Biking in Arches National Park

Arches offers great opportunity for road biking on pavement and mountain biking on dirt roads. Bikes are permitted only on established roads - there is no trail riding in the park.

Road bikers usually stay on the main park scenic drive, and the spurs that go to the Windows and Delicate Arch areas. These roads do not have bike lanes and traffic can be heavy.

Mountain bikers enjoy riding the Salt Valley and Willow Springs roads, with their associated spurs. These dirt roads are sandy and washboardy in spots. They are not considered great rides in and of themselves, but are worthwhile because of the scenery.

Early morning is a great time to ride in Arches because traffic is low. On the dirt roads, sunrise bikers can avoid much of the dust stirred up by automobiles. Summer afternoons can be very hot.

The Klondike Bluffs jeep trail is a popular biking route just west of the park. It is mostly slickrock and is rated as a good choice for riders who are new to the unique Moab-area terrain. The trail provides foot access to the Klondike Bluffs area in Arches National Park. Vehicles, including bikes, must stop at the park boundary. Hikers can continue on into this scenic area.

Numerous popular mountain bike trails can be found in the Moab area outside the park.