Yes. You must pay the Sand Flats Recreation Area entry fee at the entrance booth.

Slickrock Bike Trail

Q: Is this trail safe for solo hikers?

Yes, with caution: exposure, potential vehicle interactions, and spotty cell service mean you should inform someone of your plan and carry a plan for emergencies.

Q: Is the trail open to motorcycles?

Yes, the area accommodates motorcycles and mountain bikes; stay alert for cross-traffic and maintain spacing.

Overview

About This Trail

Mission Brief: Slickrock Trail is a world-famous biking destination; foot traffic is allowed but the terrain favors bikes and hazards lurk for those on foot. The 10.5-mile loop climbs about 1,962 feet, across 95% slickrock. For bikers, expect a Technical Scramble; for hikers, the route is challenging but doable with care. High reward for the effort.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Technical Scramble for bikes; Moderate for hikers

Trail Highlights

Iconic Navajo Sandstone formations, distant La Sal Mountains, and glimpses of the Colorado River

Insider Tips

• For bikers, ride the practice loop first to gauge skill. • For hikers, be aware you are entering a high-traffic, rock-dominated environment.

Best Season to Hike

Spring and Fall

Hiking Tips

Carry 3-4 liters of water per person; no water sources on the trail.
Wear sun protection and plan for heat; shade is scarce.
For bikers, ensure brakes and tires are solid; for hikers, sturdy footwear and trekking poles help.
High reward for the effort.

Family Info

Not ideal for young children due to exposure, high speeds, and rock-scramble terrain

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 10.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,962 ft

Duration: 3-4 hours (bike); similar or longer for hikers

Difficulty: Technical Scramble for bikes; Moderate for hikers

Route Type: Loop with out-and-back lead-in

Surface: 95% slickrock, with some sandy sections

Getting There

Trailhead: Sand Flats Recreation Area, Sand Flats Road, northeast of Moab, Utah

Parking: Large, dedicated

Fills Up: Full during peak seasons; arrive early

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Pay at the Sand Flats Recreation Area entrance booth. Vehicle: $5 1-day; $10 7-day. Bicycle/Motorcycle/Shuttle Van: $2/day; $5 7 days. Annual Pass: $20.

Fees: Private Vehicle: $5 (1-day), $10 (7-day); Bicycle/Motorcycle/Shuttle Van: $2/day, $5 (7 days); Annual Pass: $20

Shuttle Available

Private Moab-area shuttles operate for riders; not mandatory

Trail Rules

Dogs: Unknown

Biking: Yes — primary use is mountain biking

Trail Markers: Trail markers present; yellow-dash hazard indicators highlight risky sections; bikes have dedicated routing

Map/GPS recommended

View on AllTrails

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: None on trail; carry all water

Shade: Full sun exposure; little shade

Cell Service: Spotty to non-existent

Hazards:

High-speed vehicle traffic crosses the area; sections marked with yellow dashes indicate particular hazards; rock becomes very slick when wet; no water sources along the route

Emergency: Call 911; Arches/NPS rangers; local Moab emergency services

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: High

Peak Times: Spring and Fall; weekends and holidays

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Unknown

Family Notes:

Not ideal for young children due to exposure, high speeds, and rock-scramble terrain

Nearby Facilities

Vault toilets at trailhead; large parking lot; Sand Flats Recreation Area entrance fees apply

FAQs

Are there water sources on Slickrock?

No. Carry 3-4 liters per person; plan for the desert conditions and heat.

Is this trail safe for solo hikers?

Do I need a permit?

Can dogs go on Slickrock?

Is the trail open to motorcycles?

📖 hazardcountyshuttle.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 grandcountyutah.net 📖 moabhappenings.com 📖 mtbproject.com 📖 blm.gov 📖 esri.com 📖 utahmountainbiking.com 📖 zacharykenney.com 📖 npshistory.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 inalto.org 📖 moabadventurecenter.com 📖 kuhl.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 gjhikes.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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