Navajo Rocks Trails
Explore Navajo Rocks, a premier Moab destination for mountain biking and hiking with stunning red rock vistas and challenging desert trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the intense heat
Navajo Rocks Trails
Best Time
Avoid the intense heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Navajo Rocks, a premier Moab destination for mountain biking and hiking with stunning red rock vistas and challenging desert trails.
"It wasn't as crowded as Slick Rock and I thought it was better riding too."
🎯 Ride Early to Beat Heat
Summer heat is no joke! Hit the trails early morning for a cooler, more enjoyable ride.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Trail markings can be tricky. Ensure you have offline maps to navigate the Navajo Rocks area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Navajo Rocks MTB Loop
Main trailhead
A premier desert mountain biking experience with stunning red rock vistas and challenging terrain.
Cryptobiotic Soil
Throughout the trails
Delicate desert crust vital to the ecosystem; tread lightly and stay on marked paths.
Panoramic Desert Views
Various viewpoints
Soak in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding red rock landscape and desert formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Moab Heat & Crowds
Trail Navigation is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride Early to Beat Heat
Summer heat is no joke! Hit the trails early morning for a cooler, more enjoyable ride.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Trail markings can be tricky. Ensure you have offline maps to navigate the Navajo Rocks area.
👟 Respect Cryptobiotic Soil
This fragile desert crust is vital. Stay on marked trails to protect it.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Desert riding is dehydrating. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride Early to Beat Heat
Summer heat is no joke! Hit the trails early morning for a cooler, more enjoyable ride.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Trail markings can be tricky. Ensure you have offline maps to navigate the Navajo Rocks area.
👟 Respect Cryptobiotic Soil
This fragile desert crust is vital. Stay on marked trails to protect it.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Desert riding is dehydrating. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
👍 Less Crowded Than Slick Rock
Many find Navajo Rocks less crowded and even better for riding than Slick Rock.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Navajo Rocks is highly praised as a premier mountain biking destination, often considered better and less crowded than Slick Rock. Visitors love the beautiful desert views and the challenging, fun trails. However, some find trail markings inconsistent, and the summer heat can be intense if not managed with early rides.
"This is part of the Big Mesa Area along with the Wipeout Hill Safari Route and is located off Highway 313. This is a good size dirt parking lot but can easily become very crowded depending on the time of day. There is a crude vault toilet and a bulletin board information display near the trailhead. We do not consider stopping here if you are not dirt-biking, since that is the main draw here. This viewpoint is free to access since it is not inside either Dead Horse Point State Park or Canyonlands National Park."
Thomas B
"Started here to do the Navajo Rocks MTB Loop, which I guess is what it’s mainly used for. Beautiful views and exiting trail. Really enjoyed this one, but go early morning in summer to avoid the heat. It can get to you if you’re far from the road. Has the option to make a pitstop back at the parking lot around halfway point including a restroom. Other than that an awesome place to be!"
Roel C
"Pretty good intermediate to hard trails here. Had a great day riding around. Wish the trails were marked better in certain spots. I kept going off the trail here and there."
Jason R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Navajo Rocks is located off Highway 313, a short drive from Moab. The trailhead has a good-sized dirt parking lot, but it can get crowded. It's situated near the boundary of Canyonlands National Park and is free to access, unlike the state parks.
Public transport options are very limited in this remote desert area. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle, preferably one suitable for dirt roads, to reach the Navajo Rocks trailhead.
The access road is typically a dirt road. While generally manageable, conditions can vary, especially after rain. A vehicle with decent clearance is advisable, though many sedans can make it if driven carefully.
While there's a small airstrip near Moab, it's primarily for bush planes. It's not a typical commercial airport. You'd still need ground transportation from the landing area to the Navajo Rocks trails.
Navajo Rocks is located on BLM land just outside the boundary of Canyonlands National Park. While it offers similar desert scenery, it is not within the national park itself and has different access rules and fees (it's free).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Navajo Rocks trail system is free. It's located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and does not require an entrance fee, unlike nearby state parks.
The Navajo Rocks trails are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. However, due to extreme summer heat, early morning or late afternoon visits are strongly recommended for safety and comfort.
There is no parking fee for the dirt parking lot at the Navajo Rocks trailhead. It's a free access area for visitors.
No, there are no reservation systems for the Navajo Rocks trailhead. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and the parking lot can fill up, especially during peak times.
No special permits are required for recreational use like mountain biking or hiking at Navajo Rocks. It's open to the public for day use.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Navajo Rocks offers a mix of trails suitable for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers and hikers. Expect some steep climbs, exposure, and technical sections.
Some visitors report that trail markings can be inconsistent in certain areas, leading to occasional confusion. It's advisable to use a GPS device or download offline maps.
The trailhead has a crude vault toilet and a bulletin board with information. There's also an option for a pitstop with a restroom about halfway through the main loop.
Yes, Navajo Rocks is a fantastic place for hikers as well as mountain bikers. The trails offer stunning desert scenery and a good workout.
Many visitors recommend the Navajo Rocks MTB Loop for a comprehensive experience. You can also explore various shorter loops and connect to other trail systems in the Big Mesa Area.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for elevated viewpoints that capture the vastness of the red rock landscape. The winding trails themselves, especially with riders, make for dynamic shots.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography, casting long shadows and warm hues across the desert.
Drone usage is subject to BLM regulations. Check current rules and restrictions before flying, as they can vary. Always prioritize safety and respect for the environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert vistas. If you're photographing bikers, a telephoto lens can help isolate action shots. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Beyond the stunning geology, keep an eye out for desert flora and fauna. The intricate patterns of cryptobiotic soil also offer unique macro photography opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's essential to prioritize safety. Ensure everyone has adequate water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear. The vault toilet at the trailhead offers a basic amenity, but plan accordingly for longer excursions. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day, like early mornings, to make the experience more comfortable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the trails themselves are free, the main costs will be transportation to Moab and any gear rentals if you don't bring your own. Packing your own food and plenty of water will also save money compared to purchasing them locally. The ability to create your own adventure without paying for entry makes Navajo Rocks a fantastic value.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Mountain Biking at Navajo Rocks
The main draw is the Navajo Rocks MTB Loop, a roughly 17-mile circuit that can be customized with various connectors and side trails. The terrain features a mix of slickrock, sandy washes, and rocky sections, demanding good bike handling skills. Riders often highlight the fun factor and the sense of accomplishment after completing the loop.
It's crucial for bikers to be prepared for the desert environment. This includes carrying ample water, wearing appropriate protective gear, and being mindful of the cryptobiotic soil. While the trails are generally considered well-maintained, some sections might have less clear markings, making a GPS device or downloaded map highly recommended for navigation.
Navigating the Trails and Protecting the Environment
To protect this delicate environment, it's imperative to stay on marked trails at all times. Social media posts and Reddit discussions frequently emphasize the importance of this, reminding visitors that trampling the cryptobiotic soil leaves behind only sand and destroys the habitat.
Trail navigation can also be a consideration. While many enjoy the challenge of exploring, some visitors have noted that trail markings aren't always consistent. Downloading offline maps or using a GPS device is a common recommendation to ensure you don't get lost and can fully appreciate the intended routes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit