MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Dead Horse Point Tour

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.6 (332)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Moab
  5. Dead Horse Point State Park
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“Stunning scenery and great singletrack. One of the very best beginner/intermediate trails in Moab. ”

Nick Wilder
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

14.4

Miles

23.1

KM

100%

Singletrack

6,020' 1,835 m

High

5,832' 1,778 m

Low

644' 196 m

Up

645' 197 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

For those looking for a relatively mellow but rewarding cruise, this is hands-down the ride for you in Moab. It doesn't have much technical interest or major cardio workout, but the fast, fun trail and unbeatable and varied scenery are spectacular.

Need to Know

Though not required, the counter-clockwise direction is suggested by the park and works very well. There are many ways to make this shorter, and many bail-out points, so if you're not sure about the distance, just start out and head back when you're getting tired.

Shuttle service provided by Hazard County Shuttle (435-210-8082), hazardcountyshuttle.com

Description

Start from the north end of the visitor's center parking lot on Intrepid, which is not special in itself, but it's a relatively fast and easy ride to the Colorado River Overlook. Expect a few small rock shelves from 2-6" in height that beginners might need to dismount in order to negotiate.

From the overlook, join Great Pyramid, with several rocky ledges that might require dismounts. Otherwise this is an excellently-built trail with nice contours, rock plating where necessary, and great flow. Be sure to stop at the Pyramid Canyon Overlook.

Continue on the Big Chief trail, with a few small technical hills to start with, and some interesting "alligator back" rock riding, you level out on the rim with MILES of amazing views. The trail is particularly fast and flowy, especially for desert riding. Continue out to the Big Chief Overlook with views of the potash mine 2,000' below (and all of Moab and the La Sal mountains).

The trail then doubles back on itself on a higher level of the mesa. Great views continue, including good ones of the Henry mountains to the west.

You could take Raven Roll back to the car from here if you're in a hurry. Otherwise, take Crossroads, which is dead flat and uninteresting until you cross the road. On the western side of the road, the trail gets much more interesting as it winds through juniper, sage, and Mormon tea plants. Look out for some sandy corners or you could lose your front wheel if you're going too fast.

Next you're on Whiptail, on the top of the mesa with kind of generic desert riding until you get to the rim. Now the views are spectacular and trail becomes a fun roller coaster ride among small rock formations. Smooth and flowing, this is an example of some of the finest new-school trail-building around.

Note you can cut this trail off short by taking Prickly, but you'll miss all the fun parts.

The trail ends in Prickly (the shortcut came in from the left, but you'll go right). This trail lacks the stellar overlooks of other trails, but it has cool rock formations such as ledges and caves that you can ride around. There are a couple short sandy sections. Take this back to Intrepid and a quick return to your car!

Contacts

Land Manager: Dead Horse Point State Park

Shared By:

Nick Wilder with improvements by Hazard County Shuttle Moab Utah
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 332 votes

#1

in Dead Horse Point State Park

#16

Overall
  4.6 from 332 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
28%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Dead Horse Point State…

#7

in Utah

#16

Overall
450 Views Last Month
125,143 Since Mar 18, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate
4%
4%
78%
7%
7%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Great trail for all to enjoy. Oh yeah, there are great views as well!
Nov 30, 2015 near Moab, UT
This trail is littered with epic views!
Nov 30, 2015 near Moab, UT
Nonstop scenery on Big Chief
Mar 18, 2014 near Moab, UT
Canyonlands National Park in the distance
Mar 18, 2014 near Moab, UT
On our way out to the Big Chief Overlook
Mar 18, 2014 near Moab, UT
Riding around the Big Chief trail is visually distracting...
Mar 18, 2014 near Moab, UT

14 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 18 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 28, 2024
Raputa Thebeauta
Jul 5, 2024
Kris McCarty
14.4mi
May 27, 2024
Private User
May 9, 2024
Barrett Raymond
Apr 21, 2024
Stephen Bass
Apr 19, 2024
Trent Hillier
Apr 16, 2024
Jen Teje
Great ride! 14.5mi
Apr 15, 2024
Kim W
Very dry, had hail, rain, snow, thunder and sun twice! Bring extra layers. Forecast predicted 35% of rain — 2h 45m

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started