Happy Holidays from Moab Utah

Medical Training Held in Moab Utah for 2013

Wilderness First Responder Courses will be held in Moab during the 2013 spring.

Continuing Education Units are provided to entities with current medical licenses with the Advanced Wilderness Life Support organization.

And one organization is focused on recertification for unexpired card holders of Wilderness First Responder.

Open the links for more details about prices, schedule and contact information.

Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS – February 28 – March 2 2013 Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness Advance First Aid or 3 day recertification courses held through Canyonlands Field Institute.

Mountain Education & Development – March 9-16 2013 Wilderness First Responder

National Outdoor Leadership School – April 10-19, 2013 Wilderness First Responder

Wilderness Medicine of Utah – April 22-27, 2013 Wilderness First Responder

Mountain Education & Development – April 26-28 2013 Wilderness First Responder Recertificaton

Medical Officer – April 29 – May 3, 2013 Wilderness First Responder

the Wilderness Medicine Training Center - May 10-12, 2013 Wilderness First Responder Recertification

Advanced Wilderness Life Support – May 15 – 18, 2013 for licensed MD, PhD, DDS, PA, EMT, Nurse, Paramedic

Colorado Mountain College – May 21 – 28, 2012 Wilderness First Responder

Trail Descriptions as Provided by the Moab Trail Mix Update as of end of 2012

Trail Descriptions by area

(Name, Skill Level, Miles, Type of Ride)

Klondike Bluff Focus Area

1. 1.      Klondike Bluff (4×4 road)

Length-8.2-miles out & back from Klondike trailhead (14 miles out & back from highway)

Difficulty-Some sections physically challenging (~600 ft climb); technically easy/moderate. Average grade about 4%.

The ride-The Klondike Bluffs Trail represents a step up in terms of exertion and skills required, but is still enjoyable for fit novice mountain bikers. The route follows a jeep trail across Moab Member slickrock imprinted with fossilized dinosaur tracks. The jeep trail terminates at the boundary of Arches National Park, where a short hike leads to the top of the bluffs and an impressive viewpoint. The Klondike Bluffs Road from Hwy-191is bumpy but maintained for passenger cars (except when wet) to the Trailhead and it’s worth driving to the trailhead and skipping the ride on the dirt road.

1. 2.      Baby Steps Loop (Includes the two Baby Steps singletrack sections)

Length-Ridden from the Highway 191 trailhead, the trail out and back is 20.7 miles. Allow 3 hours for the complete loop. From the Klondike trailhead out and back is 14.9 miles.

Difficulty-Don’t be fooled into thinking that the name of this trail means it is easy. It is the quintessential desert ride with all types of terrain. You will have to climb almost 1700 ft. Average grade about 5%. The first two singletrack sections were specifically designed for mountain bikes and offer some fun, semi-technical riding that will challenge any rider. The last singletrack section back to the valley floor is a fun downhill. PLEASE be considerate of the trail markings, STAY ON THE TRAIL, and keep it single track.

The ride-At the first intersection beyond the sandy wash and big cottonwood trees, look for the Baby Steps sign pointing left. Ride along through Little Valley (also part of the Copper Ridge Jeep Route), and keep an eye out for the right hand turn that leads to some fun sloping slickrock, and cairns marking the route all the way to the first singletrack section. This is not high speed singletrack, more like tight, semi-technical maneuvering. Keep your speed in check to eliminate blowing out of the corners and creating unsightly, environmentally unfriendly, tracks. At the intersection of more slickrock, go left and look for dinosaur tracks as you peddle to the next singletrack. The trail intersects a jeep road and traverses slickrock until it intersects the Klondike Bluffs Trail. Baby Steps turns to the left and climbs up the hill and over the ridge. This next section, sometimes referred to as The Three Passes, offers some challenging climbing, fast riding, interesting mining sites, and a great downhill! Once back in Little Valley, hang a left that will lead you back past the beginning of the Baby Steps ride.

1. 3.      EKG

Length- Out and back from the start off of the Dino-Flow trail is 10.6 miles (5.3 mi one-way)

Difficulty-physically and technically challenging. It was named EKG for 2 reasons–the track on a map and the elevation profile look like EKG charts, and riding either direction will punch up your heart rate. From south to north the climb is ~1100 ft over 2.8 miles and the descent is ~935vft over 2.5 miles. Average grade about 7%.

The ride-The trail begins ~1000 feet up the Dino-Flow trail from the Klondike Bluff 4×4 road. At the junction sign turn right and follow the orange painted dashes on the slickrock. The trail entails riding up and down slickrock to cross numerous drainages cut into the sandstone. It is sometimes bumpy, very technical, physically demanding, and incredibly fun. If you decide it is above your comfort level you can bail at 4 places where it intersects other trails.

 

1. Little Salty

Length-A 1.7 mi bail trail off of the Baby Steps Loop. Connects the Loop to the valley road (Copper Ridge Rd)

Difficulty-The trails is partially on a closed 2-track and partially on slickrock. If you ride up you’ll climb 446 ft (262 ft/mi). Going down is much more enjoyable. Average grade about 5%.

The ride-From the Baby Steps Loop the trail begins as you finish the climb out of Salt Valley. The beginning 2-track descends to a slickrock trail marked with gold dashes that is more twisty, rough, and steep, before intersecting with the EKG trail. Continue following the gold dashes until reaching the Copper Ridge Rd. It’s a fun, short down grade run.

1. Mega Steps

Length-A 3.1-mile trail from Baby Steps Loop to the Copper Ridge Rd.

Difficulty-This trail has a variety of interesting terrain – slickrock, wooded, dirt, and closed 2-track. Riding up from Copper Ridge Rd you will climb 823 ft at a 7% grade(average) challenging the heart and lungs.

The ride-Either direction (up or down) keeps your attention with swooping curves, slickrock raceways, rock-paved bench cuts, mildly technical ascents, and incredible views of Salt Valley and Eagle Park (Arches NP). Don’t miss this one.

1. UFO

Length-A 1.6-mile trail from Baby Steps Loop to Little Salty trail.

Difficulty-This trail is about half on slickrock and half on dirt. Either direction you will climb about 300 ft at a 7% grade(average).

The ride-If you want to avoid the ride down into Salt Valley and then back up on the Baby Steps Loop, this trail will shorten that route considerably. From Baby Steps Loop it traverses a large pad of slickrock before ascending a ridge to the large boulder perched on a pedestal at a crazy angle (looks like the crashed UFO in “Independence Day”. The far side of the ridge takes you down to the drainage where Little Salty follows a closed 2-track.

1. Dino-Flow

Length-4.6 miles connecting Mega Steps with the Klondike Bluff Road. Crosses Baby Steps Loop twice, Little Salty once, and kisses EKG trail at a drainage crossing.

Difficulty-This trail wanders along the dirt and slickrock between EKG and the Copper Ridge Road. It was designed for lower intermediate riders, but beginners and experts will also enjoy this mellow ride. The elevation difference between the highest and lowest point is only about 140 feet, but either direction will require climbing (and descending) a total of about 500 feet; sort of like a kiddie roller-coaster.

The ride-If you want to avoid riding on the Copper Ridge Road or if you want to warm up before climbing up Little Salty or Baby Steps Loop, this is the trail to use. From Mega Steps to Klondike Rd it traverses dirt rollers, sandstone slopes, numerous dry creeks and several rocky outcrops as it snakes along the contact of the Brushy Basin Shale and the Salt Wash Sandstone. If you find the trail too difficult you can bail out at Baby Steps North, Little Salty, or Baby Steps South. If you want more technical challenge you can also ride up to EKG at any of these junctions.

1. Agate Loop and centerline trail

Length-The loop is 1.8 miles and the centerline trail is 0.8 miles.

Difficulty-This loop and the centerline 2-track was designed for beginning singletrack riders. The grades are gentle. The west loop and centerline 2-track are slightly easier than the east loop that follows the crest of a ridge.

The ride-This is a good trail to get used to riding singletrack. It is wider in the beginning but narrows a bit as it approaches the junction with centerline trail. Ride the centerline back to the start if you need more practice or ascend to the ridge for great views of other riders on Dino-Flow and EKG.

1. Jasper Loop and connectors to Copper Ridge Road

Length-The loop is 1.7 miles and the connectors to Copper Ridge Rd are both about 0.3 miles.

Difficulty-This loop is slightly more challenging than the Agate Loop, but still for beginning singletrack riders. The grades are gentle. The west loop is  easier than the east loop that follows the crest of a ridge. The south end connector has one short steep ascent that a beginning cyclist might want to walk.

The ride-This is another good trail to get used to riding singletrack. It is wide on the west side as it flows through gentle rolling hills covered with chert. The trail narrows as it ascends onto the ridge overlooking the Copper Ridge road. A fun ride for beginners would follow the west side of each loop, then return to the start on the Copper Ridge road.

 

MOAB Brands Focus Area

1. 1.      Bar-M Loop

Length-7.9 miles

Difficulty-Non technical but somewhat physical. Total climb is 625 feet in either direction. Some steep roller coaster hills to climb at the north end. Average grade about 3%.

Type of ride- A mellow family ride on a dirt road with rocky sections.  Shared motorized. From the parking lot ride West to the paved path, then south towards Moab, then turn left  in 1.2 miles following the directional signs.  At the “Merge”  turn left and head back North to complete the Bar-M Loop. At the “Merge” you will encounter trailheads for two other trails. Rockin’A and Bar-B.

1. 2.      Rusty Spur

Length-1.5 miles

Difficulty-Easy loop with gentle grades. Two cattle guards to power up and over. Includes about 150 feet of climb either direction. Average grade about 3%.

Type of ride-A somewhat smooth mellow ride on dirt and rock. The trail begins and ends at 3 points off the Moab Canyon paved path. The view point at the south end of the loop offers great views of Deadman’s Curve on the old highway grade (now the Moab Canyon Paved Path).

1. 3.      Maverick

Length-0.4 miles – OneWay

Difficulty-A smooth flowy downhill slalom. Beginners can do it slowly. Experts can fly down it.  Average grade about 7%.

Type of ride-Starts from the east leg of North 40; ends on the east leg of North 40. Mostly red dirt surface with banked turns. Some rocky surfaces crossing washes.

1. 4.      Chuckwagon

Length-0.4 miles

Difficulty-Easy with gentle grades. Dirt singletrack and 2-track road. Average grade about 2%.

Type of ride-The trail begins and at the parking area at 2 points and ends at the Bar-M Chuckwagon. Surfaces will be soft when dry.

1. 5.      Lazy

Length-1.5 miles

Difficulty-Moderately easy with a few more difficult turns and climbs. You will have to climb more than 200 ft either direction through the Lazy-EZ loop. Average grade about 3%.

Type of ride-Enter the Lazy-EZ loop a short distance up a road from the BLM parking lot. Turn right at the Lazy-EZ sign until you reach the junction. To the left is Lazy and to the right is EZ. Either way around this loop is fun, fast, with a few surprises. Lazy is rolling, open dirt and limestone cobbles before entering the sandstone ridges where it curves over and around outcrops before intersecting with Bar M. Across Bar-m is the start of Deadman’s Ridge.

1. 6.      EZ

Length-1.25 miles

Difficulty- Moderately easy with a few interesting turns into hidden valleys and through drainages. A few technical moves through sandstone ridges and boulders keeps your attention. You will have to climb more than 200 ft either direction through the Lazy-EZ loop. Average grade about 3%.

Type of ride- Enter the Lazy-EZ loop a short distance up a road from the BLM parking lot. Turn right at the Lazy-EZ sign until you reach the junction. To the right the EZ trail snakes along the edge of a low sandstone escarpment through drainages and over a wooden bridge. It flows into and out of 2 erosional breaks in this escarpment to briefly divert your attention away from the open field on your right. It ends through a narrow passage between boulders at the Bar-M Loop.

1. 7.      North 40

Length-4.0 miles

Difficulty-This is a longer ride that starts easy, but becomes more challenging. You will climb almost 600 feet either direction you ride, but riding counterclockwise offers the lower uphill grades.  The loop can be shortened by about a mile by turning around at the crossover point at the pipeline road. Average grade about 5%.

Type of ride-Enter the loop across from the entrance to Lazy-EZ (drill pipe) a short ride on a road going east out of the BLM parking lot. The dirt trail will slowly take you up to a high point, thru giant sandstone boulders perched on a ridge, then down and up and down and up until you weave your way to the pipeline road. Turning south on this road will return you to the parking area. Choosing to continue you will ascend a long slickrock bench and dodge thru outcrops before looping back thru a rock ridge (narrow passage) to an old campground. Here you can bailout at the road that takes you back to Bar-M loop, or continue the North 40 adventure down a curvy slope, across the pipeline again, then up and onward to the point where you began.

1. 8.      Circle-O

Length-2.9 miles (3.1 miles if connecting to North 40)

Difficulty-Beginning intermediate ride all on slickrock. The total climb will be about 300 feet either direction. Average grade about 4%. Connector between Circle O and North 40 is an easy dirt singletrack.

Type of ride-Slickrock, with many dips and turns.  Ride the line that marks the trail to protect plants and soil! Circle O connects to Rockin’A.  To reach the trailhead off of the Bar-M Loop, orient yourself on the maps provided and follow the signs. To reach North 40 from the north end of Circle O, ride across the Bar-M loop (road) onto the O to 40 connector.

1. 9.      Rockin’ A

Length-1.6 miles

Difficulty-Another slickrock ride, but bumpier than Circle O. Beginning intermediate skill level. Average grade about 3%.

Type of ride-Slickrock with a fun bumpy ride!  Stay on the trail and watch for quick turns! Please protect the native soil and plants. Rockin’A trailhead is across from Bar B and connects to Circle O.

1. 10.  Bar-B

Length-2.2 miles

Difficulty-Intermediate with one advanced section. Total climb more than 300 ft. Average grade 5%.

Type of ride-Singletrack ride that goes over hill and dale on slickrock and some closed dirt road. Bar-B Loop trailhead begins at the “Merge” at the southern end of the Bar-M Loop, across from the Rockin’ A trail. Two spur trails connect to Deadman’s Ridge. Killer-b and Long Branch trails connect with Bar-b at its southern end where it turns back toward the Merge on an old road (No open to motorized vehicles).

1. 11.  Deadman’s Ridge

Length-3.1 miles

Difficulty-More suited for intermediate to advanced riders in excellent physical condition. Numerous ascents and descents over broken and bumpy sandstone. Total climb 600 to 700 feet. Average grade about 8%.

Type of ride-Rocky ridges and valleys with numerous technical turns on steep ascents. Enter the trail by riding Lazy to the trailhead or riding Bar-M loop south (paved path) then left on dirt road to the junction with Deadman’s Ridge. There are 2 spur trails where one can choose to go to Bar-B, and a third intersection with the Long Branch trail at the south end of the Deadman’s Ridge trail. Continuing on Deadman’s leads down a slope demanding your utmost attention and ends at the Moab Canyon paved path at Deadman’s Curve. Return to the parking area by riding north on the paved path or turn left (south) to return to Moab.

1. 12.  Long Branch

Length-1 mile

Difficulty-This trail is a short, more difficult version of Deadman’s Ridge. Either direction you will climb more than 200 feet in this 1-mile section. Average grade about 8%.

Type of ride-Start the trail at the south end of Deadman’s Ridge or at the south end of the Bar-B Loop. From Deadman’s the trail dives thru a boulder strewn slope then immediately climbs thru a slickrock valley into a maze of broken sandstone ridges to wind its way toward its meeting place with Bar-B and Killer-B. This trail demands for your peak performance. Return via Bar-B singletrack, Bar-B return road, or via Killer-B to Moab.

1. 13.  Killer-B (Bike)

Length-0.7 mile

Difficulty-This trail is for advanced to expert riders. You will descend almost 500 feet in less than 3/4 mile. Average grade about 13%.

Type of ride-There are two routes that lead down to the Moab Canyon paved path. The original route is narrow with cliff edges, loose soil, tight turns and steps! It is more suited for hiking than biking. A biking route now traverses the steep rocky slope facing the highway and has 3 switchbacks, but the grades are easier to ride than the steps. Use the trail as a connection to the Old Highway route. Trail begins at the southern end of  the Bar B Loop trail.  Follow the dirt road downhill 1/4 mile then turn right at the sign onto singletrack. Watch for hikers coming up the trail. The hiker-biker junction is at the top of the bluff overlooking the Highway and the Paved Path.

Amasa Back Area

The typical ride on Amasa Back is up Amasa Back to Pot Hole, out to Pot Hole Arch, back to Rockstacker, over Rockstacker to Jackson, then down Jackson to the Kane Ck parking area.

1. Amasa Back (Cliffhanger Road)

Length-3.8 miles from Kane Creek Rd (one-way)

Difficulty- Physically challenging, technically moderate/difficult.  Total climb about 1410 feet. Average grade about 10%.

Type of ride- Ledgy 4WD road. The Amasa Back Trail is a jeep trail that climbs about 1000 feet to a mesa top overlooking the Colorado River and the Kane Creek Anticline. The trail surface is mostly Kayenta Sandstone and has many small ledges (less than 1’) and a few bigger ones. Challenging and fun for experienced mountain bikers only a short bike ride from town. Follow Kane Creek Rd for 5 miles; Amasa Back parking is the second lot after the pavement ends. The jeep trail leaves the road less than a mile later.

1. 2.      Jackson

Length-2.4 miles (one-way)

Difficulty-Physically demanding, technical, for advanced riders. Total climb of ~1200 feet. Average grade about 14%. Trail along cliff edge in places.

Type of ride-Start the trail at the Kane Ck parking area just beyond the end of the pavement. Consult the map sign at the trailhead. Kane Creek may be flooded and difficult to cross.  After crossing Kane Creek you will start a steep climb up a talus slope overlooking the Colorado River. The trail is narrow and gets close to cliff edge in a few places. Rockstacker trail intersects Jackson Trail about 1/4 mile before it ends at Cliff Hanger Road.

1. 3.      Rockstacker

Length-1.6 miles

Difficulty- For advanced riders. Physically demanding and technically difficult. You will climb about 500 feet going up to the Pothole Arch Trail. Average grade about 11%.

Type of ride- This trail connects the Jackson Trail and the pot Hole Arch trail. Start the trail where it intersects the Jackson Trail. Ride is mostly sandstone with a couple of steep climbs before reaching Pot Hole Arch trail. Surface is smooth and bumpy sandstone, with narrow ledges and sharp turns on one climb.

1. 4.      Pothole Arch

Length-1.9 miles

Difficulty-Intermediate to advanced riders. Physically demanding. Total climb going to the arch from Cliff Hanger ~230 ft. Total climb going from the arch back to Cliff Hanger ~500 ft. Average grade about 7%.

Type of ride-Start the trail at the Cliff Hanger Rd. Surface is sandstone, then dirt across a flat mesa, then slickrock hills out to the arch. Rockstacker Trail intersects Pot Hole right before the dirt mesa.

Spanish Valley & Sand Flats Rec Area

1. 1.      Pipe Dream (high line)

Length-4.8 mile (one way); another 3.2 miles of connectors and access routes.

Difficulty-Advanced intermediate and advanced riders; aerobically and technically challenging. The profile looks like the teeth on a saw blade. Total climb if starting at Hidden Valley TH is 1650 feet. Total climb if starting at Aspen St TH is 2160 feet. Average grade about 15%.

Type of ride-Start the trail at the south end at the Hidden Valley Trailhead. Access off of Hwy-191 at Angel Rock Rd. Follow the sign directions to the trailhead. The trail surface features dirt, rock armoring, shale bench cuts, and black brush slopes. Hills are steep and turns must be precise. This is a favorite with local riders.

1. 2.      Slickrock Bike Trail

Length- 10.5 miles (main loop); 2.2 miles (practice loop)

Difficulty- Physically difficult, technically difficult. The complete trip along the main trail from the trailhead out to the loop, around the loop, and back to the trailhead covers a distance of 10.5 miles, not counting any spur routes. The trail constantly changes elevation as it crosses a series of Navajo sandstone domes and fins. Because of the numerous steep ascents, many riders need 4 or 5 hours to complete the trail. Several portions of the main trail are marked with yellow dashes where the trail follows narrow ledges or abrupt drop-offs. Riders are cautioned to be especially careful at these locations and anywhere else the trail approaches a cliff, changes grade, or crosses rutted rock.

Type of ride- The Slickrock Bike Trail was established in 1969 for motorcycle riding and is open to both motorcycles and mountain bikes. It is not suitable for three-wheel and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles because the trail crosses steep side slopes and traverses narrow ledges. The routes of both the main trail and the practice loop are indicated by painted white dashes. Trail intersections are also painted on the rock. Short sections of sand provide a change from the rock. There are tough spots that may, for some, require walking bikes. The trail is located on a heavily eroded sandstone plateau between Moab Valley and the Colorado River in the Sand Flats Recreation Area. To reach the trailhead from Moab, drive 2.3 miles east on Sand Flats Road from the intersection of Mill Creek Drive and the Sand Flats Road. The Slickrock Trail is normally used from March through November although the spring and fall months are the most popular. Snow usually covers the trail from late December through February. Early morning and evening rides are best during the summer when mid-day temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Trailhead facilities include a parking area, rest rooms, and information boards. There is no drinking water in the area. The Sand Flats Recreation Area is managed through a unique partnership between Grand County and the Bureau of Land Management. A day use fee is charged.

Gemini Bridges Road & beyond

The Magnificent 7-This system of trails/roads currently has 2 options:  Using the Portal Trail to end at SR-279 or Using the Poison Spider 4×4 road as the exit to SR-279.

1. 1.      Bull Run

Length-5.1 miles of singletrack; short section on seldom used road and on Gemini Bridges Rd.

Difficulty-Intermediate plus riders. Several sections of the trail are near a cliff edge so controlling your speed is advised. Total climb from Mag 7 TH to Arth’s Corner is about 600 feet. Total climb coming back is 1250 Feet. Average grade about 6%.

Type of ride-This is the 1st trail in the Mag 7 system. Start the trail at the Mag 7 Trailhead on the Gemini Bridges Rd about 1.6 miles from SR-313. The ride is mostly on sandstone (Kayenta Fm) through a Pinion and Juniper forest. Views of the La Sals, Behind The Rocks, & Bull Canyon are stunning. Stay on the trail.

1. 2.      Arth’s Corner

Length-1.5 miles

Difficulty-Intermediate plus riders. Moderately technical. Average grade about 5%.

Type of ride-This is the 2nd trail in the Mag 7 system. Start the trail at the Arth’s Corner TH or continue from Bull Run ride that ends here. Surface is mostly sandstone thru Pinyons and Junipers. Follow the paint marks carefully. Stay on the trail to protect microbiotic soil gardens. Last short section of trail is on Metal Masher 4×4 road to the beginning of Little Canyon singletrack.

1. 3.      Little Canyon

Length-2.2 miles

Difficulty- Intermediate plus riders. Moderate technical. Total climb about 150 feet. Total climb coming back about 450 feet. Average grade about 5%.

Type of ride-This is the 3rd trail in the Mag 7 system. Surface mostly sandstone; terrain Pinion and Juniper forest. Traverses drainages, ridges, and broad ledges. One short steep descent into Little Canyon Wash. Great views.

1. 4.      Gold Bar

Length-1.2 miles of singletrack and 2.3 miles of 4×4 road to the rim. (typically ridden as an up and back on the singletrack since continuing on Mag 7 involves negotiating difficult 4×4 roads.

Difficulty-Intermediate plus riders; aerobically demanding. Moderately technical. From the end of Little Canyon ST to the overlook of Bride Canyon is a 400 ft climb. Average grade about 8%. The ride on roads to the rim has an average grade of 12% with a climb of 957 feet.

Type of ride-This is the 4th trail in the Mag 7 system. Start the trail at the Gold Bar Rim 4×4 road (end of Little Canyon ST). Surface is all slickrock along shallow drainages. Numerous interesting turns, drops, and climbs over and along ledges and thru boulders. Last section on massive sandstone features an arch just before reaching the rim of Bride Canyon. Take a break and see if you can identify the Bride & Groom. The road to the rim is physically demanding; mostly on slickrock with the typical rubble found on 4×4 roads.

1. 5.      Golden Spike 4×4 (Jupiter)

Length-Currently this is 5.2 miles of nasty 4×4 roads.

Difficulty-Intermediate to advanced riders; physically demanding. Moderately technical. From the intersection with the Golden Spike 4×4 road to the beginning of the Portal you will climb ~1470 feet. Average grade about 12%.

Type of ride-This is the 5th trail in the Mag 7 system. Start the trail at the intersection of the Gold Bar Rim road and the Golden Spike road. Surface is slickrock, sandstone rubble, and sand. Views of the river and Spanish Valley where the road is near the rim. Take plenty of water and food. This is a trek.

1. 6.      Poison Spider 4×4 (Spidey)

Length-Currently 7.4 miles of rough 4×4 road.

Difficulty-Intermediate plus to advanced riders; physically challenging. Moderately technical. From the Portal Trail start to SR-279 you will descend more than 1000 feet, but still climb about 550 feet over numerous hills  & ridges. Average grade about 5%.

Type of ride-This is the 6th trail in the Mag 7 system. Start the trail at the top of the Portal Trail. Surface is a mixture of steep slickrock and deep sand. Surface has been thoroughly churned up by motorized vehicles so can be quite rough and powdery in places.

1. 7.      Portal

Length-2.6 miles

Difficulty- Advanced to expert riders. Descent to SR-279 is about 1050 feet. Trail starts on the cliff edge where previous riders have met their maker. It then dives down a wide ledge of Kayenta Fm. Steep and very rough. Average grade 23%. Use the Poison Spider option if uncertain about your skill level.

Type of ride- This is the 7th & final ride of the Mag 7 system. Moab is in sight but the trail must be your only focus and survival must be your only goal. Good Luck.

Other trails in the Gemini Bridges Area

1. 8.      Great Escape

Length-3.3 miles

Difficulty- Intermediate and above skill level. Average grade about 8%.

Type of ride- Start the trail across from the Arth’s Corner TH. Surface is mostly sandstone thru Pinyons and Junipers. Follow the paint marks carefully. Trail crosses Bull Canyon Rd at the halfway point; a good bailout if the trail is more than you want. In the 2nd half the trail crosses a dry wash then proceeds along rock shelves to another dry wash crossing where you must hike your bike. Stay on the trail to protect microbiotic soil gardens. Trial intersects Little Canyon ST about 1/2 mile before it ends. Turn left to return to Arth’s Corner Trail or turn right to proceed to Gold Bar ST.

1. 9.      Getaway

Length-4.4miles

Difficulty- Intermediate skill level. Average grade about 3%.

Type of ride- Start the trail off of the Gemini Bridges Road about 1.5 miles down (east) from the Mag-7 Trailhead. Follow the paint marks and signs on a 4×4 road to the start of the singletrack. This downhill trail loses about 330 feet of elevation from start to finish, but gives you 610 feet of descent and 280 feet of climb.  Great views of Monitor and Merrimac Buttes and the Sevenmile Wash canyons. The trail crosses Metal Masher jeep road and other 2-tracks several times before reaching Arth’s Corner trailhead. This allows numerous points to bailout and return to Gemini Bridges road and your car.

1. 10.  7-Up

Length-9.5 miles

Difficulty- Intermediate and above. Average grade about 5%.

Type of ride- Start the trail at the Mag-7 Trailhead. Surface is mostly broken sandstone thru Pinyons and Junipers and a seldom used 4×4 road. Three ST go-arounds are provided to avoid particularly difficult road sections (ledges & sand). Follow the paint marks carefully. Trail makes its way across the upper reaches of Sevenmile Canyon then flows along a Kayenta Fm bench below towering Navajo Ss mounds before ending at the SR-313 switchbacks. Ride the pavement back to US-191, Moab Brands, and then Moab (about a 25-mile ride).

 

Dead Horse Point SP-32 miles west of Moab.

The Intrepid trail system was made possible through great public/private partnerships. Intrepid Potash, Inc., for which the trail is named, gave $20,000 for construction of a new single-track, non-motorized trail system. The trail was designed and built via a cooperative partnership between Trail Mix, a Grand County advisory committee, Utah State Parks, the National Park Service, and volunteers from the Utah Conservation Corps, American Conservation Experience and Moab Trails Alliance. Dead Horse Point State Park is located approximately 30 miles from Moab. The park also offers camping and day-use facilities, visitor center, and naturalist programs. For more information call (435) 259-2614.

1. 1.       Intrepid Loop

Length-1.1 miles

Difficulty-Easy

Type of ride-Great family ride with tremendous views of the Colorado River Canyon

1. 2.       Great Pyramid Loop

Length-4.2 miles

Difficulty-Easy riding but a bit more strenuous

Type of ride-An longer extension of the Intrepid trail offering more great views and featuring the Great Pyramid

1. 3.       Big Chief Loop

Length-9.0 miles

Difficulty-Beginners and lower intermediate riders. This section has a few more climbs and bumps and a long straight-away to take you back to the visitor’s center.

Type of ride- Slickrock sections, looping singletrack, sandy washes, and incredible views from the cliff-side stops.

Whole Enchilada

This trail system combines 6 trails to make an epic 25-mile downhill run from the La Sal Mountains to the Colorado River. Shuttles can be arranged at any of the bike shops in town.

1. 1.       Burro Pass

Length-4.2.miles

Difficulty-Advanced riding skills required. Most difficult section of the Enchilada. Climbs ~700 feet to top of Burro Pass in less than 1 mile then descends 1860 feet in just over 2 miles. Average grade 14%. Sections where the grade exceeds 20% common. Check your brakes before attempting.

Type of ride-1st ride of the Whole Enchilada. Ride is in forested mountain terrain. Starts at 10500 feet and tops out at 11216 feet. Tight switchbacks, loose igneous rock, creek crossings, exposed roots all challenge your technical skills. You can end this ride at Warner Lake or continue to the Hazzard County Trailhead to continue the Whole Enchilada.

1. 2.       Hazzard County

Length-2.9 miles

Difficulty-Intermediate to advanced. All downhill except for the 1st half mile, which is a 200 ft climb. Average grade 9%.

Type of ride-2nd ride of the Whole Enchilada. Ride is through Aspen and Oak forest with occasional meadows. Fun and fast. Trail starts at Hazzard Trailhead off the Warner Lake Road and ends at the La Sal Loop Road

1. 3.       Kokopelli Leg

Length-1.8 miles

Difficulty-Two-track road section that drops about 550 feet to the beginning of the Upper Porcupine Singletrack (UPS). Dodging rocks in the road is the only difficulty. Average grade 7%.

Type of ride-3rd ride of the Whole Enchilada. Rocky road winding thru oak brush and pinyons.

1. 4.       UPS (Upper Porcupine Singletrack)

Length-2.3 miles

Difficulty-Moderately challenging singletrack over rock, roots, ledges, and dry washes. Average grade 6%.

Type of ride-4th ride of the Whole Enchilada. Singletrack starts at a right fork off of the Kokopelli trail. Watch for the map sign. The double track, which is the Kokopelli, continues to the left and intersects the Sand Flats Road. UPS generally follows the rim on sandstone and dirt thru the Pinyons & Junipers. It passes thru a primitive campground where you can bailout on another road to Sand Flats. Continuing on the singletrack leads you to the start of LPS.

1. 5.       LPS (Lower Porcupine Singletrack)

Length-1.8 miles staying along the rim

Difficulty-Technically challenging. Trail splits into a rim ride section and the Notch section. The Notch is for experts only. The rim ride section has an entry drop that is difficult, but slightly more ride-able than the Notch. Most hoof it over these obstacles. Average grade 11%.

Type of ride-5th ride of the Whole Enchilada. Officially starts at the small cattle guard on the boundary between US Forest land and Bureau of Land Management land. The trail has numerous drops, roots, and slickrock to negotiate. Riding uphill is significantly more work.

1. 6.       Porcupine Rim

Length-11.5.miles

Difficulty-A fast but somewhat rough ride for advanced riders. Less skilled riders need more time to pick their way thru the numerous obstacles. Lower singletrack overlooking the Colorado River has several advanced technical sections. Average grade 7%.

Type of ride-6th and last ride of the Whole Enchilada. Starts where LPS ends at the Porcupine Rim 4×4 road. Turn right on this road an follow it along the rim. Turning left will take you back to the Sand Flats Road. Jeepers think this is one of the roughest 4×4 roads so take your time. Follow the signs at spur roads to make sure you continue on the Whole Enchilada. All the spurs are dead ends and a long way from help. Walk your bike through the extreme technical sections. The Enchilada ends at SR-128 (River Road).

 

Bartlett-Tusher-Monitor-Merrimac Area

1. Bartlett Slickrock
2. Jedi Slickrock
3. M&M

US Forest Trails

1. Moonlight Meadows
2. Boren Mesa
3. South Mountain
4. Carpenter Basin
5. Warner to Oowah Lake
6. Beaver
7. Bachelor Basin
8. Pole Canyon
9. Shuman Gulch
10. Squaw Springs
11. Hell Canyon
12. Miners Basin
13. Pack Creek
14. Crow’s Foot
15. Clark Lake
16. Clark Lake Loop
17. Fisher Mesa
18. Mountain View
19. Sinbad Ridge
20. Roc Creek
21. Kokopelli Trail

Photography Workshops Around Moab in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks 2013

2013 Photography Workshops

January 25-27 2013 Arches and Canyonlands in Winter

By Jeff Jessing

http://www.naturerevealed.com/PhotoToursRoot.html

February 20 – 24 2013 Arches and Canyonlands in the Winter

By Andy Biggs Sold Out

http://www.andybiggs.com/content.php?page=2013-02-Moab

February 27 – March 3 2013 Winter Canyonlands-Arches

By David Forster

http://www.lightcapturephoto.com/#/Workshops/Winter%20Canyonlands-Arches/

10 people

March 17 -21 2013

Moab Adventure

http://www.exposure36.com/Moab.html

April 6 – 7 2013 Arches and CanyonlandsDesert Southwest Photography Workshop

By Aperture Academy 12 students

http://www.apertureacademy.com/photography-workshops-desert-southwest.php

April 6 – 11 2013 Arches and Canyonlands Desert Spring

By Tim Cooper

http://www.timcoopersphotography.com

 

April 17 – 21 2013 Canyonlands and ArchesNational Park

By Neil and Susan Silverman

http://silvermansphotography.com/workshops-tours/canyonlands-and-arches-national-parks-may-2-may-6-2012

April 18 – 22 2013 Visionary Moab

By Guy Tal and Michael Gordon

http://visionaryphotoworkshops.com/shop/visionary-moab-april-2013/

April 21 -27 2013 Spring in Arches and Canyons of Southeast Utah

By Branson Reynolds

http://laughingraventours.com/arches-canyonLands-itinerary.html

April 25 – 28 2013 Arches & Canyonlands Parks

By Dave Black

http://thedigitalphotoworkshops.com/arches-canyonlands-park-with-dave-black/

20 participants La Quinta

April 29 – May 1 2013

Moab Photography Symposium

By many: Guy Tal, Tom Till, Jeff Foott, Darrell Gulin, Bruce Hucko, Steve Traudt

http://www.moabphotosym.com/

May 3-5, 2013 3-day Moab/Cedar Mesa photo tour and photography workshop

By Bob Maynaard

http://www.coloradoplateauphototours.com/pages/photo-tours/moab-area.php

May 5 – 12 2013 Needles/Canyonlands NP Photography Workshop

Photographing in the Backcountry of CanyonlandsNational Park

By Moab Photos Tours with Tom Till

http://www.moabphototours.com/pages/workshops/the-needles.php

May 6 – 10 2013 Spring in ArchesNational Park 5 Day Workshop

By Robert Rodriguez Jr.

http://robertrodriguezjr.com/workshops/spring-in-arches-national-park-5-day-workshop/

May 15-19 2013  ArchesNational Park – MoabUtah

By  Jeff and Ledra Woodlee

http://naturalconnectionsphotoworkshops.com/2013-workshops/arches-national-park-moab-utah-may-15-19-2013.html

May 16 – 19 2013   ArchesNational Park

By M & M Photo Tours

http://www.mmphototours.com/Store/tabid/80/ProductID/35/List/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName

May 17 – 20 2013

By Outdoor Photo Workshops

http://www.outdoorphotoworkshops.com/zen-cart/photo-workshops/utahs-canyon-country-the-ultimate-landscape-photography-workshop?zenid=44e0d05999da75622ba252656e98cd1f

May 24 – 27 2013

Utah Arches, CanyonlandsNational Park, DeadHorsePointState Park

By Carol Polich

http://www.wildnaturetrails.com/workshop.php?workshop_id=22

6 people

July 6 – 8 2013 Three Day Night Photography Workshops

By Bob Maynard

http://www.coloradoplateauphototours.com/pages/photo-tours/moab-area.php

July 15 – 17 2013 Arches & Canyonlands National Parks Workshop 1

By Michael Russell

http://www.michaelrussellphotography.com/workshops.html

July 19-21 2013 Arches & Canyonlands National Parks Workshop 2

By Michael Russell

http://www.michaelrussellphotography.com/workshops.html

October 25-November 4 Grand Circle, Moab to Zion

By Bob Maynard

http://www.coloradoplateauphototours.com/pages/photo-tours/the-grand-circle-of-the-desert-southwest.php

October 4-6, 2013 Moab/Cedar Mesa photo tour and photography workshop

This is a segment in a larger ten day tour above.

By Bob Maynard

http://www.coloradoplateauphototours.com/pages/photo-tours/moab-area.php

October 7 – 11 2013 Arches – CanyonlandsNational Park – Moab Photography Workshop

By Salvatore Vaspol

http://www.salvatore-vasapolli.com/workshops/moab/arches-canyonlands-national-park-moab-photography-workshop.html

November 3 – 9 2013 Arches Under the Stars Photography Workshop

The Night Landscape in Arches National Park

By Moab Photos Tours with Tom Till

http://www.moabphototours.com/pages/workshops/arches-night.php

November 3 – 8 2013 Arches and CanyonlandsNational Parks  photography workshop by Andy Cook

http://www.rockymtnrefl.com/ArchesCanyonlandsNPPhotoWorkshop.html

November 3 – 7 2013

By Peter Shinyeda  Moab Arches and Canyonlands Nat. Parks

http://www.firstlightphototours.com/tours/moab/index.html

November 6 – 9 20013

By Richard Bernabe Arches and CanyonlandsNational Parks

Earth Light 10 students

http://www.richardbernabe.com/arches_canyonlands_workshop2013.htm

Moab Valley Inn

December 1-7 2013 Winter in the Red Rocks Photography Workshop

Winter Photography in Arches and CanyonlandsNational Parks

By Moab Photos Tours with Tom Till

http://www.moabphototours.com/pages/workshops/arches-winter.php

Four Film Festivals Finding Moab Venues and Audiences Widespread

Utah Open Lands has had the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour held in Moab in March for years now.

In 2012, the La Sal Mountain Avalanche Center brings Radical Reels from Banff to Moab for a fundraiser in October.

In 2013, there is the debut of the Moab International Film Festival along with the Western Film Festival and the “reel west”. Both will be held in September.

The October Moab Ho-Down has added a Mountain Bike Film Festival component to the festivities these last few years. Here is the winning 2011 film.

And the Grand County Public Library in partnership with the Utah Film Center has been bringing film screenings to Moab throughout the year as well. This year’s titles were: ” How to Die in Oregon”, “The City Dark”, “Urban Roots”, “Watershed”, “Tree of Life”, “Blindsight”, and “A Separation”.

Just one of Four film festivals occurring in Moab in 2013.

Turquoise Wind, a Play set in Moab

The Utah Shakespeare Festival has in the line up a play titled, Turquoise Wind. The setting is situated in Moab Utah. Seems the playwright, Kurt Campbell, entered it into the New American Playwrights Project. Read the critics opinion about it. Shared this description with Moab Community Theater in hopes they can get permission to perform it one future year. Coming up in November, the Moab Community Theater will have a series of dates for performances. Meanwhile, the director and producer have brought

Canyonlands National Park has Calendars for BackCountry Reservations

Viewing availability for use on the White Rim of the Island in the Sky or Maze Districts of Canyonlands will be extremely useful for making reservations for a permit in Canyonlands National Park. Of course, visits can be simplified by remaining in the front country of Canyonlands. Note: Fees for backcountry permits were increased July 2012. Many dates are already reserved through 2013. To plan for 2014, reservations open up on July 10 2013 or so.

One blogger, Hiking Lady, demonstrates the scenic beauty that can be seen from day use in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks with this lovely slideshow. Paula and Dale have nicely recorded their front country visit of Canyonlands too.