Bears Ears North 5-Day Intermediate Cultural Bike Tour
RIDING TYPE
Intermediate
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
May-June/ August-September
Bears Ears North 5-Day Intermediate Cultural Bike Tour
Experience Bears Ears: Alpine Trails & Ancient History
Unearth an extraordinary cycling adventure on the Bears Ears North bike trip with Western Spirit Cycling. Designed for intermediate mountain bikers, this fully supported expedition invites you to delve into the heart of Utah’s remote Abajo Mountains, where stunning alpine trails meet profound ancient history. If you’re an intermediate rider seeking a blend of scenic challenge and deep cultural immersion, this Utah guided bike tour is your next unforgettable journey. This isn’t just a ride; it’s an immersive journey through Bears Ears National Monument, a landscape rich with Ancestral Puebloan ruins and breathtaking vistas. This trip is also E-Bike Ready, ensuring accessibility for those who prefer an extra boost on the climbs.
Intermediate Challenge, 10,000 ft Vistas & Archaeological Immersion
This Guided Bears Ears Mountain Biking Experience is tailored for the intermediate rider and history enthusiast, featuring:
Profound Cultural Immersion: Combine cycling with hikes to famous Ancestral Puebloan ruins like the spectacular House on Fire and Butler Wash.
Alpine & Desert Views: Conquer rewarding ascents into the Abajo Mountains, reaching up to 10,000 feet, for dramatic views across the Utah desert.
Trail & Terrain: Primarily dirt road riding (hard packed sediment and clay), offering a smooth surface that allows focus on the challenging moderate to strenuous climbing required.
Accessibility: This adventure is E-Bike Ready, making the high-altitude climbs accessible to more riders.
Fully Supported: All logistics, including transportation from Moab, camp setup, and meals, are expertly managed.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
We meet in Moab before heading south to begin our journey into history at the Edge of the Cedars Museum.
We’ll enjoy scenic rides and hikes to remarkable Ancestral Puebloan ruins like Butler Wash and Mule Canyon, including the famous House on Fire cliff dwelling.
We’ll set up a comfortable camp, surrounded by the quiet majesty of Bears Ears.
An exhilarating descent leads to more spectacular ruins nestled within a primitive canyon, offering a unique opportunity for exploration on foot.
This day promises breathtaking vistas and a rewarding climb, all within the stunning Abajo Mountains landscape.
Today, we ride along the expansive Elk Ridge, traversing diverse terrain on our dirt roads.
We’ll pass significant landmarks like “The Notch,” Duck Lake, and the Gooseberry Ranger Station, with captivating views around every bend.
This is a big day featuring the most significant climbing of the trip into the heart of the Abajo Mountains.
You’ll conquer rewarding ascents to Maverick Point Overlook, Skull and Crossbones Summit, and The Causeway, experiencing some of the most dramatic scenery.
Enjoy a fun downhill ride paralleling Johnson Creek towards Blanding.
We’ll visit the Blanding Visitor Center before a celebratory lunch and our return to Moab, rich with memories of your Bears Ears mountain biking achievement.
-TRIP NOTES
The fine print
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
Road Surface
Dirt roads. Hard packed sediment and clay. Some sandy sections.
Overall Rating
Intermediate
Technical Difficulty
Easy to moderate.
Physical Difficulty
Moderate, some strenuous climbing.
Altitude
4,000 - 10,000 feet
Biking Mileage
8–24 miles per day.
Hiking Mileage
8–24 miles per day.
–Travel Logistics
Getting there.
Moab, UT. This trip will meet at 7:30 AM MST at the Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Riverview Drive, Moab, Utah. You will need to spend the night before in Moab. We will be happy to pick you up at your hotel; please call us Monday – Friday, 9 – 5 to schedule your pickup.
Driving
Moab is located 30 miles south of Interstate 70 on Highway 191.
Flying into Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, approx. 4 hours. 2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.
Flying into Grand Junction, CO (GJT)
1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, approx. 2 hours. 2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.
Flying into Moab (CNY)
Contour Airlines offers daily jet service between Moab and Phoenix, AZ / Denver, CO. Book at contourairlines.com, 1 (888) 332-6686.
Taxi Service
Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.
Lodging Before Your Trip
Aarchway Inn
Where the trip meets (10% off for WS guests) Use Hyperlink above or mention your a Western Spirit guest over the phone for discount.
Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles
PACKING
What we provide
- Meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
- Camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
- 1 cycling water bottle
- Camp chairs
- Solar showers
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Bike stand and lube
- Guides bring their own tools
- First aid kit with basic medications
Bring or rent
Bringing or renting
- Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
- Helmet (gratis w
- Rental bike)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
Cycling clothing
- Cycling shoes
- 3-5 pair cycling shorts
- 3-5 cycling shirts
- Long sleeve cycling shirt
- Long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
- Cycling socks
- Windbreaker
- Tights or leg warmers
- 2 pair cycling gloves
- Rain jacket & rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm layer
- Sunglasses
Camp clothing
- Camp shorts/shirts
- Warm socks
- Long underwear
- 2 pair warm long pants
- Fleece/sweater
- Pile or down jacket
- Warm gloves and hat
- Brimmed hat
- Bathing suit
- Hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Rain gear
Personal
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Towel
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet-wipes
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Optional day bag
- Stuff sacks
- Cash for tipping (10-20% of trip price)
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Favorite beverages
- Books
- Maps
- Portable USB charger
Need more information about our bike trips?
Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.
Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732
Gallery
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