Moab Ride Guide
Moab is red-rock country — towering canyon walls, the Colorado River, and pavement that winds between national parks. Famous for mountain biking, it's a stunning road-riding base too, best enjoyed outside the summer furnace.
Climatology
High-desert extremes: blazing summers (65–100°F+) and mild, sunny winters (20–50°F). Spring and fall are glorious and dry; summer afternoons are dangerously hot and bring brief monsoon storms. Shade is scarce, so water and timing are everything.
Season by season
Spring
Mar–MayThe prime window — warm days, cool nights, perfect rock. Wind can pick up in afternoons.
Summer
Jun–AugBrutally hot. Ride at first light, carry far more water than feels necessary, and stop by mid-morning.
Fall
Sep–OctThe other golden season — stable, dry, and comfortable once the heat breaks.
Winter
Nov–FebCool and quiet; ride the sunny afternoons and watch for ice in shaded canyon bottoms.
Signature rides
La Sal Mountain Loop
60 miA massive climb from desert floor into alpine forest on the La Sals — a true epic with thousands of feet of gain.
Potash Road (Hwy 279)
32 miFlat, jaw-dropping out-and-back along the Colorado River beneath red cliffs and petroglyphs. The classic easy spin.
Dead Horse Point (Hwy 313)
46 miA steady mesa climb to one of the West's great overlooks. Exposed and windy up top — save it for a cool morning.
Frequently asked
Is Moab a good place to cycle?
Moab is red-rock country — towering canyon walls, the Colorado River, and pavement that winds between national parks. Famous for mountain biking, it's a stunning road-riding base too, best enjoyed outside the summer furnace.
What is the weather like for cycling in Moab?
High-desert extremes: blazing summers (65–100°F+) and mild, sunny winters (20–50°F). Spring and fall are glorious and dry; summer afternoons are dangerously hot and bring brief monsoon storms. Shade is scarce, so water and timing are everything.
What are the best bike rides in Moab?
Standout routes include La Sal Mountain Loop (60 mi), Potash Road (Hwy 279) (32 mi), Dead Horse Point (Hwy 313) (46 mi).
Nearby guides
From the blog
What the 0–10 Ride Score means, which weather factors drive it, and how to use it to pick the best day and time to ride.
A temperature-by-temperature guide to dressing for cold-weather cycling — from cool 60°F mornings down to freezing rides.
Wind is the most underrated factor in cycling. Here's how to read it and plan routes so the hardest effort comes first.
Want today's Ride Score and what to wear in Moab?