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Flat Pass Trail aka Steel Bender October 2011

Flat Pass Trail

Flat Pass Trail aka Steel Bender - Moab Oct. 2011

 

The Flat Pass trail is a fantastic trail, and chances are that if you can ride this trail on a week day, you will have the trail to yourself. Flat Pass Trail and Steel Bender are not really the same trail, Flat Pass is ideal for mountain bikers, and follows the Steel Bender that is the 4×4 trail, the only difference is, the Steel Bender is about 2 miles longer. For anyone planning a trip to Moab to Mountain Biking should definitely put Flat Pass Trail on the list of “Must do” trails.

 

Flat Pass Trail Map

 

  Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town: Moab Length: Guide book states 15.5 total miles, I myself clocked 19.4 miles from Kens Lake Trailhead and 21.76 miles from Moab Rim Campark

Trail Type: Loop [ out & back is an option ]

Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically difficult to extreme. Physically moderate to difficult.

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate to challenging. Physically moderate

Duration: Book say’s 2-4 hours my time 5.56 hours

Trailhead Elev: 5,200 feet

Top Elev: 6,000 feet

 

 

Book Description

The ride is highlighted by vandalized petroglyphs, rolling hills with sever transitions at the bottom, and some very beautiful views of the Moab Valley. There are a couple of spots on the trail that can sneak up on you, so keep your eyes on the trail and give blind turns and dips a lot of respect. I you enjoy technical challenge, deep stream crossings, transitions, vertical ridges, gaps and pits, knee-high ledges, rollies, plateaus, babyheads, death-grip-jackhammer stuff into deep sand, weird sliced-bread bedrock, and a ride that can be done form Moab, the Flat Pass is the trail. Trail Surface: Bedrock, loose rock, sand and babyheads on a technical 4WD track, with substantial creek crossings.

 

 

My Experience

I had heard a lot of good things about the Flat Pass Trail, and it has been on my to do list for a few years, the only reason I kept postponing this ride was because of the high amount of “Road Miles” needed to loop this trail. The trailhead is easy to find, just head for Kens Lake. The trails starts with a easy climb on a gravel road to the Flat Pass. At this point you head down, and have to make a sharp left and cross the creek, or just do as I did, and miss the turn-off and carry on up a dead end trail untill you realize it ain’t going anywhere, so you will have to turn around and back track. Once on the real trail, which is mostly slickrock, the real enjoyment begins. The trail climbs moderately with plenty of obstacles to keep you busy, and it’s actual a fun climb. The fun continues until you top out, then you get some really fun sections of hard packed sand.. open up here and ride like a bat out of hell, until you hit the rocky downhill section. Technically quite challenging, but nothing too serious, it’s just a fun bumpy downhill, choose your path, and stick to it. There are a few high drop-offs, but I always managed to find a safe way down.. All in all the trail section of the Flat Pass Trail is fantastic, with a high fun factor, and offers stunning Moab scenery. This trail does not attract the crowds like numerous other Moab Trails does.  

 

Conclusion

This time I started from Moab Rim Campark and looped the whole trail in just under 22 miles. The last time I started at Kens Lake Trailhead, and clocked just under 21 miles. The only downside of the Flat Pass trail is about 50% is on the road. Once you are actually off the road and on the trail, it is absolutely fantastic, and any mountain biker is guaranteed to have a fantastic time. The trail is easy to follow, but you will definitely need a map if you have never done this trail before, as there are a few other nameless trails branching off. There are in total 4 creek crossings on this trail, and my advice is to get your feet wet, and carry your steed across. I did not do this, and after each creek crossing there is a foot of sand and your rear derailleur really gets gunked up. Once on the trail, try and avoid the far sides of the trail, even if it seems the perfect line, try and stay within 2 feet from the sides. I learned the hard way, and had a total of 7 punctures from thorns. For anyone with a bit of extra time and energy, I would suggest riding Flat Pass as an Out and Back, it would shave about 5 miles off the total milage, which means it would be about 16 miles of fantastic pure mountain biking miles.  

 

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : none, I had the trail to myself.

Wild Life : none

Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic Moab Scenery

Other : Carry a proper map, and like all Moab trails a good puncture outfit and extra inner-tubes, and carry your bike across the creek, the sand will gunk your derailleur.  

 

My Trail Rating : 8.5 / 10 [ As a P2P I would give this trail a 10/10 ]

 

 

Moab Rim CamparkThis Flat Pass Trail review is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Campgroud.
Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more.

The Flat Pass Trail can be looped from your campsite.
Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 5 years running.

Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark


 

 

 

 

Trail Videos taken on the Flat Pass Trail. Oct. 2011  

 

 

 

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Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim October 2011

Hidden Valley Moab Rim

Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim - View before heading down the Moab Rim

 

The Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim is one of my Moab favorites. This trail offers fantastic scenery, a very remote feeling without being remote ( if anything goes wrong, it’s no more than a 1.5 hour walk to civilization).
The Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim trail offers everything the big trails offer, such as Porcupine. The trail can be looped, or as an out and back.
This trail offers the longest and steepest slickrock downhill section, almost a mile of solid mental 22 percent downhill.

 

Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: about 13 miles (14.3 miles if you visit the Moab Rim View Point)
Trail Type: Loop or Out & Back
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically extremely difficult to downright abusive. Physically difficult
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate – difficult. Physically moderate [ if done from Hidden Valley ]
Duration: 2-4 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4000 feet
Top Elev: 5400 feet

Book Description

If you are not a skilled mountain biker do not attempt this ride. Be sure to take lots of water. This trail can be ridden from Moab, as a loop or as a shuttled trip, in either direction. It has a brutal climb at the head and an equally brutal downhill at the tail anyway you slice it. The ride up from the northern end on the massive rock slab to the rim is one of the most difficult climbs I know of. The southern end is so technical that you are going to be walking the bike. The northern end can be ridden in its entirety, if you are very fit and very skilled. Trail Surface: Extremely rugged 4WD trail and a very technical singletrack that is only suitable for hiking–portage or risk bone damage. Huge ledges, sand, loose rock, and hardpack. Kayenta slab rock, Navajo sandstone.

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My Experience

I have lost count on how many times I have done this trail, and I still love it as much as I did the first time. The scenery is great, the trail is exciting and has an adventurous feel to it. As always the 40 min. portage is a grunt, but once on Hidden Valley, the grunt was well worth it, and is soon forgotten about.  The side trip up to the Moab Rim View point is very strenuous, and even though it might not look very technical, it has the potential of  destroying you and your bike if you loose control at very high speed. 

   

Conclussion

This is still one of my favorite  trails, it’s more like an adventure than a “ride” . Last year I wrote that the singletrack that cuts through Hidden Valley was in really bad shape, and it was becoming  almost impossible to ride because they were so deep. The good news is, the trails for whatever reason in excellent shape again.

   

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : about 5 hikers
Wild Life : a Bull Snake
Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic 360 degree 3D Scenery
Other : Be WELL prepared for punctures, carry spare tubes and a repair kit. This advice is for ALL Moab rides, not just this one. DO NOT attempt this trail if you are not experienced riding on extremely rocky trails and very steep drops.

 

My Trail Rating : 10 / 10

 

Moab Rim CamparkThis Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim Trail review is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Campgroud.
Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more.

The Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim Trail starts from your campsite.
Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 5 years running.

Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark



 

 

In the past I have received emails from people that call me crazy ‘cos of the way I rate this trail, a lot of people call this trail “extremely difficult to very dangerous ” So let me explain how I rate a trail.

I myself would put me in the “Intermediate MTB’er” category, and far from being Advanced. So on a trail like this, where there is a 40 min. portage, that is IMPOSSIBLE to ride both up or down, I do not consider this section Mountain Biking.. If I did, this trail would be “Suicidal”

All the trails I rate are based on my opinion, and on how “comfortable” I was while riding it.

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The 15 Best Mountain Biking Trails in the USA

C’mon, let’s be honest asking someone what the best trails are, is like asking someone what their favorite movie is.. everyone is gonna have their own favorites. But, believe it or not it is by far the most asked question I get… AND it’s the most used search engine term used by people landing on my various sites ” The 10 best mtb trails in the USA” so I decided to put my top 10 together, but it turned out to be VERY difficult, and it quickly became My Top 15 Mountain Biking Trails in the USA..

Before I continue with my list, I have to explain that a few of the trails mentioned in my Top 15 list could also be listed in my Top 15 Worst Trails in the USA.. Let me give you an example.
The first time I did the world famous “Slickrock Trail” in Moab I HATED it, it was a nightmare, I started at about 11am on a weekend and their was HUNDREDS of riders on the trail, to the point where you had to wait your turn on certain sections.. I hated every second of it.
A year later I was prepared, and I started at 6.30am, I had the trail to myself and it was FANTASTIC!, I loved every second of it.

So what I’m trying to say, is that it is not just the trail, but the whole package.. Time is important, weather, how you feel, how the bike performs etc..etc.. When all the above fall into place you have yourself a perfect Trail.

Now, everyone that knows me, knows I’m a Moab Junkie, I love riding the slickrock trails Moab has to offer, and I could easily have 10 Moab Trails in my Top 10. If I had to choose a TOP MTB DESTINATION, it would be without any doubt Moab, however if you put a gun to my head and made me tell you my all time favorite mtb trail, I would kick and cry, but it is probably Cold Creek to Star Lake to Armstrong Pass down Corral Trail in South Lake Tahoe. But next year it might well be another trail.

This is the list of my best 15 Mountain Bike Trails. This is not about trails I have read about, or trails others have told me about, No, I have ridden all these trails numerous times.

 

The Top 15 Mountain Biking Trails in the USA [alphabetical order]

 

 

MTB Amasa Back Trail – Rockstacker Trail – Moab – Utah

 

The Amasa Back is a prime example of a trail that could be the best trail you have ever experienced, or if not timed right it can be a nightmare!. This trail gets VERY busy during weekends and holiday’s so AVOID.

If you are able to get an early start on a week day, then you will experience a ride of a lifetime. The Amasa Back Trail is fantastic and scenic, and it is a pretty easy going trail.
Within the first minute you will be welcomed by “Mr Toad” this very short but very daunting section has put a very quick end to a lot of “first timers” make it past Mr Toad, and continue on a fantastic gradual climb on 100% slickrock to the top where you have stunning views of Jackson Hole and the Valley. Once at the top, the faint hearted can return the same way you came up. If you are up for a fantastic but very technical challenge you continue onto the Rockstacker.
The Rockstacker is a very scenic but very technical trail, and should not be taken lightly.
Hopefully you make it back onto the Amasa Back for a mayhem gauntlet all the way down to where you started.

Trail Stats & Information Amasa Back

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: 11.06 miles
Trail Type: Out & Back (lollipop) or loop with Jackson (not recommended)
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically very difficult to extreme. Physically very difficult.
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate to extreme . Physically moderate / demanding
Duration: Book say’s 2-3 hours my time 4.02 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4,000 feet
Top Elev: 4,800 feet

Amasa Back Trail Review

 

 

MTB Armstrong Saxon Creek and Mr Toads Wild Ride – South Lake Tahoe – California

 

This trail will blow you away, it’s fantastic. Again, for the best experience try and get an early start and avoid weekends.
Armstrong is a great ride, both up and down, the climb snakes itself between the huge boulders that are strewn over the length of the trail.

At the Armstrong Pass junction the TRT trail continues to climb, however this section is more strenuous than the previous miles, not so much technically, but because of some very loose sand / gravel on the trail. Both Armstrong and the TRT section is very scenic, and excellent trail conditions. After 3 hours of great climbing, the trail tops out… from this point on, it’s 98% downhill, and not just any old downhill, this section puts all and any theme park to shame.. It’s time for a 9 mile downhill roller coaster ride. The first part of the “gauntlet” is short lived, a grade 5 section forces every human with a will to live, get off their steed and walk this section. Once that’s behind you, there is miles of fantastic but technical and narrow singletrack to enjoy. Just when you are on the brink of thinking you are immortal, Mr Toad brings you back to your senses. Let me just be completely honest, NOTHING I say, or the photo’s and videos you see online will give you a real impression of Mr Toad… It is the craziest shit I have ever seen, let’s put it this way, if I had the best DH bike on the market, with the best body armor on the market, and you offered me a million buck to ride down Mr Toad, i know there is no way I could convince my brain and my body to take me down.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: South Lake Tahoe

Length: 18.84 total miles

Trail Type: Loop

Skill Level: [ What the books say ] Aerobically: strenuous. Technical : difficult

Skill Level: [ My opinion ] Aerobically: strenuous. Technical : difficult / mental

Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours [ my time ] 5.58 hours

Trailhead Elev: 6,200 feet

Top Elev: 9,600 feet

Trail Review Armstrong Saxon Creek and Mr Toads Wild Ride – South Lake Tahoe – California

 

 

 

MTB
Bangtail Divide Trail – Bozeman – Montana

 

 

Oooohhh yes!! this trail is what mountain biking is about, not too strenuous, 23 miles of sweet singletrack through stunning scenery. The trail is well maintained and well marked. The scenery is fantastic, and it came with the smell of fresh pine and 1000′s of wild flowers. The 2-3 hour total climb is rewarded with a fantastic smooth downhill with in most places more than enough visibility to open up to a fair speed.. Don’t open up too much, cos there are a few very tight switchbacks that appear out of nowhere, and some have some pretty brutal drops that you definitely don’t want to hit going too fast.. If this trail doesn’t put a smile on your chops, then nothing will!

All in all, the Bangtail Divide Trail is a definite “Must Ride Trail”.. I did this one in 4 hours 29 min. and I enjoyed every second of both the riding and the scenery.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Bozeman

Length: 23.8 miles

Trail Type: Point to Point with shuttle or loop [ for loop add 8 miles to total length ]

Skill Level: Aerobically: strenuous; Technically: easy

Duration: 4-6 hours

Trailhead Elev: 5,560 feet

Top Elev: 7,950 feet

Bangtail Divide Trail Review

 

 

 

MTB Cold Creek – Star Lake – Armstrong Pass – Corral Trail – South Lake Tahoe – California

 

This might well be my favorite Mountain Biking Trail, or should I say that the section from Freel Pass down Armstrong and Corral Trail, this section is the best experience you could possibly imagine.

I’m glad to say that getting to Freel Pass is mental!, I did it twice, once coming up Cold Creek, and once coming up from “Heavenly” and they are both extremly physically demanding.

Once at Freel Pass, you can rest assure that the real fun is about to start. 100% fun filled adrenalin rush that will last between 1.5 – 2 hours… that’s if you manage to stay on your steed. From Freel Pass all the way to the finishing point could well be the best ride in the USA.

For the real “Gear Grinders” among us, at the Armstrong Pass, you can continue on the TRT and head down Saxon Creek and Mr Toads Wild Ride.. Let’s put it this way, once you are at Freel Pass, no matter which way you choose, it’s gonna be a 10/10 ride.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: South Lake Tahoe

Length: 21.01 total miles

Trail Type: Point to Point ( for loop add about 3 miles )

Skill Level: [ What the books say ] Aerobically: strenuous. Technical : difficult

Skill Level: [ My opinion ] Aerobically: strenuous. Technical : moderate

Duration: 4 – 6 hours [ my time ] 7.05 hours

Trailhead Elev: 6,500 feet

Top Elev: 9,500 feet

Trail Review Cold Creek – Star Lake – Armstrong Pass – Corral Trail – South Lake Tahoe – California

 

 

MTB Deer Creek Trail – Crested Butte – Colorado

 

 

This Trail can be done as a loop, P2P or an Out & Back. I did it as a P2P. I personally would NOT do this as a loop, because you spend more than 12 miles riding on a road, and in my books it takes away from the REAL experience of this trail. This trail is in my favorites list as a P2P or out & back.

Deer Creek Trail offers about 10 miles of fantastic singletrack, but does not attract the HUGE crowds that the “famous” 401 attracts. Get an early start if possible and the world is yours. The singletrack section is superb both the trail and the views. When I did this trail it was freezing and snowing, but I still loved it. This trail has an extreme remote feeling to it and you feel like you are the only person on earth!!

For the real gearheads among us I would suggest doing this as an out & back, giving you 20+ miles of sweet singletrack.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Crested Butte
Length: 27.1 total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Aerobically: strenuous, with a lot of climbing and descending at high altitude. Technically: easiest-difficult
Duration: 3 to 6 hours
Trailhead Elev: 9000 feet
Top Elev: 10750 feet

Trail Review : Deer Creek Trail – Crested Butte – Colorado

 

 

MTB Downieville Classic – Downieville – California

 

 

This trail really is Kick Ass.. and YES, it probably has the highest adrenalin pumpin’ fun factor of all the trails I’ve been on ( joint 1st spot with Cold Creek to Star Lake to Armstrong Pass down Corral Trail in South Lake Tahoe )
The flow and speed on this trail is amazing, kudos to the Downieville trail builders for doing such an amazing job.
There are two ways of doing this Trail, the one I did is starting in Sierra City and destroys you with a brutal 8 mile solid climb. The easy way is getting a shuttle to drop you off, so all you have to look forward to is the sweetest 13 miles you might ever experience. Is this trail is scenic ?.. haha.. I would not have a clue, all I know is, it’s rad!
 

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Downieville / Sierra City

Length: 21.94 mi

Trail Type: Point to Point

Skill Level: [what the books say] no info

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate – challenging. Physically demanding – very demanding if starting in Sierra City.

Duration : My time was 04:31:17

Elev Gain: 3,907 ft

Top Elev : 5,177 ft

Min. Elev : 2,886 ft

Downieville Trail Review

 


 

MTB Gold Bar Rim Trail down Portal – Moab – Utah


 

The Gold Bar Rim Trail down Portal is a trail of a million, and although I have only done this gem once, it is easily on of my favorite trails. If, like me you love remote rides, then this is your playground, remote miles and miles of slickrock goodness. However, because this trail is so remote, you really need to be prepared. The Gold Bar is a long tiring remote trail and for these reasons can be very dangerous. If you don’t like heights, or extreme drop offs, do not attempt this ride. If however you feel comfortable in these situations, this could be your next favorite trail.

[ on a side note, Up Poison Spider and down Gold Bar could possibly be an even better option. Stay posted I will be riding this option]

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Moab

Length: Shuttle 18.5 total miles [ Gold Bar Rim down Portal]

Trail Type: Shuttle Loop or Out & Back

Skill Level: Technically and Physically brutal, relentless, and very dangerous.

Duration: 6-10 hours

Trailhead Elev: 4,575 feet

Top Elev: 5,400 feet

Trail Review : Gold Bar Rim Trail down Portal

 

 

MTB Hall Ranch – Lyons – Colorado

 

 

I have a very soft spot for Hall Ranch, I started traveling with my mountain bikes 5 years ago, and started posting trail reviews 4 years ago. I had done well over 100 trails throughout the USA before I did this trail for the first time. Hall Racnch went straight to number one!.. It was PERFECT the first time, and it was PERFECT the second time.

Be warned, for a perfect experience, try and get an early start, ‘cos this trail is very popular abd can get VERY busy with both riders and hikers.

Hall Ranch Trail is like no other, and the 10 miles it has to offer is very versatile with a rock section that is both technical and fun, to miles of sweet singletrack.

4 years down the line and 100’s more trails and Hall Ranch is still on the best trails list.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Lyons
Length: 10 total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Aerobically: moderate. Technically: moderate+
Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Trailhead Elev: 5500 feet
Top Elev: 6800 feet

Hall Ranch Trail Review

 

 

MTB Hartman Rocks – Gunnison – Colorado

 

 

Hartman Rocks is not a trail, it’s a trail system, miles and miles of fantastic trails all linking each other. You can easily spend a few days on this trail network, and still not get to ride all the trails. I spent more than 7 hours on these fantastic trails, and it seemed like 2 hours. the combination of great weather, excellent trails, no people and stunning views, made my day a perfect one.
If like me, you love to bike in open rugged spaces with stunning views and fantastic singletracks, then Hartman Rocks is definitely gonna put a smile on your chops.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Gunnison
Length: +6000 acres of trails
Trail Type: You decide
Skill Level: Physically : easy – strenuous, Technically: easy – moderate
Duration: You decide
Trailhead Elev: 7700 feet
Top Elev: 8300 feet

Trail Review Hartman Rocks

 

 

MTB Henry Coe State Park – Gilroy / Morgan Hill – California

 

 

This trails system came as a complete surprise to, a lovely surprise. I had never heard about Henry Coe State Park, and stumbled on it by chance. The trails are superb, they are some of the sweetest singletracks you could imagine. No matter how you link these trails, you are going to start in the valley and are going to climb quite a few miles to reach the tops. Luckily even the climbs are fantastic, but nothing compared to the Mayhem fast singletracks that take you back down. There are 100’s of miles of trails to choose from, and as far as I know they are all fantastic. I spent 3 wonderful days on these trails, and I just touched the surface of what Henry Coe has to offer. Fantastic trails and a fantastic Mountain Biking Destination for day long singletrack epics.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Gilroy – Morgan Hill

Length: Your call

Trail Type: Loops

Skill Level: [what the books say] no info

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically demanding – mental

Henry Coe Trail Review

 

 

MTB Hidden Valley Trail onto Moab Rim Trail – Moab – Utah

 

 

I have a very special bond with Hidden Valley, it was the very first Moab trail I ever did, and ever since that ride I have been sold on Moab, Hidden Valley turned me into a Moab Junkie.
Every year for the past 6 years I spend October in Moab, and Hidden Valley is ALWAYS the first trail I ride, and the 4+ weeks I stay in Moab, I ride it at least once a week. I still love every second on this trail. Once you portage your bike for about 40 min. to Hidden Valley, the world is yours, and chances are you will see nobody. Although this trail has an extreme remote feeling to it, you are actually only a few miles from Moab if something did happen. This trail also has the steepest grade ( +22 ) and longest solid downhill section (1 mile) of all the Moab Trails. Your brakes will endure more on this section than an average mtb’er will in a whole year of riding.

Like so many Moab Trails, this one is not for the faint hearted.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: about 13 miles (14.3 miles if you visit the view point)
Trail Type: Loop or Out & Back
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically extremely difficult to downright abusive. Physically difficult
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically moderate
Duration: 2-4 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4000 feet
Top Elev: 5400 feet

Trail Review Hidden Valley

 

 

MTB Highline Trail – Sedona – Arizona

 

 

Where does one start to try and describe the Highline Trail?

Let me start with some bad news ( good news to some) This absolutely FANTASTIC Trail is NOT marked or mapped, which is great, because it keeps the “Tourists” off. The good news is ( bad news for some) Sedona has a great group of serious mountain bikers that are more than happy to take a fellow mountain biker on this amazing adventure.

Did I say Adventure?.. Yes, the Highline Trail is a Mountain Biking Adventure through some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery. The Highline Trail is 10 miles of slickrock and singletrack delight.

This is without doubt one of the best and most unique trail you might NEVER ride.. I am proud to have been given the chance by the Sedona MTB Chapter to have experienced this beauty.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Sedona
Length: 10.64 miles
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: [what the books say] no info
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically difficult. Physically moderate / demanding
Duration : My time was 03:41:00
Elev Gain : 1,822 feet
Top Elev : 4,712 feet
Min. Elev : 3,964 feet

Trail Review Highline Trail

 

 

 

MTB Kokopellis Trails – Fruita – Colorado

 

 

The Kokopelli’s Trails are a Mountain Bikers dream, I don’t care what your name is, how much your bike costs, and how tight or baggy your clothes are.. You WILL love these trails. Aany mountain biker who can step forward and say he / she does not like these trails, obviously needs to start looking for a new hobby.

The trails are ALL fantastic, technical but far from impossible, stunning views, uphill climbs, fast downhill bombs, smooth singletracks, bumpy singletracks, and lots more.

The Kokopelli Trails get very busy, so for the best experience plan your rides well. Spend hours and hours on some of the best trails the USA has to offer. From a 2 hour relaxing loop to a 40+ miles of Epic Splendor.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Fruita
Length: about 41 miles
Trail Type: Loops
Skill Level: Aerobically: easy – strenuous, Technically: easy – very difficult
Duration: 6+ hours
Trailhead Elev: 4500 feet
Top Elev: 5300 feet

Kokopellis Trail Review

 

 

MTB Munds Wagon Trail and Schnebly Hill Trail – Sedona – Arizona

 

 

Your biggest enemy on this trail is the scenic beauty. Munds Wagon trail is so scenic, it’s difficult to stay focused on the the trail.

Munds Wagon Trail is both technically and physically very demanding, and because of this, it might not be everyones cup ot tea.
The great thing about this trail, is that you have to “earn” the reward, the higher you go, the better it gets.
We all know that NO trail is perfect, but this one, in my opinion comes close, actually, the trail itself is perfect, if there was a way to get rid of all the jeeps on Schnebly Road, and the helicopters that buzz around, then this trail would be “The Perfect Trail”.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Sedona
Length: 21.55 miles
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: [what the books say] no info
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically difficult. Physically very demanding
Duration : My time was 05:53:44
Elev Gain : 3,304 feet
Top Elev : 6,504 feet
Min. Elev : 4,135 feet

Munds Wagon Trail and Schnebly Hill Trail Review

 

 

MTB Slickrock Trail – Moab – Utah

 

 

The Slickrock Trail in Moab, not just any trail, it’s the trail that put Moab on the map as probably the best MTB destination in the world. It’s also the most famous mountain biking trail in the world, and I would say the most unique.

The first time I did the Slickrock was 5 years ago, and I HATED every second of it.. It was a zoo, like disney land on a free day.
Luckily however, I did see the potential of the trail, and was better prepared the second time.

To fully enjoy this fantastic and unique trail, you have to get a very early start on a weekday. If you are able to get the timing right, then you will know why The Slickrock trail is one of the best and most unique trails in the WORLD.

Trail Stats & Information Amasa Back

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: 9.85 miles
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically very difficult to extremely dangerous. Physically very difficult to abusive
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically demanding
Duration: Book say’s 2-3 hours my time 2.45 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4,575 feet
Top Elev: 4,802 feet

Slickrock Trail Review

 

 

There are so many more trails I would love to add, but I have to stop somewhere. I travel full time looking for new mtb trails, if you have a favourite trail, I would love to hear about it, and hopefully ride it one day.

Please leave a comment below and share info about your fav. trail

 

 

 

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