The Thrill of Moab | Utah

Upon your arrival to Moab and check in to your hotel room, we encourage you to unpack, organize and revise your gear, and rest up for the adventure ahead.

At 7:00 pm, the group will meet in the main lobby area of the hotel (across from the front desk) for a group welcome meeting. While enjoying some pizza and local beverages, we’ll introduce ourselves, go over the plan for the week, and get you lined out with all the necessary information you’ll need for a great trip. We’ll also use this time to build bikes for those who have brought their own. Tools will be available, and our guides will also be there to assist where needed.

Head to bed early for a good night’s sleep and get ready for a week of riding some of the best mountain bike trails in the world! (D)

Note: There is a large continental breakfast served each morning at the hotel; oatmeal, cereal, toast, bagels, waffles, yogurt and fruit. If for any reason you have specific needs or foods you like for breakfast, there is a fridge in your room and a small store right next to the hotel. Please supplement yourself as needed.

Kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast then meet the group downstairs to load bikes in the shuttle van. Once we’re all together and ready, we’ll make a quick stop at the bike shop to pick up rentals (for those who have rented) as well as grab any last-minute supplies anyone may need. Then we’re off to the Navajo Rocks trail system.

We’ll spend the morning riding a big loop that combines some climbing, some fun flowy downhill and some excellent technical slickrock sections that are the signature of Moab riding. We’ll use the morning to get warmed up to desert riding and our guides will provide any tips for those interested.

For lunch, we’ll drive up to Dead Horse Point and enjoy a group picnic overlooking the Colorado River. The views of our lunch spot are spectacular and really show off the immense landscape of Southern Utah.

The afternoon will be spent riding the Magnificent 7 trail system, known by the locals as “Mag 7.” The first part of Mag 7 has lots of fast-paced, ripping’ fun segments. Then, we’ll dip into some rocky and technical sections for a fun and exciting finish.

We’ll head back to our accommodation with time to shower and relax before heading out for dinner. The group will have a designated dinner reservation tonight, however, you are always welcome to peel off and spend the evening as you like. (B, L)

Kick off your morning with an early breakfast at the hotel, then we’re off to ride the most recognized mountain bike trail in the world: Slickrock.

Though the main loop is only 12 miles long, the Slickrock trail will take everything you’ve got. Heart pumping climbs paired with steep rock rolls and a sea of slickrock formations that will be burned in your memory for years to come. The views across the slick rock, especially in the early morning or late afternoon will take your breath away and the only way to navigate through this myriad of formations is following white dots painted on the rock.

After an epic morning ride, we’ll head into town for a quick lunch then on to the afternoon ride challenge on Pipe Dream. Thanks to our own private shuttle access, we’ll ride Pipe Dream as a one-way trail from South to North. But don’t let that fool you, that doesn’t make the ride any easier. This technical trail traverses the lower flanks of the red cliffs that surround the town of Moab. Though the trail is short, it will take all your skills to navigate the technical climbs and tight switchbacks. This trail makes for a fun ride at the end of the day and, if you really want to take the challenge up a notch; try it without putting a foot down. Are you up for the challenge?

We’ll head back to our accommodation with time to shower and relax before heading out for dinner. (B, L)

Another morning of breakfast at the hotel then meet the group in the lobby to load up and head to one of the most popular trails in Moab, Porcupine Rim. This is a big shuttle ride that is filled with optional rock drops, steep and technical rocky sections, wide open high speed singletrack, and views that can’t be beat.

After our ride, we’ll head to a local park for a picnic lunch and take a quick moment to relax in the sunshine and let our adrenaline come down. Then we’ll head into Arches National Park for an easy afternoon hike in this beautiful national park.

We’ll head back to our accommodation with time to shower and relax before heading out for dinner. (B, L)

Today we’ll spend the morning riding one of Moab’s newest and famed technical trails, Captain Ahab. The local crew of riders that built this trail describe it as “unapologetically technical” and, in our opinion, it is truly something of a masterpiece.

With numerous drops and steep technical descents, often with little warning, this trail keeps you on your toes! Meticulously built with utmost attention to detail, this trail provides the opportunity to roll incredibly steep and technical lines and power up steep and complicated climbs. For those interested, we’ll take the time to session certain sections and allow riders the chance to nail their lines and/or try a different line the second time around. For others wanting more flow, our guides will take you on a heart pounding fast, steep, and super technical downhill that is so much fun, you’ll want to ride it again.

After riding Ahab, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch then head to our final ride at Klondike Bluffs. The afternoon ride will be a great cool down after a big week of riding the technical trails of Moab. We’ll enjoy a short 30-45minute climb followed by a fun and flowy descent through the undulating terrain of the desert. A nice topper to an amazing week!

Tonight, we’ll head out for our final group dinner (and we hope you all can join!). (B, L)

Today we’ll get up early for our last ride together in Moab. Depending upon the group we will choose the perfect trail to end the week. Our guides will offer ride options based on the group’s interests and skill level and it will be dedicated to enjoying every last pedal stroke in Moab!

We’ll be back in time to check out of the hotel then its high fives and hugs as you head on your way home.

Thanks for riding Moab with us! We hope to ride with you again… (B)

• 5 days of guided mountain biking on Moab’s best trails
• 5 nights’ accommodation
• Private transportation
• Hike and Entrance Fees to Arches National Park
• 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 bike building pizza party with beverages
• An ice cold microbrew and other beverages provided each day
• Bike tools and maintenance kit provided for the group as needed
• Ride with Certified Guides and Professional MTB Coaches

• Gratuities for guides and activities: Although tipping is completely up to your discretion, it is customary to provide gratuity for guides and drivers. A typical gratuity for your expert mountain bike guides is 5-10% of your trip cost per person and 2-5% for drivers. This may be given to the lead guide on your trip or to each person individually.


• Airport shuttles: See the Arrival/Departure Info below for ride start and end times and locations. There are no shuttles included in this itinerary. An airport shuttle may be reserved for pick up or drop off from Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) for $45/person (each way).


• Equipment rentals (bike, SUP, surf boards, etc.)


• Food & beverages not included in the itinerary: In general, riders are responsible for their own dinners and any beverages. Some lunches will include non-alcoholic drinks, but specialty drinks and extras should be placed on your own tab. We provide post ride celebratory beverages (usually that means a locally made cold beer!) but anything outside of that is not included. Although our guides will have some snacks and drinks available, it is highly recommended that each rider bring a full supply of ride snacks and electrolyte replacements.


• International/Domestic Airfare


• Trip Insurance: Note that trip insurance is required for all riders on any Ride the Earth tour. You must provide proof of policy prior to departure. We have partnered with World Nomads to provide you with affordable trip insurance. Click HERE to view our trip insurance page to choose and purchase your policy.

• Single Room Add On: Thrill of Moab – $900 per person


• Airport Shuttle from Canyonlands Field Airport: Thrill of Moab - $45 per person


• High End Full Suspension MTB Rental: Thrill of Moab – $495 per person


• Mid-Range Full Suspension MTB Rental: Thrill of Moab – $395 per person


• Custom Add On: Arriving early or staying longer after your ride? Contact our team to design your additional travel days. Our team specializes in custom tour packages both on and off the bike. We’d love to show you more great places to explore in our selected destinations. Cost varies per package.


• Couples Getaway Add On: This customized add on is a great addition to any of our bike tours. Sign up your partner as a couples add on and we’ll provide a private guide to show them the other great stuff to do at your destination of choice. Whether they want to practice their skills on a bike or spend their time exploring other non-biking activities, we’ll make sure they have an excellent experience paralleling your mountain biking vacation. Cost varies per package.

The following outlines the fitness and skill required for this specific itinerary. If you have questions about your ability level, email us or schedule a call back and we’ll answer all your questions and help get you booked on the tour that matches your skill and fitness levels.

Skill Level - Expert (Double Black Trails): You are very advanced in all areas of mountain biking. You have significant and strong skills in the areas of shifting, braking, speed control, cornering, climbing and descending. You can comfortably navigate all terrain at high speeds. You’re not afraid of jumps and drops and can easily manage transitions.

Fitness Level - 5/7: You have solid mountain bike fitness. You bike or exercise 5-6 times per week year-round. You are comfortable biking for 4-5 hours at a strong pace and 6-8 hours with some stopping or at a slower pace. You can comfortably ride 6 days back-to-back with climbing of up to 2000ft per day.

The Thrill of Moab starts and ends at our group accommodations in Moab, UT. Exact details are provided upon booking.

Arrival Day: On day one, there are no scheduled activities until early evening to allow time for all the riders to arrive to Moab. We will meet the group with beverages and pizza in the hotel lobby at 7:00pm for a welcome meeting.

Departure Day: There will be a morning ride with return to the hotel scheduled prior to check out.

• The accommodations for the Thrill of Moab are comfortable condo-style accommodations located close to town with easy access to restaurants, shopping, a spa and an organic grocery store.


• Check in time: Arrival day check in is at 3:00pm. Detailed check in instructions will be provided upon confirmation of your trip.


• Meals: Breakfast and lunches are provided each day and are listed on the trips detailed itinerary as (B, L, and/or D) at the end of each day’s description.

• Packing for traveling can be overwhelming and when you add a bike it can quickly become a lot of stuff. Trust us, we know. Each of our rides has a packing list specific to the destination. Below are the links to the packing list for each destination as well as a link to a fun video we made to show you proper techniques for packing your bike for travel. Still have questions? Schedule a call back and our team will gladly walk you through the process and answer any questions
• Click HERE for Utah packing list.
• Click HERE for bike packing video

By Air:Flights into the Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab arrive daily on SkyWest/United Airlines from Denver. You may also fly into Grand Junction or Salt Lake City and take a shuttle or drive a rental car.

By Shuttle: There are a variety of shuttle options if you choose to fly into Salt Lake City or Grand Junction and don’t want to rent a car. Below are links to reputable companies. Please contact them directly for information.

Salt Lake City International Airport to Moab, Shuttle Services (4-6 hours):
Elevated Transit
Redrock Express
Roadrunner Shuttle

Grand Junction Regional Airport to Moab, Shuttle Services (2-3 hours):
Redrock Express
Roadrunner Shuttle
American Spirit Shuttle

Car Rental: Many car rental agencies are available in the surrounding areas if you choose to fly into Grand Junction or Salt Lake.

All international travelers require a current passport that is valid 6 months after your return date in order to enter the country. Citizens of some countries will require a visa with customs approvals in needed in advance. For more information pertaining to your nationality, check with your local embassy or passport office for detailed travel requirements.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All travellers entering the United States are currently required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of entering the country. If you are coming from out of the country, ensure that you know all the current regulations prior to travel. You may also go to the US Department of State Website for detailed travel information.

It is best to travel with local currency while traveling. We recommend exchanging a small amount of money in the airport upon arrival and then using ATMs for more cash. Most all businesses accept credit cards, so you don’t have to carry too much on any given day. For guests arriving from the US or Canada, all major credit cards are accepted at most locations and ATMs are readily available.

It is important that all riders contact their personal physician and/or public health office prior to traveling. These resources can provide you with the proper recommendations for your personal health needs regarding vaccinations, medications and general travel health information. You may also go to the CDC Website for detailed travel health information.

There are no vaccinations currently required for entry into the United States. Travelers arriving from yellow fever risk areas may be asked to provide proof of a current Yellow Fever vaccination.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All travellers entering the United States are currently required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of entering the country. If you are coming from out of the country, ensure that you know all the current regulations prior to travel. You may also go to the CDC Website for detailed travel health information.

In general, the food and water are safe to drink in the United States.

Note that trip insurance is required for all riders on any Ride the Earth tour. You must provide proof of policy prior to departure. We have partnered with World Nomads to provide you with affordable trip insurance. Click HERE to view our trip insurance page to choose and purchase your policy.

In general, you can expect warm sunny days in Utah. Typical Spring/Fall temperatures range from 75-85F (25-30C) during the day and dropping to 45-55F (7-13C) in the evenings. You will need quick drying biking clothes for each day, and it is also recommended to bring a jacket with you. Sudden changes in weather can occur and all riders must be prepared. Refer to the suggested packing list for detailed information on what to bring. You will also be able to leave items in our van each day so you can have back up supplies if needed throughout the day.

Yes, it is very dry and hot in Utah. We recommend all riders should be prepared to carry 2-3L of water on them each day.

Our crew will have some snacks available, however, it is up to each participant to provide their own personal snacks and electrolyte replacement tabs or chews while riding. There are stores in Moab where these can be purchased upon arrival if you choose not to bring them in your luggage.

Days 2 and 3 will be full days of riding (morning and afternoon) and will range between 4-6 hours on your bike. After that rides are mostly in the morning. On average, expect to spend 3-6 hours on your bike each day.

All of our trips can cater to most dietary needs, however, make sure you tell us in advance so our team can be properly prepared. We will provide you with forms to fill out prior to travel that will allow you the opportunity to notify us of any dietary needs or allergies.

Once you’re in Moab, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from that cater to special dietary needs. If you are vegan or have strict dietary needs, you may want to go to the organic food store near the hotel to purchase some supplementary items for yourself. There is also a refrigerator in your room to allow for storage of any special items you may want to have on hand.

Our guides will be there to help you build your bike at the start of the trip and pack it up at the end. We will have tools available and we’re very experienced in assembling and packing bikes. We’ll gladly give you tips and help you out during the process.