Shafer Trail Electric Dirt Bike Tour — Moab Colorado River Overlook Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate — you should be comfortable mounting/dismounting and standing on pegs for short periods; no extreme fitness required.
Overview
Trade a bumpy Jeep seat for quiet power on an electric dirt bike and ride Shafer Trail to the Colorado River overlook. This guided tour delivers cinematic views (Thelma & Louise point included), manageable terrain for beginners and a visceral way to experience Moab’s red-rock edges.
Shafer Trail Electric Dirt Bike Tour — Moab Colorado River Overlook Adventure
Select participants and date
The first pedal of the e-bike is a small, electric whisper; the red rock suddenly feels intimate. You push off from the Potash Road boat ramp and the world opens into a ribbon of slickrock and sand. The Talaria Sting hums under your hands as the group threads between towering fins, crosses open plateaus and rides the rim above the Colorado River — a view that spills across Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point and the escarpments of Bears Ears.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate Often
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water; the guide will have short stops but shade can be rare.
Wear Close-toed Shoes
Sturdy hiking or riding shoes with ankle support protect on foot pegs and rocky exits.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a long-sleeve layer matter — UV is intense even on cool days.
Listen to the Safety Briefing
Throttle and balance feel different on e-bikes; follow the guide’s instructions for gear and passing protocols.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Ravens and occasional red-tailed hawks
History
Shafer Trail was engineered to connect river-bottom mining and ranching access to the mesa; its switchbacks reflect early 20th-century road-building efforts.
Conservation
Stay on the designated route to avoid cryptobiotic soils and plant life; local operators follow low-impact practices to minimize erosion and disturbance.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Moab
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe riding shoes or sturdy hiking shoes
Protects feet on pegs and when dismounting on rocky terrain.
Hydration pack (1–2 L)
Keeps water accessible during the 2–3 hour ride in exposed desert heat.
summer specific
Sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses
Desert sun is intense; eye protection improves comfort and safety.
Light wind or sun jacket
Useful for early-morning starts or higher-elevation gusts on the mesa.
spring specific