The Whole Enchilada
The ride that defines Moab: 26 miles of alpine-to-desert descent through five distinct trail zones.
Trail beta
Park at the lower shuttle lot in Moab (Chile Pepper, 702 S Main, or the Whole Enchilada lot at 675 N Main) and catch a shuttle. No practical self-shuttle option. The Burro Pass drop opens July 1 if the snow is clear; before then shuttles drop lower, and in early spring that can be as low as LPS or Porcupine Rim. Bring way more water and food than you think: 7,000 ft of descending over ~27 miles with no resupply. The LPS ledges and the ledge drops near the end of Porcupine Rim come when you're already tired, so save some in the tank.
When to go
The top starts at ~11,000 ft in the La Sals and doesn't open until July 1 at the earliest, and only if the snow is clear. The Forest Service regulates that date. In early spring, shuttles start with the lowest drops (Porcupine Rim and LPS), and Hazard County generally opens around late May. Check with shuttle operators for what's open on your dates before planning the full ride.
Shuttle
Most people shuttle to the top. You can pedal up the UPS road but it adds 3+ hours of climbing.