The Maze – 5 Day Bike Trip

Intermediate Riding & Remote Utah Adventure

RIDING TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate
TRIP DURATION | 5-Days
SEASON | March – May / September – October
PRICE | $1,895 pp

Experience the ultimate Maze District mountain bike tour, where you’ll navigate the most remote reaches of Canyonlands National Park via the legendary Flint Trail and technical slickrock of the Land of Standing Rocks. This fully supported Utah backcountry cycling adventure handles every detail from gourmet meals to gear logistics, allowing you to conquer the challenging "Monkey Wrench Gang" terrain and the profound solitude of the Orange Cliffs.

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: Four wheel drive jeep roads: packed sediment, ledges, sand and slickrock.
Overall Rating: Intermediate
Technical Difficulty: Moderate with some difficult, rocky sections.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate, some long rides, not many big climbs and one unsupported day.
Altitude: 4,000 - 6,000 feet
Daily Mileage: 12–35 miles per day.
Packing for your trip

DAY 1: Hans Flat to the Flint Trail Descent

  • We will begin our tour with a shuttle to the Hans Flat Ranger Station, just outside the Maze District.
  • The Maze is the most remote region of Canyonlands National Park and the scenery is breathtaking.
  • Our route begins along the mesa top with views of Cleopatra’s Chair, Bagpipe Butte, and the Maze itself.
  • Next, we will descend the Flint Trail, an incredible example of early engineering.
  • Blasted into the walls of a box canyon, it descends nearly 1,000 feet in two miles, making it an exciting, steep descent.
  • TOTAL MILEAGE: 18 miles

DAY 2: Elaterite Basin & Harvest Scene Pictographs

  • Today’s adventure kicks off with an exciting ride through Elaterite Basin, featuring some steep and technical downhills that are sure to get your heart pumping.
  • Then we’ll cruise through Big Water Canyon and on to the Maze Overlook, where we will camp for the night.
  • The view from this camp is unsurpassed.
  • This afternoon, we will take a technical hike down into Horse Canyon to see the Harvest Scene pictograph panel, featuring ancient human figures painted by the Archaic people thousands of years ago.
  • TOTAL MILEAGE: 12 miles riding, Approx. 6 miles hiking (Technical, due to exposure)

DAY 3: Orange Cliffs & Waterhole Flat

  • From our camp at the Maze Overlook, we’ll begin by riding back towards the Flint Trail.
  • Today we will ride the steep downhills of Elaterite Basin in reverse—an excellent technical climb.
  • Then we’ll swing around beneath Land’s End and ride at the base of the Orange Cliffs until we get to the turnoff to our camp.
  • After a fast descent, we’ll cruise through the Waterhole Flat area to our camp below Teapot Rock.
  • TOTAL MILEAGE: 28 miles

DAY 4: Challenging Teapot Canyon & Land of Standing Rocks

  • Today’s out and back ride begins with some difficult and challenging technical miles in Teapot Canyon.
  • Most riders will use caution and walk their bike over challenging sections to start this day.
  • As we ride through Red Cove and the Fins, we’ll encounter jaw-dropping scenery.
  • In front of us to the north is the spectacular Land of Standing Rocks.
  • Here, iconic formations like Lizard Rock, The Wall, The Plug, Standing Rock, and Chimney Rock protrude from the ground to create a surreal landscape
  • TOTAL MILEAGE: 28 miles, UNSUPPORTED

DAY 5: Cataract Canyon Rim & Lake Powell Finale

  • Our last day of this tour takes us back through Waterhole Flat, underneath Gunsight Butte and on to Lake Powell.
  • Though it is hidden from view, our course parallels the Colorado River as it cuts its way through Cataract Canyon.
  • The riding is quite fun and easy as we cruise along a hard-packed dirt road, around numerous corners and past many slickrock pour-off canyons.
  • After several miles of cruising, the road opens up and enters a broad, open valley before ending just above Lake Powell.
  • TOTAL MILEAGE: 35 miles

Moab, UT
This trip will meet at 7:00 AM MST at the Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Riverview Drive, Moab, Utah. Please meet the group at the Northern dirt lot.

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 4:30-5:30 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

Taxi Service
Moab Taxi: 435-210-4297
435-259-Taxi: 435-259-8294

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 | 5-Days

SEASON | March - May / September - October

Canyonlands Maze District Bike Tour: Intermediate Riding & Remote Utah Adventure

The Maze: Remote, Technical & Canyonlands Grandeur

Nestled in the most remote district of Canyonlands National Park, the Maze is unique in the world—and was famously brought to life in Edward Abbey's The Monkey Wrench Gang. The vast open skies and magical rock formations are best experienced from the saddle of your mountain bike. Our guided trip begins at Hans Flat, where incredible views reveal the many layers of this remarkable landscape.

Over the next few days, we will descend the famous Flint Trail to camp at the Maze Overlook. From here we will hike down into the convoluted canyons which give the Maze its name. Later we will ride to the Land of Standing Rocks, completing our journey with a ride along the Orange Cliffs. The riding is equally thrilling, featuring rolling technical doubletrack and a challenging 28-mile unsupported day. The Maze is a true Canyon Country mountain biking experience.

Ready for the ultimate remote technical challenge in Canyonlands? View Dates and Book Your Maze District Trip!

Intermediate Technical Riding & Geological Landmarks

This tour is designed for Intermediate to Advanced riders seeking raw, remote cycling:

  • Technical Challenge: Traverse rugged, four-wheel drive jeep roads featuring sand, slickrock, ledges, and technical doubletrack.
  • Unsupported Day: Includes a crucial 28-mile unsupported riding day to test your preparation and resilience.
  • Iconic Descents: Ride the thrilling, engineered switchbacks of the Flint Trail.
  • Cultural History: Hike to the Harvest Scene pictograph panel—an essential stop for history enthusiasts.

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:Four wheel drive jeep roads: packed sediment, ledges, sand and slickrock.
  • Overall Rating: Intermediate
  • Technical Difficulty: Moderate with some difficult, rocky sections.
  • Physical Difficulty: Moderate, some long rides, not many big climbs and one unsupported day.
  • Altitude: 4,000 - 6,000 feet
  • Daily Mileage: 12–35 miles per day.

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Moab, UT
This trip will meet at 7:00 AM MST at The Aarchway Inn 1551 N Riverview Dr, Moab, UT 84532 (435) 259-2599 Please meet the group at the Northern dirt lot.

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 4:30-5:30 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO MOAB, UT

Driving
Moab is located 30 miles south of Interstate 70 on Highway 191.

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:

UNITED EXPRESS - Operated by SkyWest www.united.com

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

TAXI SERVICE

Moab Taxi: 435-210-4297
435-259-Taxi: 435-259-8294

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: When you arrive for your tour, you will be given a dry bag in which to pack your gear for the trip. Smaller bags may fit, but very large duffels will not.

To pack efficiently in a dry bag, we highly recommend you compartmentalize your clothing and gear into separate bags. Stuff sacks, reusable grocery bags,
etc. in different colors work great for this (example: cycling gear in blue stuff sack, camp clothes in red stuff sack, etc.).

Your dry bag will ride on the Western Spirit support vehicle 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 day-pack 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
✓ dry bags to pack your gear
✓ 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: What are the required items that riders must carry on the unsupported day?

A: In your 2-3liter camelback, you'll carry water, snacks, lunch, and any other items you may want for the day. Sunscreen, layers, tube, tools, etc

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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 

The Maze – 5 Day Bike Trip

PRICE | $1,895 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

*2027 dates are subject to permit approval.

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See what guests are saying - click here:

The trip was awesome and the experiences even more impressive. Claire and Shane, and Trey, were great hosts. Obviously know their stuff. Couldn't believe the quality, selection and preparation of the food. We really enjoyed the time with them. They did a great job of taking care of this 82 year old man for sure. - Gerry 

Fabulous trip to see a remote part of the country. The vistas were spectacular and the adventure was real. We ‘cheated’ a bit by using e-bikes. The main benefit was being able to go farther on the out and back day than the regular bike folks. - Ian 

Awesome scenery, awesome food, awesome guides! All in all an awesome trip, which allowed us to get into a part of Canyonlands Natl. Park, which would have otherwise been inaccessible to us. - Ralf 

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

“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

“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 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

“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

“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

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

~ Christl

“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

“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

“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

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

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

~ David

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

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
“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

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