Maze-in-Depth 7-day Adv MTB/Hiking Tour

Canyonlands National Park

This is an extensive overland journey by bike and foot that explores the most remote district of Canyonlands National Park – The Maze, a vast labyrinth of canyons and towers, contains remnants of multiple cultures that lived off the land in a now seemingly uninhabitable area.

Ancient Puebloans (aka “Anasazi”) wandered these canyons, created their cryptic artwork and built stone structures before vanishing seven centuries ago. Spanish explorers were the first Anglos to see this amazing country in the 1700’s, and since then, numerous long forgotten cowhands and miners have worked the land, barely eking out a living. They all left something in their passing that contributes to the cultural richness that is only found in extraordinary places like The Maze.

 Small Groups – Remote & Rugged – A Unique Mountain Biking / Hiking Experience

Tour Overview:

The riding will challenge your skills with miles of rugged jeep tracks, technical terrain, demanding climbs and all-out cruising. The hikes are all-day adventures that will give you an intimate appreciation for the rugged and intricate topography in the Maze. You’ll be entering one of the most secluded and inaccessible regions in the country – a wild land of winding sandstone canyons, monolithic spires and expansive mesas.

Book This Trip

Price: $2,395/person

Duration: 7-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.

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: We meet at 7am in Moab to load all personal gear on the 4WD Gear Vehicle before we depart by van for Canyonlands (3hrs).  We’ll explore Horseshoe Canyon by foot then return to the van for a short van shuttle ride to Hans Flat Ranger Station where we’ll ride mountain bikes to camp.
Hike 6mi + Bike 3mi

DAY 2: Waking up at our first layover camp, you have options! After a delicious hearty breakfast, we’ll pack a lunch and embark by bike to explore Panorama Point where we can circumnavigate the monolithic Cleopatra’s Chair sandstone outcropping by foot for expansive views into Millard Canyon. Or, you can choose to hangout in camp for a relaxing day of quite time.
Bike 0-20 mi Hike 0-1mi

DAY 3: After a delicious hearty breakfast, we’ll pack up camp, depart by bike, and descend the infamous Flint Trail to our next layover camp at Golden Stairs. Once at camp, we’ll enjoy a fresh lunch off the truck before we lead an optional group hike down the Golden Stairs Trail, view historic inscriptions in the rock, and potentially reach Lew’s Spring on a classic trail used by the infamously hearty people that worked livestock in the area!
Bike 15mi Hike 0-8mi

DAY 4: Again, packing a lunch after breakfast, those in the group interested in another BIG day of adventure will gear up to depart camp by bike – descending into Big Water Canyon, and ultimately to the Maze Overlook hiking trailhead. There, we’ll ditch our bikes for a guided hike into Pictograph Canyon where we’ll view more ancient rock art. We’ll need to be quick on our feet in order to see all the points of interest before we climb back up to our layover camp at the Golden Stairs. Note – this is an out-and-back journey that is not mandatory – you can opt to stay in camp for a rest and recovery day.
Bike 0-26mi Hike 0-6mi

DAY 5: Onward! We’ll pack up camp after breakfast, cruise by bike across the Orange Cliffs, and descend to our last and final layover camp at Teapot Canyon. We can take advantage of this shorter day to rest up for the following day’s epic adventure potential!
Bike 11mi

DAY 6: After another hearty breakfast, we’ll pack lunches and as much water as we can carry for our MTB ride through Upper Teapot Canyon to The Land of the Standing Rocks, and potentially all the way to the end of the road at the Doll House before we turn around and pedal back to our layover camp at Teapot Canyon. This will be a truly unforgettable day of riding with spectacular views along the way!
Bike 0-40mi

DAY 7: We’ll finish the ride with fast rolling easy terrain below the incomparable Orange Cliffs, enjoy one more lunch together and meet our van for the shuttle ride back to Moab. We anticipate returning to Moab by 6pm.
Bike 39mi

ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR BY DISCRETION OF THE GROUP LEADERS.

WHERE DO WE MEET? We meet the group for a pre-trip orientation at 5pm in Moab on the evening BEFORE the tour. Introductions, trip details, rental equipment, questions and last minute trip purchases can all be taken care of at this time. You’ll receive 2 Dry Bags, water & dust proof bags for packing your personal equipment for the trip.

PRE-TRIP MEETINGS are held at our MAGPIE CYCLING Headquarters = 711 N. 500 West, Moab, UT. They start at 5pm and typically last an hour. You must bring your MTB 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 MTB from a local bike shop, then please let us know as soon as possible!!! Thanks

Q: DO I NEED PREVIOUS MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPERIENCE? Yes, the terrain in the Maze is rough in spots and the area very remote. This trip is suitable for fit intermediate to advanced riders. We will give a complete orientation prior to the start of the ride. All of our Guides are experienced riders and great coaches. Daily, we discuss and demonstrate cycling techniques and safe riding skills to help improve your ability on the mountain bike.

Q: HOW MANY MILES PER DAY? Our Maze In Depth 8-day Tour features 11-34 miles of riding on days 1,3, 5, 7-8; days 2, 4, and 6 are LayOver days which offer a combo of short rides and/or long hikes with mileages ranging from 1-8 miles. Extra riding and hiking is 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 the more fun you’ll have! It all comes down to being in good general health, being accustomed to regular exercise outdoors and controlling your pace. If you ride at a comfortable pace for 4-6 hours per ride you will do fine on the trip. Everyone rides at their own pace so there is plenty of time for photos and relaxing.

Q: WILL I NOTICE THE ALTITUDE? Moab lies 4,000 feet above sea level; most of our tour is between 4800’-6000’. If you live near sea level you may feel a slight difference; everyone adjusts at different rates. The quickest way to adapt to the altitude and dry air is to make an extra effort to drink plenty of water and eat salty foods when you arrive and throughout the day during your trip. 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 & Regional 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, Vegan and other dietary requirements or 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, wine, spirits, 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. Wines & Spirits must be transferred 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. 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 435-260-1639 and leave a message.

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.

Q: CAN I BRING MY OWN BIKE AND HOW DO I SHIP IT? Yes, you must make sure your bike is in good repair and has been recently serviced by a qualified bike shop. It’s vital to check all systems; suspension, brakes, shifters, drive train, cables, tires and wheels. Ship your bike to Poison Spider Bicycles, 497 N. Main St, Moab UT 84532, via FedEx. It’ll be ready when you arrive (or assemble yourself… see the Equipment List for details).

Q: WHERE DO WE LEAVE OUR CAR? At the Pre-Trip Meeting we’ll give you a map and directions to where we’ll meet the following morning to launch our trip. This is where you’ll leave your car parked during the trip.

Q: HOW LONG ARE THE VAN SHUTTLE RIDES? There is a very scenic 3 hour van shuttle ride to start the tour. We’ll depart Moab early in the morning and stop at least twice in route. The return van shuttle ride at the end of the trip will take another 3 hours (including stops).

Q: WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE? All Maze multi-day Tours are camping trips! The campsites are primitive and designated by the National Park Service. We bring a portable toilet and ample water for basic personal hygiene.

Q: IS CAMPING GEAR AVAILABLE FOR RENT? Yes! MAGPIE CYCLING has rental camping gear available (tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads). Advanced reservations are essential!

Q: WHERE DO WE STAY BEFORE AND AFTER THE TRIP? For your convenience and safety, we recommend that you stay in or near Moab before and after your trip. Visit DiscoverMoab.com for a complete listing of accommodations in Moab.

PACKING INFORMATION

At the Pre-Trip Meeting you’ll receive 2 Drybags (10L, and 110L), 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 70 oz resevior and capacity for snacks 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), hiking poles.

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 all items in Italics from Magpie Cycling with advanced reservations – Tent (with rainfly, stakes, poles, stuff sack, 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 30-40F – 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 help make a reservation for you from any of the local bike shops. We’ll need to know your height and inseam to insure that we reserve a bike in your correct size.

IF YOU RENT A BIKE – 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: suspension components, dropper seatpost, brakes, drive train, and 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 and 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 – assembly by owner only”. Note; we charge a fee to assemble and/or re-box and ship your bike back to you.

WHAT TO CARRY WHILE RIDING MY BIKE – All you need to carry is your Hydration Pack with at least a 2 liter / 70 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 as well as the group and personal gear to the evening’s campsite.