Riding the Red Ribbons: North Klondike’s Intermediate Mountain-Biking Playground
Flow through slickrock fins, plunge over designed drops and clock miles of buffed singletrack in Moab’s North Klondike
You pedal into a canyon of light. Sun slants across orange sandstone; narrow rock fins cast thin, cool shadows that dance across your forearms as the trail threads a knife-edge of slickrock. The first descent is a short, perfect scream of bermed turns and buffed surfacing that feels like the trail was made to be ridden. Wind pushes at your back; ravens praise from a ledge. This is North Klondike—Moab’s red-ribboned playground—and today you’ll cover 12 to 16 miles of its best singletrack, hand-built drops and mesa rolls on a guided intermediate ride.
Trail Wisdom
Tire Pressure for Slickrock
Run slightly higher pressure than in loam—start around 25–28 psi rear, 22–25 psi front depending on weight to avoid pinch flats while keeping traction on slabs.
Bring a Tube and Plug Kit
Even tubeless setups can slice on sharp sandstone edges—carry a spare tube and plugs for a quick roadside repair.
Start Early
Begin rides in the morning to avoid midday heat and increase chances of quieter trails and better light for photography.
Ride Within Your Limits
Guides set options for lines—pick conservative routes on unfamiliar features to build confidence and avoid unnecessary bailouts.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A short out-and-back to a mesa viewpoint above the Colorado River for sunrise
- •Quiet singletrack connectors that reveal fossil-laden sandstone ledges
Wildlife
Desert bighorn sheep, Common ravens
Conservation Note
Trails traverse sensitive desert soils—stick to established lines, avoid riding when trails are wet, and carry out all trash to protect cryptobiotic crust and native plants.
The sandstones here are Jurassic in age and have been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples; modern trailbuilding in Moab accelerated with the rise of recreational cycling in the late 20th century.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temps, Wildflower color, Longer daylight
Challenges: Sudden afternoon winds, Occasional mud after storms
Spring offers cooler riding and blooming desert plants—watch for spring gusts and recent storm runoff that can make slickrock slick.
summer
Best for: Extended daylight, Warm evenings, Consistent dry rock
Challenges: High heat, Limited shade, Heat-related fatigue
Summer has reliably dry surfaces but can be very hot; early start times and extra water are essential.
fall
Best for: Stable temps, Clear visibility, Peak trail conditions
Challenges: Popular season crowds, Cooler mornings
Fall is often ideal—crisply cool mornings and perfectly dry slickrock draw riders for fast, confident laps.
winter
Best for: Quiet trails, Cool-weather training, Dramatic light
Challenges: Cold mornings, Occasional icy patches on shaded rock
Winters are quieter and great for riders used to chilly starts; be prepared for cold and dress in layers.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Full-Suspension Mountain BikeEssential
120–150mm travel helps absorb ledges and keeps momentum on technical rock features.
Helmet (Full-Face Optional)Essential
A well-fitting helmet is mandatory; full-face is recommended on more committed descents.
Hydration Pack (2–3L)Essential
Keeps water accessible and carries tools, snacks and an extra layer.
Tubeless Repair Kit and Mini Pump/CO2Essential
Quickly fix punctures and reseal a tire so you can finish the loop without a long hike-out.
Common Questions
Do I need to bring my own bike?
Operators often offer bike rentals—check the booking details; if you bring a personal bike, ensure it’s tuned and that suspension is functioning.
What fitness level is required?
Expect steady climbing and technical sections; intermediate riders with solid cardio and bike-handling skills will enjoy the route.
Are helmets required?
Yes—helmets are required on guided rides. Some operators may require full-face helmets for certain features.
Is the route suitable for e-bikes?
Many guided tours prefer traditional trail bikes; verify with the operator—some allow e-MTBs but group logistics and route choices may differ.
How exposed are the trails to sun and wind?
Much of the ride is exposed slickrock with little shade; wind can be gusty in the afternoon—start early and carry sunscreen.
Are there shuttle or parking logistics?
Most guided trips include shuttle service to optimize singletrack time and reduce on-site parking congestion.
What to Pack
Helmet, 2 liters water, spare tube/repair kit, sunscreen — safety, hydration, and roadside repairs keep the ride smooth
Did You Know
The red slickrock around Moab is largely Entrada and Navajo Sandstone deposited in the Jurassic period, giving the region its iconic polish and color.
Quick Travel Tips
Book guided rides ahead in spring/fall, rent a suitable full-suspension bike if needed, arrive early to avoid heat, confirm shuttle meeting point with operator
Local Flavor
Post-ride refuel at Moab favorites like Moab Brewery for a local beer and a burger, or Desert Bistro for a more curated meal; stop by local shops such as Gearheads Bike Shop for repairs or local beta.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Canyonlands Field (CNY) or Grand Junction (1.5–2 hours); Driving from Moab center: 10–30 minutes depending on route; Cell service: patchy in remote sections; Permits: typically no special permit for guided rides—confirm with operator.
Sustainability Note
These trails cross fragile desert ecosystems—ride only on designated singletrack, pack out all waste, and avoid riding when surfaces are wet to prevent long-term damage.
Continue Reading
Slickrock and Sunlight: A Private Half-Day on Moab’s Brand Trails
Spend four focused hours on Moab’s Brand Trails, where slickrock, singletrack, and expert local guides turn a half-day into a right-sized mountain biking pilgrimage. Ideal for mixed-ability private groups.
Moab, Utah
Redwood Rhythm: A Half-Day Self-Guided Ride Through Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest
Just 5 minutes from Rotorua’s center, a half-day self-guided mountain bike ride through Whakarewarewa’s redwood stands delivers fast singletrack, technical surprises, and a tidy taste of New Zealand’s best trail network.
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty