Mike climbs the hill on the uphill section of Hazard. September 3, 2007.
Mike climbs the hill on the uphill section of Hazard. September 3, 2007.
Hazard County

Hazard County is a great stunt trail for DH bikes. The only problem is, there's this darn CLIMB that starts it out. Well, it's only 200 vertical feet over 1/2 mile, but still... The trail starts near the Warner Lake Campground in the La Sal Mountains. It's 3 miles long with a descent of 1000 vertical feet.

Although fairly high in altitude (8500 feet) the trail has a dry "foothill" feel to it. The sun-exposed slopes on the DH portion are covered with oak brush. Sort of like a "super Lambert Park".
Were at the top of the hill, looking out over the trails course through dry brus...
We're at the top of the hill, looking out over the trail's course through dry brush. Later, we'll hit gambel oak. The Moab valley is visible below the cliff line.
Chad emerges from the aspens at the top of Hazard.
Chad emerges from the aspens at the top of Hazard.
Once you're at the top, the first item of business is a series of gap jumps. These are armored (stone reinforced) ramps that launch you into the air. Then there's nothing but air until a landing ramp about six to eight feet away.

The gap jumps look fun. We didn't dare -- the penalty for hitting the upside of the down-ramp was too high for us on our little XC bikes without body armor.

The gap jumps are on a fairly mild slope, with the trail winding back and forth through a windswept meadow area. As you hit the edge of the hill, you enter some aspens, then oak.

In the oak area, the trail twists back and forth like a dying snake. Most turns are banked, and many have a stone "kicker" to help you nail the corner.

Chad approaches a gap jump. The landing strip is facing the camera.
Chad approaches a gap jump. The landing strip is facing the camera.
Dom lands a hop off a rock.
Dom lands a hop off a rock.
It was hard to really rail those turns the first time down the trail. With a few trips back to the top, you should be screaming down. We suggest you take two vehicles and shuttle. Or better yet, bribe a designated driver to dump you at the top and haul you back up. Over and over.

If you're riding Hazard County as part of the Whole Enchilada , you'll find the trail just outside the Warner Lake Campground. Navigate the campground roads and just after you exit, fork to the right up the hill on Hazard County. Once you complete Hazard, you have the option of riding a fast straight-shot on Kokopelli to UPS , or you can catch the new Jimmy Keen singletrack . Jimmy Keen starts at the viewpoint on the La Sal Loop road just to the east of the end of Hazard. Or you can head down Kokopelli about 1/10 mile to where the singletrack crosses and fork left. Here's a map.  

Getting there: On Moab's Main Street, head south on US-191. Zero your odometer at Center Street Center Street and drive 8.2 miles. Turn left toward Ken's Lake - La Sal Loop Road. At the T intersection 1/2 mile later, turn right. Climb uphill on the paved La Sal Loop Road. Around mile 25, watch for a doubletrack on the left with a sign "Kokopelli Trail." Leave your shuttle vehicle here. Now backtrack about 3 miles to the Warner Campground road. Drive about 4.5 miles up the gravel road and watch for the "Hazard" sign on the left. The trailhead is a short distance up as you fork left.
Riding resources for this trail:
Single-page riding guide
GPS track files (right-click and "Save as..."):
     GPX Hazard only
     Whole Enchilada trails
Large-format topo map (300 KB): View map
Lodging, camping, shops:   Links to Moab area resources