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San Rafael Swell - 5 Day Guided Mountain Bike Trip

Guided ·

4.9

Moab

Locally Owned

Shuttle Included

Small Group Sizes

Duration: 5 days

Pricing

San Rafael Swell

$1,645

Description

San Rafael Swell Guided Mountain Biking Tour

The San Rafael Swell, a geologic wonder formed 50 million years ago, was created when volcanic activity deep below the surface pushed a huge swath of land upwards, causing the landscape to take the shape of a giant anticline. Nestled between southern Utah’s concentration of National Parks, the Swell is a focal point of recreation.

The San Rafael Swell is one of the American West’s most spectacular and overlooked landscapes. This five-day mountain biking and camping adventure explores the Swell’s maze of canyons, cliffs, arches, and ancient rock art, all sculpted by geologic forces over millions of years. Riding along remote 4x4 roads and desert trails, we’ll visit pictograph panels left behind by the Fremont and Ute people, explore old uranium mines, and wind through a region where history and geology collide. Nights are spent under big, starry skies at scenic campsites, while days are packed with desert riding, fascinating stops, and stunning views.

Each day brings new highlights—from riding past the towering Temple Mountain to floating through wide open valleys, stopping at rock art sites, and hiking to dramatic arches and viewpoints. We’ll ride past Tomsich Butte, explore the Swasey brothers’ historic cabin, camp alongside the San Rafael River, and end the trip with a dramatic view into the Little Grand Canyon. Rich in natural history and unique geology, riding the ‘behind the reef’ roads shows the real beauty of a place less discovered. From fossils to rock art, slot canyons to grand canyons, the natural landscapes are vast and ready for adventure.

Trip Details, Duration, & Difficulty

RIDING TYPE | Intermediate

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | April – May & September – October

*Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Four wheel drive jeep roads: packed sediment, sand and slickrock.
Overall Rating: Intermediate
Technical Difficulty: Moderate, some steep climbs and rocky sections.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate.
Altitude: 4,000 - 6,000 feet

Location / Where to Meet

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Moab, UT This trip will meet at 9:00 AM MST at the Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Riverview Drive, Moab, Utah. You will need to spend the night before in Moab.

We will be happy to pick you up at your hotel; please call us Monday - Friday, 9 - 5 to schedule your pickup.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Moab between 4:00-5:00 PM on the last day.

Ages & Requirements

This intermediate-level trip is ideal for adventurous riders who are comfortable biking on rough jeep roads, sandy sections, and occasional rocky climbs. You should be in good physical condition and capable of riding 25–35 miles per day with moderate elevation change at altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 feet. Prior mountain biking experience is recommended, but the route is designed to be manageable and rewarding for a range of riders. While the terrain is not overly technical, a sense of adventure, a love for desert landscapes, and comfort with remote backcountry conditions will go a long way in making this an unforgettable ride.

While there’s not a specific minimum age for this trip, it’s important that all participants meet the physical requirements and are confident in this terrain. Because this is a group tour, riders should be able to keep pace and not impact the overall group experience. If you’re considering bringing a younger rider, please include their age and biking experience in your booking request form. We’re happy to assess whether the trip is a good fit or discuss the option of a private tour better suited to your family’s needs.

What's Included

The trip price includes food and drinks for the trip, guides, support vehicle, campsites, permits, and any entry fees into national parks and public lands.

meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
1 cycling water bottle
camp chairs
dry bags to pack your gear
solar showers
sunscreen & bug spray
bike stand and lube
guides bring their own tools
first aid kit with basic medications

Not Included

Rental fees (bikes and camping gear), alcoholic beverages, gratuities for your guides, and applicable sales tax. If you would like to bring alcoholic beverages we will store them for you at the appropriate temperature.

Rental Options & Additional Services:

Camping Gear: We rent three-man tents (comfortable fit 2 adults), 20-degree sleeping bags and Thermarest pads.
Bike Shipping & Handling: Having your own bike for the trip is never a bad idea. We recommend BikeFlights when shipping your bike to and from the trip. Check with our office staff on our partnered bike shop in the area of your trip.

Multi-Day Guided Mountain Biking Adventures

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Western Spirit Cycling Adventures

FAQs

Itinerary

DAY 1

The adventure starts below Temple Mountain, the Swell's highest peak. Rising as high as 1200 feet above the desert floor, this sandstone mountain was mined for uranium as early as the 1920s and is home to Fremont culture pictograph panels over 700 years old. Behind the Reef Road takes us past Ding Dang Dome and into camp. Today’s ride is a great intro to riding in the Swell.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 27 miles

DAY 2

Leaving camp and heading west, this morning’s ride is toward Tomsich Butte and Hondu Arch. Situated along Muddy Creek, Tomsich Butte was mined for uranium in the 1950s because of the rich rock outcroppings of the Chinle Formation. After lunch, we start our climb up the valley towards Swasey Cabin. Built in 1921 by the early settlers, the Swasey brothers ran cattle in the area and are responsible for naming many of the landmarks we’ll encounter in the Swell.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 33 miles

DAY 3

The ride for today is a gentle descent with a few incredible stops along the way. Right out of camp we’ll stop and visit Dutchman Arch and a few fascinating pictographs. The Swell has one of the highest concentrations of Barrier Canyon Style panels in Utah. These rock writings are open to interpretation, what do you see? After viewing the panels at Locomotive Point, a scenic pedal toward the San Rafael River will bring us to our camp for the next two nights. Setting up camp next to the Swinging Bridge, we'll fuel up for a big out & back ride tomorrow.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 30 miles

DAY 4

Today we’ll ride past the many canyons of the San Rafael River as we head toward Mexican Mountain. Brightly colored cliffs, buttes, ridges, alcoves, and pinnacles dominate the viewscape with elevations ranging from 4,700 feet in the southeast to 6,900 feet on Mexican Mountain. After a lunch stop at the end of the road, we’ll continue on foot to catch a glimpse of the Swell’s very own Delicate Arch.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 31 miles

DAY 5

The finale for our Swell adventure is a visit to the deepest canyon of the San Rafael River, the ‘Little Grand Canyon’. With magnificent views 1000 feet down, this is truly a gem that will make you wonder why it isn’t a national park! A few miles of fun, twisty singletrack is the perfect way to take in the dramatic scenery below.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 16 miles

Packing List

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.

A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: ✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks ✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware ✓ 1 cycling water bottle ✓ camp chairs ✓ solar showers ✓ sunscreen & bug spray ✓ bike stand and lube ✓ guides bring their own tools ✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

Bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
Helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

cycling shoes
3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
3 - 5 cycling shirts
long sleeve cycling shirt
long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
cycling socks
windbreaker
tights or leg warmers
2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

camp shorts
shirts
warm socks
long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
2 pair warm long pants
long sleeve fleece or sweater
pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
warm gloves and hat
brimmed hat or visor
bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
hiking shoes
sandals
rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

toiletries
medication (daily and emergency)
towel
biodegradable soap
wet-wipes
flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
sunglasses
optional day bag
stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag
cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

camera, extra batteries
binoculars
alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
books or maps
we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Lodging Before Your Trip

It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

Aarchway Inn -Where the trip meets (10% off for WS guests) 435-259-2599 - Use Hyperlink above or mention your a Western Spirit guest over the phone for discount.

Red Stone Inn 800-772-1972, 435-259-3500 moabredstone.com

Gravity Haus Moab 435-355-1088 gravityhaus.com

TAXI SERVICE

Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles

Cancellation Policy

We would hate to see you go but if something does come up here is the cancellation policy.

Should you need to cancel for any reason, we will apply the following cancellation policy: For cancellations prior to 60 days before departure, a $50 handling fee per person is retained and the remainder of your deposit is refunded. For cancellations 60-31 days before departure, 50% of your trip fees are refunded. For cancellations 30 days or less before departure, no monies are refundable.