Ask any mountain biker to name the trail—the one that is burned into their brain—and chances are they will say it: Slickrock.

Set high above Moab in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, Slickrock is not a trail. It is a challenge. A dance. A legend.

It is where your tires grip rock that looks unrideable. Where your legs burn, your lungs fire, and your whole body is locked into a rhythm that is equal parts pain and joy.

This is not just another ride.
It is the one you will talk about for years.

And when the ride is done, Slickrock Cabin is where you recover, relive it, and gear up for more.

Slickrock: Moab’s Legendary Stone Playground

Slickrock Trail rolls over petrified sand dunes—ancient Navajo sandstone that offers surreal traction. The name comes from horses (who hated it). Bikes? Bikes love it.

Here is what you will find:

• Steep, punchy climbs that look impossible—until you are halfway up

• Flowing domes and fast descents that feel like surfing frozen waves

• Painted white lines that wind across open rock like a puzzle begging to be solved

• Massive views: La Sal Mountains, Colorado River, and endless red canyon

There is no dirt. No switchbacks. No trees.
Just you, the rock, and the ride.

Slickrock Trail Guide: Ride It, Hike It, Feel It

Slickrock lives inside the Sand Flats Recreation Area, just minutes from downtown Moab. A small entrance fee gets you access to this world-class arena of stone.

Practice Loop (2.3 miles)
Shorter, but not easy. Expect steep sections, tight turns, and real effort. Ideal as a warmup or reality check before committing to the full loop.

Full Loop (10.5 miles)
Relentless. Glorious. Every climb leads to a view. Every descent begs for whoops. There is no flat cruising—just action. For seasoned riders only.

On Foot
Do not ride? No problem. Walking the route or wandering nearby slickrock lets you feel the energy and soak in the views.

Sunrise and Sunset
Even without riding, the golden-hour light up here is magic—spilling across domes and glowing off the La Sals.

Best Times to Ride

• Spring/Fall: Ideal temperatures, perfect traction

• Summer: Start at dawn or go at golden hour—midday heat is brutal

• Winter: Rideable if dry, but check for snow and ice

• After Rain: Avoid—wet sandstone is slick and fragile

What Nobody Tells You

• The “practice loop” is still a test.

• Walking parts is totally normal—even pros dab here.

• The grip is unreal, but the effort is even more real.

• Wind adds drama—especially on exposed ridges.

• Even if you only ride part, you will never forget the way it felt.

Why Slickrock Stays With You

Slickrock does not fade into your ride log.

You remember that first climb—you thought, “no way”… then cleaned it.
You remember that dome where the view made you forget the burn.
You remember that final mile, legs toast, brain buzzing, and still smiling like a kid.

It is the kind of ride that turns into a story—the kind you will tell every time someone asks, “What is the best trail you have ever done?”

Stay at Slickrock Cabin

After Slickrock, you do not want to crash at a dusty motel with no bike space and zero soul. You want a space that knows the ride, knows the work, and helps you gear up for more.

That is why we named one of our tiny homes Slickrock Cabin.

Located at 1251 Millcreek Dr, Moab, it is just minutes from the Sand Flats entrance and Moab’s best bike shops and post-ride burritos.

At Slickrock Cabin, you will find:

• Full kitchen for pre-ride fuel and post-ride feasts

• Private, gear-ready space to spread out, charge up, and dry out

• Climate control to cool down after sun-baked rock or warm up after sunset runs

• Soft bed and blackout shades to rest legs and quiet your mind

You are minutes from:

• The trailhead

• Moab’s best bike shops (for gear, rentals, repairs)

• Post-ride food, beer, and recovery coffee

If Slickrock is your Moab goal, Slickrock Cabin is your launchpad.

Check Availability for Slickrock Cabin

Explore All Moab Tiny Homes →

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Slickrock beginner-friendly?
A: Not really. It is rated advanced for a reason: steep, physical, and exposed. New riders can explore the practice loop or start with easier trails like Moab Brand Trails before tackling the beast.

Q: How long does the full loop take?
A: Two to four hours, depending on fitness, heat, and how often you stop. It is a grind—but a glorious one.

Q: Do I need a special bike?
A: A quality mountain bike with good brakes and low gearing is a must. Hardtail or full-suspension both work. E-bikes may be restricted on some trails—check current regulations.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Yes. Sand Flats charges a small per-vehicle fee, and it is worth every cent to keep the area maintained.

Q: What should I bring?
A: Water (more than you think), helmet, sunscreen, snacks, repair kit, and a camera. And maybe an ego check—it is humbling out there.

More Moab Adventures from Your Cabin

→ Sand Flats: Moab’s Backyard Playground (/activities/sand-flats)
→ Mill Creek Falls: Desert Oasis & Swimming Holes (/activities/mill-creek-falls)
→ Corona Arch: The Underrated Stone Giant (/activities/corona-arch)
→ La Sal Mountains: Alpine Majesty & Desert Views (/activities/la-sal-mountains)
→ Red Rock: The Iconic Moab Landscape (/activities/red-rock)
→ See All Moab Activity Guides → (/activities)