Canyonlands is a high desert with elevation ranging between 4,000 to 6, 000 feet. With its range of slick rock, dirt roads and forested trails, Canyonlands offers cyclists a range of remarkable riding experiences.

The riding season begins in March and ends in November. Spring and fall are the best times for extended trips since hot summer days discourage riding.

Island in the Sky

White Rim Road
Estimated time: 102 miles, 3-4 days.
Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult
Trail description: road surface varies

A very popular ride. Support vehicle (4x4) and reservations recommended. Has cliffs along rim. Tour the northern rim of the park on this trail that winds 2000 feet above the Colorado and Green Rivers.

Needles

Colorado River Overlook
Estimated time: 14 miles, 4 hrs. r-t.
Level of difficulty: easy to moderate
Trail description: rough slickrock

Water in season. Gorgeous scenery all along all the trail; especially at the Overlook, 1000-feet down. The advice, then, don't rush the ride; rather, enjoy the view.

Elephant Hill Access Road
Estimated time: 6 miles, 1 hr. r.t
Level of difficulty: easy
Trail description: graded gradually.

Start at Squaw Flat campground. This is the easier of the Elephant Hill trails, though there are some sandy, rocky sections. No water.

Elephant Hill 4-Wheel Road
Estimated time: +/-20 miles, 5 hrs. to 2 days
Level of difficulty: difficult
Trail description: Rough, steep

Some sand, no water. There's scenic rewards and backcountry access on this route. Watch for one-way sign.

Beef Basin Loop
Estimated time: +/-100mi, 2-5 days
Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult
Trail description: muddy after rain.

Start at Cottonwood Canyon. Water in season. Goes over Elephant Hill.

Salt, Horse, Davis and Lavender Canyons

Not recommended. Deep, soft sands.

Maze

Panorama Point, Cleopatras Chair
Estimated time: 21 miles, 1+ days
Level of difficulty: easy to moderate
Trail description:

No water. Scenic views.

Horseshoe Canyon East Entrance
Estimated time: 44 miles, 2 days
Level of difficulty: moderate
Trail description: steep sandy sections.

Rough descent into canyon. Sand in bottom. It's 1.5 miles to fascinating rock art.

Maze Overlook
Estimated time: 40 miles, 2 days
Level of difficulty:easy to moderate
Trail description: steep descents and steep sand.

Don't drink even treated water in big Water Canyon. The Maze experience at its purest: nothing but desert and rocks

The Doll House
Estimated time: 50 miles, 3+ days
Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult
Trail description: slickrock, deep sand

Start at Flint Trail. . Slickrock in Teapot Canyon, deep sand in Waterhole and North Flats.

Standing Rocks
Estimated time: 78 miles, 3+ days
Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult.

Start at Ranger Station. Slickrock in Teapot Canyon, deep sand in Waterhole and North Flats.

Most Maze District rides cross Canyonlands National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Differing regulations apply in each area. Check at the Hans Flat Ranger Station for specific regulations.

For Your Safety

Mountain bike riding in a national park requires extra care to protect yourself and the natural and cultural features. All routes are on existing unpaved and fourwheel-drive roads. Riding on foot trails, closed roads or cross-country is prohibited. Pets may not accompany bicycles. Up-to-date information on weather, water availability and road conditions can mean the difference between life and death. Stop at a visitor center, ranger station or park office for current information.

Fragile desert soils and plants are easily damaged by off-road hiking and riding. Do not disturb the black crusts on top of the soil. These 'cryptobiotic crusts' are living plants and protect the desert from erosion. Leave your bike along the road while hiking to viewpoints. Do not ride off-road to avoid sand or mud.

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