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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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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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The 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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