Pack Creek Road and Gravel
Cycling Route Moab UT
Moab Gravel Bike Tags
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The most enjoyable road route in Moab
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Traffic free road ride in Moab
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Extend route with gravel roads
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Coast all the way home
The road route from Moab Adventure Condo to Pack Creek is the most enjoyable road or gravel cycling route in the Moab Utah area in my opinion. The ride starts in the wide Spanish Valley just south of Moab. On your right you will have the Moab Rim and on the left you will have views of the Sands Flats Recreation area with the La Sal Mountains in the background. When most people of think of Utah mountains they think of ski resorts but the La Sal Mountains are actually Utah's second highest range.
Most people that visit Moab only like to go to National Parks, only if they knew what they were missing. Moab is a hidden gem once you leave the parks. Places like the ride to Pack Creek are car free, you will feel as if you have the entire place to yourself.
The route has a gradual climb that never really deviates. If you drive the route in a car you never really realize your are climbing.
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If you are looking for some serious climbing all you have to do is continue on La Sal Loop Road, just past this sign the road turns straight up.
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As you near the community of Pack Creek the mountains will start to close in around you. Slowly you will notice the plants changing as you gain elevation. The climb to the end of the pavement is about 1,500 feet over 10 miles. I recommend this ride as an evening ride so that the sun will be at your back the La Sal mountains will be in their full glory.
The community of Pack Creek consist of a few dozen small homes nestled around an irrigated area. The place really is an oasis in the desert.
The area was once the home of Desert Abby, the author or Desert Solitude, the most famous book about the American Southwest. The book follows Abby's adventures as park ranger, explorer and cowboy in the Moab area.
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Many of the streets here reference his books.
Just past the small community you will reach the end of the pavement and the end of your adventure if you are on a road bike. However, if you are on a gravel bike the gentil grade continues for about 2 more miles. This is my favorite part of the ride as you ride through large cotton wood trees along pack creek stream. I would recommend turning around at the Pack Creek Picnic area.
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Now for the best part of the ride, if you have someone to draft from you can literally coast all the way back to Moab Adventure Condo. You could even coast most of the way back to Moab is you wanted too.
If are looking for a super challenge you can continue to climb. Once past the picnic area, the road changes names to La Sal Pass. This road is very technical and steep.
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If climbing is your thing, you may want to check of the 7500 foot M.O.A.B. Climb.
If you are considering a Moab bike adventure we would recommend checking out the town homes at Moab Adventure Condo. We stayed with them and it was so nice to have room to relax and not be stuck in a cramped hotel room. They also had large double garages so we could securely store our bikes at night out of our bedroom. Most of their condos have bike repair stands and tools to keep your bike in working order while on your trip.