My extended family is meeting to Muni in Moab this weekend. We’ll spend a day on the SlickRock Trail, and we may ride the Dalton Wells trail (lots of flat slickrock around the drillpad bordering Arches National Park).
On a past trip I did the Monitor and Merrimac trail and the Brontosaur Copper Mine trail. These trails were fun, but involved a lot of deep sand before getting to the cool slickrock stuff. I’m using the trail names from Lee Bridgers’ book Mountain Bike America: Moab.
What other trails do people like in the area? I have two 10 year old unicyclists, so 10 miles is about our limit for a day.
Thanks,
David Maxfield
Mitchell, SD
My knowledge is limited to the Slickrock Trail and Porcupine Rim Trail. I don’t know how much of the Slickrock Trail you ventured onto, but it should clearly be a part of any MUni visit to Moab, and can always be done in samples. The Practice Loop alone is probably plenty for your guys, and the quality of the terrain is no different than that of the larger loop. You could also do a little out-and-back on the main trail, to see some larger hills.
The Porcupine Rim Trail was reported to me as about 14 miles, which includes a lot of climbing in the first 4 miles. I rode it with a group that just rode the first 4 miles, to the amazing scenery spot you can see on my avatar (and my photo album), and then back down. That was quite a fun ride in itself, though I think there was more spectacular scenery and terrain along the rest of the trail.
Have a nice visit to Moab!
Ive been to Moab many times as a mtn. biker, but not on a uni. Ive just purchased a KH 24 and am still learning, but Im looking forward to going back to Moab on just one wheel. Two areas I think would be perfect for Muni riding would be Bartlett’s Wash and “the Gymnasium”. Bartletts is similar to the Slickrock trail, but with little elevation change and no formal trail. Just sweeping, wavy slickrock, and at a total length of 2.5 miles it is just a fantastic playground. The gymnasium is right next door and and has a different rock-character, kinda like a panful of biscuits (use your imagination). The two trails are ~5 miles north of Moab, next to the airport, and can be linked together for full day of exploring. Definitely worth the trip!
Yes, Bartlett Wash is definitely on my list. It may be near the top–along with the Slickrock Trail itself. It sounds as if you can take a fairly rugged road right to the edge of the Bartlett Wash slickrock area.
Thanks,
David Maxfield
Mitchell, SD