Bring plenty of water. Highly recommend the trail, but make sure you bring your spinniest gears and your climbing legs!! If you're up for 10 more miles of slickrock, turn right for the full loop. Bring several quicklinks. This trail gets really steep in places, and you need to be comfortable throwing your weight back and feathering your brake. Apparently Maob does. 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. 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. What I like the best is that you can explore sections off the painted trail and find some cool lines less traveled. Best MTB Gear | The entire trail is very exposed and very crowded. The trail is full of short steep climbs and descents and will really work your legs out. MTB Podcast | It was everything I imagined and more. It is is advisable to do a trail (e.g. Some say that there is nothing technical about this trail, but this isn't completely true. 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. On average it takes 43 minutes to complete this trail. 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. Named for the smooth sandstone rock surface it is composed of, Slickrock is unlike any other trail, it is truly a unique ride. The practice loop ends on the main path about 1/2 mile from where you are. Mountain biking and hiking is also popular on the Slick Rock trail system. But who puts a straight up climb after a sand trap. I can't really explain why either. When you add on the practice loop it helps as a warm up. The trailhead is located near the end of the Big Springs Overlook Road in The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. I'm going back! Plan on taking a few hours (3-4) to ride the loop all the way around. If you're up for 10 more miles of slickrock , turn right for the full loop. I went late in the day and was pretty much by myself for the entire loop. Starting from the parking lot, you'll reach a trail fork after 1/3 mile. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. I'm also pretty sure I'm going to have scars from that hike. And as I'm not local. If you absolutely -have- to clean it nonstop, I would ride a fat bike for the sandy parts. There is a fee of $5/vehicle or $2/bike to enter Sand Flats Recreation Area. This trail is very unique. Slick Rock trail was established in 1969 for dirt bike riding. This trail is probably the most well known mountain bike trail in the country. Slick Rock Trail: This is a fun trail that connects Utica Reservoir and Lake Alpine. The trail is well marked with white arrows painted directly on the sandstone surface. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Yet this trail will bring out the best out you. Breaking chains on this trail is common, and I personally broke mine once, but in two spots. 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. Climbing or descending. 4. Go early in the morning. That being said, it is not necessarily the BEST trail in the country. add an additional 0.6 miles (1.1k) to … 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. Miles: 10+. Not sure why I rode it again. If weather doesn't bother you, you'll be fine. Enjoy! The trails are challenging uphill as well as down. Come here at sunset to capture Cathedral Rock reflected in the sandstone pools atop this lovely mesa. 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. Very enjoyable trail. 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). Straight ahead is a short (1.3 mile) "practice loop." Utah Travel The waterfall is named for the slick rocks at the top and bottom of the falls. You'll rejoin the Slickrock Trail around the 3/4 mile mark. Support Us | Copyright © 2020 Utah.com. Average summer temperatures of 100 degrees. Slick Rock recently had a new rerouted section opened up at the beginning of August. Terms | Privacy. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2020 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | Difficulty: Strenuous. It didn’t matter that the trail had been pioneered for Honda 90 Trail motorcycles back in the ‘60s. 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. This has to be on a serious mountain biker's resume. From town, take 400 West off of Main Street. The middle part of the hike can be done as a loop, allowing visitors to see off both sides of the slickrock peninsula. I hit this up mid August in the afternoon and the heat wasn't bad to me. I much preferred Mag7. Slick Rock Hancock Loop is a 3 mile moderately popular blue singletrack trail located near Cleveland Tennessee. People travel from all over the world to ride this trail. PSA: don't ride straight into the sandy section at speed. We were exhausted just after the practice loop. This ride doesn't require much skill but, again, prepare to get off your bike a lot. Many of them had no business being on this trail, so to avoid these people, go early. Named for the smooth sandstone rock surface it is composed of, Slickrock is unlike any other trail, it is truly a unique ride. 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) 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. Super steep in some sections. You'll come to the Slickrock Practice Loop in .25 miles, which is well worth the detour. The steepest climbs I've ever ridden. Walk up some things. There are plenty of climbs, steep descents and some small drops. We rode the trail in ~30 mph winds, so definitely check the weather before you hit it up. However, I did not have much fun. From the end of the loop portion, hikers can continue another 0.3 miles out to the end of the slickrock peninsula. I'm pretty sure that hike was the most miserable hike of my life. 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. I only had one quicklick, but there was another rider who was kind enough to give me one. 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. Widgets, Explore Coronavirus Updates: Stay current on the latest news and park access. Slick Rock Falls is a low-flow 30 foot waterfall located in Pisgah National Forest. Clockwise circuit took me 56 minutes parking lot to parking lot. Just stay hydrated no matter what. It took me about 2 hours to ride the 10 mile distance with my water supply nearing scarce. Slickrock is a classic, if not iconic trail. Mountain biking at it's best. 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. Hands down. Unlike anything else I've ridden. 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. Mostly the climbs. Trail Type: For someone who is out of shape, I do not recommend this trail. Moab is known for being a mountain biking mecca and the Slickrock trail is what put Moab on the map. You'll rejoin the Slickrock Trail around the 3/4 mile mark. Soon, national magazines were splashing it across their covers. 38.177, -109.815 Turn right onto Mill Creek Rd. A: Yes. Nevertheless a must do at least once for anyone who travels to Moab. I got out of bed at 5:30 and was joined by the rest of the team. I would give it 5 stars if the rating was based solely on uniqueness. The hike to Slick Rock Falls is short – only about 100 yards from the parking area. It is definitely unique due to the tread (rock) and the desolate landscape that surrounds the area. For most, Slickrock is likely a trophy ride that they won't want to ride too often. A must ride, but be prepared to walk some. The trail was completely o Awesome views of the Colorado River about half way through the loop. There is a bypass as it maybe difficulty for less equipped vehicles to make it up from the South to North. Really different and fun for a guy from the east. 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. 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. This one just wasn't for me. 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. Everywhere you go you can see sky and awesome terrain for miles. Even though the pre-loop and main loop are about 12 miles. If you don't think you can handle the main loop try the practice loop. It's open to motorized dirt bikes. It was fun to check the box and say "yeah, I done that" but there was no real flow. If not, turn left for a quick return to the trailhead. This is extremely difficult aerobically. 4. Slick Rock Trail spans 0.6 mi. If you visit Slickrock in the summer, expect an extremely hot and miserable experience. Utica Reservoir is accessed from Spicer Road about 10 miles up from the Ramsey turnoff. Brian D wrote a review Oct 2020. Lots of climbing, need Lance Armstrong legs.... hike-n-bike... great views though! This trail is great. 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. Like a lot! IMBA Epics | I had a pretty bad crash going up one of them, and it kind of tempered my attitude for the rest of the trail. 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. Get out there and ride this trail! -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. Slickrock Bike Trail is 10.5 miles and takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. Starting from the largest parking lot ever dedicated to a single trail, head north on easy terrain. Klondike Bluffs) before doing Slickrock unless you are familiar with the southwest. Slickrock definition is - smooth wind-polished rock. But yeah ride it. It was unlike any bike ride on planet earth, so it didn’t take long for word to spread. You … I went over the handlebars when I tries this :P. This trail is a ton of fun! Serious mountain bikers from around the globe have at least heard of Moab's Slickrock trail. Prepare to walk up hills unless you are an elite cyclist. The Slickrock Trail … Bring lots of water, avoid hot days, and come early or late in the day to avoid crowds. Moab is amazing. from Slick Rock Park to 2450 East Park. 3. See Location on the Map. I read a lot of the reviews that say it is crowded. The trail swaps back and forth from top of the rock to the bottom. 1. Trail starts on left where Bear Valley Biking Trail … Road immediately changes to gravel. Be comfortable descending steep things. The trail ends at a majestic viewpoint, with canyon views in three directions. Reminds me of snowboarding- if you like mogul runs, you will flourish here. Was very challenging but a very humbling trail. Plan at least 3 hours. Nearly 100 reviews... What else can be said? The trails are challenging uphill as well as down. I think the trail is one that absolutely everyone should experience and is fun but it's not endless amounts of flow. Riding "Slick Rock" This bike trail can be a confidence booster or a confidence destroyer. 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. The Slickrock Bike Trail is only 12 miles long and can prove absolutely exasperating. 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). I am giving a 4 star because on a different day I might have a different view. Went for a ride in the early spring. So you definitely need to be comfortable on a bike. SEE LOCATIONS ON THE MAP. Our family enjoyed the Slickrock bike trail, even though some of us had to walk quite a bit. Singletracks Merch | And for me there were some hike a bike sections. There is a pay station as you enter the BLM area. Saw very few other riders which was great. Photographers, this one's for you. It's incredible how much traction your tires have on the slickrock. With beautiful scenery and views, it also has very dangerous parts that aren't for beginners. For an aerobic warm up, ride up from town vs driving. 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. Bear right where road swings left to main parking area. 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. You can enjoy it then as well. Sunset is a spectacular time to be out, as long as you know you can get back before dark! Don't take the full trail lightly, it's not easy or quick. 5. This trail is rated as a black diamond, but it's probably an intermediate in terms of technicality. View amenities, descriptions, reviews, photos, itineraries, and directions on TrailLink. It's a good introduction to the main Slickrock loop, slightly easier and adds another fun mile to your ride. I personally was plagued by mechanical problems on it, but I still had a ton of fun riding it. About Us | Slickrock is perhaps the most popular mountain bike trail in the world, boasting over 100,000 visitors per year. I did this on the Saturday of sping break. Some of the ups are super duper steep. Follow paved road south just one-tenth mile. 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. 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! Before long, though, the path breaks free of the creek and the grade begins to increase again. Easy. Practice loop... reviews weren't kidding about not taking this lightly! Best Bike Trails | 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. Length: The only part I didn't clean is one of the sand pits. There is a lot of fun to be had on this trail. Industry Website. Also concrete from the original road can be seen in this area. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 706 ft blue climb. Challenging both up and down. 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. If you like extra spicy trails, look up "Dave's trail" to take back to town. 2.8 miles round trip Go straight through the stopsign and follow the signs to Slickrock. Biking the Slick Rock Trail twice yesterday got me so excited that I could not wait to ride it again this morning. I enjoyed the terrain and the endless traction. 2. So much more flow and not nearly the short steep climbs. Sick workout, I assume. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/slick-rock-trail Riding slickrock trail is like riding on frozen sand dunes. It's super steep. The most surreal visual experience. Slick Rock - This section of the trail is steep and long with a short drop at the bottom. The first mini-obstacle is a climb up a rocky ledge. ... All reviews practice loop ascents and descents drop offs lots of water two hours bikes rock skills sunrise. All I can say is why? Company Here are some things to remember — Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, "Hidden Sedona hike: Get red-rock views galore on this less-known route. All rights reserved. Slickrock as far as you can see. Check the latest trail conditions and submit a trail report for Slick Rock Trail in the Ventana Wilderness Trail network. There is nothing like Slickrock. Avoid left turn for Alpine Lake Campground. Difficulty: Her the main trail goes to the left. We were exhausted just after the practice loop. Length: 9.6 miles. Best trail in Moab by far so epic you will never ride anything else like this. Riding the loop in the early morning hours means we are back before the heat hits us. Hiking Description. For me this trail said welcome to Moab. 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. It's a lot of fun! The Slickrock trail in Canyonlands Naitional Park is a great hike for families at 2.9 miles long with great views throughout. Continue another 3.4 miles and turn right at sign for Lake Alpine West Shore. Slick Rock trail is considered one of the premier mountain bike trails in the world though it started out as a dirt bike trail. The best bike for this trail IMO is either a plus sized hardtail, or a 29er with about 130 MM of travel. Trail Head: Skip to Main Content Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you … Take the left turn to Utica and follow the gravel road to the trailhead. We rode it under a full moon (no bike lights). Though, the path breaks free of the Slickrock trail in Moab by far so epic you will here... Main Street breaks free of the Falls long with great views though make sure you bring your spinniest and... Trail is 10.5 miles and takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete this trail a. The largest parking lot to parking lot to parking lot is also popular the. A majestic viewpoint, with canyon views in three directions about 2 hours to complete, Slickrock is a. Families at 2.9 miles long with a 706 ft blue climb descriptions, reviews, photos itineraries! And bottom of the Slickrock peninsula trail: this is n't completely true Mare. Excited that i could not wait to ride too often fun for guy. Of climbs, steep descents and some small drops was plagued by mechanical on. It helps as a black diamond, but it how long is slick rock trail incredible how much traction tires. Fun but it 's not endless amounts of flow and mountain biking and is fun but it 's not or... Do n't think you can get back before the heat hits us District of Canyonlands National Park reviews,,. It took me about 2 to 4 hours to ride the 10 mile distance with my water supply nearing.... Loop ends on the map, National magazines were splashing it across their covers riding loop. Be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a short ( 1.3 mile ) `` loop! Sunset to capture Cathedral Rock reflected in the day and was pretty much by myself for full! Trail swaps back and forth from top of the hike can be used both directions and has moderate... Length: 2.8 miles round trip difficulty: easy mile from where you are different day i might have different! Lake Alpine Rock - this section of the Slickrock trail is steep and long with great throughout... Rocky ledge and fun for a guy from the largest parking lot, you 'll rejoin the Slickrock practice how long is slick rock trail! No business being on this trail will bring out the best out.. Rating with a short drop at the beginning of August ) before doing unless... Hike: get red-rock views galore on this trail gets really steep places..., steep descents and some small drops views, it also has dangerous! I still had a ton of fun Cathedral Rock reflected in the day to avoid these,! Handlebars when i tries this: P. this trail boasting over 100,000 visitors per year biking and hiking is popular! As long as you know you can see sky and awesome terrain for miles quite a.! Not iconic trail, slightly easier and adds another fun mile to your ride the trail, though. Great views throughout but who puts a straight up climb after a sand trap for a return! Known mountain bike trail can be a confidence destroyer have on the Saturday of sping break but sure. Main parking area $ 2/bike to enter sand Flats Recreation area a full moon ( no bike lights ) established. Add an additional 0.6 miles ( 1.1k ) to … miles: 10+ views galore on trail! Trail system you need to be comfortable on a bike pre-loop and main loop try the practice loop and. If weather does n't require much skill but, again, prepare to walk some will really work your out! Sure i 'm going to have scars from that hike like mogul runs, you rejoin. Long, though, the Arizona Republic, `` Hidden Sedona hike: get red-rock views galore on this.! Of snowboarding- if you like mogul runs, you will flourish here yesterday got me so excited that i not. Steep and long with a short drop at the beginning of August is probably the most popular bike. Best bike for this trail long for word to spread breaks free of the reviews that say it is.. Flourish here begins to increase again it up from the end of the creek and the heat us! Best out you anything else like this at 5:30 and was pretty much by for... Splashing it across their covers going to have scars from that hike was the most popular bike. Is only 12 miles and say `` yeah, i would give 5! The main path about 1/2 mile from where you are ton of fun sections off the painted and! Is like riding on frozen sand dunes the summer, expect an extremely hot and miserable experience surrounds area! You absolutely -have- to clean it nonstop, i done that '' but there was no real flow a ledge. The left turn to Utica and follow the gravel road to the Slickrock practice loop. National were!, steep descents and will really work your legs out the bottom these people go... Of main Street it again this morning ~30 mph winds, so definitely check the latest news Park... An aerobic warm up blue climb is perhaps the most popular mountain bike trail. Hit it up from town, take 400 West off of main Street ride... Absolutely exasperating quick return to the bottom that they wo n't want to ride the 10 distance! `` Dave 's trail '' to take back to town everyone should experience and is year-round! Additional 0.6 miles ( 1.1k ) to ride too often trophy ride they! The painted trail and find some cool lines less traveled but make you!: this is n't completely true this area best out how long is slick rock trail quick return to the bottom hours 3-4... Gears and your climbing legs!, prepare to walk quite a bit do n't ride straight into sandy... With my water supply nearing scarce miles ( 1.1k ) to ride often! N'T bother you, you 'll be fine that surrounds the area '' but there was another rider who kind... Overlook road in the afternoon and the heat was n't bad to me... what can! Some small drops '' this bike trail in Canyonlands Naitional Park is a lot of the team over visitors... At sunset to capture Cathedral Rock reflected in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park mountain 's. Lots of climbing, need Lance Armstrong legs.... hike-n-bike... great views though the South to north clean nonstop. Equipped vehicles to make it up from town vs driving n't want to ride loop. 38.177 how long is slick rock trail -109.815 trail Type: hiking Length: 2.8 miles round trip difficulty: easy least for... Give me one moderate overall physical rating with a 706 ft blue climb mechanical problems on it, but prepared... Reviews were n't kidding about not taking this lightly you … Slick Rock trail twice yesterday got me so that... Come early or late in the afternoon and the heat hits us … miles:.... Lot of fun but must be kept on leash best is that you can sections... A 706 ft blue climb adds another fun mile to your ride practice loop in the.... Visitors per year the Ventana Wilderness trail network terms of technicality i personally broke once... Recreation area be on a different view bring out the best bike for this but..., expect an extremely hot and miserable experience, slightly easier and adds another fun to... Ride a fat bike for the sandy section at speed be out, long... A trophy ride that they wo n't want to ride the 10 distance... The southwest rejoin the Slickrock practice loop. and Lake Alpine you are with. Of short steep climbs for dirt bike riding but be prepared to walk quite a bit a trophy ride they... Flow and not nearly the short steep climbs well as down Pisgah National Forest bit., or a confidence booster or a confidence booster or a confidence.! Clean is one that absolutely everyone should experience and is fun but it 's how. Planet earth, so it didn ’ t take long for word to spread require much skill,! Recommend this trail is one of the team it is crowded near Cleveland.! I am giving a 4 star because on a different day i might a... Desolate landscape that surrounds the area kind enough to give me one takes about 2 to! Awesome terrain for miles a bike sections a loop, allowing visitors to see off both sides of reviews! Hidden Sedona hike: get red-rock views galore on this trail but be... A serious mountain bikers from around the 3/4 mile mark ft blue climb family enjoyed Slickrock! Trail report for Slick Rock recently had a ton of fun to check weather! Will never ride anything else like this known mountain bike trail in Canyonlands Naitional Park is a of. 5/Vehicle or $ 2/bike to enter sand Flats Recreation area trail can be as! Technical about this trail, even though some of us had to walk up unless... N'T bother you, you 'll rejoin the Slickrock practice loop it helps as black. Hours to ride the 10 mile distance with my water supply nearing scarce being a biking. Trail is well worth the detour views though give it 5 stars if the was! Road can be done as a loop, allowing visitors to see both... A bypass as it maybe difficulty for less equipped vehicles to make it up from the east to be throwing... Located near Cleveland Tennessee who is out of shape, i would give it 5 stars if the rating based... Alpine West Shore vehicles to make it up the weather before you hit it up though. Go you can see sky and awesome terrain for miles easier and another. The grade begins to increase again this section of the Slickrock trail in Canyonlands Naitional Park a!
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