Sand Flats Rec. Area
Porcupine Rim was one of Moab’s first backcountry rides. Today it comprises the lower section of the Whole Enchilada. This trail is still a must-do for any MTB rider.
Difficulty:
Length:
Time:
Difficult
14.4
3-5 Hours
Trail Type:
Pets:
Required Gear:
Point to Point
Yes
Water, snacks, tools
Rating:
Season:
Fees:
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
All Year
Sand Flats Entrance Fee
This trail consists of double track for the first 8 to 9 miles. This means jeeps and other 4wd vehicles can use this portion of the trail. After that the trail turns into single track and is only accessible to hikers and bikers. Along the way you will see amazing views of Castle Valley. There are several massive cliffs and drop offs, but you can stay well clear of them on the double track. There are a couple of cliff areas on the single-track section as well that you will want to pay attention on. Make sure to bring enough snacks, water and bike repair kits and tools to weather any kind of issues you might have.
Castle Valley Overlook
Trailhead Info
The Porcupine Rim trailhead is in the Sand Flats Recreation area just a few minutes east of downtown Moab. On highway 191 in the center of town, turn east on 300 S. Follow 300 S. four blocks until the street ends. Hang right and then take the next left heading east on Millcreek Dr. Stay on this road through the stop sign. The road turns into Sand Flats road and climbs up onto the redrock bench. From the Entrance Station follow the road for east for 7 miles. The road turns into a well-used dirt road and is suitable for almost all vehicles. The trailhead parking lot will be on your right.
Trail Info
The trail begins as a rough jeep road on the north side of the Sand Flats road. The first 3 miles of the ride will gain about 900 feet as you climb your way up to the rim. This part of the trail is mixed slickrock and sand and is technical in its own way since it’s not smooth flowing single track.
Once you reach the rim, take a break and enjoy the amazing views of Castle Valley. For the daring, this is where you want to get pictures of each other as you stand next to the cliffs with your bikes. You’ll want a photo to remember your time here when you are back at the office in your cubicle!
From the rim, continue in a northerly direction on the double track. The trail mellows out here and flattens out but there are still some technical bumps and ledges you’ll want to keep an eye out for.
Eventually the trail descends a bit to a small turn-around parking lot. This is where the double track ends and the single track begins. The single track moves quick and feels free after being on the double track for so long. You’ll begin to make your way to the descent to the Colorado River.
As you approach the final couple of miles, you’ll navigate around a small canyon with some drop offs and break out onto the Colorado River corridor. From here you’ll continue to descend a steep hillside with several technical areas until you finally make it to the Grandstaff Canyon parking lot. This is where you hope your ride is there waiting for you. Riding into town from here is not too difficult but does add some mileage and saddle time to your day. Some overly fit riders choose to ride this trail as a loop which makes it a 30 mile ride.
Elevation Profile and Map
