Can You Moo
Can You Moo? is a 11.6-mile loop in the red dirt and rock west of Vernal. The trail is narrow desert singletrack, intermediate technical, twisting and turning through a gradual 550 feet of climbing. It's not too tough, and not too scary. There's one short brute climb on the way out (counterclockwise loop), and one spooky loose plunge on the way back. Good bike-handling skills are recommended to keep the bike on the narrow singletrack. The loop is best ridden counterclockwise.
Can You Moo is often combined with the Upper Moo loop trail -- at the north end -- for a longer ride.
Can You Moo? is a 11.6-mile loop in the red dirt and rock west of Vernal. The trail is narrow desert singletrack, intermediate technical, twisting and turning through a gradual 550 feet of climbing. It's not too tough, and not too scary. There's one short brute climb on the way out (counterclockwise loop), and one spooky loose plunge on the way back. Good bike-handling skills are recommended to keep the bike on the narrow singletrack. The loop is best ridden counterclockwise.
Can You Moo is often combined with the Upper Moo loop trail -- at the north end -- for a longer ride.
Bruce pops over the lip of a small wash, with Troy of Altitude Cycle close behind. Photo by Mike, August 27, 2004.
Update 2010: I'm told the trail has been hammered by cattle and isn't seeing regular upkeep. The local
bike shop isn't routinely sending riders to Can You Moo any more. You
can still ride the trail, but check
with Altitude Cycle about current conditions.
Trailhead supply stand. Take what you need, hang what you don't.
The trail can be ridden virtually year-round, although some clay areas can get really ugly
when wet. This area is winter range for a LOT of cows. The trail surface
can change drastically
during the wet months of winter.
A couple of other trails link to Can You Moo?. Upper Moo is a nice add-on loop that forks off Can You Moo? at mile 5 (when riding counterclockwise) at N 40° 23.670' W 109° 38.138'. Although not as visually rich or exciting to ride as Can You Moo?, it offers another 8 miles of similar riding.
Ridden counterclockwise, the uphill section is a twisting, high-speed gradual climb in a shallow
flat canyon. The trail drops in and out of the wash countless times. Once
you reach the Upper
Moo fork, the trail rises over a saddle and begins a more-technical descent.
The trail hits
a number of unusual geographic formations resembling lava flows, alternating
with high-speed
desert brush.
Bruce climbs up Can You Moo?
Getting there:
Starting at the view area on US-40 just west of Vernal, drive west (away from Vernal) 5.9 miles. As the road curves right around a small mountain, spot a dirt road on the right. Park on the side of the dirt road at N 40° 20.253' W 109° 38.055'. Carry your bike through the gate (close it!) and start riding up the old road. When the singletrack leaves the road on the left, keep right as the trail drops into a wash.
Starting at the view area on US-40 just west of Vernal, drive west (away from Vernal) 5.9 miles. As the road curves right around a small mountain, spot a dirt road on the right. Park on the side of the dirt road at N 40° 20.253' W 109° 38.055'. Carry your bike through the gate (close it!) and start riding up the old road. When the singletrack leaves the road on the left, keep right as the trail drops into a wash.
Map of Can You Moo, 2006
