Riding the Rim: An Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour at Dead Horse Point
Flowy singletrack, big desert views, and just enough spice to keep you honest.
At the edge of the mesa, the world drops away. The Colorado River coils far below, a green ribbon pressing against rust-red walls before slipping out of sight. Ravens ride thermals like they own the air. The rim trail threads the cliffline, a narrow invitation cut through juniper and slickrock. Your tires hum, then whisper, then bite as the desert surface changes its mind under you—sand to stone to hardpack—each texture asking a slightly different question of your balance. This is Dead Horse Point State Park, 6,000 feet up and 45 minutes from Moab, where intermediate riders find their rhythm on rolling singletrack with world-class views at nearly every turn.
Trail Wisdom
Hydrate Aggressively
Carry at least 2 liters of water (3 in summer). Sip often—desert dehydration sneaks up fast at 6,000 feet.
Trust the Slickrock
Sandstone offers excellent traction when dry. Keep your weight centered, look ahead, and let your tires bite.
Mind the Rim
There’s exposure in places. Stay on signed singletrack, dismount if unsure, and avoid stepping on fragile soil crusts.
Start Early
Morning light is fantastic and temperatures are cooler, especially in summer. You’ll also have fewer riders on trail.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Great Pyramid Overlook spur for a quiet, wide-angle view into Canyonlands
- •Meander Overlook for sunset light on the Colorado River’s big bends
Wildlife
Common raven, Desert collared lizard
Conservation Note
Stay on signed trails to protect cryptobiotic soil; pack out all trash and avoid riding wet, muddy sections to prevent erosion.
Cowboys once used the narrow neck of the mesa to corral wild mustangs, inspiring the park’s name; the area also lies within ancestral lands of Ute and Paiute peoples.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cool temperatures, Wildflower pops, Prime traction
Challenges: Windy afternoons, Variable spring storms
Spring is peak riding season with comfortable temps and stable trail conditions; pack a wind layer for gusts.
summer
Best for: Early sunrise sessions, Long daylight hours
Challenges: High heat by midday, Intense sun exposure
Ride at dawn to beat the heat; bring 3 liters of water, sun protection, and consider a lightweight sun hoodie.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Golden light, Comfortable temps
Challenges: Shorter days, Occasional storms
Fall mirrors spring with cooler days and tacky trails; sunsets can be spectacular from the overlooks.
winter
Best for: Quiet trails, Crisp views
Challenges: Icy patches, Cold winds on the rim
When dry, winter riding can be excellent. Check conditions; bring warm layers and be cautious on shaded corners.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Hydration Pack (2–3L)Essential
Water access is limited on the mesa; carry enough to sip consistently throughout the ride.
Lightweight Sun Hoodie or Long-Sleeve UPF ShirtEssential
Protects from intense UV while staying breathable on exposed sections of trail.
Full-Finger MTB Gloves
Improves grip on sandstone and protects hands if you brush rock or desert shrubs.
Windproof Layer
A compact shell cuts the mesa breeze and keeps you comfortable during breaks at overlooks.
Common Questions
How technical are the trails at Dead Horse Point?
They’re intermediate-friendly with rolling singletrack, short rock steps, and some exposure near the rim. A guide will tailor the route to match group ability.
Is the park entrance fee included in the tour?
Yes, guided tours typically include park admission. If you drive separately on another day, you’ll need to pay the state park entry fee.
Can beginners join this ride?
This tour is best for riders with prior mountain biking experience. Confident beginners may join at the guide’s discretion, but a true beginner tour is recommended first.
What kind of bike is provided?
A high-quality mountain bike suited for desert singletrack is included, along with a helmet. Bring your own pedals if you prefer riding clipped in.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Desert storms and high heat can affect safety. Guides monitor forecasts and may adjust start times, alter routes, or reschedule if conditions become unsafe.
Are e-bikes allowed on these trails?
Class 1 e-MTBs may be permitted on designated trails depending on current park regulations; check with your guide in advance for the latest rules.
What to Pack
2–3L hydration pack for high-desert dryness; UPF sun hoodie or long-sleeve for all-day sun; Full-finger gloves for grip on sandstone and protection; Compact wind layer for rim breezes and changeable spring weather.
Did You Know
The final scene of the 1991 film Thelma & Louise was filmed at Dead Horse Point, which stood in for the Grand Canyon. The mesa sits about 2,000 feet above the Colorado River.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning departures to beat heat and crowds; Acclimate with an easy ride in Moab if you’re not used to 6,000 feet; Bring your own pedals if you ride clipped in; Check forecast—monsoon cells can move fast and guides may adjust start times.
Local Flavor
Refuel in Moab with breakfast burritos at Love Muffin, post-ride pints at Moab Brewery, or wood-fired pies at Antica Forma. Stroll Center Street for local art, gear shops, and live music on weekends.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Canyonlands Field (CNY, 18 miles from Moab) or Grand Junction (GJT, ~110 miles). Trailhead: Dead Horse Point State Park Visitor Center area, ~32 miles/45 minutes from Moab. Cell service: Spotty to fair on the mesa. Permits: State park entry required (typically included with guided tours).
Sustainability Note
This fragile high-desert environment depends on living soil crusts—stay on trail, avoid muddy riding, and pack out everything. Reuse bottles, minimize vehicle idling at the trailhead, and respect wildlife viewing distances.
Continue Reading
From Oak Creek to Cathedral Rock: A Private Sedona Hike Where Water Meets Stone
This private guided hike threads the cottonwood shade of Oak Creek before climbing slickrock to the base of Cathedral Rock, where wind and sandstone trade secrets. It’s part quiet immersion, part big-view payoff—engineered for photography, connection, and a smarter way to move through Sedona’s high-desert maze.
Sedona, Arizona
Into the Red: A Four-Hour Sedona Vortex Tour That Grounds and Surprises
Sedona’s vortexes are more than pin drops on a map—they’re places where landscape and perception intersect. This four-hour private tour threads iconic sites with geology, culture, and practical trail wisdom for a grounded, memorable morning in the red rock.
Sedona, Arizona