Blue Mountain Singletrack

MEETING TIME AND PLACE

This trip will meet at 8:00am MST at Western Spirit Cycling, 478 Mill Creek Drive, Moab, Utah. You will need to spend the night before in Moab. We will be happy to pick you up at your hotel, please call us Mon-Fri, 9-5 to schedule your pickup. Muffins, scones, fruit and coffee will be served.

ENDING TIME AND PLACE

We will return to Western Spirit between 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. on the last day.

ITINERARY

TRIP DAY 1

On this trip we visit the little known singletrack trails of the Abajo Mountains, south of Moab, Utah. These high alpine mountains, known locally as "the Blues", are surrounded by the beautiful deserts of Canyonlands National Park. While the total mileage we ride is relatively low, the technical singletrack both climbing and descending at high altitude make for a challenging trip. We begin our trip with a shuttle up to North Creek Pass. From here we descend into Indian Creek Valley on our way to the Shay Ridge Trail. This trail takes us to over 10,000 feet just below Bob Park Peak. The trail turns into an ATV track and makes for a smooth and flowing descent all the way to our camp at Aspen Flats. TOTAL MILEAGE - 11 miles ELEVATION GAIN - 1,500 ft

TRIP DAY 2

Today we will ride a loop from Aspen Flats to Red Ledges. Many Moab locals call this ride one of their favorite singletracks in our area. This is a classic western ride with smooth sections of trail interspersed with technical challenges. We begin by contouring along the mountain through stands of Quaking Aspens. We drop into an alpine meadow before crossing the creek to join the Red Ledges Trail. There are a few sections where only the strongest riders can keep their traction, but of course a short hike-a-bike allows one to better appreciate the incredible views. We will cross the headwaters of Indian Creek and our singletrack descent down the valley rolls in and out of Indian Creek's tributaries. At the end of the trail we'll pick up the dirt road for our final climb to our camp at Foy Lake. We'll spend two nights here tucked in an aspen grove. TOTAL MILEAGE - 19 miles ELEVATION GAIN - 2,000 ft

TRIP DAY 3

Today we head out from Foy Lake to the Spring Creek Trailhead. Our views today include many examples of the dramatic interface between the mountains and the desert. After a few miles on the road we begin a singletrack climb which takes us to the Robertson's Pasture Trail. From here another mile up and a bit of hike-a-biking brings us to an incredible meadow and the best view of the trip. After a well deserved lunch break, we head down on a steep trail that will challenge even the best riders. We'll regroup for a minute, shake it out and embark on the finest singletrack to be had. We'll cross high alpine meadows, roll through grassy aspen groves and descend the technical rocky sections hiding in the scrub oak. Once back at camp a quick dip in Foy Lake relaxes us for dinner. TOTAL MILEAGE - 11 miles ELEVATION GAIN - 2,500 ft

TRIP DAY 4

From Foy Lake we'll begin our final day with a four mile descent to Indian Creek. As we leave the mountains and enter the canyons interesting changes occur. The vegetation changes from spruce trees and aspens to cottonwoods, sagebrush and cactus. The high peaks that we left behind are replaced by towering red rock canyon walls. The trail down Indian Creek has seen no recent improvements and provides a challenging but fun run down the canyon. After eight miles on the trail we'll hit the pavement at Newspaper Rock where we can spend some time looking at this incredible pictograph panel. After lunch, we will load up and return to Moab. TOTAL MILEAGE - 12 miles

TERRAIN

Riding Surface: Singletrack on hard packed sediment and clay, loose, rocky sections, some sand.
Technical Difficulty: Difficult. Very narrow, technical singletracks.
Physical Difficulty: Difficult. High altitudes, (over 10,000 feet), steep climbs and long unsupported sections.
Altitude: 4,500-10,000 feet.

Please Note: This tour contains some very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails. A high level of skill and fitness is required to enjoyably navigate much of the route. We will be without vehicle support during all of the singletrack sections of the ride and medical help is far away. If you do not consider yourself to be an expert rider and doubt your ability to complete this tour, please call us and we can help you determine whether this trip is appropriate for you. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

GETTING THERE

-Driving
Moab is located 30 miles south of Interstate 70 on Highway 191. We have a roomy parking area.

-Flying into Salt Lake City, UT
Airport Code: SLC
From Salt Lake City there are 2 options.

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 4 hours. You can park at our shop while you are on your tour.

2) Contact Moab Luxury Coach at 435-940-4212 to make a reservation. They have a limited schedule, so please contact them to find get rates and days they drive.

-Flying into Grand Junction, CO
Airport Code: GJT
From Grand Junction there are now 2 options.

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 2 hours. You can park at our shop while you are on your tour.
Thrify Car Rental has an office in Moab 435-259-7317.

2) Contact Moab Luxury Coach at 435-940-4212 to get rates and days that they drive.

-Flying into Moab
Great Lakes Aviation flies from Denver to Moab for $99 each way. They have two flights daily. Scheduled flight times and additional pricing can be found on their website. Or call 800-554-5111 to make a reservation.

For a shuttle from the Moab Airport into town call Coyote Shuttle at 435-259-8656, or Rising Star Taxi at 435-210-4438.

LODGING

It is a good idea to book your rooms ahead and here are a few recommendations.

Best Western Canyonlands Inn
$160-230
435-259-5167, 800-528-1234

Ramada Inn
$100-200
888-989-1988, 435-259-7141
The Ramada is where the Bighorn Express shuttle from Salt Lake City stops.

Red Stone Inn
$70-90
800-772-1972, 435-259-3500
They have a bike work station with stand and bikes are allowed in your room.

Big Horn Lodge
$90 and up
800-325-6171, 435-259-6171

Cali Cochitta B&B
$125-165
888-429-8112, 435-259-4961

Apache Motel
$50-75
800-228-6882, 435-259-5727

Dream Keeper Inn
$125-185
888-230-3247, 435-259-3247

The Gonzo Inn
$160 and up
800-791-4044, 435-259-2515

Up the Creek Campground
$25-30, $6 showers
435-260-1888

Moab/Canyonlands Central Reservations
800-505-5343
Central Reservations represents every variety of lodging in Moab and will help you choose the ideal room for you.

Above rates are approximate.

WEATHER

There are really just two kinds of weather: weather you like and weather you do not like. Come prepared for both and you won't care what the weather does.

If you have questions about temperatures for your specific trip please feel free to give us a call 800-845-2453 or email us at biking@westernspirit.com. We will be happy to give you packing suggestions and help you with ideas for things to do before and after your bike trip.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

You will receive a tour packing list with your tour confirmation package. Be sure to bring everything on this list. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed! When you arrive for your tour, we will give you a dry bag in which to pack your gear. If you have questions about anything on the list, please call us.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE

You are welcome to ship your bike to us in advance of your trip. For a moderate fee we will unpack it, build it, and ship it back home to you afterwords. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Domestic shipping only. If you decide you want to go this route, you must call us in advance of your trip so we can inform the shop that your bike is on its way.

To ship your bike UPS, send it to Western Spirit Cycling, 478 Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532; 435-259-8732. It is critical that you include your name and tour date on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. There is no Saturday delivery to Moab. It is imperative to have your bike finely tuned and cleaned before your tour so you know it is in top running condition.

If you have any other questions about trip logistics, please feel free to send us an email or, better yet, to call us at 800-845-2453. We will be happy to try to help you answer any other questions you might have about our bike trips.

RESTAURANTS

BREAKFAST

The Love Muffin Cafe,139 N. Main St - great breakfast burritos, muffins and coffee!, great service

Jail House Café, 101 N. Main St - up scale menu w/ eggs Benedict and ginger pancakes

Red Rock Bakery, 74 S. Main St - fresh baked bagels, muffins, scones

LUNCH
The Peace Tree, 20 S. Main St - juice bar, smoothies, wraps
Slickrock Café, Main and Center St - full menu

DINNER
Moab Brewery 
Zax Woodfire Pizza, 96 S. Main - pizza, burgers, etc

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
The Center Café, 100 West, 435-259-4295 - award winning globally inspired cuisine
Buck's Grill House, 1393 Highway 191, 435-259-5201 - excellent steaks
The Desert Bistro, 36 S 100 West - great southwestern food

BOOKS

The books listed below can be purchased by calling Canyonlands Natural History Association at 800-840-8978 or checking out http://www.cnha.org/.

DESERT SOLITAIRE by Edward Abbey
This is the quintesenitial Abbey tale, and a thought provoking historical view of Moab.

THE MONKEY WRENCH GANG by Edward Abbey
This early tail of the environmental struggle is set in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park.

MAPS

Your guides will have all the maps necessary for your trip. If you would like your own copy for a souvenir, here is all the info:

The maps listed below can also be purchased by calling Canyonlands Natural History Association at 800-840-8978 or checking out http://www.cnha.org/.

MOAB EAST, Latitude 40
This map covers many Moab area rides.

MOAB WEST, Latitude 40
This map covers the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park.

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK: Maze District/NE Glen Canyon NRA
National Geographic Trails Illustrated
This map covers the Maze.

ACTIVITIES

RIDES
For all rides we recommend the Moab East and West maps.
Gemini Bridges - a great 2-3 hour introductory ride which can be done with a shuttles, we recommend Acme Shuttle at 435-260-2534 or Coyote Shuttle at 435-259-8656.
Porcupine Rim - a more advance 3 to 6 hour 20-30 mile adventure that can also involve the shuttle companies above.
Amasa Back - Take the Kane Creek Road off Main Street by Burger King and head out along the Colorado River through the Moab Valley Portal. This ride is an out-and-back and can be fun even if you don't make it past the pavement.

RIVER TRIPS
Canyon Voyages, 800-773-6007 - whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Colorado River, including half-day, full-day, and multi-day options

HIKES
Arches National Park, 435-719-2299, 5 miles North of Moab on Highway 191 - hike to the famous Delicate Arch (4 miles round trip) or explore the Windows section of the Park. Whether you have a hole day or just a few hours, Arches is worth the trip.
Other Hikes - There are literally hundreds of hikes in the Moab area, we recommend Negro Bill Canyon or Hidden Valley if you have some time to explore.

SHOPPING
Main Street in Moab - Almost all of Moab's shops can be reached by strolling down Main Street. You can find everything from silver Navajo jewelry to toy lizards.