Headed to Moab

[jessmarimba]

...on Saturday. Just staying for a couple days (I had to go for work so made the inspection adjoining a weekend). Any suggestions? Camping, restaurants, bike routes, etc? I have been crazy busy and haven't had a chance to plan this like I normally would.

(And I do not want to shuttle Whole Enchilada - it has been suggested, but I don't want 20+ miles of downhill riding at the moment).

[Wahine]

I've been to Moab and it was great. We camped at a BLM site right on the Colorado river, just north of town and to the east on 128. The camping is primitive, but great setting. the farther you get from town, the less occupied the campsites are.

I've only ridden part of Slick Rock, a classic of course. And I rode Porcupine rim, both were great trails. We also did a ride up to the edge of Arches National park, then you park your bike and can hike into the park itself. It was a pretty mellow ride, I think it was called Klondike trail but I'm not sure.

Fruita is also close by and if I had to chose between going to Moab or Fruita, I'd actually choose fruita. Especially if you're looking to do a little more cross country type stuff, without shuttles.

[indysteel]

DH and I were there in April, but we did White Rim trail tour in Canyonlands, so I can't really help you with the trails.

We found the dining in Moab to be a little frustrating. It was packed in April, so it was hard to get into some places without reservations. We ate Italian at Pasta Jay's a couple of times. That was good, if a little loud. We got a lot of our food at local grocery store. They had a pretty good deli so that was our default. Miguel's Baja Grill is supposed to be good, but it was always so ridiculously packed, that we never got in. I don't know how crowded August is versus April, so perhaps you'll not have as many problems. I think the town clears out a bit during the heat of the summer.

Have fun! As someone from a mostly flat midwestern state with a relatively inactive populace, Moab was like nothing I'd ever seen. Bike, bikes and more bikes.

[Artista]

Hubby and I have been researching this area as we're taking an mtb trip in that direction early fall. My daughter is totally captivated by The Arches National Park near Moab. Fruita is about 1 1/2 hours away from the The Arches so it can't be too far from Moab.

[indysteel]

Fruita is close and it's a relatively easy drive (you can take I-70 or a much more scenic route along 128 that follows the Colorado for a while). Arches is a pretty park with several relatively easy hikes and it's just outside the center of town. Moab itself is a little lacking in charm in my opinion but it makes a good home base for all the awesome things in that area. Canyonlands National Park is a bit further out from town, but it's an absolutely amazing place to visit.

[jessmarimba]

I don't think I'll have time to get to Fruita this time. I likely will only have Sunday and maybe a couple of hours on Monday to poke around. If I wasn't scheduled to run 20 miles on Saturday I'd go out a little earlier but I don't think I can go that far without my group! I'd like to do at least one ride but nothing too tough since I'll be alone. There seems to be a ton of info on the Moab city website that I need to look over.

[BikeDutchess]

We also did a ride up to the edge of Arches National park, then you park your bike and can hike into the park itself. It was a pretty mellow ride, I think it was called Klondike trail but I'm not sure.

Yes, Klondike Bluffs trail - I loved it because even a relative beginner like me could do it. Not a huge challenge if you're a strong rider, but the view into Arches is absolutely gorgeous.

Moab - Klondike Bluffs Trail by DutchRosie, on Flickr

And there were dinosaur tracks along the way too. Bar M trails were relatively easy to get to, and has loops for beginner to (I think) advanced, all short loops (if you don't have much time).

Their website seems to be down at the moment, but Chile Pepper Bike Shop is great if you want advice on trails, or for rental bikes.

For breakfast I can recommend the Love Muffin Cafe.

[Wahine]

And there were dinosaur tracks along the way too. Bar M trails were relatively easy to get to, and has loops for beginner to (I think) advanced, all short loops (if you don't have much time).

We saw the dino tracks too. It was very cool.

[zoom-zoom]

This is sorta killin' me. My hubby does a Fruita/Moab trip each Spring. I might have to go with, someday. I can ask him where to go in Moab, though I do know that he LOVES the Hot Tomato in Fruita. I think they eat there pretty much every night they are in CO.

[jessmarimba]

Klondike bluffs might be perfect. My legs will be cooked after that long run followed by 6 hours in the car. It's actually terrible timing for this trip, but I can't go to Moab and NOT take my bike!

[Sky King]

I broke my finger on Amasa Back a few years ago, right at the beginning which should be walked by 99 percent of us - it was more of bike walk for me than a bike ride as it was somewhat to technical for my riding skills and the bike I was on. HOWEVER am throwing it out there because if you are a skilled rider it is a beautiful ride and the view was stunning.
We usually rent a casista at one of the campgrounds - I like being off the ground and being able to shower after being in all the dust and sand.

[Pedal Wench]

in Fruita at this very moment...

[Wahine]

in Fruita at this very moment...

Jealous!! Joe's Ridge and Kessel run might be my two favorite trails in the whole wide world.

[indysteel]

Jealous!! Joe's Ridge and Kessel run might be my two favorite trails in the whole wide world.

Some friends are leaving for Fruita in a few weeks. I'm jealous, too. I've watched some videos of Kessel Run and it looks like a total blast. I doubt my skill level is there yet, but someday.....

Hope you're having fun, Pedal Wrench. Be sure to give us a report.

[Wahine]

Some friends are leaving for Fruita in a few weeks. I'm jealous, too. I've watched some videos of Kessel Run and it looks like a total blast. I doubt my skill level is there yet, but someday.....

Kessel run is totally rideable, even for a relative beginner. You can make it as hard as you like but going as fast as you like. If you take it slower, it's really not that technical. So. Much. Fun.