Riding the Rim: Easygoing Singletrack and Big Views at Dead Horse Point
E-bike-friendly desert flow and canyon-edge views, minutes from Moab.
Morning light scrapes across the mesa like a match, striking color from rock that slept red and wakes on fire. On the rim, juniper knots twist toward the breeze and the Colorado River loops in a gleaming oxbow far below, a ribbon that dares gravity to try something new. The trail threads the edge—never reckless, just confident—and your bike hums along slickrock that feels older than time and surprisingly friendly under tire.
Trail Wisdom
Ride Early for Cooler Temps
Start by 8–9 a.m. to beat heat and wind; bikes must be returned by 3 p.m. (2 p.m. in June).
Hydrate Like You Mean It
Carry at least 2–3 liters per rider; refill at the park visitor center before you roll.
Mind the Rim, Not Just the View
Exposure is present in places—stop for photos, then ride with eyes on the line.
E-Bike Etiquette
Use Eco/Trail modes and slow for blind corners; yield to hikers and slower riders.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •West Rim Overlooks off Great Pyramid for fewer crowds and huge canyon vantages
- •A short hike from the Visitor Center Overlook at sunset for La Sal alpenglow
Wildlife
Ravens riding thermals, Desert cottontail along sage flats
Conservation Note
Stay on signed singletrack to protect fragile cryptobiotic soil. Pack out all trash and keep speeds controlled to reduce erosion on corners.
The area sits within ancestral Ute and Navajo lands and later saw ranching and uranium mining. The park’s name references historic mustang roundups on the point.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower pops, Cooler riding temps
Challenges: Variable winds, Unpredictable storms
March–May delivers prime temps and crisp views. Expect gusty afternoons and rapidly changing weather.
summer
Best for: Long daylight, Early-morning laps
Challenges: High heat, Monsoon thunderstorms
Start at dawn and finish by late morning. Watch for lightning and avoid exposed rims during storms.
fall
Best for: Golden light, Stable weather
Challenges: Shortening days, Cool mornings
September–October is the sweet spot: mild days, clear air, and iconic sunset hues across Canyonlands.
winter
Best for: Quiet trails, Crisp visibility
Challenges: Icy patches, Cold winds
Expect chilly temps and occasional snow on slickrock. Dress in layers and check trail conditions.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Hydration Pack (2–3L)Essential
Desert air is dry; carry more water than you think you'll need and keep hands free while riding.
Sun Protection (UPF shirt, hat, sunscreen)Essential
Sun exposure is constant on the mesa—cover up to avoid burns and dehydration.
Stiff-Soled Riding ShoesEssential
Firm soles improve pedal control on slickrock and reduce foot fatigue on longer loops.
Light Wind Layer
Rim breezes can turn cool fast; a packable shell cuts wind without overheating.
Common Questions
Are e-bikes allowed on the trails at Dead Horse Point State Park?
Yes. Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed on the park’s singletrack, making it one of the few e-bike-friendly trail systems in the Moab area.
How long should I plan for my ride?
Most riders spend 2–4 hours on the Intrepid loops. Rentals are due back by 3 p.m. (2 p.m. in June), so start early if you want to link the longer loops.
What’s included with the bike rental?
A helmet, trail map with highlighted routes, riding tips, and trailhead mechanical support are included.
Is there water or food available in the park?
Potable water is available at the visitor center, but there are no consistent food or fuel services within about 45 minutes. Bring lunch and snacks.
Do I need to pay a fee to enter the park?
Yes, Dead Horse Point State Park charges a vehicle entry fee. Check the state park website for current rates.
Which trails are best for beginners?
Start with Intrepid and Raven Roll for scenic, low-stress riding. Confident beginners can add Great Pyramid for more rim views.
What to Pack
2–3L hydration pack, because desert air dehydrates fast; Sun protection (hat, UPF shirt, sunscreen) for all-day exposure; Snacks and a packable lunch since there’s no food in the park; Wind shell for rim gusts and quick temperature shifts.
Did You Know
The final cliff scene in the 1991 film Thelma & Louise was staged at Dead Horse Point, using the canyon’s dramatic drop as the backdrop.
Quick Travel Tips
Top off fuel and grab lunch in Moab before driving UT-313; Arrive early to secure parking and cooler temps; Check the state park’s website for entry fees and any trail advisories; If you plan to visit Canyonlands after, bring extra water and snacks—no services nearby.
Local Flavor
Post-ride, head back to Moab for a burger and a pint at Moab Brewery or line up at Quesadilla Mobilla for a fast, flavorful refuel. For coffee and pastry, Love Muffin Café opens early; Doughbird serves ice cream that hits especially well after a sunlit lap. If you crave a quiet sunset, grab takeout and return to the state park overlook—dinner with a canyon view is hard to beat.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Canyonlands Regional (CNY) ~25 miles from Moab; Grand Junction (GJT) ~110 miles. Trailhead: Intrepid Trail System at Dead Horse Point State Park. Drive time: ~45–50 minutes from downtown Moab via UT-313. Cell service: Spotty to fair near the visitor center; limited on trails. Entry: Utah State Park entrance fee required. Rentals: Single daily rate; bikes due back by 3 p.m. (2 p.m. in June).
Sustainability Note
This mesa hosts fragile cryptobiotic soils—stay on signed singletrack and established rock to prevent decades of damage. Keep e-bike speeds moderate to minimize trail wear and wildlife disturbance.
Continue Reading
Blue Ridge Parkway by Jeep: Asheville’s Big-View Drive Without the Footslog
Trade trail dust for ridge-line views on a guided Blue Ridge Parkway Jeep tour out of Asheville. Over 3–4 unhurried hours, hop between classic overlooks, craft stops, and story-rich vistas—no hiking boots required.
Asheville, North Carolina
Into the Lower Canyon: 6.5 Days Oaring the Colorado’s Big Water
Start before dawn on the South Rim, hike 9.5 miles to the Colorado, and settle into six and a half days of oar-powered whitewater, side canyons, and starlit camps. This Lower Canyon journey pairs big water with smart logistics—and ends in a helicopter lift out of the heart of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona