VAN MECCA MOAB
Adventure Brief: Vans, epic mountain biking and Arches.
Our recent Moab visit was part of a 9 day road trip from Bend, Oregon down to Boise, Moab, and onward to Fruita and Cortez, Colorado as a last minute re-route. One of the primary benefits of adventures in the van is the flexibility to pack up and move on to another place on a whim—or suggestion of an epic ride or run somewhere else. We don’t typically use campsites, freeing us from the shackles of reservations dictating our schedules. It’s the ultimate freedom.
Kogai Van at Wilson Arch outside Moab, UT
Moab is hallowed ground for mountain bikers. And Jeep crawlers. And insect-looking OHV’s. Lately, adventure vans have exploded in popularity here. It’s been a few years since my last visit and the proportion of vans to other recreational vehicles in Moab has definitely changed. It’s fascinating and inspiring to see how everyone has kitted their van out. Everything from scrappy DIY builds, plenty of Revels to EarthCruiser rigs cruising around town.
The plan was to bike every day, van rendezvous with my sister and her husband—new Revel owners, and others for the weekend. There’s no way to cover everything to do in the Moab area in one post given it’s proximity to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, not to mention state parks nearby. Keeping things simple with a share of where we rode, where we camped, and a few random suggestions to point you in the right direction if you want to van adventure in Moab..
Moab Area Highlights
Endless Mountain Biking Options
Where to begin? Try MTB Project and Trailforks for starters. Everyone has their opinion on the “best” ride or their favorite spots in the area. Truthfully, it’s an embarrassment of MTB riches you’ve been granted in Moab. We rode for 3-4hrs each day. As intermediate/advanced riders we selected the following trails knowing there’s something for everyone and hopping off the bike for the tech-y bits is on option. Click on the links below to check out the rides on MTB Project and our Strava routes.
Solid network of trails near our dispersed campsite on BLM Road 142. Bonus points being able to ride from camp. We rode Dino Tracks, EKG, Baby Steps, Alaksa, and Homer trails connecting together a challenging 19 mile loop. You’ll get a bit of everything in Klondike from easier green trails to black diamond tech. Do not miss the views of Salt Valley Road and beyond from Baby Steps. The climbs and the slick rock are a bitch on the body after a few hours. Link to my Strava route can be found here.
Klondike Bluffs climbing.
Ride. This. Trail. Loved every minute of this monumental 18 mile route. Built in 2014, it’s become one of the go-to rides in Moab. The climbs are challenging, the descents are a scream, and the views are stunning—make sure you stop every now and then to take it in while you catch your breath. That being said, this is a VERY popular route so expect a bit of a freeway commuter vibe at times depending when you ride. Parking can be tight. No water or bathroom at the trailhead we parked at. Link to Strava route can be found here.
One of the best areas for new riders or if you’re looking for a mellow spin with unbeatable canyon and White Rim Trail views. Dead Horse State Park and the surrounding network of trails are more lush with high plateau vibes in some areas. You can get in a family hike, take the pup out for a walk, and find excellent facilities along with a few campgrounds and yurts for rent. $20 fee to enter. Completely worth it. National Parks Pass does not work here. We rode the Dead Horse Point Tour loop which is right around 14 miles. Stop to take in views and snap a few shots at Great Pyramid Overlook. Link to Strava route can be found here.
Dead Horse State Park views.
Endless Dispersed Camping options
No Reservations Needed. Can’t think of a better place this close to national parks and worthwhile state parks with so many options for dispersed camping. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find solitude and a real sense of adventure knowing you’re off grid, not surrounded by hoards of others at a campground. That being said, dispersed camping has it’s challenges. Will I find a spot? How far down this rutted out road will I have to drive? Is there space for my friends to join? Where will I go to the bathroom (if you don’t have a toilet in your setup)? I’ve mentioned we use a few different apps to guide our decision making when it comes to camp sites. Campendium or iOverlander are our go-to apps. Combined with Google Maps satellite view, we’ve had solid luck finding spots.
Klondike Bluffs was our home base in Moab this trip. Located directly off HWY 191 as you approach Moab from the north, you’ll find plenty of spaces along BLM 142 or near Salt Valley and BLM 145. While the sites are very open—no shade, they’re close to some pretty awesome riding along Klondike Bluffs and are close to a Chevron station at Archview Campground. Highly recommend this area.
Main Street Adventure Town Vibes
Moab’s quaint downtown is packed with restaurants, bike shops, and a decent retail landscape to resupply, refuel, and power time on the trails and camping experiences. I’ve included a few fave places to eat and grab coffee as well as grocery and the all important potable public water fill at the 7-11 station in town. You’ll find most everything you need on Main Street, though It’s also worth exploring the side streets.
Restaurants and Coffee Spots
Moab Garage. Best coffee in town, breakfast and lunch options in this converted garage space.
The Spoke. American focused menu with burgers and the like, solid tap list, and everyone waiting outside for the ice cream window.
Moab Food Truck Park. Options for the indecisive groups. Plenty of outdoor seating under awnings.
Arches Thai. Incredible thai with vegan/vegetarian options.
98 Center. Vietnamese focused spot.
Jailhouse cafe. 28+ years of American breakfast done right.
Miguels Baja Grill. Just so so Mexican food if you’re in the mood.
Retail/Grocery/Supplies
Bike Fiend. Great crew working in this joint, bonus coffee shop.
Moab Cyclery. Santa Cruz and Specialized rental fleet and a good shuttle service.
City Market Moab. Chaotic but surprisingly well stocked grocery store. The only game in town. Enjoy the experience.
7-11 Store/Gas station on Main Street with public potable water fill near pump #1.
Moab is an excellent base for adventures into Arches and Canyonlands national park. In addition to dispersed camping, there are the usual mid-tier chain hotels like the Hyatt Place—which has a pool worth checking out, and a new concept for Hilton Hotels called Hoodoo. You could easily spend a week in the red rocks and not be bored with day trips to explore the parks and surrounds. Get out there and adventure in one of the places that lives up to Utah’s slogan of “Life Elevated”!
