Maps and Route Options for Moab Century Tour
Moab Century Tour
September in Moab can be great, with warm sunny days and cool (hoodie required!) evenings. Plus with any luck, we’ll be witness to some amazing fall foliage on day two as we cycle up, into, and through the La Sal Mountains just south of town.
The Routes
On day 1 (Saturday) we offer 3 different routes that have options for all skill levels. On day 2 (Sunday) we all head south out of Moab to conquer the La Sal Mountain Loop road, including the infamous section known as THE BIG NASTY. :)
Below you will find more route information as well as GPS topographical links that really visually portray the topographical shifts throughout the rides as well as the elevation changes.
DAY 1: OPTION 1, THE RIVER PORTAL ROUTE
Mileage: 38 miles
Elevation Change: 500'
This out and back route travels Highway 279 and is a favorite among local roadies because of its unbroken cadence. After passing through the rocky outcropping called "The Portal," the Colorado River begins its cut through the impressive sandstone. The road meanders alongside the tranquil river, maintaining a flat profile through some of the most astounding topography imaginable. Red rock walls rise hundreds of feet straight up from the shoulder of the road as it cuts tightly along the river. Pullover at "Wall Street" and enjoy a drink of water as you spot climbers plying the walls next to 1,000-year-old Anasazi petroglyphs carved in the ancient rock wall.
DAY 1: OPTION 2, DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK
Mileage: 60 miles
Elevation Change: 3800'
Enjoy the bike path all the way to Hwy 313 as you ride out of town and past Arches National Park. Once on Hwy 313 you begin the climb from the valley floor to the Mesa top above Moab, all the way to the incredible Dead Horse Point State Park for a spectacular overview at the Earth's edge viewing the Colorado River two thousand feet below. Enjoy the reward of the descent as you wind back down 313, the freshly paved bike path, and crossing the mighty Colorado River.
DAY 1: OPTION 3, DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK & RIVER PORTAL
Mileage: 100 miles
Elevation Change: 4,300'
This route combines the Dead Horse Point State Park route with the River Portal route for a full day of fun! Start off on the paved bike path north to Highway 313. Follow the route to Dead Horse Point State Park for a spectacular overview at the Earth's edge viewing the Colorado River two thousand feet below. As you descend back to town, turn at Hwy 279 to access the River Portal Route. This combined route will leave you with a sense of accomplishment for a day of life spent well!
DAY 2: LA SAL MOUNTAIN LOOP ROAD
Mileage: 64 miles
Elevation Change: 5,500'
A route worthy of your cycling resume! Traveling from the scenic valley of Moab into the aspen lined foliage of the La Sal Mountains, through red rock spires of Castle Valley and towering sandstone cliffs along the Colorado River, this route with its beautiful vistas, will feed your soul.
The La Sal Mountain Loop route offers an incredible collection of cycling pleasures. Foremost, it incorporates all of the iconic landscapes Moab has to offer. Towering red rock canyons flush with the meandering Colorado River, the majestic La Sal Mountains, roadways arrowing through vast views of the mystical desert. As if this were not enough, there is the challenge of a steep climb to ascend from the valley floor straight up into the mountains within a short 7-mile stretch, nicknamed ‘the Big Nasty’.
Certainly, a climb worthy of bragging rights on anyone’s cycling resume, you experience grades rarely seen on roadways. Realizing the expert nature of this climb may not be for everyone, look for our convenient support vehicles when you have had enough and let us help you to the top. Cycling the upper contours of the mountains is not to be missed, so save some energy! Vast mountain views begin to emerge the approaching descent back down to the canyons below.
Starting as a winding passage through Aspen groves along the mountainside, the roadway changes into a diving ribbon-cutting straight through the lower desert landscape. Here you enjoy the long-lasting joy of high speed with an effortless spin of the pedals. As the Colorado River grows near in sight, the anticipation of carving through the energized red rock canyons returns. Once in the canyon along the river, you are treated to an epic spin to the finish!
REGISTER FOR MOAB CENTURY TOUR
Are you ready to tackle one or both days of the Moab Century Tour? That’s great!
Use the button below to reserve your spot and check out the commemorative merch options as well.
