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

Captain Ahab

Difficult Difficult
 4.7 (162)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Moab
  5. Amasa Back
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

“Steep, technical, fast and fun. An excellent trail built specifically for mountain biking. ”

djn Nechrony
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

4.2

Miles

6.7

KM
Singletrack

4,898' 1,493 m

High

4,034' 1,230 m

Low

326' 99 m

Up

981' 299 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features -none-

This trail is a directional downhill trail. Ride up HyMasa Trail or the Amasa Back road to access the top end start. One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Need to Know

Though only about an 8-mile loop, this is a strenuous trail that may take hours to ride depending on the rider's skill level. Bring plenty of water and look before you leap.

Description

This is an outstanding new singletrack along the rim below the iconic Amasa Back 4x4 trail. It's a very well built, thoughtful and challenging trail.

The top end starts with an easy climb that continues from HyMasa Trail. The views of Jackson Hole and Canyonlands are outstanding.

A big rock drop will mark the start of the descent. The upper half of the trail is designed for longer travel bikes and riders who enjoy technical descending. There are plenty of options to avoid most of the larger drops, so you can make it as hard as you want. After the first series of descents and rollouts, Captain Ahab contours a bit with some short punchy climbs and drops.

The lower half of the route drops into tight singletrack nesteled above Kane Creek. This part of the route is fast and exciting with some exposure along the cliff edges. It's has good flow and very little in the way of climbing.

The final stretch of Captain Ahab drops down through a spicy rock garden before rolling out to the Amasa Back / Cliffhanger road.

*Note: If you're looking for a shorter route or want to avoid the more technical upper sections, there is a bypass at 3.3 miles into the HyMasa Trail climb.

Contacts

Local Club: Moab Trail Mix

Land Manager: BLM Utah - Moab Field Office

Shared By:

djn Nechrony with improvements by Kristen Arendt and 3 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 162 votes

#1

in Amasa Back

#3

Overall
  4.7 from 162 votes
5 Star
77%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
1%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Amasa Back

#1

in Utah

#3

Overall
424 Views Last Month
65,969 Since May 7, 2013
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
2%
2%
80%
17%
Add a Photo

Photos

Captain Ahab has some amazing views west towards Canyonlands.
Apr 1, 2015 near Moab, UT
Building (and riding!) Captain Ahab
Oct 17, 2013 near Moab, UT
The final stretch of Captain Ahab is rowdy, fast and fun.
Apr 1, 2015 near Moab, UT
Moab bike mechanics enjoying the off season the only way they know how...killing it on the trails!
Dec 13, 2016 near Moab, UT
The lower reaches of Captain Ahab are neatly tucked into the slickrock amongst the trees above Kane Springs Creek.
Apr 1, 2015 near Moab, UT
One of the many thrilling technical challenges on the Captain Ahab trail.
May 18, 2015 near Moab, UT

11 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 3 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 28, 2024
tooTALLtim
crazy awesome! walked a few sections, but surprised myself with what I did ride, especially uphill! — 1h 20m
May 12, 2024
Casey M
Mar 23, 2024
Alex Garhart
Mar 21, 2024
Jamey Mossengren
Nov 4, 2023
Dan Cole
Jun 27, 2023
Tim Young
I only did the lower loop. That was enough! Very technical, had to walk some parts to avoid breaking my rental bike. 2mi
May 20, 2023
Matthias Segerer
14.4mi — 1h 00m
Apr 15, 2023
Ryan Bowman
Harder than I anticipated 4.2mi

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started