Moab, Utah is known as the Mecca of off-road recreation with seemingly endless possibilities for adventure. It is centrally located near several popular National Parks and adorned with some of the most unique motorcycle riding North America has to offer. Favorable weather, an outdoor-oriented community and a heaping helping of small-town charm only sweeten the pot.

Diversity in terrain and riding that ranges from mild to wild in difficulty, all packed into one epicenter, make Moab a place everyone with love for motorsports should experience. However, with so many options for riding in this vast playground, it can be overwhelming to choose the most constructive way to spend your time. With that in mind, we compiled this list of five must-do adventure motorcycle rides in Moab, so you don’t have to worry about missing out.

1. Top of the World

This twenty-mile out and back trail leads to arguably the most epic viewpoint in Moab and is not to be missed. It is located just south of the Dewey Bridge crossing of the Colorado River, conveniently near several other routes. Although categorized as a moderate trail, extensive traffic and weather erosion in recent years has contributed to increased difficulty. Rock shelves, loose rock and waterfall style climbs are constant, save for a few miles of sandy switchbacks near the beginning/end of the trail.

Full-sized adventure bikes should be well equipped and operated by experienced riders ready for a workout. Although challenging, once you do reach the top of Waring Mesa views of Fisher Valley, Onion Creek, and the La Sal Mountains are enough to leave you awestruck. Be sure to allow enough time for slow moving technical sections and plenty of pictures at the overlook.

2. White Rim Road

Constructed in the 1950’s to enable access to uranium mines in the region, this fairytale road is considered one of the quintessential adventure motorcycle rides in Moab. Classified as moderately difficult, the only stand out challenges for an adventure bike are a few sections of deep sand and a handful of steep climbs/descents. Although, precipitation can make the road all but impassable due to landslides and mud so check conditions before you go.

At 100 miles (depending on deviations) this ride is a full day commitment especially when factoring in all of the fantastic vistas. Entry fee to Canyonlands National Park along with a day use permit (free) are required to travel White Rim making impromptu attempts impossible. Even with these hoops to jump through, it’s worth it; “Buy the ticket, take the ride!”

3. Lockhart Basin

Lockhart Basin is one of the classic Moab Jeep routes and a standout among its contemporaries based on remoteness, difficulty and unique scenery. Considered difficult, most of Lockhart is essentially an incredibly scenic two-track road. However, the route is smattered with a few very challenging obstacles.

Depending on the direction of travel, you will either be going down or up some very tricky rock waterfalls and tight slot canyons. It’s not unwise to have enough supplies and fuel in case you are forced to double back the way you came instead of riding through. Exciting roadside attractions include a plane crash, RV wreckage, and dislodged drivelines! This is another full-day route with several options for side trips like Chicken Corners on the north end and Newspaper Rock in the South.

4. Slickrock Trail

Perhaps one of the most technical adventure motorcycle rides in Moab, and certainly one of its most well known, we couldn’t leave Slickrock off this list. Created in 1969 for Honda Trail 90’s by a visionary named Richard R. Wilson, it now sees over 100,000 guests annually. Don’t let that fool you, Slickrock is not to be taken lightly on an adventure bike and is not recommended for anyone with less than advanced riding abilities. Mistakes on this trail can result in an expensive helicopter ride or worse yet DEATH. Interestingly enough the first recorded fatality on Slickrock was a motorcyclist in 1975 who fell over 600 feet to his death.

Despite the risks, this twelve-mile trail can be the experience of a lifetime for adventure riders. Why else would people travel from all over the world to ride these petrified dunes and eroded remnants of an ancient seabed? Managed by Sand Flats Recreation Area in conjunction with Grand County and Bureau of Land Management, there is a modest entrance fee that allows access to a plethora of world-renowned riding.

5. Kokopelli Trail

Stretching 142 miles from Moab to Loma, Colorado with elevations varying from 4,000 to 8,500 feet, it’s a beautiful trek custom fit for adventure riding. One of the most accessible trails in this lineup consisting primarily of Jeep roads, short sections of single-track and some pavement, this would be a great warm-up or wind-down ride while visiting the area. Named after the Native American symbol of fertility, Kokopelli; you will see some of the rawest beauty Utah and Colorado have to offer. Camping is available at a few BLM sites along the trail, making it an excellent overnight candidate, but there is no water so plan accordingly.

It is important to remember that there are no wrong choices when it comes to choosing adventure motorcycle rides in Moab. More importantly, if you do miss something epic, it’s a great excuse to go back and ride in the future. Feel free to share your favorite Moab rides in the comments below!

Photos: Spencer Hill

Author: Spencer Hill

“The Gear Dude” has been fueling his motorcycle addiction with adventure since first swinging his leg over a bike in 2010. Whether he’s exploring his own backyard in the Pacific Northwest or crisscrossing the United States, Spencer is always in search of scenic off-road routes, epic camping locations and the best gear possible. He began writing shortly after taking up two-wheel travel to share his experiences and offer insight with his extensive backpacking, camping and overland background.