
The Amasa Back trail is one of the classic rides of Moab. It ascends from Kane Creek on the Colorado River just west of Moab, climbing up onto an outcropping of rock surrounded on three sides by the Colorado.
The trail is a rocky Jeep trail with ledges and drop-offs. There are technical challenges that will stop all but the most advanced riders. Strong intermediates can manage this ride, but will walk most of the rougher climbs. As of 2014, most cyclists prefer to climb the Hymasa Trail for the first segment of the Amasa ride.








From the Amasa Back parking, ride your bike 1/2 mile uphill on the Kane Creek road. The trail falls quickly down a series of rock steps, then descends to the creek.
At the bottom of the canyon, you'll splash through Kane Creek, then bog down in the sand uphill.
At the first right turn above the creek (mile 1.0 of the ride), notice the Captain Ahab trail coming in on your left. It's one-way -- downhill only.


At mile 2.3, you'll spot the connector to the midpoint of Captain Ahab. The connector is two-way. It serves as a delivery system to get you to the bottom half of Ahab for a shorter ride, to Hymasa for an alternate climb, or as a bailout after riding upper Ahab.


At mile 3.6, cross under a power line. One-tenth mile later, the route to the Jackson Hole portage to Hurrah Pass is on your left (mile 3.7). After another 1/10 mile at mile 3.8, the doubletrack connector to the Jackson Singletrack forks right. Just obey the signs and keep straight.
At mile 4.3, there are two options. The left (straight) fork is more direct -- in fact, you might find yourself on a narrow bike track without knowing there was a fork. The official jeep road forks 90 degrees to the right. It will descend a bit before climbing back up to rejoin the straight path. The routes rejoin in about 0.1 mile.


0.0 Exit parking, uphill on road N38 31.710 W109 35.705
0.6 Drop R off road N38 31.435 W109 36.096
0.7 Take air off ledge, turn right on DT
Alt = ST straight shortcut
0.8 Cross creek N38 31.589 W109 36.080
1.0 Turn R (L = exit from Captain Ahab)
N38 31.521 W109 36.261
2.3 R at fork (L = mid-way Ahab connector)
N38 31.057 W109 36.804
2.7 R on DT (L = Captain Ahab)
N38 31.098 W109 37.114
2.8 L (straight), R = to view
N38 31.161 W109 37.126
3.7 Pass Portage connector, keep straight (R)
N38 31.721 W109 37.678
(L=cliff scramble down into Jackson Hole)
3.8 Keep L at fork (R = Jackson ST)
N38 31.761 W109 37.756
4.3 Straight (or R = jeep route)
N38 31.788 W109 38.198
4.5 Keep L on Amasa (L = Pothole Arch trail)
N38 31.876 W109 38.369
5.0 View - End of Amasa
N38 31.619 W109 38.554

Head south on Moab's Main Street. When you reach the McDonald's on your right, turn right onto Kane Creek Blvd. After 0.6 miles, go straight where the road seems to turn right (500 West). Drive along the Colorado River about 5 miles until the road turns to gravel, and head uphill about 2/3 mile. Watch for the "Amasa Back Parking" area at GPS N 38° 31.329' W 109° 35.501'. Park here. Pedal further up the gravel road 1/2 mile, and turn right onto the trail at the sign.

Riding resources:
Printable one-page ride
summary
GPS track files (right-click and select "Save Target as..."):
GPX area
trails
Amasa track only
Topo map for printing:
View
high-res map
Lodging, camping, shops:
Link to Moab area
resources
[
Overview page for Amasa
Area trails
]
Original review 2000. Latest update 2013.