Moab is on EVERY list out there for North America’s best winter mountain bike riding locations. For good reason, too. Though the temps can be chilly, generally afternoons are quite pleasant, and rarely is there much snow on the ground at lower elevations. Also, The desert is quite devoid of the usual high season hustle and bustle, which makes for a very remote feeling experience.
Here are some of our favorite winter rides right now as of mid December, 2024.
Mag 7, Gold Bar, Portal – Yes, you will encounter some snow, especially on the Portal where there is always shade along the exposed traverse. WALK THAT PART, and you will be rewarded with an exquisite experience.
Amasa Back – Captain Ahab has been riding so well! There are a few minor shady areas that stay slippery, but 99% of the trail is ripping!
Pipe Dream – It was rebuilt after all the monsoons washed many sections of trail away. It’s on the shaded side of the valley, so a lot more snow that stays, but not enough to close the trail. It’s all rideable, and a little exciting because it’s a bit slick, but 100% of the trail is rideable.
Raptor Route – Yesterday Eagle Eye all the way down through Kestrel was riding. There’s snow up high, but it’s frozen underneath and no mud.
Navajo Rocks – All riding quite nice!