Description

Begin the ride at Geyser Pass in the La Sal Mountains. This first section follows steep and rocky dirt roads, followed by very steep singletrack to the 11,150 foot summit of the climb. From the top you'll start the official descent along narrow and steep switchbacks through a thick forest. Meet back up with the dirt road and follow the contour up and down around to Warner Lake and eventually to the start of Hazzard Country Trail.

Hazzard Down is a fun fast 3 mile singletrack that rolls through features and gap jumps along an open hillside. At the bottom of Hazzard, cross the La Sal Mountain Loop Road to meet up with the Kokopelli Trail. This quick section of doubletrack rolls down a gentle slope as the terrain starts to dry up from the moist trees and forest above. Keep watch for the start of Upper Porcupine Singletrack over a cattleguard fence off to the right.

Climb up Upper Porcupine (UPS) until you reach the official Porcupine Rim and eventually connect with the techy Lower Porcupine Singletrack and downhill. Enjoy ledges, slickrock, and fun fast downhills along the rim. The trail widens here and there are many ways to avoid the technical challenges (even if it means just getting off your bike). Back to singletrack as the trail descends off the mesa and towards the Colorado River and to the Negro Bill Trailhead.

Details

• Distance: 35 miles (over 60 if you don't run a shuttle).
• Average Time: 5 to 8 hours.
• Elevation Gain: 2000' ascent and 7000' descent.
• Difficulty: Expert.
• Trail Type: Point to point.
• Trailhead: From Moab, drive south on US 191 and turn left (roughly 8 miles) toward Ken's Lake/La Sal Loop Road and set your odometer to 0. Stay right at the T on La Sal Loop Road and at mile 16.4, turn right onto Geyser Pass road. At 28.6, go left at the sign Burro Pass 1.2. Right at the next fork and at 29.8 go left onto a doubletrack that says Burro Pass Trailhead. Park and head up the doublerack towards the trail.

Plan and Prepare

Because the trail begins at such a high elevation, it is only rideable from mid-July through September. Make sure to bring enough food and water to last you a day and then some. Park a car at the Negro Bill Trailhead and then book a shuttle (there are a handful within Moab) to take you to the Burro Pass Trailhead.