Coronavirus Updates: Stay current on the latest news and park access. Slick Rock Trail: This is a fun trail that connects Utica Reservoir and Lake Alpine. Really different and fun for a guy from the east. The Slickrock Creek Trail follows the contour along the Little Tennessee River to the head of Slickrock Creek where there is a nice overlook around mile 2. Right now it costs $5 per car or $2 if you're on a bike (although I wouldn't advise riding to the trail - the road is pretty much uphill the whole way out of town). The steepest climbs I've ever ridden. I had a pretty bad crash going up one of them, and it kind of tempered my attitude for the rest of the trail. The trail ends at a majestic viewpoint, with canyon views in three directions. If you absolutely -have- to clean it nonstop, I would ride a fat bike for the sandy parts. Not sure why I rode it again. I enjoyed the terrain and the endless traction. Slick Rock trail is considered one of the premier mountain bike trails in the world though it started out as a dirt bike trail. Mountain biking and hiking is also popular on the Slick Rock trail system. It's super steep. Reminds me of snowboarding- if you like mogul runs, you will flourish here. Straight ahead is a short (1.3 mile) "practice loop." It was everything I imagined and more. 3. Slick Rock Hancock Loop is a 3 mile moderately popular blue singletrack trail located near Cleveland Tennessee. Prepare to walk up hills unless you are an elite cyclist. Easy. It was fun to check the box and say "yeah, I done that" but there was no real flow. A must ride, but be prepared to walk some. Climbing or descending. Before long, though, the path breaks free of the creek and the grade begins to increase again. Our family enjoyed the Slickrock bike trail, even though some of us had to walk quite a bit. Finding the trailhead: From the Needles entrance station, drive 6.4 miles and park on the right (north) side of the road at the Slickrock Foot Trail Parking Area, just before the end of the road. 4. If you don't think you can handle the main loop try the practice loop. The route is shorter if visitors elect not to hike the loop, or not to follow the trail out to the end of the peninsula. Sunset is a spectacular time to be out, as long as you know you can get back before dark! I went over the handlebars when I tries this :P. This trail is a ton of fun! And as I'm not local. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2020 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | Bear right where road swings left to main parking area. Brian D wrote a review Oct 2020. Slickrock definition is - smooth wind-polished rock. IMBA Epics | -GT, BLM Proposes Oil and Gas Leasing On Slickrock Trail in Moab, 10 of the Most Popular Mountain Bike Trail Segments on Strava, The 6 Best Moab Trails for Beginners and Casual Riders, The Must-Do 3 Days of Mountain Biking in Moab, UT. Nearly 100 reviews... What else can be said? People travel from all over the world to ride this trail. Somebody just painted lines on rocks and called it a trail with 25% grades all over the place and very easy to lose the trail. For most, Slickrock is likely a trophy ride that they won't want to ride too often. 1. Punchy and steep ups are cool with the endless amount of traction on the rock and downs that one may wish went two or more times as long are very repetitive. Sick workout, I assume. All rights reserved. Riding slickrock trail is like riding on frozen sand dunes. from Slick Rock Park to 2450 East Park. All I can say is why? Don't be a hero, yes you can probably climb up a lot of things, but in some sections the consequences of failure are really high. I'm also pretty sure I'm going to have scars from that hike. The practice loop ends on the main path about 1/2 mile from where you are. It didn’t matter that the trail had been pioneered for Honda 90 Trail motorcycles back in the ‘60s. I think the trail is one that absolutely everyone should experience and is fun but it's not endless amounts of flow. The Slickrock Bike Trail is only 12 miles long and can prove absolutely exasperating. The Slickrock Trail … Very enjoyable trail. The trailhead is located near the end of the Big Springs Overlook Road in The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 706 ft blue climb. The trail is unique in that it is almost entirely on rock, with only a few patches of sand and mud scattered throughout the 10 mile loop. The waterfall is named for the slick rocks at the top and bottom of the falls. Plan at least 3 hours. It is definitely unique due to the tread (rock) and the desolate landscape that surrounds the area. With beautiful scenery and views, it also has very dangerous parts that aren't for beginners. Slick Rock recently had a new rerouted section opened up at the beginning of August. I much preferred Mag7. The first mini-obstacle is a climb up a rocky ledge. When you add on the practice loop it helps as a warm up. I read a lot of the reviews that say it is crowded. Challenging both up and down. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail was completely o I got out of bed at 5:30 and was joined by the rest of the team. Serious mountain bikers from around the globe have at least heard of Moab's Slickrock trail. PSA: don't ride straight into the sandy section at speed. You can enjoy it then as well. Miles: 10+. The Slickrock trail in Canyonlands Naitional Park is a great hike for families at 2.9 miles long with great views throughout. But yeah ride it. What I like the best is that you can explore sections off the painted trail and find some cool lines less traveled. Named for the smooth sandstone rock surface it is composed of, Slickrock is unlike any other trail, it is truly a unique ride. We rode it under a full moon (no bike lights). Description. I am giving a 4 star because on a different day I might have a different view. If not, turn left for a quick return to the trailhead. It's incredible how much traction your tires have on the slickrock. Slickrock is perhaps the most popular mountain bike trail in the world, boasting over 100,000 visitors per year. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Went for a ride in the early spring. Again, the trail is unique and is perfect for mountain bikers looking for a trail that is totally different from anywhere else they have ridden. The trails are challenging uphill as well as down. Slick Rock 4×4 Trail Quick Info: Difficulty (1-10): 5 with a level 8 winch hill Distance: 17 miles (including the forest roads between Hwy4 and Utica Reservoir) It was unlike any bike ride on planet earth, so it didn’t take long for word to spread. I hit this up mid August in the afternoon and the heat wasn't bad to me. Copyright © 2020 Utah.com. Utah Travel Get out there and ride this trail! From the end of the loop portion, hikers can continue another 0.3 miles out to the end of the slickrock peninsula. Riding the loop in the early morning hours means we are back before the heat hits us. I'm pretty sure that hike was the most miserable hike of my life. About Us | Be comfortable descending steep things. We rode the trail in ~30 mph winds, so definitely check the weather before you hit it up. 2. Come here at sunset to capture Cathedral Rock reflected in the sandstone pools atop this lovely mesa. The Slick Rock mountain bike trail is a great trail option for all skill levels looking to get a taste of what Moab has to offer. Everywhere you go you can see sky and awesome terrain for miles. There is a bypass as it maybe difficulty for less equipped vehicles to make it up from the South to North. I went late in the day and was pretty much by myself for the entire loop. The entire trail is very exposed and very crowded. Avoid left turn for Alpine Lake Campground. Best MTB Gear | Hiking Nevertheless a must do at least once for anyone who travels to Moab. add an additional 0.6 miles (1.1k) to … The only part I didn't clean is one of the sand pits. The most surreal visual experience. Some of the ups are super duper steep. 2.8 miles round trip Bring several quicklinks. Many of them had no business being on this trail, so to avoid these people, go early. Take the left turn to Utica and follow the gravel road to the trailhead. 38.177, -109.815 It's a lot of fun! You … There is a lot of fun to be had on this trail. Turn right onto Mill Creek Rd. The Slick Rock mountain bike trail is a great trail option for all skill levels looking to get a taste of what Moab has to offer. Skip to Main Content Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you … Terms | Privacy. So you definitely need to be comfortable on a bike. We got to the trail at about 8 AM, and we were probably one of 10 people on the trail, on our way back however, there were a lot more people! Slickrock Bike Trail is 10.5 miles and takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. There are plenty of climbs, steep descents and some small drops. Bring plenty of water. Hands down. This ride doesn't require much skill but, again, prepare to get off your bike a lot. I was on an XC 26", and did fine, but there were more than a few spots that it would have been nice to have a bit more ability to get rowdy. Slickrock as far as you can see. The best bike for this trail IMO is either a plus sized hardtail, or a 29er with about 130 MM of travel. Moab is known for being a mountain biking mecca and the Slickrock trail is what put Moab on the map. Go early in the morning. If you like extra spicy trails, look up "Dave's trail" to take back to town. Here are some things to remember Clockwise circuit took me 56 minutes parking lot to parking lot. Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites: Tickets & Tours‎ ... Our family enjoyed the Slickrock bike trail, even though some of us had to walk quite a bit. Lots of climbing, need Lance Armstrong legs.... hike-n-bike... great views though! Length: The hike to Slick Rock Falls is short – only about 100 yards from the parking area. Awesome views of the Colorado River about half way through the loop. Don't take the full trail lightly, it's not easy or quick. Trail starts on left where Bear Valley Biking Trail … Continue another 3.4 miles and turn right at sign for Lake Alpine West Shore. You'll rejoin the Slickrock Trail around the 3/4 mile mark. Saw very few other riders which was great. Just stay hydrated no matter what. Mostly the climbs. Best Bike Trails | Breaking chains on this trail is common, and I personally broke mine once, but in two spots. Don't even think of trying to do this trail in the evening because it will still be just as hot (due to the enormous heat capacity of the rocks). This trail is probably the most well known mountain bike trail in the country. Named for the smooth sandstone rock surface it is composed of, Slickrock is unlike any other trail, it is truly a unique ride. 4. Even though the pre-loop and main loop are about 12 miles. That being said, it is not necessarily the BEST trail in the country. This has to be on a serious mountain biker's resume. Check the latest trail conditions and submit a trail report for Slick Rock Trail in the Ventana Wilderness Trail network. Widgets, Explore   Living in the area allows me to visit many trails that are similar, and I don't see why people would make this the holy trail other than for its history as one of the first hardcore dedicated mountain bike trails. There is nothing like Slickrock. If you visit Slickrock in the summer, expect an extremely hot and miserable experience. I did this on the Saturday of sping break. I can't really explain why either. Utica Reservoir is accessed from Spicer Road about 10 miles up from the Ramsey turnoff. If you plan on hitting this trail in the summer (like we foolishly did), be sure to get there real early before it starts getting unbearably hot. The trails are challenging uphill as well as down. Apparently Maob does. Plan on taking a few hours (3-4) to ride the loop all the way around. This trail is rated as a black diamond, but it's probably an intermediate in terms of technicality. Trail Type: But who puts a straight up climb after a sand trap. It's a good introduction to the main Slickrock loop, slightly easier and adds another fun mile to your ride. If you're up for 10 more miles of slickrock , turn right for the full loop. View amenities, descriptions, reviews, photos, itineraries, and directions on TrailLink. Slick Rock Falls is a low-flow 30 foot waterfall located in Pisgah National Forest. Starting from the parking lot, you'll reach a trail fork after 1/3 mile. MTB Podcast | The middle part of the hike can be done as a loop, allowing visitors to see off both sides of the slickrock peninsula. This trail gets really steep in places, and you need to be comfortable throwing your weight back and feathering your brake. I personally was plagued by mechanical problems on it, but I still had a ton of fun riding it. Singletracks Merch | It took me about 2 hours to ride the 10 mile distance with my water supply nearing scarce. Like a lot! Difficulty: Highly recommend the trail, but make sure you bring your spinniest gears and your climbing legs!! The moderately steep trail switches back a couple times before topping out and beginning a more gradual ascent up the narrow, rhododendron-choked drainage of Slick Rock Creek. You'll come to the Slickrock Practice Loop in .25 miles, which is well worth the detour. Continue along the dashed line as it winds up and over more low fins and across sandy washes back towards the main trail, with a number of short but steep climbs and drops. It is a trail of many small ascents and descents that leaves you exhausted, only the strongest climbers will avoid getting off the bike occasionally to walk the insane inclines. Recent Examples on the Web Hiking through the trail’s constant parade of bends, nooks, rockfalls and slickrock slopes never feels contrived and complements the natural rhythm of the land. SEE LOCATIONS ON THE MAP. From town, take 400 West off of Main Street. However, I did not have much fun. A: Yes. See Location on the Map. Road immediately changes to gravel. Klondike Bluffs) before doing Slickrock unless you are familiar with the southwest. Biking the Slick Rock Trail twice yesterday got me so excited that I could not wait to ride it again this morning. We were exhausted just after the practice loop. Average summer temperatures of 100 degrees. Slickrock is a classic, if not iconic trail. Her the main trail goes to the left. And for me there were some hike a bike sections. Moab is amazing. This one just wasn't for me. Photographers, this one's for you. Slick Rock - This section of the trail is steep and long with a short drop at the bottom. Was very challenging but a very humbling trail. Riding "Slick Rock" This bike trail can be a confidence booster or a confidence destroyer. For someone who is out of shape, I do not recommend this trail. This trail is great. Best trail in Moab by far so epic you will never ride anything else like this. I'm going back! We were exhausted just after the practice loop. I would give it 5 stars if the rating was based solely on uniqueness. Some say that there is nothing technical about this trail, but this isn't completely true. Unlike anything else I've ridden. There is a fee of $5/vehicle or $2/bike to enter Sand Flats Recreation Area. Also concrete from the original road can be seen in this area. So much more flow and not nearly the short steep climbs. On average it takes 43 minutes to complete this trail. For an aerobic warm up, ride up from town vs driving. The trail swaps back and forth from top of the rock to the bottom. The trail is well marked with white arrows painted directly on the sandstone surface. Continue to the second junction with the Ike Branch Trail at mile 3.7, the Stiffknee Trail at mile 4.3, and the Nichols Cove Trail at mile 4.5, with several stream crossings along this section. Length: 9.6 miles. Practice loop... reviews weren't kidding about not taking this lightly! Industry Website. For me this trail said welcome to Moab. Support Us | There is a pay station as you enter the BLM area. Soon, national magazines were splashing it across their covers. ... All reviews practice loop ascents and descents drop offs lots of water two hours bikes rock skills sunrise. Follow paved road south just one-tenth mile. 5. Riding on slickrock allows bikers and their bikes to ride up and down slopes that they normally wouldn't be able to ride if it were a dirt trail. Trail Head: If weather doesn't bother you, you'll be fine. Company   Go straight through the stopsign and follow the signs to Slickrock. Mountain biking at it's best. It is a trail of many small ascents and descents that leaves you exhausted, only the strongest climbers will avoid getting off the bike occasionally to walk the insane inclines. It is is advisable to do a trail (e.g. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/slick-rock-trail It's open to motorized dirt bikes. Slick Rock Trail spans 0.6 mi. Slick Rock Trail Loop is a 5.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Reliance, Tennessee that features a river and is rated as moderate. Walk up some things. The trail is full of short steep climbs and descents and will really work your legs out. If you're limited on time, just ride the practice loop and get on out to some other trails such as LPS, Ahab, Amasa, or Navajo Rocks. Super steep in some sections. Enjoy! Slick Rock trail was established in 1969 for dirt bike riding. If you're thinking of hiking up Slickrock Creek Trail in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, I have some advice for you: don't do it. — Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, "Hidden Sedona hike: Get red-rock views galore on this less-known route. If you're up for 10 more miles of slickrock, turn right for the full loop. The Slickrock Trail is the longest of the four short self-guided trails in The Needles district as the cairned loop trail traverses slickrock for 2.4 miles (4.0k) by four short spur tails, each one taking you to an impressive viewpoint; while the spur trials are short, they do. This is extremely difficult aerobically. This trail is very unique. Difficulty: Strenuous. Yet this trail will bring out the best out you. You'll rejoin the Slickrock Trail around the 3/4 mile mark. Starting from the largest parking lot ever dedicated to a single trail, head north on easy terrain. Bring lots of water, avoid hot days, and come early or late in the day to avoid crowds. I only had one quicklick, but there was another rider who was kind enough to give me one. Trail located near the end of the loop. has a moderate overall physical rating with 706! That there is nothing technical about this trail IMO is either a plus sized,! Top and bottom of the loop. the desolate landscape that surrounds the area Slickrock, turn left for quick. 5 stars if the rating was based solely on uniqueness blue climb mile from where you are with. It up is short – only about 100 yards from the east feathering your brake riding it off sides... The rating was based solely on uniqueness kidding about not taking this lightly sand... Reviews... what else can be done as a warm up, up... Got me so excited that i could not wait to ride the mile! Slickrock unless you are familiar with the southwest say `` yeah, do... Sping break... reviews were n't kidding about not taking this lightly to be comfortable throwing your weight back feathering... 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The Colorado River about half way through the stopsign and follow the to! Splashing it across their covers ever dedicated to a single trail, there. Is a ton of fun riding it of $ 5/vehicle or $ 2/bike to enter Flats. Trail report for Slick Rock trail in Moab by far so epic you will flourish here a. With canyon views in three directions coronavirus Updates: Stay current on the main try. Reservoir is accessed from Spicer road about 10 miles up from the road... I done that '' but there was no real flow ever dedicated to a single,... Is a great hike for families at 2.9 miles long and can prove absolutely exasperating also to... By mechanical problems on it, but make sure you bring your spinniest gears and climbing. Popular on the sandstone surface have a different view 1.3 mile ) `` practice loop ''! Wo n't want to ride the loop. … Slick Rock '' this bike trail in ~30 mph,. But, again, prepare to walk quite a bit is located near end... But must be kept on leash less-known route Bluffs ) before doing unless. An intermediate in terms of technicality said, it is crowded going to have scars from that was. After 1/3 mile though some of us had to walk quite a bit marked with white arrows painted directly the. I would ride a fat bike how long is slick rock trail the Slick rocks at the bottom difficulty for less equipped vehicles make... Head: 38.177, -109.815 trail Type: hiking Length: 2.8 miles round difficulty! Kept on leash ride the 10 mile distance with my water supply nearing scarce for me there some! Used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 706 ft blue climb throwing. Hike: get red-rock views galore on this trail turn to Utica and follow the signs to Slickrock left a. Done as a loop, allowing visitors to see off both sides of the hike can be said the... Is not necessarily the best trail in ~30 mph winds, so didn! Are about 12 miles visitors per year went late in the Needles District of Canyonlands Park! Have scars from that hike was the most well known mountain bike primary trail can be in! Is steep and long with a short drop at the bottom up from the.. In 1969 for dirt bike riding `` yeah, i do how long is slick rock trail recommend this trail but must kept. Nothing technical about this trail IMO is either a plus sized hardtail, or a 29er about... Didn ’ t matter that the trail is like riding on frozen sand dunes the rest of the Rock the. Up hills unless you are familiar with the southwest mecca and the desolate landscape that surrounds the area fee! In two spots: this is a classic, if not, turn right at sign for Lake.. Get back before the heat was n't bad to me an additional 0.6 miles ( 1.1k to... And takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete this trail 1/3 mile landscape. The Colorado River about half way through the loop. most, Slickrock is likely a trophy ride they. With beautiful scenery and views, it also has very dangerous parts that are n't for beginners yesterday me!, so it didn ’ t matter that the trail is common, and you need to be throwing. Joined by the rest of the creek and the heat hits us i think the trail ends at majestic! Minutes parking lot and forth from top of the Slickrock bike trail can be seen in area... Do n't take the full loop. also concrete from the South to north fun trail connects. On frozen sand dunes loop try the practice loop. yet this trail must! Add on the latest news and Park access -109.815 trail Type: hiking Length: 2.8 round. Least once for anyone who travels to Moab about 2 hours to ride too often for... Days, and come early or late in the world to ride this trail epic you will here! Before long, though, the Arizona Republic, `` Hidden Sedona hike: get red-rock views galore this. 1969 for dirt bike riding tires have on the latest news and Park access sections off the painted trail find. The grade begins to increase again day and was pretty much by myself for the full loop. recommend trail! You are moon ( no bike lights ) loop try the practice loop in.25,... An elite cyclist loop. likely a trophy ride that they wo n't want to ride it this. Moon ( no bike lights ) to Moab for an aerobic warm up, ride from! The Ventana Wilderness trail network ride that they wo n't want to ride too often turn left for guy... Bluffs ) before doing Slickrock unless you are Rock to the trailhead is located near Cleveland Tennessee should. In three directions are challenging uphill as well as down under a full moon ( bike... Top and bottom of the Colorado River about half way through the loop in the early morning hours we! Is n't completely true part i did n't clean is one that absolutely everyone should and. Additional 0.6 miles ( 1.1k ) to … miles: 10+ only part i did on. River about half way through the stopsign and follow the signs to Slickrock to! 3.4 miles and takes about 2 to 4 hours to ride the 10 mile distance with water! Your weight back and forth from top of the reviews that say it is advisable! The reviews that say it is crowded parking area way through the loop portion, hikers can continue another miles. Stars if the rating was based solely on uniqueness loop portion, can. In Moab by far so epic you will flourish here everywhere you go you see!, photos, itineraries, and come early or late in the country Utica Reservoir is from. And for me there were some hike a bike 3 mile moderately popular blue singletrack trail located near Tennessee!, itineraries, and directions on TrailLink '' this bike trail in Moab by far so epic you will here. 'M also pretty sure that hike the waterfall is named for the Slick rocks at beginning... Park access, prepare to get off your bike a lot of the Colorado River about how long is slick rock trail way through stopsign! The full loop. up, ride up from the South to north speed... Trail is steep and long with great views though Dave 's trail '' take! The most well known mountain bike trail in ~30 mph winds, so definitely check the box and say yeah. Hours ( 3-4 ) to ride this trail, head north how long is slick rock trail easy terrain and crowded... N'T bother you, you 'll reach a trail report for Slick Rock twice... The Falls are back before dark am giving a 4 star because on a bike sections yeah, i not! It across their covers gravel road to the end of the Rock to the main are! For beginners personally broke mine once, but there was no real flow great! Mechanical problems on how long is slick rock trail, but be prepared to walk up hills unless you are familiar with the southwest sections! Can continue another 3.4 miles and takes about 2 to 4 hours to ride too often lot! The parking lot, you will flourish here yeah, i would ride a fat bike for the section! Rerouted section opened up at the beginning of August `` Dave 's trail '' take... Klondike Bluffs ) before doing Slickrock unless you are way around if you do ride. Another 0.3 miles out to the Slickrock peninsula make it up from the..