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Mountain biking in the Canyonlands: Frequently-Asked Questions about Utah's White Rim Trail

Mountain biking on the White Rim Trail through spectacular Canyonlands scenery, followed by a hike through some of America's natural wonders!

This FAQ page is intended to accompany other pages about this trip and about our company (see links at left). Some of the answers below may include links to other other sites; please use the BACK key of your browser to return to this page.

Contents:

• How many days are there in a 6-day trip?
  
• When does this trip start and end?
  
• What do I need to bring to ride the White Rim Trail?
  
• How technical is the biking on this trip?
  
• Are there showers, while we're camping?
  
• Is there any rafting on the Colorado River during this trip?
  
• I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
  
• Am I expected to tip the guides?
  
• How do I get to Moab, Utah?
  
• Can I fly into Moab, Utah?
  
• Is it true that the bars in Moab are all private clubs?
  
• What's the weather like in Moab?
  

How many days are there in a 6-day trip?
Our trip officially begins at 6:00 p.m., with a reception and orientation, followed by dinner. We officially end after breakfast on the last day, although you can leave as early as you like. Or stick around all day, for sightseeing with your new friends.

Our "6-day" trip thus consists of 5 full days and two partial days. Some companies call this a 7-day trip; we feel it's more accurate to refer to it as 6 days.

When does this trip start and end?
This trip starts at 7:00 pm, with an orientation, followed by dinner. If you expect to arrive at our hotel later than 7:00 pm, please be sure to advise your expected arrival time, so our guide will know when to expect you, and can leave you directions to the restauant if need be. If you arrive earlier in the day, look for a sign in the lobby for any optional afternoon activities.

There is nothing scheduled on the last day other than breakfast, so you can leave as early as needed to start your journey home.

What do I need to bring to ride the White Rim Trail?
We will send you a "What to Bring" list to help you prepare for the trip. Three things you do NOT need to bring are a bike, a helmet, and a water bottle, all of which are provided by our partners. However, for any of these three, if you feel more comfortable using your own, and can get it to Moab, by all means bring it along. We will even give a price reduction if you provide your own bike.

Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are also available for a small additional fee. The current price will be shown on your options list when you reserve the trip.

Additional information to prepare for the trip is on the website of our outfitter, Rim Tours.

How technical is the biking on this trip?
The White Rim Trail, and the mountain biking we'll do near Moab on the first day, are not technically difficult rides. That is, there are no tricky moves that require special experience or mountain biking skills. But be prepared for some obstacles, as well as several steep climbs and descents. That's all part of the fun.

Are there showers, while we're camping?
Solar showers and washbasins will be available. Washbasins are available every day. Depending on the group size and weather, solar showers are usually available every other day. We suggest bringing unscented baby-wipes for quick clean-up after riding.

Is there any rafting on the Colorado River during this trip?
Utah's White Rim Trail is geared for the joys of mountain biking, at the top of the rim, but if you'd like to experience the whitewater at the bottom of the canyons stay in Moab to join our Cataract Canyon rafting trip down the Colorado River through Canyonlands National Park.

I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
Most of our trips draw more single travelers than couples. When couples do join us, it's usually because they're looking forward to interacting with a gay group; if they wanted a holiday by themselves, they wouldn't have signed up to travel with us. Furthermore, the activities included with our trips serve as natural ice-breakers. Within a day, you'll be traveling with friends.

You don't need to pay the single supplement if you're traveling alone. We'll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself.

Am I expected to tip the guides?
If they provide good service, then yes, a gratuity at the end of the trip is customary and appreciated. It's not required, but we're confident that you'll be so impressed by the helpfulness, knowledge, and culinary skills of the guides, that you'll be eager to show your appreciation.

How do I get to Moab, Utah?
You have several options to choose from.

If you live close enough to drive there, you're all set. You don't need a car to take part in this trip, but there may be times when you're glad to have it available.

See the "Can I fly into Moab" question for details on flying directly to Moab.

You can rent a car in Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and drive to Moab, perhaps sharing the cost with others on our trip. Our newsletter allows you to hook up with others who'd like to do this.

You can also fly into Grand Junction, Colorado, which is smaller, but closer to Moab -- about a 2 hour drive, as opposed to 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City. Sometimes this will be a cheaper flight; sometimes more expensive. From Grand Junction, you'll need to rent a car or make arrangements in our newsletter to share driving with someone.

As of 2011, there is no bus transportation to Moab. However, Roadrunner Shuttle offers chartered service between Grand Junction and Moab - $250 minimum charge, but $50 per person if five or more people share the ride.

Travel information of this sort can easily get out of date. If a number above has changed, we'd appreciate hearing from you about it. The Moab Travel Council (800-635-MOAB or 800-635-6622 or www.discovermoab.com) is a good source for additional travel advice.

Can I fly into Moab, Utah?
Moab has a small airport, airport code CNY. As of October 2011, the only airline serving Moab is Great Lakes Airlines, with daily 19-seat prop plane flights to Moab from Denver and seasonal flights from Las Vegas. Since fares and schedules are subject to change, please check the Great Lakes Airlines website for full details or call them at 800-554-5111.

Please note that the Moab Canyonlands Airport is about 25 minutes from town. Roadrunner Shuttle offers taxi service between the airport and Moab for a reasonable price. To have them meet your flight, call 1-435-259-9402.

Is it true that the bars in Moab are all private clubs?
You'll encounter some odd laws here pertaining to alcohol. In some circumstances, a bar (or even a restaurant that serves alcohol) must operate as a private club, open only to members and guests. Someone in the Utah legislature probably thought this would curtail drinking. In any case, a "private club" is allowed to sell hard liquor, while an establishment that is not a "private club" can only serve beer and wine.

No worries! If you walk into a private club, the manager will arrange for someone to sponsor you as their guest (and you may then want to buy a drink for that person).

You'll encounter other such rules: restaurants will often have wine available, but you have to ask, since they aren't allowed to offer it; they can also only provide one wine glass on the table per guest.

What's the weather like in Moab?
Spring and fall, without a doubt, are the best times here for trail biking and whitewater rafting. In April and mid-September to October, you can expect daytime temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, with warm water temperatures in the Colorado River. (Wait until July and August and the mercury can exceed a hundred degrees. Though on the other hand, you'll practically have the trails to yourself.)

You can get good mountain days in Moab during the winter, but not predictably. You might have a sunny, pleasant day in December, but in a week it could snow. Locals often take advantage of the good days. But if you're planning to travel here for a vacation, and need to schedule time in advance, it's better to shoot for spring or fall.

Moab has a fairly dry climate year-round, but with occasional heavy August rains during the monsoon season of rains that come up from Baja California. Although you should be ready for the possible shower, precipitation averages less than 1.5 inches a month in the autumn, and less than one inch in the springtime.

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