Klondike Bluffs Trail, Moab 2005
Klondike Bluffs Trail is a moderate mountain bike, 4 wheel drive and dirt bike trail north of Moab. The trail starts with a dirt road, then most of the distance is on moderately steep slickrock, another dirt road is picked up after the climb, then a short single track trail climbs steeply to a bike parking area and entrance to the Arches Park (no mountain bikes allowed) and a short hike to the actual bluffs. This trail takes about 2 hours to ride up and about 30 minutes to ride down. Although this trail is listed as moderate, be warned, it is a rigorous climb to the top. The slick rock is steep and tricky in spots - this is definitely a workout! Bud, Sheri, Michael, Claire, Bruce, Chris and Derrick all rode this trail. We all rode to our level, some rode the entire trail, others found their own level, but we all had a great time.
Claire and her dog on the trail.
Looking back down towards the first section of slickrock. This is a steep, long climb. Dinasaur footprints along the way give you something to look at while you are catching your breadth.
Chris chugging up the hill.
There were other users of the trail out that day - plenty of mountain bikers and a 4 X 4.
The trail is generally pretty easy for a truck, but there were a few technical sections. The trail is a bigger challenge for mountain bikers because of the amount of climbing.
There was a dirt bike on the trail too.
Chris on the dirt road above the slickrock.
The views from the overlook into Klondike Bluffs in Arches are amazing!
More great views.
Left to right: Chris and Bruce having lunch at the overlook.
More great views.
Bruce and Chris riding down the slickrock. Chris had just taken a tumble - Chris is tough and shrugged it off, but it was a reminder to all of us a fall can happen at anytime.
The weather was definitely closing in with rain and snow showers spreading north from the LaSalles. We just made it back to the parking lot before rain started to fall. There was plenty of lightening and snow and sleet as well during the ride back to town. This was a great lesson on just important it is to be prepared for cold, wet weather on spring rides in Moab!