View from the trail overlooking the Colorado

Porcupine Rim Trail
The Porcupine Rim Trail is the "other" famous ride at Moab. At 15.6 miles, this ride has spots that require expert technical skills, but an intermediate rider can manage with an occasional dismount. It's one-way with a shuttle car, or a 34-mile loop for the truly insane (10 uphill miles from Moab to the trailhead, 8 flat miles from Jackass Canyon back to the middle of Moab).

The ride begins with a 3 mile climb up rocky ledges on a wide-track trail. This is a moderately strenuous climb, gaining 1000 feet to an altitude of 6,800 feet. Reaching Porcupine Rim, you'll find a mob of young buff bikers admiring the view of Castle Valley to the north.
The real ride begins at the Rim. This is primo downhill advanced technical stuff, dropping off a gazillion small rocky ledges, with the last 3 miles a hairy single-track on the edge of deadly cliffs. From the Rim, you'll drop 2,700 vertical feet to the Colorado River over 11 unforgettable miles. The trail is well-marked and well-traveled. Just stay on the main route.

Porcupine Rim Trail Map

Getting there: The Porcupine Rim Trail begins on the Sand Flats Road, reached by turning left off Moab's main drag onto 300 South, then right when the road ends, then second left. From the entry gate, drive 7 miles. The trailhead is on the left, near the small cattle-watering tanks. (Leave your shuttle car in Moab, or at the Negro Bill Canyon parking area on highway 128 north of Moab.)

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Trail conditions change, and the layout of a trail may change without notice. Use this trail guide at your own risk.