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Sovereign Trail Moab

Sovereign Trail Moab

Sovereign Trail Moab

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This is the first time I have actually ridden the Sovereign Trail, although I have been to the trailhead twice before, but each time it was too busy for my liking. They say the first time is always the best, but in this case I’m not so sure. Just  minutes from finishing the trail I produced the “Mother of all Endo’s” , Endo’in off a 4 ft legdge  and finishing the Sovereign Trail by cracking my Sternum as a souvenir  … Luvly Jubly !!

Sovereign Trail Map
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Trail Stats & Information Sovereign Trail

 

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: 15.45 miles : there are numerous options to lengthen or shorten the ride
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically difficult. Physically very difficult
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically moderately demanding
Duration: Book say’s 1-3 hours my time 2.03 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4,358 feet
Top Elev: 4,854  feet

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Book Description

Sovereign is one of the newest mountain biking trail systems in Moab. The terrain in and around Sovereign is generally flatter than most of the terrain in the Moab area. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking this ride won’t be fun or challenging.The Sovereign Trail offers plenty of technical sections as well as rolling fast twisty singletrack sections and some short slickrock sections.
The Sovereign Trail has quickly become one of the top Moab rides

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My Experience

Finding the Trailhead Parking was easier than finding the actual trail, luckily for me, someone else arrived, and they pointed out the general direction. However, once you have actually found the trail, it’s easy to follow, and pretty well marked. But, be careful, there are loads of various other trails in the Sovereign system.

The trail is great, starts off with an easy peddle up a dirt track, and then onto a wash-out that will take you to the first of the slickrock, marked with blue arrows. This is a fun technical section, completely manageable if you find the right path. Although there are a few sections that are pretty strenuous, the majority of the trail is pretty easy going, no extreme climbs or drops, however there are plenty of rocky down sections and a couple of very sharp switchbacks with pretty brutal drop-offs if you over-ride them to put a permanent end to your fun ride.
I was feelin’ pretty stoked on the trail, and my steed was handling the trails really nice, I probably got a bit too cocky on the last bit of slickrock before hitting the wash-out just 2 min from the finishing point. I un-willingly produced the “Mother of all Endo’s” getting launched off a 4ft drop that I did not see coming. In mid air I still tried to lift the front of my bike in the air as to land on either the back wheel, or both wheels simultaneously, however that did not happen. My first attempt of the Sovereign Trail ended with a cracked Sternum and a face covered in “bacon”

Sovereign Trail 1 – Rip3d 0

 

Conclusion

If I had been blindfolded and dropped on this trail, I would have thought that I was in Fruita or Grand Junction, it did not have the usual Moab feeling like most other Moab rides have. This is not a bad thing, ‘cos I happen to love the Fruita trails. The Sovereign Trail offers just enough of everything to make it a fun and exciting ride. The trail is not too technical, or strenuous, but it’s not a walk either.  All in all the Sovereign trail is an absolute “must do”  for anyone planning a list of Moab rides.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : For a weekday, It was moderately busy
Wild Life : Definitely don’t need it on this scenic trail
Scenery :  Really nice scenery.
Getting There :  Willow Springs Road Trailhead: On US-191 north of Moab, turn east on dirt Willow Springs Road. Keep L at fork at mile 1.3. At mile 2.0, park in the rock-outlined area on your left N 38° 41.876′ W 109° 39.868′, just before a natural gas pump building on the R. Start the ride by continuing down Willow Springs Rd.
Other : You can make this ride as long or as short as you like, there are numerous “Link Trails” that can be taken. Good Luck in finding a good trail map or this trail

My Trail Rating : 9 / 10

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Moab Rim CamparkThis Sovereign 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 Sovereign Trail is just a 15 min. drive from your campsite.
Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 4 years running.

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

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

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Slickrock Trail Moab

Slickrock Trail

The world famous Slickrock Trail in Moab Utah

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The Slickrock Trail is THE Trail that put Moab on the map, and is probably the worlds most famous trail. Mountain Bikers from around the globe travel to Moab to ride the Slickrock Trail.
There is no doubt that the Slickrock Trail is as fantastic as it is unique, but it is a trail that I have done numerous times, and I never get very exited about the thought of riding the Slickrock Trail. The crowds on this trail can be unbearable, and on a busy day, there are actual waiting lines in front of certain sections of this trail.

So, does the Slickrock Trail live up to it’s world famous reputation?… read on….

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Slickrock Trail Map
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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

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Book Description

This trail is VERY difficult and dangerous. Do not ride alone, but do not bring along you family, your girlfriend, or anyone that you love who is not an advanced rider. Despite the fact that the trail is shown on the Discovery Channel for kids to drool over, it is extremely dangerous and parents should exercise extreme caution with children under 18 (or over) who want to ride here. You could get them into serious trouble. The Slickrock Trail is VERY well marked with painted white lines like the middle of a highway, and there are yellow caution markers and black diamonds to warn you of deadly sections ahead. Be sure to watch for these warnings after you hit the main loop at mile 2.5. Hills on the trail are short, but grueling and very steep. If you let you momentum carry you it could get you into trouble on twisty sections with off-camber turns, but mostly it is momentum that will allow you to ride up the really steep stuff. Traction is fantastic, except when wet or icy. Watch out for winter! Trail Surface: slickrock, obviously, with a painted white line guiding you into the most outrageous situations. At times it is like riding on the outside edge of a 300-foot high basketball.

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My Experience

The first time ever did the Slickrock Trail was 4 years ago, I had just arrived in the USA, and did not realize just how popular this trail actually was. I arrived at the parking lot at about 11am on a Saturday, just to find the parking lot completely full, which meant that there were probably 100’s of riders on the Trail… not a good first impression for me, seeing as I’m an unsociable bastard!!

Now whenever I do the Slickrock Trail I leave at the crack of dawn on a weekday. This time around I was at the trailhead at 7am.. at an empty parking area!!.

Having the Slickrock Trail to yourself as the sun comes up is just a fantastic experience, and I was loving every second of it. It’s probably ‘cos I’m getting older, but it seems like the trail gets more strenuous each year, but because it’s such a fantastic trail you tend to forget you are busting your lungs.
For a fantastic 2.45 hours I did not see a single person on the trail, the first people  I saw was just 10 min. the trailhead, just   starting the ride.  

Conclusion

You can love the Slickrock or you can hate the Slickrock, and it will be your timing that decides which one it will be. The first time I hated it, it was like Disneyland . But when planned right ( if possible) the Slickrock Trail is without doubt an absolute Gem of a trail, and it deserves to be one of the worlds most famous mtb trail.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : On this early ride I had the trail to myself. However this trail can be a zoo
Wild Life : Definitely don’t need it on this scenic trail
Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic Moab Scenery.
Other : If possible do an early weekday ride. On weekends / holidays the trail can be VERY busy.

My Trail Rating : 9.5 / 10 [ if timed well ]

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Moab Rim CamparkThis Slickrock 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 Slickrock Trail is just a 6 min. drive from your campsite.
Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 4 years running.

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

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

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Amasa Back Trail
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Amasa Back Trail Moab

Amasa Back Trail Moab

The Amasa Back Trail in Moab, dangerously scenic

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If planed well, and with a bit of luck, the Amasa Back Trail in Moab could become your all time favorite trail ever. I say this, because this trail can be unbearably busy on weekends / holidays, and this will definitely put a damper on things. However, if you can get an early start on a weekday, this trail will be yours, and believe me, it will blow your mind. The highest danger factor on this trail, is the scenery, it’s almost impossible to keep your eyes on the trail.
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Amasa Back Trail Map

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

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Book Description

You’ll want to watch the first 100 feet of this trail. It can ruin your ride in a hurry. The entire trail should be approached with respect. It’s short, but it’s a grunt with technical challenges thrown in here and there, some on the edge of a 500-foot cliff. Ledges drop into deep sand at points. it asks for speed and can surprise you as you round a corner. The ride from here can be extremely rewarding for a very experienced riders with a good sense of direction and maybe a guide. There is a petroglyph panel worthy of a visit, but the riding just gets harder from this viewpoint as you climb on the very technical slickrock onto the huge sandstone monolith that is Amasa Back. Don’t even think about the singletrack that goes down the backside. it is scary and exposed the whole way. Trail Surface; Technical 4WD track. Ledgy bedrock, sand, slickrock, loose and hardpack sediments. Scary exposure.

 

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My Experience

This is not the first time I have done the Amasa Back, the first time I did it,was on a Sunday, in combination with the Jackson Hole Trail. That time the Amasa Back was just bang out of order, there were 100’s!! of people on the trail, mtb’ers, 4×4’s, hikers, quads, trial bikes.. you name it… Seeing as I’m an unsociable bastard , I hated it!.

Luckily I did notice that the trail was fantastic, and I knew that I had to time it right to enjoy the trail to it’s fullest.
This time around I got an early start on a weekday ( Wednesday) and I had the whole trail to myself!!

Be very careful at the start of the trail, ‘cos lots of riders get caught out in the first 3 min on “Mr Toads”. Once past Mr Toads and down to the creek, the trail starts clinbing on slickrock. The climb is not bad at all, there are a few sections that you will have to get off your steed, but in general the trail is pretty doable. The highest risk on this trail, is the stunning scenery, and it is almost impossible to keep your eyes on the trail. The Amasa Back trail is very well marked, with maps on all the junctions. Once at the top, you can turn around and bomb back down, or you can loop back onto the Amasa Back by connecting the Pot Hole Arch Trail, and then onto the Rockstacker Trail.
The Rockstacker Trail is stunningly scenic, but it is riddled with some mental grade 5 sections, but I would highly recommend this connector. When you get back onto the Amasa Back Trail, you will now be back tracking, a slight climb until you top out, and from here it’s just a roller coaster ride back to the creek 100% fun!!

There is also option to loop the Amasa Back Trail by connecting to the Jackson Trail. Personally I would not recommend this, 80% of this section is not rideable, and you end the trail on a strenuous climb, it also means you don’t get to enjoy the Amasa Back downhill.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the Amasa Back Trail is one of, or even THE most scenic and fun trail in Moab. However,  this trail can for all good reasons be extremely busy. If possible do this beauty early on a weekday.  The views on this trail are unbelievable, the trail is well marked, the slickrock climb is not too strenuous, and the downhill offers maximum thrill level.

Do this trail early on a weekday, and it is without doubt one of the best trails in, not just Moab, but in the USA.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail :  On this ride I had the trail to myself untill the downhill section. However this trail can be extremely busy
Wild Life : Definitely don’t need it on this scenic trail
Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic Moab Scenery. The best out there
Other : If possible do an early weekday ride. On weekends / holidays the trail can be VERY busy.

 

My Trail Rating : 10 / 10 [ if timed well ]

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Moab Rim CamparkThe Amasa Back 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.

Amasa Back  Trail is just a 12 min. drive from your campsite.
Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 4 years running.

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

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

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