Planning a Spring MTB Trip to Moab: What You Actually Need to Know
Moab in spring is prime time, but the window is narrow and shuttles book fast. Here's how to plan a trip that doesn't fall apart.
The Window
Moab's spring season runs roughly mid-March through mid-May, but the sweet spot is late March to late April. Earlier than that and you're gambling on mud from snowmelt on the La Sals. Later and you're looking at 95°F days that turn Porcupine Rim into a survival exercise.
Book Shuttles First
This is the number one mistake people make. They book flights and hotels, then try to get shuttle reservations a week before the trip. Coyote Shuttle and Whole Enchilada Shuttle both fill up weeks in advance during peak spring. Book your shuttle runs *before* you book lodging.
If you're doing The Whole Enchilada, a shuttle is strongly recommended. You can technically pedal up the UPS road, but that adds 3+ hours of climbing that nobody wants to do. Porcupine Rim is similar. Plenty of people pedal up Sand Flats Road to various put-in points, but a shuttle saves you a long grind and preserves your legs for the descent.
What to Ride
A solid three-day plan:
- Day 1: Bar M / Moab Brands or Slickrock Trail. Ease into Moab's terrain: Bar M is a great warm-up (beginner-friendly, 2 hours), or ride Slickrock if you want the sandstone experience Moab is known for (more demanding, solid intermediate).
- Day 2: Porcupine Rim, the marquee ride. A shuttle saves a long climb up Sand Flats Road. Book morning pickup, bring more water than you think.
- Day 3: Captain Ahab or The Whole Enchilada. Ahab if you want technical slickrock, TWE if conditions allow. Note that the Burro Pass top doesn't open until July 1 at the earliest, and only if the snow is clear. In spring you'll ride a partial Enchilada starting lower, and in early spring the drop can be as low as LPS or Porcupine Rim. Still excellent, but ask your shuttle operator what's open.
Bike Choice
Bring an enduro bike or a long-travel trail bike (140mm+). Moab is rocky and techy. It can be a rough trail for hardtails and cross-country bikes. If you're renting, Poison Spider carries Santa Cruz, Yeti, and Specialized; Chile Pepper has Trek and Specialized. Both have bikes in the right travel range.
Don't Forget
- Tire sealant, plus spares and tire plugs.
- Sunscreen: you're at 4,000ft in the desert with zero shade.
- Water. Carry 3 liters minimum for any full-day ride, 4 if it's warm.
- If you're getting a late start, you might consider a headlamp.
Frequently asked questions
›When is the best time to ride Moab in spring?
The season runs roughly mid-March through mid-May, and the sweet spot is late March to late April. Earlier, snowmelt from the La Sals can leave mud. Later, heat becomes the issue on rides like Porcupine Rim.
›When should I book Moab shuttles?
Before you book lodging. Coyote Shuttle and Whole Enchilada Shuttle both fill up weeks in advance during peak spring.
›Can I ride the full Whole Enchilada in spring?
The Burro Pass top does not open until July 1 at the earliest, and only if the snow is clear. In spring you ride a partial Enchilada starting lower, and in early spring the drop can start as low as LPS or Porcupine Rim. Ask your shuttle operator what is open.
›Do I need a shuttle for the Whole Enchilada or Porcupine Rim?
A shuttle is strongly recommended for the Whole Enchilada. You can pedal the UPS road, but that adds 3+ hours of climbing. Many riders pedal up Sand Flats Road for Porcupine Rim, but a shuttle saves a long grind and preserves your legs for the descent.
›What is a good three-day Moab riding plan?
Day 1: Bar M / Moab Brands or Slickrock Trail. Day 2: Porcupine Rim. Day 3: Captain Ahab for technical slickrock, or the Whole Enchilada if conditions allow.
›What bike should I bring or rent for Moab?
An enduro bike or a long-travel trail bike (140mm+). Poison Spider carries Santa Cruz, Yeti and Specialized, and Chile Pepper has Trek and Specialized.
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