Slickrock Trail
The Slickrock Trail, located near Moab, Utah, is a popular mountain biking destination with worldwide fame. This 10.5 mile (16.9 kilometer) loop takes intrepid riders over a landscape of "petrified" sand dunes and the eroded remnants of ancient sea beds. The Slickrock Trail is one of the more difficult rides in the Moab area, both technically and cardiovascularly, and is not suitable for novice riders.
Part of the Sand Flats Recreation Area, the Slickrock Trail was originally laid out in 1969 for use by motocross-style motorcycles, and the area is still open to such recreation today (please consult local regulations). 4X4 and off-road enthusiasts will find a challenge on the nearby Hell's Revenge Trail.
The so-called slickrock sandstone, which forms the majority of the trail's surface, is not slick at all, but has a surface much like sandpaper. The rubber tires of a mountain bike or off-road motorcycle will grip readily to its surface on all but the steepest hills. The name "slickrock" was given by early settlers of the area because their horses' metal shoes had difficulty gaining traction on the rock's sloping surfaces.
In geological terms, the Slickrock Trail is not part of the actual "slickrock" formation. Rather, most of the outcrop that forms the trail is Navajo Sandstone. More commonly the term "slickrock" has come to mean any expanse of sandstone with a surface level enough for walking or riding.
NOTES ON RIDING THE SLICKROCK TRAIL: Persons wishing to ride the Slickrock Trail should be aware that no water is available at the trailhead, and that a minimal fee is required to enter the Sand Flats Recreation Area.
Riders using shoes and pedals with "clipless" cleats should be good at escaping the pedals because of numerous uphills that end with an un-rideable section. Clipless shoes designed with a recessed cleat are better than standard clipless shoes on this trail. Many sections of the Slickrock Trail have been marked by metal cleats (marks look like bashring or 3rd chainring marks) because of riders attempting to push their bikes up some of the "unridable" sections. Clipless shoes with non-recessed cleats will give riders a quick and painful education on how slickrock got its name.
There is a 1.9 mile (one direction) "cherry stem" or "lolly pop stick" that leads to the beginning of the loop. The loop and "cherry stem" is clearly marked by white dashed lines. Follow the line to avoid getting lost (getting lost in this area has resulted in death) and be sure to not disturb any cryptobiotic soil.
At the junction with the loop there are two directions marked "easier" and "harder." The "harder" direction has steeper but shorter uphills, and more pleasant, faster downhills. Both directions have very steep uphills and will probably require one to dismount and push their bike. Since this is a loop/out-and-back the totall elevation gain/loss is the same in either direction. The author has ridden the trail in both directions and found the "harder" direction to be easier overall.
External links
- Slickrock Trail Description and Map
- UtahMountainBiking.com Description, Map, and GPS Coordinates