White Rim Trail 3-Day Tour
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Iconic desert mountain biking – the birthplace of multi-day MTB touring in the American Southwest. Follow historic overland routes pioneered by Ancestral Puebloans, enhanced by Cattle Ranchers and later developed into rugged 4×4 roads by the USGS and Prospectors through endlessly scenic terrain.
Our meals are delicious! And, our guides are seasoned professionals and passionate educators – dedicated to facilitating more than just a ‘fun ride’ experience. Guides share their knowledge about the area’s Cultural and Natural History as well as help you refine your MTB skill set.
Tour Overview:
Stay engaged with grand descents, miles of cruising, demanding climbs, and exquisite views. You’ll test your skills, peg your fun-o-meter, and experience the vastness of Canyonlands. As far as the eye can see, the horizon is a labyrinth of intricate red rock canyons – rugged, remote, beautiful.
Price: $970/person
Duration: 3-day MTB Tour
Included in cost:
- Food – lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day
- Guides
- Support Vehicle
- Shuttles
- National Park fees, including campsites
* Optional add-ons (not included in cost)
- Full suspension MTB rentals
- Camping equipment – tent $45, sleeping bag $25, sleeping pad $25, full kit $85
Pre-Trip Orientation
We meet the group for a pre-trip orientation at 5pm in Moab on the evening before the tour and it typically lasts an hour. Introductions, trip details, rental equipment, questions and last minute trip purchases can all be taken care of at this time. You will also be provided with 2 Dry Bags for packing your personal equipment for the trip.
* FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED WHEN 6′ APART SOCIAL DISTANCING IS NOT POSSIBLE, INDOORS, AND INSIDE VEHICLES
You must bring your mountain bike to the Pre-Trip Meeting for inspection by your Guides. If you will be a late arrival, or unable to attend the pre-trip meeting, or need help picking up your rental mountain bike from a local bike shop, then please let us know as soon as possible!
Pre-trip orientation meetings are held at our Magpie Cycling Headquarters at 711 N. 500 West, Moab, UT.
Day 1 – Breakfast on your own. We’ll meet 8am in Moab to load all personal gear on the 4WD Gear Vehicle before we depart by van for Canyonlands. A safety talk will be given before we begin cycling to our scenic camp for the night.
Ride 26-28 miles
Day 2 – Riding through miles of visual splendor, hiking into a slot canyon, seeing ancient ruins, hearing the call of a canyon wren – the day’s highlights seem endless. A lunch stop punctuates the day’s ride and each night’s camp will etch a desert memory that will last until your next visit.
Ride 25 miles
Day 3 – Awaken to a spectacular sunrise, fuel up with a hearty breakfast and you’re back in the saddle again. We’ll enjoy another lunch together before we return to Moab by 5pm.
Ride 26-28 miles
ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR BY DISCRETION OF THE GROUP LEADERS.
Moab, UT is the beautiful gateway town to Canyonlands National park. We suggest making lodging or camping arrangements as soon as you book your trip with us. You can fly right into Moab at Canyonlands Field Airport, which is just 20 minutes North of town. The next option is Grand Junction, CO, just under 100 miles/2 hours away. If you fly into Salt Lake City, you should anticipate a 4.5-hour drive to Moab. We recommend you lodge in Moab before your trip and the night your trip ends. There’s so much to see here!
Q: DO I NEED PREVIOUS MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPERIENCE? With good fitness and the right attitude, previous MTB experience is not essential though it is a VERY GOOD IDEA! Learning to safely handle a mountain bike is not difficult. We encourage Novice riders to join us for a Private Guided Ride with one of our Certified MTB Instructors prior to the start of your multi-day MTB tour. During your trip, Guides discuss and demonstrate cycling techniques and safe riding skills to help improve your ability on the mountain bike.
Q: HOW MANY MILES PER DAY? Ride 25 to 28 miles/day. Extra riding and hiking are available from camp for those who wish to extend their day.
Q: WHAT KIND OF SHAPE DO I NEED TO BE IN? The more fit you are when you start the trip directly equates to the less fatigued you’ll be at the end. Mountain biking can be as strenuous or mellow as you make it – it all comes down to being in good general health, being accustomed to regular exercise and controlling your pace. If you can ride at a comfortable pace for 4-6 hours at home you will do fine on the trip. Riding a mountain bike is fun! Everyone rides at their own pace, so there is plenty of time for photos and relaxation.
Q: WILL I NOTICE THE ALTITUDE? Most of our tour is between 4000’-6000’ above sea level. If you live near sea level you may feel a slight difference – everyone adjusts at different rates. Help your body adapt to the altitude and dry air by drinking plenty of water and eating salty foods – it is dry here, so plan to drink lots of water, salt your food and snack frequently.
Q: HOW IS THE FOOD? We prepare healthy & hearty delicious meals! Our outstanding menu reflects the nutritional needs that mountain biking and outdoor living requires. Our meals are prepared using Local Organic Ingredients; lean meats, fresh fruits & veggies, and whole grains as well as enough sweet treats to satisfy!
- We also bring snack bars & electrolyte replacement mix.
- Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian or other dietary requirements & requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
Q: WHAT ABOUT BEVERAGES? We provide Orange Juice, Fresh Moab Coffee, Black & Herbal Teas, Vitalyte (an electrolyte replacement mix) and plenty of yummy water. If you want to bring beer, soft drinks or extra juice, we request you bring aluminum cans or plastic containers only! We typically have room for four beverages per person, per day, in our cooler. Please transfer wines & spirits from glass bottles to a plastic or metal bottle with a tight fitting screw cap lid.
Q: WHAT ABOUT TIPPING? While not expected, it’s certainly appreciated for a job well done. 20% is customary in the service industry.
Q: WHO COMES ON MAGPIE CYCLING’S TRIPS? Typically we have a spirited mixture of singles & couples as well as friends & family traveling together. Many have joined us on numerous adventures in the past. The ability range within groups can span from novice to expert mountain bikers. All seem to share the common bond of an appreciation for the outdoors & an active lifestyle. We’ll gladly supply references and the make-up of any trip that you are interested in joining.
Q: ARE CHARTER TRIPS AVAILABLE? Yes, any of our trips can be chartered by your Private Party! You bring the group and we’ll take care of the details! Custom itineraries are available: dates, amenities, activities, etc are negotiable. To schedule a Charter Trip call 435 259-4464.
Q: WHO ARE THE GUIDES? All trips are lead by our Professional MTB Guide/Instructor Staff; Mike Adler, Mike Rundle, Eric Boxrud, Trevor Ohlstein, Julia Franz, Joe Auer and of course, the owners, Mike Holme & Maggie Wilson. Our Staff have a wealth of knowledge about the local area and a comfortable style bringing people together like a group of friends having fun on an amazing adventure vacation.
PACKING INFORMATION
At the Pre-Trip Meeting you’ll receive 2 Dry Bags, water & dust proof bags. The large bag is for your clothes, sleeping bag & sleeping pad; it’s carried on top of the gear vehicle and is not easily accessible during the day. The small bag is for extra clothing & items you may need during the day and don’t want to carry on your bike. The small bag is carried on the gear vehicle and easily accessible when you’re near the gear vehicle. Finally, your Hydration Pack is for items you need with you while riding; water, snacks, sunscreen, camera, rain jacket, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: We have limited space on the gear vehicle; follow the equipment list carefully! Bring only what you’ll need for your trip; excess clothing and gear can be left in your hotel or car.
SEASONAL TEMPERATURES
April, May, Sept & early Oct trips usually have cool nights (35-55F), warm sunny days (65-95F) and the possibility of some wind & thunderstorms. In March, early April & late Oct expect colder nights (30-45F), clear to partly cloudy days (60-80F) and the possibility of some wind & thunderstorms. We suggest dressing in layers, with good Gore-Tex rain gear as the top layer.
EQUIPMENT LIST: MULTI-DAY DESERT TOURS
This equipment list was compiled from personal guiding experience and updated with guest feedback from mountain bike trips beginning in 1985. It’s not meant to overwhelm, but to educate & prepare you for the varied conditions we’ve experienced in the field. By taking time to thoroughly go over this list, you’ll begin to insure the quality of your trip. Items are available for rent, with advanced reservations.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Bike Helmet (rental bikes come with helmets) – Sunhat, Baseball Cap or Visor – Eye Protection (if prescription, bring a spare pair) – Hydration Pack (minimum 100 oz reservoir and capacity for food etc) – Cycling Gloves – Closed Toed Shoes – Sunscreen and Lip Screen (light colored clothing also works)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Sunglasses – Bandanna – Base Layers (synthetic or wool, avoid cotton!) – Down Jacket – Ski Hat (Wool or Fleece) – Cycling Shorts – Shorts – Long Pants – Gore-Tex Rain Suit – Sandals – Earplugs (for sleeping) – Headlamp or Flashlight (with new batteries, spare bulb and extra batteries) – Personal First Aid Kit (Include anti-Inflammatory, anti-acid, Band-Aids, topical antibiotic, Aloe Vera gel, athletic tape or Second Skin, cold/sinus meds, eye drops, personal & prescription medications)
PERSONAL ITEMS
Toilet Kit (normal toiletries in small travel sizes) – Wash Cloths (1 per day for your daily “desert shower”) – Insect Repellent (Citronella works well on gnats)
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Camera – Book – Personal Journal or Pencil & Paper – Binoculars – Small Musical Instrument – Beverages (CANS ONLY PLEASE, 4 cans per person per day, transfer wines and liquors from glass to a plastic bottle with secure screw-top lid)
CAMPING GEAR
You can rent the following camping gear from Magpie Cycling with advance reservations – Tent (with rain-fly, stakes, poles, stuff sack, ground cloth/foot print & 50 ft. 1/8″ Nylon Cord to secure tent in places where soil is thin) – Sleeping Bag with stuff sack – compact bag with synthetic fill, rated 20-30F – Sleeping Pad (Thermarest self inflating pad)
MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTALS
Advance reservations are necessary – Many different brands and styles of Full Suspension Mountain Bikes are available for rent from Moab’s local bike shops. We’re happy to make a reservation for you from the Poison Spider Bicycles fleet, as well as pick-up & return the bike before & after the trip. We’ll need to know your height and inseam to insure that we reserve a bike in your correct size.
Poison Spider Bicycles Full Suspension Mountain Bike rental rates for a 3-day rental are approximately; $146 Standard, $178 Mid-Range, and $210-226 High-End.
Or, you can make a rental bike reservation at your shop of choice, pay that shop directly and transport (pick-up and return) the bike to our staging/parking area before and after the trip.
IF YOU RENT A BIKE Your bike must be in excellent condition. Consider bringing the following items from your personal bike; your own comfortable mountain bike seat (without the seat post), your own MTB pedals and shoes.
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE Full Suspension is Highly Recommended! Your bike must be in excellent repair! Service all systems: brakes, drive train & wheels. Magpie Cycling assumes no responsibility for the condition of your personal bike and reserves the right to deny usage of bikes considered unsafe by your Guide! Our tools are for minor adjustments & repairs while on the trip.
SHIPPING YOUR BIKE – send it FedEx or UPS to Magpie Cycling, 711 North 500 West, Moab, UT 84532. Clearly mark exterior of box; “Please Assemble” or “Please Hold for Magpie Cycling”.
WHAT TO CARRY WHILE RIDING MY BIKE – All you need to carry is your Hydration Pack with at least a 100 oz. reservoir, MTB multi-tool, flat repair kit, food, and a rain jacket. The 4WD Gear Vehicle travels behind the group carrying the camp food, first aid, cold beverages and group & personal equipment to the evening’s campsite.
White Rim Trail
We rode the White Rim Trail in April 2008 and it was awesome! It is a beautiful place and it was great to have the support that Magpie gave us– especially the food. Breakfast was always great, and after a long morning ride, lunch was very welcome and delicious.
White Rim trail – Stunning Scenary and Awesome Off Road Bicycling
My wife and I participated in a 4-day off road bicycle tour of the White Rim trail hosted by Magpie Adventures. Mike and Sam guided us and 6 other cyclists along one of the most beautiful off road bicycle rides in the world! We highly recommend Magpie for this trip.
Red Rock Ramble
My girlfriend and I saddled up with Mike and Maggie of Magpie in Sept 07 for a ramble along the White Rim trail. It was a first-rate experience. The scenery and organic bison was only outdone by their attention to every detail. Magpie you Rock!