Moab

The Courthouse Wash – Moab Canyon Pathway loop from Moab is a difficult touring cycling route that truly tests your versatility, covering 26.3 miles (42.3 km) with 1260 feet (384 metres) of elevation gain over an estimated 2 hours and 55 minutes. You'll experience the smooth, paved Moab Canyon Pathway, offering stunning red rock canyon views and glimpses into Arches National Park, before transitioning to the rugged, sandy terrain of Courthouse Wash, where cottonwoods and willows line a more intimate desert canyon.

Planning for this ride means preparing for significant contrasts. While the Moab Canyon Pathway is a relatively easy, paved section, the Courthouse Wash portion can involve unpaved, potentially technical segments and even stream crossings, making it challenging for traditional touring bikes. The pathway itself provides a crucial, safe link from Moab, allowing you to avoid busy Highway 191 and access the entrance to Arches National Park.

What makes this loop particularly notable is its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Beyond the dramatic red rock scenery, the Courthouse Wash area is home to ancient pictograph panels, offering a fascinating glimpse into indigenous history. This route provides a unique way to explore the diverse landscapes surrounding Moab, combining accessible paved paths with more adventurous off-road sections.

Embark on an unforgettable touring cycling adventure with the La Sal Mountains Lookout Point – La Sal Loop Road from Moab, a challenging 63.6-mile (102.3 km) loop that climbs 5871 feet (1789 metres) over approximately 7 hours and 5 minutes. This route takes you on a spectacular journey from the red rock desert floor, past formations like Castle Rock, and up into the cool, green alpine forests of the La Sal Mountains, offering sweeping views of Moab Valley and Canyonlands National Park.

This difficult ride demands preparation; the route is remote with no services, so you must carry all your food and water. While mostly paved, some sections can be unpaved or chip-sealed, adding to the challenge. The higher elevations provide a welcome respite from summer heat, making it an ideal escape for cooler temperatures during the warmer months.

Often compared to stages of the Tour de France, this route is a unique road cycling experience in a region famous for mountain biking. It features sustained climbs, including notorious sections with 15-19% grades, and reaches over 8,200 feet (2.5 km) in elevation. The La Sal Loop Road is also part of organized events like the Moab Gran Fondo, attracting cyclists seeking a truly epic ride.

The Bridge over the Colorado River – Matrimony Spring loop from JayCee Park offers a fantastic touring cycling experience through Moab's iconic red rock canyons. You'll pedal along paved pathways, enjoying continuous vistas of the Colorado River and towering sandstone cliffs. The route, a moderate 24.8-mile (39.9 km) journey with 1344 feet (410 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 31 minutes, making it an ideal way to soak in the dramatic scenery without extreme technical difficulty. Look out for the non-motorized pedestrian bridge over the Colorado River, which provides stunning views.

To plan your ride, start from JayCee Park, where you'll find convenient access to the paved pathways. While much of the route is on smooth, dedicated bike trails, some sections may run alongside Highway 128, where shoulders can be narrow. It's always wise to carry plenty of water and snacks, especially since services can be limited on longer stretches. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant cycling conditions, with milder temperatures perfect for enjoying the desert landscape.

This loop is a superb option for those who want to explore Moab's natural beauty on a road bike, providing an accessible alternative to the region's famous mountain biking trails. The paved pathways, like the Moab Canyon Pathway, are generally considered easy to moderate, making them suitable for families and beginners. The route also connects to various points of interest, including access points towards Arches National Park, and offers glimpses of historical sites and geological formations along the way.