View on an easier trail segment. Singletrack aiming downhill, as we rock over ro...
View on an easier trail segment. Singletrack aiming downhill, as we rock over rock outcrops. Photos and writeup by Bruce, April 2009.

Killer B Trail
Descent from Bar B to old highway 191

The Killer B is a very short but insanely steep downhill route in the Brand Trails. It extends from the south end of the Bar B loop to old highway 191. Killer B itself is only 0.8 miles in length, but the minimum ride that will get you on this trail is 8.4 miles.

The first portion of Killer B is a steep straight run. Nothing too hard here, yo...
The first portion of Killer B is a steep straight run. Nothing too hard here, you've just got to control the skid.
The trail dips through a little valley (we're looking back at where we've been)....
The trail dips through a little valley (we're looking back at where we've been). Very tricky riding these boulders.
Boulder slab, with skidmarks showing the route. Very steep. That little stripe i...
Boulder slab, with skidmarks showing the route. Very steep. That little stripe is the 4-lane highway below.
A quick 90-degree turn and uphill. If you think you can ride this stunt clean, I...
A quick 90-degree turn and uphill. If you think you can ride this stunt clean, I want to come watch!
Its not all downhill. As you whip up the little hill, youll need to thread the n...
It's not all downhill. As you whip up the little hill, you'll need to thread the needle through several squeezes. There's a sharp chainring catcher as you cross over (upper left, right at the top edge of the photo).

You'll descend 650 feet, an average 20% rate of drop. Only very skilled riders should go on this trail! A couple of sandstone slabs are so steep, you can't stand up in bike shoes -- you gotta ride!

At 0.6 miles from the top, the trail forks. The older trail to the left descends a series of steps. It's hike-a-bike. To the right, you'll descend through some switchbacks on the newer 2012 trail.

Looking down a couple of switchbacks. Still a bit loose in November 2012, but be...
Looking down a couple of switchbacks. Still a bit loose in November 2012, but better than hiking the stairs!
Approaching the hike-a-bike. You've got another 60 feet to ride, then it's time ...
Approaching the hike-a-bike. You've got another 60 feet to ride, then it's time to pack it down the cliff.
Don't try to ride this. Even if you can, you'll just tear things up and make it ...
Don't try to ride this. Even if you can, you'll just tear things up and make it dangerous for everybody else.

Riding notes, Bar M - Killer B - 191 loop:
0.0   Exit parking, turn right and ride south
0.7   Pass Gemini underpass, keep straight
1.7   Fork L (leave 191)
2.3   Fork R (L = Bar M shortcut)
2.9   Keep straight (Bar M loops to L)
        After 100 feet, fork R on ST = Bar B
4.3    Fork R downhill on Killer B
4.6    Veer R on narrow trail
4.9    Fork. Ride R or go L and start hiking!
5.0    R on Old 191 uphill
6.7    Straight on Bar M
8.4    Back at parking

Were at the bottom, where the hiking route and the bike switchbacks come togethe...
We're at the bottom, where the hiking route and the bike switchbacks come together. Yes, it is possible (but very hard) to do Killer B uphill..
Map of Brand Trails
Map of Brand Trails

Getting there:

From the north: Drive south on US-191 for 22 miles south of I-70. From Moab, drive 7 miles north from the Colorado River on 191. When you see the Gemini Bridges parking area, look for a gravel road on the opposite side (east, away from the cliffs). Turn onto the gravel road and immediately go right, then right again into the parking area. GPS N 38° 39.38' W 109° 40.66'. The trail starts by riding the gravel road either north or south. Our ride description assumes you'll ride south out of the parking lot, counterclockwise on the Bar M.

Riding resources for this trail:
Single-page riding guide
GPS track files (right-click and "Save as..."):
   Track Killer B only
   GPX file all Moab Brand area trails
High-res topo (500 KB):  View
Lodging, camping, shops:   Links to Moab area resources