Klondike Bluffs Trail
This is the original doubletrack ride from the highway to the edge of Arches National Park (followed by a hike to the overlook). The Klondike Bluffs Trail is a modest climb, but isn't too technically difficult. It's a good trail for someone who's in good shape, but is inexperienced in mountain biking. It makes an excellent first "slickrock adventure." Round trip, it's 9.6 miles on the bike and 1 mile on foot (bikes aren't allowed off-road in Arches National Park, so you hike the last half mile).

If you want to stay away from ATVs and jeeps, there are bicycle-only singletrack routes in this riding area. For example, you can bypass the first half-mile of Klondike's doubletrack by using the Inside Passage singletrack. Other nice rides that interconnect with Klondike Bluffs (such as Baby Steps ) are described on the Klondike Bluffs trail system page .

Highlights of the Klondike Bluffs ride include dinosaur footprints, fun and not-too-tough rock to practice on, and a fabulous view of Klondike Bluffs at the end of the ride.

The trail climbs 800 feet in four miles. Give yourself about three hours, including sightseeing.

The trail begins with just over a mile on modestly smooth double-track with a short sand dig as you cross the wash. At mile 0.5 you'll pass the reconnection of Inside Passage , Jurassic at 0.7, and Dino Flow at 0.9. After turning uphill it covers 2-1/2 miles on slickrock (mostly fairly smooth Entrada sandstone). You'll find a connector to Baby Steps and UFO here. Then there's a mile more on rocky road. At the end of the road is a short section of single-track that climbs to the border of Arches National Park.

If you want a longer ride, you can start at the highway. (Our trail description assumes you'll drive the first 2.8 miles of graded road, then unload your bikes at the gate to the double-track trail.) Or, ride uphill via the Baby Steps trail. This adds a few extra miles, and requires advanced skills.

Just before the end of the trail, the abandoned Brontosaur copper mine can be reached via a short spur. It's worth a look. (Watch for a spur on the right as you head east uphill and are approaching the badland hills.)

At the end of the bike trail, a 1/2-mile foot trail takes you to a breath-taking view of the Klondike Bluffs of Arches National Park. The fractures in the rock that created these fins were created by thickening of the salt dome found deep underground. As the salt "flowed" under heat and pressure to thicken in this area, the overlying rock was pushed up into a curve, developing multiple fracture lines as it bent.

Klondike Bluffs is a starting point for riders headed for Jurassic , Baby Steps , EKG , Little Salty , Dino Flow , and Mega Steps , and more. These trails can be combined with Klondike Bluffs into many ride variations.

Getting there: Starting at the Colorado River, drive 15 miles north from Moab. Look for a turnout on the right. There will usually be cars parked there. Go through the gate and drive 2.7 miles. Keep left at the fork. At 2.8 miles, park your car at the gate and begin your ride.

Riding resources:
One-page printable riding guide

GPS Track Files:
    Klondike Bluffs
    Baby Steps Loop
    Baby to Klondike
    GPX multi-track file of all Klondike area trails
Topo map of this trail:
    View
    Area map, including Baby Steps:   View Klondike area
Lodging, camping, shops:   Links to Moab area resources