Moab, Utah, a mecca for mountain biking, is set to expand access to its world-renowned trails. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced yesterday that, beginning March 1, 2026, over 200 miles of mountain bike trails around Moab will be open to Class 1 E-Bikes (electric bicycles equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20mph) offering new opportunities for riders while aiming to balance environmental and recreational impacts. This decision follows careful consideration of community feedback and public input, ensuring a thoughtful approach to trail access:
“Opening trails to class 1 e-bike users will expand recreational opportunities and experiences, while allowing users to disperse across the landscape, minimizing impacts.” –Moab Field Office Manager Dave Pals.
Trails Open to Class 1 E-Bikes
The following trail systems and individual trails will now welcome class 1 e-bike users:
- Athena Mountain Bike Trail
- Horsethief Mountain Bike Trail System
- Navajo Rocks Mountain Bike Trail System
- Gemini Bridges Area Mountain Bike Trail System
- 7-Up Mountain Bike Trail
- Gold Bar Rim Mountain Bike Trail
- Portal Mountain Bike Trail
- Klondike Bluffs Mountain Bike Trail System
- Baby Steps Mountain Bike Trail
- Klonzo Mountain Bike Trail System
- Moab Brands Mountain Bike Trail System
- Amasa Back Mountain Bike Trail System
- Jackson Mountain Bike Trail
- Hunter Canyon Rim Mountain Bike Trail
- Pipe Dream Mountain Bike Trail
- Raptor Route Mountain Bike Trails: Hawks Glide, Falcon Flow, Kestrel Run
- Kokopelli Mountain Bike Trail: 1.7 miles of non-motorized singletrack
Trails Remaining E-Bike Free
While the majority of Moab’s trails are opening to class 1 e-bikes, some will remain exclusive to traditional mountain bikes to preserve their character and reduce potential impacts. These include:
- Lower Porcupine Singletrack (LPS)
- Eagle Eye
- Porcupine Rim Singletrack
- Fisher Mesa
- Hidden Valley
What Are Class 1 E-Bikes?
Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist bicycles with motors that provide power only when the rider is pedaling, with assistance cutting off at 20 miles per hour. Unlike class 2 e-bikes (which have a throttle) or class 3 e-bikes (which assist up to 28 mph), class 1 e-bikes align closely with the physical demands of traditional mountain biking. Non-motorized trails will remain closed to class 2 and class 3 e-bikes to maintain their traditional biking experience.
Monitoring and Management
The BLM will actively monitor the newly opened trails to ensure public safety, protect the visitor experience, and assess any impacts on trails and natural resources. This ongoing evaluation will help balance the needs of all trail users while preserving Moab’s iconic landscapes.
More Information
The environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, decision record, and other project related documents, including an interactive map, are available online at the BLM NEPA register. Riders with questions about trail access can contact the Moab Field Office directly.
images from BLM Utah Flickr
