Bartlett's Wash Slickrock : Mountain Biking : BikingPage

Overview

Bartlett's wash is quite possibly the best place to play on Slickrock. Other than the Slickrock Bike Trail, no other trail in the area provides as much slickrock and jump/derring-do opportunities; indeed, Bartlett's overall has more opportunities for jumps ranging in size from several inches to 20+ feet.

Trail Description

The best thing about Bartlett's is there is no trail. You are free to wander up the formation, making a route as you go. Please do stay off the few spots of cryptobiotic soil you encounter - they are easy to spot in the slickrock. The riding going up-grade is fun, but coming back down-grade is a blast. You can use your momentum to go up some seriously steep things that seem improbable at best.

Recently, someone has painted a few Slickrock-style white stripes and arrows at the base of the formation, presumably to get one onto the formation without much guess work. The ramp

Exit Ramp/Start of Ride

is the steep ramp next to the very short portage - simply go right about 50' and you will find your way up onto the rock easily. From there, you can follow the arrows, or find your own path. Head generally uphill and southwest to the end of the formation. Best ridden as an out-and-back. The north side of the formation has much less to offer.

Getting There

From the center of Moab, drive 17 miles north on 191, turn left (west) onto Blue Hills Road (impassable when wet). Turn left (SW) after 2.2 miles, onto an unmarked road (small BLM signs indicate Bartlett's). Follow this for .8 miles, and then turn left again (now driving SE) after passing a few other roads (Hidden Canyon access). Continue another .8 miles to a right hand turn - this is the actual wash (small BLM sign). Continue .5 miles to the walk-in campground/TH. From the TH, ride up the wash on slickrock and wet sand .5 mile until you see the ramp on your right hand side. A high clearance 2WD or a average access 4WD is required to reach the TH/campground.

When to Bike

Summertime is HOT HOT HOT. I visit the formation every time I go to Moab, and I find the "off" season best - low temps (50's and 60's), no people (you don't see many on this trail, anyway), and great riding. The slickrock here is grippy even when wet. There is only 1 sand trap to push the bike through after you ride up the wash. The wash can be very sandy if it is dry, so you can expect to walk it in July on, but it is very short from the TH/walk-in camping area.

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