The best traffic-free bike rides in Mill Creek Canyon Wilderness Study Area

The Mill Creek Canyon Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is primarily an undeveloped, rugged landscape known for hiking and exploration, not traditional road cycling directly within its boundaries. However, the broader Moab area, adjacent to the WSA, offers excellent paved options for traffic-free road cycling. A notable example is the Mill Creek Parkway in Moab, which provides a pleasant cycling experience with scenic views.

This guide features 3 carefully selected no-traffic road cycling routes in the Moab area, offering a mix of easy and moderate options for cyclists looking to explore the region's stunning landscapes without vehicle interference.

The routes available cater to a range of abilities. You'll find 2 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed ride, and 1 moderate route for those seeking a bit more challenge. There are no difficult routes listed in this guide.

Yes, the Moab area offers family-friendly road cycling options, particularly on paved paths like the Mill Creek Parkway. Routes such as the Moab – Moab loop from Shell and the Moab loop from Moab are rated as easy, making them suitable for families looking for a relaxed ride.

The routes generally feature paved surfaces with varying elevation gains. For instance, the Slickrock Trailhead loop from Old Spanish Trail Arena, a moderate route, includes an elevation gain of approximately 398 meters over its 27.8-kilometer distance, offering some rolling hills and scenic climbs.

While the road cycling routes themselves focus on paved paths outside the rugged Wilderness Study Area, the broader Moab region is rich in natural beauty. The Mill Creek Parkway, for example, offers scenic views along Mill Creek. The adjacent Mill Creek Canyon WSA is renowned for its dramatic sheer canyon walls, Navajo sandstone formations, and perennial streams, though these are best explored on foot.

The Moab area generally offers excellent cycling conditions during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, making early morning or late afternoon rides preferable. Winter can bring colder temperatures, but many days remain suitable for cycling, especially on lower elevation routes.

Policies regarding dogs can vary depending on the specific path or park. For paved recreational paths like the Mill Creek Parkway, dogs are generally permitted on leash. Always check local regulations and signage for the specific route you plan to ride to ensure compliance.

Parking is typically available at various access points for the paved paths in the Moab area. For routes like the Slickrock Trailhead loop from Old Spanish Trail Arena, you can often find parking facilities near the starting points mentioned in the route descriptions.

The komoot community rates the cycling experience in this area highly, with an average score of 3.33 stars. Cyclists often praise the scenic beauty and the opportunity to enjoy the stunning red rock landscapes on dedicated, traffic-free paths.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Moab – Moab loop from Shell and the Moab loop from Moab, providing convenient circular rides.

The routes vary in length to suit different preferences. You can find rides ranging from approximately 18.6 kilometers, like the Moab – Moab loop from Shell, up to about 27.8 kilometers for routes such as the Slickrock Trailhead loop from Old Spanish Trail Arena.