Moab Rocks FAQ
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers
Stage racing is a big undertaking, and Moab is such a unique place that questions are bound to come up for even the most experienced racers. Below is a place to find answers to questions we get regularly.
If you don’t find the answer you need, please feel free to reach out to us at info@transrockies.com. Or, better yet, why not post your question in our Facebook Group? It’s a helpful community of racers and there’s a good chance someone else out there is wondering the same thing you are!
How technical is the riding?
Moab has riding for all skill levels. For the Moab Rocks stage race, we focus on routes that are generally intermediate in difficulty, but trails can range from easy (green circle) trails to very difficult (black diamond). Most riders will be able to ride the vast majority of the route, but there are some sections that you may attempt but end up getting off to walk.
How do I get there?
Moab is easy to get to by driving or flying. If driving from the northern US or Canada, you may want to leave your winter tires on as snowstorms are still likely over the mountain passes this time of year! If you are flying, you can fly directly into the Moab airport via United Airlines with a connection from Denver. Or you could fly into Salt Lake City and rent a car for the drive to Moab, which is less than 4 hours.
Why is the date different every year?
Moab Rocks generally takes place sometime between late March and Mid April. We’d love to have a set weekend that we run the race on every year, but Moab has a major event called the Moab Jeep Safari which is a 10-day event that wraps up on Easter weekend every year. Grand County will not permit another event to take place during these dates (due to town being so full and straining the community’s capacity) so we move around them accordingly, either two weeks before Easter or a week after. We try to also work around major cycling events like the Sea Otter Classic and Whiskey 50, but we’re at the mercy of the Moab events schedule first and foremost. Generally we have good conditions anytime during this period - 2023 was the only year when we experienced major disruptions to Stage 1 due to snow and cold weather. Other years we have used a lower entrance for Porcupine but otherwise had fine conditions.
Where should I stay?
Moab has many accommodation options, but March is the beginning of spring high season so book early. Camping is another great option as there are many campgrounds in town for tenting or RV accommodation. There is also lots of free camping on public lands outside of town, if you don’t mind roughing it. If you want to stay in a hotel or motel there are also lots of great options.
What will the weather be like?
Generally, this time of year is cold at night and in the morning, but nice and warm during the day. The average high is 67ºF / 19ºC and the average low is 38ºF / 3º C. Usually, you can expect to start the stages with a vest and arm warmers, but work down to shorts and a jersey during the stage. We had a freak snowstorm in 2019, but that has only happened once over the years, and it was sunny and warm by the end of the stage. That said, come prepared for all weather conditions. You will want your puffy jacket for morning warm-ups, and possibly for the afternoon beer garden awards as well!
I plan to camp for Moab Rocks. Is there anywhere that I can shower in Moab?
For a small fee, a few of the local campgrounds allow visitors to come in and take a shower. Check out the following page for a complete list: Discover Moab
Are there any Supermarkets in Moab?
Yes, Moab has two full-sized grocery stores, both containing a deli and bakery:
City Market - 425 S Main Street
Village Market - 702 S Main Street
Moonflower Community Coop - 39 E 100 N
Is there a hospital in Moab?
Yes, there is. In February 2011, the new Moab Regional Hospital opened its doors to patients, replacing the 54-year-old Allen Memorial Hospital. The new hospital is a 17-bed critical access hospital. Services include a full-service emergency room, general and orthopedic surgical services, primary care physicians, obstetrical services, and a wide range of other specialists.
450 Williams Way
Moab, UT 84532
435-719-3500
What are the current road conditions in Moab?
Visit udottraffic.utah.gov/ for up-to-date road conditions.
What is biological soil crust?
Biological soil crust is a living crust of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), bacteria, algae, lichen, mosses and fungi that cover much of the soil surface in this area. It is almost invisible in its early stages. As it matures, it develops a bumpy, blackish surface. The crust is essential to desert life. It holds sand together, retains water, and makes nutrients needed for larger plants to grow.
It takes over 100 years for the crust to reach full development, yet tire tracks and footsteps can crush it instantaneously. Bike and vehicle tire tracks are especially damaging because they form ruts. When it rains water flows in these ruts causing severe erosion. Drive or bike only on open roads or trails. When hiking cross-country, walk on slickrock or in dry washes to avoid trampling biological soil crust.
What is minimum impact?
Each year, millions of visitors enjoy Canyon Country. The impact of so much use is threatening the area's biological resources. You can help protect this fragile and beautiful land by following minimum-impact practices.
Tread lightly when traveling and leave no trace of your camping.
Drive and ride only on roads and trails where such travel is allowed; hike only on established trails, on rock or in washes.
Avoid taking shortcuts and traveling through biological soil crusts.
When camping do not place your tent on top of vegetation.
Select an area of bare soil for your tent.
Use existing fire rings and bring in your own firewood.
Do not strip bark, cut or break off tree limbs.
Wood collecting of any kind is illegal at the Sand Flats Recreation Area.
Please remember these trees provide shade and shelter for you, other campers and the animals that make the desert their home.
Help keep Canyon Country clean.
Pack out your trash and recycle it, clean up after less thoughtful visitors, and use toilets.
Protect and conserve scarce desert water sources.
Leave potholes undisturbed.
Allow space for wildlife.
When encountering wildlife, maintain your distance and remain quiet.
Teach children not to chase or pick up animals.
Keep pets under control.
