Bicycling
There's world-class biking all around Arches National Park, but the park proper is not the best place to explore on two wheels. Bicycles are allowed only on established roads, and because there are no shoulders cyclists share the roadway with drivers and pedestrians. If you do want to take a spin in the park, try the dirt-and-gravel Willow Flats Road, the old entrance to the park. The road is about 6½ miles one-way and starts across from Balanced Rock parking lot. It's a pretty mountain-bike ride on dirt and sand through slickrock, pinyon, and juniper country. You must stay on the road with your bicycle or chance steep fines.
Tours and Outfitters
Chile Pepper Bike Shop. For mountain bike rentals, sales, service, and gear, plus espresso, stop here before you set out. 702 S. Main St., Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/259–4688; www.chilebikes.com.
Poison Spider Bicycles. In a town of great bike shops, this fully loaded shop is one of the best. Poison Spider serves the thriving road-cycling community as well as mountain bikers. Rent, buy, or service your bike here. You can also arrange for shuttle and guide services and purchase merchandise. Want to ship your bike to Moab for your adventure? Poison Spider will store it until you arrive and the staff will reassemble it for you and make sure everything is in perfect working order. 497 N. Main St., Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/259–7882; 800/635–1792; www.poisonspiderbicycles.com.
Rim Tours. Reliable, friendly, and professional, Rim Tours has been taking guests on guided one-day or multiday mountain-bike tours, including Klondike Bluffs (which enters Arches) and the White Rim Trail (inside Canyonlands) since 1985. Road-bike tours as well as bike rentals are also available. Bike skills a little rusty? Rim Tours also offers mountain-bike instructional tours. For all tours, the larger the group, the cheaper the price per person. 1233 S. U.S. 191, Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/259–5223; www.rimtours.com. Tours start at $155 for a solo rider .
Western Spirit Cycling Adventures. Head here for fully supported, go-at-your-own-pace, multiday mountain-bike and road-bike tours throughout the western states, including trips to Canyonlands, Bears Ears, and the 140-mile Kokopelli Trail, which runs from Grand Junction, Colorado, to Moab. Guides versed in the geologic wonders of the area cook up meals worthy of the scenery each night. Ask about family rides, and road bike trips, too. Electric bicycles are available. 478 S. Mill Creek Dr., Moab, Utah, 84532. 435/259–8732; 800/845–2453; www.westernspirit.com. From $995.
