Moab Road Bike Riding

The secret is out….

The secret is out– and skinny tires are in! Whether you ride for fun or like to push the pace for training, Moab has some of the best road bike riding in the West! The terrain varies from mild to wild, with flats, rolling hills and steep sections to really get your heart pumping. The La Sal loop road is the Grandaddy of them all with terrain similar to what you would find in a Tour de France stage. (65 miles with 5500 feet of climbing) You won’t find a more scenic place for road cycling.

Moab Road Bike Riding on the Castle Valley Road.

Our year-round weather is ideal for road cycling. In summer, ride early in the day and enjoy the cool breeze you generate as you pedal along. In winter, our sunny days and low precipitation make for ideal conditions to stay in shape and get a jump on the competition. Spring and fall in Redrock Country are legendary for the mild temperatures and perfect conditions. However, our weather conditions can change at any time of year so check the local forecast, carry appropriate clothing and bring plenty of water and food.

Moab is home to great road cycling events like the Skinny Tire Festival in March, the Moab Fondo Fest in May and the Moab Century Tour in September. Look for more details on our events page.

Moab Road Bike Riding

Recommended Road Biking Routes in Moab

Here’s our list of popular road biking routes.

1. Colorado River  / Potash Road Ride

  • Route: Generally starts on SR-191, following the paved bike path to Potash Road. This a very scenic, flat ride.
  • Elevation Profile: Very gentle gains—this is primarily flat, with minimal elevation shifts suitable for steady cruising.
  • Best Seasons: Spring and fall—pleasant temperatures and lower traffic. Summer mid-day heat can be intense. Early mornings are ideal.

2. La Sal Mountain Loop Road

  • Route: Loop via Hwy 191 into Castle Valley, ascending into the La Sal Mountains, then descending via Hwy 128 and returning. This is a ~63.5 mi expert loop with ~5,900 ft of elevation gain.
  • Elevation Profile: A strenuous climb—approximately 5,900 ft gain—followed by a thrilling high-speed descent.
  • Best Seasons: Late spring to early fall. Be cautious of snow at higher elevations in early spring or late fall. Summer can be hot; consider starting early.

3. Moab Bike Path — Moab Canyon Pathway (Moab to Moab Giants)

  • Route: This nearly 13-mile paved trail runs from near Hwy 313 to Main Street in Moab, passing through dramatic red rock canyons, passing Arches National Park and Bar-M (Moab Brands Mountain Bike Trails).
  • Elevation Profile: A gradual climb overall, with a net elevation loss of about 527 ft (start ~4,492 ft, end ~3,967 ft). Some steeper grades may be encountered in sections.
  • Best Seasons: Spring and fall ideal. Summer mornings are manageable; midday heat is intense.

4. Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky (via Hwy 313)

  • Route: A paved ride up Hwy 313 leading to Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky mesa. Strong gradients, multiple switchbacks.
  • Elevation Profile: Significant sustained climbing—tough but rewarding—ascending over mesa to spectacular overlooks.
  • Best Seasons: Spring and fall—moderate temperatures and less risk of extreme heat, making the climb more manageable.

We hope this inspires you to bring your road bike the next time you visit Moab. We have road bike parts and accessories in stock to keep you on the road. We have a large selection of road bike tires to choose from. When in town stop in the store and we will give you our FREE Road Bike Guide to Moab with all the great rides in the area. We not only know road bikes, we ride them.