For over a century Moab existed in obscurity, until the first mountain bikers discovered that this was the place. Today, Moab is the premier destination for mountain bikers from around the world. Our La Sal Mountain loop embodies the heart-thumping style of wilderness riding that has propelled this region to fame. Giant ponderosa pine trees stand as sentinels along the 25 mile route leading to the overlook of Fisher Valley. Day two of the trip stuns the senses as you descend 4,000 vertical feet, from alpine forests to the red rock desert at Onion Creek. Combined with two days on the Colorado River, this 4-day excursion provides the best of the best...unprecedented mountain biking and world class whitewater rafting.
Moab, Utah and its surrounding regions are world renowned for their incredible beauty and world-class mountain biking. Our La Sal Mountain loop encompasses a variety of riding conditions from the pine tree forested trails on day one, to the descent into Onion Creek and the desert valley on the second day.
The La Sal Mountain bike route follows a graded dirt road for most of the trip with a variation of uphill and downhill segments. This dirt road has steep gradients, loose rocks, sand, and ruts. Riders who have no previous off-road bicycling experience, should be experienced road cyclists with good athletic ability. All riders should prepare for the trip by riding their bike on a regular basis prior to the trip.
Westwater's rapids on this trip are created when the swift flowing Colorado River is forced through Granite Canyon, a narrow seam of polished black schist capped with red slickrock towers. Virtually unknown 30 years ago, Westwater Canyon has become a favorite choice for its pace, rhythm, and intensity.
Trip Details:
- 2008 Departure Dates: Saturdays June 21 through August 23;
- Minimum Age: 12 years;
- Level: Intermediate;
- Meeting Place: Green River, Utah 7:00 a.m.
Tour Itinerary
One of the advantages of a bike/river trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for other groups in the area. This typical itinerary illustrates a bike trip through the La Sal Mountain range outside of Moab, and raft trip through Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River.
Day 1 - Meet group at headquarters in Green River, Utah. A two-hour van ride to the Manti - La Sal National Forest marks the start of the trip. The first day's ride will take the group along old logging roads through forests consisting of huge ponderosa pine trees and abundant mountain streams. The trail continues to wind northward to altitudes upwards of 8000 feet. Camp on this evening is made at or near Bull Draw. Includes: (L),(D);
Day 2 - Our ride today requires each and all to tighten their helmet straps and hold on! After a hot breakfast the route begins a breathtaking descent from alpine forest to desert floor. Along the way we'll take time out to appreciate the spectacular overlooks that are abundant in this region. By the end of the day we will have dropped 4,000 vertical feet to the desert floor. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 3 - Put-in on the Colorado river at the Westwater Ranger Station. Relaxing float to Little Hole Canyon's natural amphitheater where shards of Indian pottery can be seen. In favorable conditions a short hike up Little Dolores Canyon reveals a beautiful desert waterfall and swimming hole. Camp near Little Dolores. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 4 - Leisurely breakfast before rapids of Westwater. Rapids, one right after another, Marble, Staircase, Hunter's, Funnel Falls, and Surprise ... lead to Skull Rapid, one of the Colorado's fiercest drops. Finish with Bowling Alley, Sock-it-to-me and Last Chance. Vans will return you to our headquarters in Green River at the end of the trip. Includes: (B),(L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Moab/Westwater: $795.00;
Group/Youth: $685.00 (8 or more);
BLM special area fee $7;
Deposit: $300.00 per person
Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the trip date we will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Utah
Multi-activity
Bicycle Touring
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