Bears Ears South Family Bike Trip

ADVENTURE TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate
TRIP DURATION | 45-Days
SEASON | April – May & September – October
PRICE | $1,595 pp

Imagine your family discovering ancient secrets and exploring breathtaking landscapes, all from the seat of a bike! Our Bears Ears South Family Bike Trip is crafted to be the ultimate kid-friendly cycling adventure, perfect for beginner riders and families eager to explore Utah's hidden gems.

This isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive family bike tour in Utah through the heart of Bears Ears National Monument, a place where history comes alive. We blend gentle Bears Ears cycling trails with exciting, guided hikes to incredible ancient dwellings. Plus, our tour is E-Bike Ready, making those scenic climbs a breeze for parents and older kids alike!

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Dirt roads. Hard packed sediment. Sandy sections and some short steep, rocky sections.
Overall Rating: Biking is introductory, hiking is intermediate due to some scrambling.
Technical Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate, some strenuous climbing.
Altitude: 4,100 - 6,500 feet
Biking Mileage: 10-24 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day’s riding to 24 miles.
Hiking Mileage: 2-4 miles per day
Packing for your trip

Day 1: Welcome to Ancient Lands

  • We'll kick off our adventure in Moab before heading south to Cedar Mesa. Our first stop is the fascinating Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum to learn about ancient cultures.
  • Then, it's time to hop on our bikes for a scenic ride to Sheiks Flat, followed by a fun walk to the Yellow House Dwelling. We'll set up our comfortable base camp, ready for the adventures to come!
  • Total Mileage: 15 miles riding, 2 miles hiking

Day 2: Moon House Mysteries

  • Today's ride takes us to the incredible Moon House dwelling. Get ready for an exciting intermediate hike (with some scrambling!) into a hidden canyon to explore this ancient, multi-room cliff dwelling from 1200 A.D.
  • Your kids will love imagining life here centuries ago! After lunch with a view, we’ll finish our ride back to camp.
  • Total Mileage: 12–24 miles riding, 3 miles hiking

Day 3: Secret Cliff Dwellings & Stargazing

  • Another day, another amazing discovery! We'll bike to a spectacular cliff dwelling, dramatically perched high above a deep canyon of red and white Cedar Mesa Sandstone.
  • Retrace the steps of the people who called this breathtaking place home over 800 years ago. After exploring, we’ll ride back to camp where you can unwind and enjoy the magic of stargazing under the vast desert sky.
  • Total Mileage: 10–20 miles riding, 4 miles hiking

Day 4: Panoramic Views & Farewell

  • For those with extra energy, there's an "extra credit" ride to Muley Point for sweeping views of the San Juan River and Monument Valley—perfect for family photos!
  • After a final delicious lunch, we’ll enjoy the scenic descent of the Moki Dugway, an unforgettable gravel road winding down the mesa face, before heading back to Moab.
  • Total Mileage: 13 miles riding, optional 9.5-mile addition

Moab, UT
This trip will meet at 7:30 AM MST at the Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Riverview 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 Monday - Friday, 9-5 to schedule your pickup.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Moab between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day.

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.

2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Grand Junction, CO

Airport Code: GJT

From Grand Junction there are 2 options:

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 2 hours.

2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Moab

Airport Code: CNY

The airline that offers service into Canyonlands Field Airport:

Contour Airlines provides daily jet service, in a partner relationship with American Airlines, between Moab and Phoenix, AZ and between Moab and Denver, CO

Book here: contourairlines.com

1 (888) 332-6686

email: customercare@contourairlines.com

Dates and times vary with the seasons, please check the website for flight times.

Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles to and from Canyonlands Field Airport.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

Aarchway Inn -Where the trip meets (10% off for WS guests)
435-259-2599 - Use Hyperlink above or mention your a Western Spirit guest over the phone for discount.

Red Stone Inn
800-772-1972, 435-259-3500
moabredstone.com

Gravity Haus Moab
435-355-1088
gravityhaus.com

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

RIDING TYPE |■︎ Intermediate

TRIP DURATION | 4-Days

SEASON | April - May & September - October

Bears Ears South Family Adventure: Ancient Secrets & Desert Trails

Why Families Love Our Bears Ears South Adventure

Imagine your family discovering ancient secrets and exploring breathtaking landscapes, all from the seat of a bike! Our Bears Ears South Family Bike Trip is crafted to be the ultimate kid-friendly cycling adventure, perfect for beginner riders and families eager to explore Utah's hidden gems.

At Western Spirit, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the memories. This isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive family bike tour in Utah through the heart of Bears Ears National Monument, a place where history comes alive. We blend gentle Bears Ears cycling trails with exciting, guided hikes to incredible ancient dwellings. Plus, our tour is E-Bike Ready, making those scenic climbs a breeze for parents and older kids alike!

Why Choose the Bears Ears South Adventure?

This guided family mountain bike trip offers a rare combination of prehistoric culture and spectacular backcountry cycling:

  • Introductory-Friendly Biking: Ride the smooth, hard-packed dirt roads of Cedar Mesa, ideal for those building confidence on off-road terrain.
  • Moon House Dwelling Exploration: Take an intermediate hike into a hidden canyon to witness one of the most well-preserved 13th-century cliff dwellings in the Southwest.
  • The Iconic Moki Dugway: Experience the thrill of descending the Moki Dugway, a series of dramatic switchbacks with bird’s-eye views of Monument Valley.
  • Fully Supported Basecamp: Relax in a comfortable fixed camp under some of the darkest, star-filled skies in the world while we handle the cooking and mechanical support.

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

  • Road Surface: Dirt roads. Hard packed sediment. Sandy sections and some short steep, rocky sections.
  • Overall Rating: Biking is introductory, hiking is intermediate due to some scrambling.
  • Technical Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
  • Physical Difficulty: Moderate, some strenuous climbing.
  • Altitude: 4,100 - 6,500 feet
  • Biking Mileage: 10-24 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day’s riding to 24 miles.
  • Hiking Mileage: 2-4 miles per day

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Moab, UT
This trip will meet at 7:30 AM MST at the Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Riverview 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 Monday - Friday, 9-5 to schedule your pickup.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Moab between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO MOAB, UT

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.

2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Grand Junction, CO

Airport Code: GJT

From Grand Junction there are 2 options:

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 2 hours.

2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Moab

Airport Code: CNY

The airline that offers service into Canyonlands Field Airport:

Contour Airlines provides daily jet service, in a partner relationship with American Airlines, between Moab and Phoenix, AZ and between Moab and Denver, CO

Book here: contourairlines.com

1 (888) 332-6686

email: customercare@contourairlines.com

Dates and times vary with the seasons, please check the website for flight times.

Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles to and from Canyonlands Field Airport.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

Aarchway Inn -Where the trip meets (10% off for WS guests)
435-259-2599 - Use Hyperlink above or mention your a Western Spirit guest over the phone for discount.

Red Stone Inn
800-772-1972, 435-259-3500
moabredstone.com

Gravity Haus Moab
435-355-1088
gravityhaus.com

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem. We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

  • Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
  • A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This daypack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Q: Given the remote nature of Cedar Mesa and the "sandy sections" mentioned in the trip notes, is the support vehicle equipped to provide support for kids if the riding becomes too physically demanding or if sand becomes unrideable for introductory cyclists?

  • A: Yes, the support vehicle follows behind the group at all times/on every ride and is available in the event anyone needs a 'vehicle break.'

Q: What type of footwear is recommended for the transition between the biking and the hiking?

  • A: If transitioning out of 'clip in' mtb shoes. Tennis shoes are appropriate for the daily hikes. If already in 'flat soled' mtb specific shoes, they will suffice.
Print This

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

Bears Ears South Family Bike Trip

PRICE | $1,595 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

Gallery

See what some of our guest are saying:

This was our seventh Western Spirit trip, and the first that wasn’t a singletrack trip. I prefer singletrack, but my husband wanted a trip where he could ride his e-bike and I ride my mountain bike. The guides and the hikes were fantastic, but what really made this trip was the luxury of a single campsite. For once it felt like a vacation and I could enjoy camp & the environment around the site. - Pat 

A great trip! Our guides, Will and Chris, were super attentive and mindful of our safety. We were an older group and they took great care of us. Food was great. Loved staying in the same campsite each night after a hard day cycling and hiking. - Cynthia 

Thanks so much to Shane and KC on a wonderful trip down to Bears Ears South. The guides were all amazing, food was delicious, the rides/hikes were great and my girls definitely would like to do another trip with Western Spirits. - Adam 

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

>>> Read More

Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

>>> Read More

BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

=========   More Trips Like This  =========