The Stages
Let the adventure begin!
Over the course of three professionally marked and fully supported stages, Moab Rocks takes you on a bucket-list adventure over some of the best riding Moab has to offer. Each stage is an adrenaline-filled case study of the area’s unique terrain and singletrack.
For more than 30 years—going as far back as mountain biking itself—trail builders have spent thousands of hours carving out singletrack in the red dirt and on the red rocks that have made Moab famous. The result is one of the most extensive and unique trail systems in the world.
Pair these trails with a climate that’s perfect for early-season riding in North America, and you’ve got a destination that draws mountain bikers from all over the world to train, race and ride with friends and family.
During your three days with us, you’ll race world-famous routes, modern classics and trails that date back to the early days of mountain biking. Here’s a sneak preview of the adventure that awaits.
Note: All stages are subject to change at any time for quality control and/or permitting.
“Stage 3 was the most fun race I’ve ever done. What an amazing course! ”
Stage 1 – Porcupine Rim
Stage 1 will put your skills and grit to the test on none other than the trail, the myth, the legend…Porcupine Rim. Porcupine Rim is a Moab classic that’s been around for decades, and as a testament to those early trail builders, it remains a rider favorite to this day.
Beginning at the Grand County High School in the heart of Moab itself, stage 1 is an old-school classic from start to finish. It consists of one big climb, followed by one big, thrilling descent! You’ll begin with a paved climb through town and after approximately 3.7 mi (6km), the pavement turns to double track, where you’ll settle in for another 10 mi (16km) of climbing on Sand Flats Road.
At the top of the climb, at 13.7 mi (22km), an inviting aid station awaits. As does the beginning of Porcupine Rim proper—a rowdy 9 mi (14km) descent full of rocky steps, drops, and breathtaking views of the Castle Valley below. This is a legendary descent that’s sure to put a smile on your face and leave you itching for stage 2.
Porcupine Rim Stage Stats
Start - 8:30 am - Grand County High School
Distance - 22.5 mi (36.2km)
Vertical - 3,400 ft (1,040m)
Checkpoints/Aid Stations - 13.7 mi (22km)
Finish - Porcupine Rim Jeep Trail
Stage 2 – Bar M
After your initiation into Moab racing on Porcupine Rim, you’ll move on to stage 2 for an exhilarating ride through the iconic Moab terrain on Stage 2 at the Bar M trail network!
Starting from the Bar M parking lot, riders will embark on a 21.9 mile (35 km) journey filled with breathtaking views and thrilling trails. The route features a mix of technical challenges and scenic beauty, making it a true mountain biking paradise.
Along the way, riders will encounter three aid stations strategically placed at key points along the route. The first aid station awaits at 3 miles (5km) in, providing a quick water refuel before tackling the next leg of the journey. The second aid station awaits at the 5.5 mile (9km) mark, offering much-needed support as riders continue to push forward. Finally, the third aid station awaits at 17 miles (27.5km), providing a final boost of energy before the homestretch.
Throughout the course, riders will traverse a variety of trails, including the Bar M Loop, Circle O, Rockin' A, Deadman's Ridge, Maverick, and North 40. These classic Moab trails offer a mix of technical features, flowy singletrack, and jaw-dropping vistas. Keep your eyes peeled for 360-degree views in some spots, providing an unforgettable backdrop to your ride.
After an epic day on the trails, riders will return to the Bar M parking lot, completing the loop where the adventure began.
Bar M Stage Stats
Start - 8:30 am - Bar M Parking Area
Distance - 21.9 mi (35km)
Vertical - 2,022 ft (616m)
Checkpoints/Aid Stations - 3 mi (5km) water station, 5.5 mi (9km), and 17 mi (27.5km)
Finish - Bar M Parking Area (Same as the Start)
Stage 3 – Mag 7
Short for Magnificent 7, Mag 7 is one of the newer riding areas around Moab. It’s fast, fun, and technical and it will be your home base for stage 3.
The start line is in the parking area near the beginning of Gemini Bridges Road, and once the gun goes off, you’ll make your way on this gravel road toward the popular Arths Corner trail. Arths is short, but sweet, and ends at the day’s first aid station at 7.5 mi (12km). Once through the aid station, you’ll climb up Getaway (lower, middle, upper and top) to the high point of the stage at 5,700 ft (1,750m) and aid station #2.
From there, it’s (almost) all downhill to the finish as you take on the fast, fun and moderately technical descent known as Bull Run. Aid station #3, at 19.3 mi (31km), will be waiting at the end of Bull Run and then it’s onto the rocky flow of Great Escape and Goldbar before retracing your steps on Gemini Bridges Road back to the start/finish line.
Warning: It may be hard to keep your eyes on the trail during this stage. There are amazing views of Gemini Bridges, Bull Canyon and the La Sal Mountains around almost every turn—a truly magnificent end to three incredible days of racing!
Mag 7 Stage Stats
Start - 8:30 am Gemini Bridges Road Parking Area
Distance - 28.5 mi (46km)
Vertical - 2,300 ft (700m)
Checkpoints/Aid Stations - 7.5 mi (12km), 13.7 mi (22km), 19.3 mi (31km)
Finish - Gemini Bridges Road parking area
Note: Please stay on the trails at all times.
Fragile living desert crusts (cryptogamic soil) can be destroyed by going off trail.
Also, there are rattlesnakes! Follow course markings, and please don’t litter.
