Slickrock Trailhead – Sand Flats gravel road loop from Moab
Slickrock Trailhead – Sand Flats gravel road loop from Moab
3.1
(15)
99
riders
Slickrock Trailhead – Sand Flats gravel road loop from Moab
01:20
17.0km
260m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
5.53 km
Slickrock Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
7.87 km
Sand Flats Road - Where the pavement ends
Highlight • Trail
8.02 km
Sand Flats gravel road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
17.0 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.0 km
1.45 km
1.21 km
191 m
115 m
Surfaces
9.61 km
4.04 km
2.36 km
956 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,450 m)
Lowest point (1,250 m)
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Weather
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Today
Monday 13 July
39°C
27°C
19 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a rewarding touring cycling experience with epic desert views near Moab, the Slickrock Trailhead – Sand Flats gravel road loop from Moab is definitely worth your time. This moderate 10.5-mile (17.0 km) route, with 847 feet (258 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 19 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a scenic gravel ride. It's a popular choice for those wanting to explore the Sand Flats Recreation Area without tackling the highly technical Slickrock Bike Trail itself, offering a great introduction to Moab's unique landscape.
What to expect on Slickrock Trailhead – Sand Flats gravel road loop from Moab
This route takes you on the Sand Flats Road, a gravel climb that winds steeply up from Moab to the mesa top. As you ascend, you'll be treated to expansive views of the desert landscape, characterized by rolling Navajo Sandstone formations, rugged canyons, and towering rock formations. Keep an eye out for the striking La Sal Mountains to the east, providing a dramatic backdrop, and glimpses of Arches National Park and the Colorado River from various viewpoints along the way. While the famous Slickrock Bike Trail is nearby, this touring cycling route on the gravel road offers a steady uphill effort, suitable for gravel bikes, allowing you to soak in the ochre sandstone scenery without the extreme technical demands.
Planning your visit
The Sand Flats Recreation Area, home to this loop, requires a modest entrance fee for access. You'll find parking, toilets, and picnic tables at the trailhead, but remember that no drinking water is available, so bring plenty with you. Given the desert environment, the best time of year to bike Sand Flats Road Moab is typically spring or fall to avoid extreme summer heat, and an early morning start is always recommended to beat the crowds and the midday sun.
Trail details
- Distance: 10.5 miles (17.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 847 feet (258 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 19 minutes
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