Image of a bike rack with two mountain bikes attached

MOUNTAIN BIKING FRUITA & MOAB – COLORADO OVERLANDER EDITION

When it’s time to plan a mountain biking trip in Colorado or Utah, a Colorado Overlander vehicle will take you and your bikes to the right trailhead.

Everyone knows that the high elevation mountains have amazing mountain biking trails, from lift-serviced downhill to local townie runs, but the summer season is short, especially when snow melts late and flies early. In the towns of Fruita, CO and Moab, UT, however, the long ‘shoulder seasons’ of spring and fall offer excellent temperatures for exploring hundreds of miles of world class single-track. Maybe you want to try a slick rock ride along the canyon, or you’re looking for a flow trail to rip through the bank turns, or perhaps you are ready to up your technical game and do some technical rock-hopping. Both of these unique locations provide a long list of trails with something for every level of skill and experience.

Whatever your goal is for your mountain biking trip, Colorado Overlander can help you achieve it.

Image of a man unloading his Colorado Overlander truck preparing for his bike ride. There are two bikes leaning against the ladder to the roof nest tent.

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN FRUITA

The town of Fruita, Colorado put itself firmly on the map as a biking mecca in the last decade. The downtown has a fun, funky vibe, marketing itself to outdoor enthusiasts and dinosaur lovers as well! With trails from mild to extreme, it is an excellent biking destination for novice riders or families with children.

Because of its recent boom in popularity, the established campgrounds in and around Fruita are often full during peak weekends. Having an overlanding vehicle, of course, means that you can bring your campground with you. Take advantage of the thousands of acres of public land, and camp near your trail head on 18 Road, Rabbit Valley, Loma, or somewhere in the nearby Colorado National Monument.

Out of the saddle, enjoy award-winning pizza at The Hot Tomato restaurant, or stroll through the Jurassic Period at the downtown Dinosaur Museum.

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN MOAB

Porcupine Rim Trail, Slickrock Trail, and Dead Horse State Park are a few of the headliners for mountain bikers in the red canyon country. The views are unlike anything else in the world. Red canyons, spires and buttes interrupt every ridgeline. The aptly named ‘slickrock’ is actually the sandstone which gives the whole area the nickname Ruby of Utah. Climbing and riding on this rock is fun and exciting. Many of the trails follow along areas of high exposures, so the views are endless.

The area is surrounded by thousands of acres of National Parks, so any day not in the saddle can be spent exploring Arches and Canyonlands. Moab itself has a thriving outdoor economy and offers many other adventures from rafting to Jeeping to horseback riding.

Image of Arches National Park in Utah

PLANNING THE TRIP

During the summer, temperatures in both towns can reach triple digits every day for weeks, and winter is often bitter cold with unpredictable storms and wind. While there are still many adventurers who choose to cope with these extremes, it is safer and more comfortable to ride in the Spring (March-May), or Fall (September-November).

In these so-called ‘shoulder’ seasons, the temperature is much more moderate, but can still vary widely. Be prepared for hot, midday, temperatures, with the possibility of cold rain in the afternoon. Many of the most popular trails travel through very remote environments. For those who come prepared, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the unique wilderness experience. It is, however, also very important to bring enough water and food as well as bike repair and first aid supplies to support the people on the trip. Cell phone reception is non-existant or spotty, and emergency service often need hours to reach callers. A printed map of both the trail and surrounding areas is very important for these same reasons.

ENJOY THE DESERT WITH COLORADO OVERLANDER GEAR

Fortunately, Colorado Overlander has outfitted its vehicles to be adaptable to the dramatic swings in weather and unique challenges of desert travel.  As the temperatures rise, pull down the shade cover to cook or relax out of the hot sun. At night, it is not unusual for the thermometer to reach freezing. The roof-top tent by Roofnest retains heat for those colder nights, and the three inch thick mattress which makes up the floor provides further comfort or insulation.

With stoves, cookware, chairs, utensils and vehicle repair gear provided, you are ready to be self-sufficient even without any campground amenities.

No bikes of your own yet, or flying in?

Colorado Overlander can  provide an easy-to-use bike rack, and you can rent high-quality Giant brand mountain bikes for multiple days at a discounted rate from sister company Canyon Bikes.

With a Colorado Overlander rental, all of the logistics are taken care of, so you can focus on the trails and training you love most.

Image of the Maroon Bells in Aspen- with the iconic Maroon Bells reflected in Maroon Lake. The green wilderness and nature surrounds the area.
A scene from the Moab desert with the sun setting in the distance.
Image of the iconic Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, Colorado- The water is vivid blue and there are trees and rocky walls surrounding this stunning area.
Image of blue Columbine flowers on a mountain with a beautiful orange sunset in the background.
Image of a wooden cabin with a green roof with stunning mountains and clouds in the background.
Image of a wooden cabin in Steamboat Springs, CO. In the background, the sky is blue with white clouds and there are yellow hills.
Image of Rocky Mountain National Park with views of the green grass, mountain range, and blue sky with clouds.
Image of the Arches view and the sun setting in the background
Image of Horseshoe Bend with the magestic views and sun setting in the background
Image of a view from Zion National Park - you get a sense of majestic nature and wonder.
Image of the mountain views and a green valley with a town in the distance
Image of Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful- there are stunning colors of blue, green, yellow, and orange as people walk around the thermal water on the sightseeing path.
Image of Crystal Mill in Marble, Colorado. The old wooden mill is rustic and has a sense of history as it is nestled amoung the forest and running river below.
Image of a woman sitting in a natural hot spring in the mountains. In the distance, you see tall green pine trees and majestic mountains.
Image of a beautiful bull elk walking through tall fall grass. In the background, you see a calm body of water and majestic foggy mountains.
Image of three individuals in hunting gear. They are standing as they look over the mountains and soak in the mountain views.
Image of a rocky dirt road lined with grass and wildflowers. In the background, you see a hazy view of the mountain and the sun shining through the clouds.
Image of a bare mountain top with patches of snow on the Alpine Loop in Colorado
An aerial image of a forest of colorful trees in the fall, including yellow, bright orange, red, rust, and bright green. In the background, views of snowcapped mountains.
Shadow of a photographer shooting a photo towards the mountains in the distance.
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