !Snow on Lazy, Moab Mountain Bike Trail That being said, when conditions in Moab are dry, biking in December and January can be wonderful (if sometimes a bit chilly.) A few of the bike shops even maintain some form of winter hours. If you find yourself in Moab this winter and conditions permit riding, here are few _tips to make your winter mountain biking safe and comfortable:_

**Protect Your Extremities**

Hands: Bring at least two pairs of gloves. If one pair gets soaked with sweat, you'll have a second pair. The hands are the most vulnerable to wind chill. Head: Your helmet is designed for cooling. Buy a thin-fabric stocking cap to wear under your helmet. Most stocking caps are too bulky to fit under your helmet or will be too warm. Having this extra warmth on your head is key, but you also don't want it too warm or you'll be shedding it mid-ride. And, on super cold or windy days, consider a balaclava face warmer. Feet: (Pro Tip) When dressing in the morning, after you put on your socks, wrap some thin plastic wrap, or even the corner of a plastic shopping bag, over your toes. Then put on your mountain biking shoes. This extra layer of wind resistance will key your toes from freezing.

**Upper Body:** **Employ Layers!**

Start with a thin, wicking layer with long sleeves (merino wool is excellent). Add a medium weight long sleeve layer like a 1 /4 zip poly fleece pullover. Wear a wind-breaking outer layer with some insulation like a soft shell jacket.

Knickers with knee socks are an excellent choice. Depending on temperature and wind expected, full length tights might be appropriate. Some riders prefer leg warmers to full length tights for better flexibility.

When possible, plan your ride to put the majority of the climbing at the beginning, in order to build up body heat.

**Remember to Drink Water**

Even though the temperatures are cold, the air is still super dry! It's easy to forget to drink enough when riding in winter. If it's below freezing, hydration tubes might become iced up so consider an insulated water bottle inside your backpack.

For some folks, this is a no-brainer, but for others, it will pay to be aware of the extra toll the low temps take on your body and to perhaps shorten your ride. Also, be aware of the potential for ice on north-facing slopes, where the sun fails to shine. END ORIGINAL CONTENT -->

Winter Mountain Biking in Moab?

Yes, you can mountain bike in Moab during winter — but only when trail conditions permit, and conditions vary dramatically from year to year. Some winters are nearly bone-dry with rideable trails throughout December and January. Others see snow cover that lingers for weeks. The single most important thing to do before a winter Moab trip is call ahead to check current trail conditions, because conditions can change overnight.

Winter Weather in Moab: The Numbers

Moab sits at 4,000 feet elevation, which keeps winter temperatures milder than the surrounding mountains but still cold enough to require serious preparation:

Average December/January lows: Around 20 degrees F
Average highs: Low to mid 40s, sometimes reaching the 50s on sunny days
Precipitation: Highly variable — some winters see zero meaningful snow, others get a foot or more that sticks for weeks
Humidity: Extremely low, even in winter

The key metric is not temperature but snow cover. When Moab’s trails are covered in snow, they are unusable. Even if an ambitious rider could push through snow-covered sections, riding on wet or soft desert soil causes severe trail damage that takes months to repair. Responsible riders wait for trails to dry completely.

Why Singletracks Named Moab a Top Winter Destination

It might seem surprising that Singletracks.com listed Moab as one of the “9 Best Winter Mountain Biking Destinations in the Southwest.” But it makes sense when you look at the big picture. Moab’s average annual snowfall is low compared to most mountain areas, and many winters have extended dry periods where 150+ miles of trail are wide open. When conditions align, winter riding in Moab is exceptional:

Empty trails — You may have the entire trail network to yourself
Beautiful light — Winter’s low-angle sun makes the red rock glow intensely
Comfortable effort — Cooler temperatures mean less dehydration and heat-related fatigue
Town is quiet — Restaurants, hotels, and bike shops are uncrowded and often cheaper

The trade-off is unpredictability. You cannot plan a winter Moab trip with the same confidence as a spring or fall trip.

Call Ahead: The Most Important Winter Tip

Before planning any winter riding in Moab, call a local bike shop or check online trail condition reports. Conditions can be completely different from one week to the next:

Rim Cyclery and other local shops can give you real-time trail reports
Trail condition apps and local Facebook groups often post current photos
Rim Tours (435-259-5223) can tell you what is rideable on any given day

Do not rely on weather forecasts alone. A 40-degree day with sunshine sounds perfect, but if there was snow three days ago and north-facing slopes have not melted, many trails will still be off-limits.

Best Winter Trails When Conditions Permit

When Moab is dry in winter, lower-elevation, south-facing trails are the best options:

Bar M and Klondike Bluffs — Lower elevation, good sun exposure, often the first trails to dry out
Courthouse Loop — South-facing aspects warm quickly
Moab Brand trails (Lazy, EZ) — Close to town with multiple sun-exposed options
Slickrock Trail — The dark sandstone absorbs and retains heat, drying faster than dirt trails

Avoid higher-elevation trails (anything in the La Sal Mountains) and north-facing slopes where ice can persist unseen. The Whole Enchilada upper sections will not be rideable until at least June.

Cold Weather Gear Essentials

If you are committed to winter riding in Moab, proper gear makes the difference between a great ride and a miserable one:

Hands

Bring two pairs of gloves. The first pair will get sweat-soaked on climbs, and wet gloves in cold wind on descents can be dangerous. Wind chill on hands is the biggest comfort issue in winter riding.

Head

Get a thin skull cap that fits under your helmet without bunching. Your helmet is designed to ventilate — great for summer, terrible in winter cold. On the coldest or windiest days, a balaclava adds face protection.

Feet

Pro tip: Wrap thin plastic wrap over your toes after putting on socks, before your shoes go on. This wind barrier keeps toes warm far better than expensive boot covers.

Upper Body

Three layers: thin merino wool base layer, quarter-zip fleece mid layer, windproof soft shell outer. The quarter-zip lets you vent on climbs without removing layers.

Lower Body

Knickers with knee-high socks, or full-length tights on colder days. Leg warmers split the difference with easy mid-ride adjustment.

Winter Riding Strategy

Start with climbs to generate body heat before descending into wind chill
Drink water even though you are not thirsty — the air is still extremely dry
Plan shorter rides than you would in prime season
Watch for ice on north-facing slopes and in shaded areas
Carry warm layers in your pack for stops and descents
If using a hydration pack, insulate the tube or switch to bottles — tubes freeze quickly below 32 degrees

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to mountain bike in Moab?

December can be excellent for riding if conditions are dry, but it is unpredictable. Some Decembers offer weeks of rideable weather. Others have persistent snow cover. Call ahead to check conditions before booking travel.

What temperature is comfortable for winter mountain biking in Moab?

Most riders find 40+ degrees comfortable with proper layering. Below 30 degrees, the cold becomes a significant factor, especially on descents. Mid-day is the warmest period — plan rides from roughly 10 AM to 3 PM for the best temperatures.

Can I rent a bike in Moab during winter?

Some shops maintain limited winter hours, but availability is not guaranteed. Call ahead to confirm a shop will be open and has rental bikes available. During the deepest winter months, not all shops operate.

Are there guided mountain bike tours available in winter in Moab?

Rim Tours operates year-round when conditions permit. Contact us at 435-259-5223 to discuss winter availability. When Moab conditions are not rideable, consider our Arizona tour options for guaranteed warm-weather riding.

Will riding on wet or snowy trails damage them?

Yes, significantly. Desert soil is extremely fragile when wet. Tire tracks on wet trails create ruts that harden when dry and take months to smooth out. This is why responsible riders never ride on wet or snow-covered trails in Moab. Wait for trails to dry completely before riding.