New Mud Springs Trails Debut Near Moab
Moab's new Mud Springs Trail System has opened, adding miles of race-ready mountain biking trails for youth, families and adaptive cyclists.
A new mountain biking destination has opened near Moab, Utah, giving the region another network of purpose-built trails aimed at youth racers, adaptive cyclists, families and riders of varying skill levels. The Mud Springs Trail System, located in San Juan County, officially opened Sept. 11 after nearly a decade of planning and development by local and regional partners.
The opening was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that coincided with the first Utah High School Cycling League race weekend held at the new trails, drawing more than 1,100 young mountain bikers to the area. Organizers said the timing underscored the trail system’s design purpose: to serve as a venue capable of hosting competitive events alongside recreational riding.
Mud Springs is being developed in phases. The first phase will total approximately 11 miles of trail once complete. About seven miles of beginner- and intermediate-level trail were built last fall, and roughly 3.5 additional miles of intermediate- and advanced-level trail are expected to be finished later this season. The trails are machine-built with flowing lines and bermed turns, a style designed to accommodate riders progressing from beginner to more advanced skill levels.
Accessibility was a specific focus during the design and construction process. The National Ability Center supplied handcycles that trail crews used during training so they could experience firsthand how adaptive cycling equipment interacts with trail features such as berms and turns. That work is expected to pay off later this month, when the Utah High School Cycling League returns to Mud Springs on Sept. 26 for its Region 3 race. Organizers say the event will include the first competition held on a full adaptive course at the site and will mark the league’s first race in Moab since 2022.
Michael Soleta, director of the Moab Office of Tourism, said the new system is meant to complement rather than replace the area’s existing reputation for advanced, technical riding. He pointed to well-known routes such as Slickrock and The Whole Enchilada as examples of terrain that has long attracted experienced riders from around the world, while noting that Mud Springs offers an entry point for newer cyclists and those seeking a less demanding experience.
Moab has built its identity around outdoor recreation for decades, with mountain biking forming a central part of that draw alongside rafting, hiking and off-road driving. The surrounding public lands, including Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Dead Horse Point State Park, have made the region a frequent stop for adventure travelers. Local outfitters, bike shops and shuttle operators have grown alongside that demand, creating infrastructure that supports visitors regardless of experience level.
The addition of a race-capable, accessibility-focused trail system also reflects a broader trend in outdoor tourism, as destinations increasingly compete not just on scenic terrain but on the breadth of experiences offered to different types of visitors. Families, youth athletes and adaptive riders represent growing segments of the mountain biking community, and communities that build infrastructure for those groups can extend their appeal beyond traditional core enthusiasts.
Grand County, home to Moab, has a population of about 9,700 residents spread across roughly 3,700 square miles, yet the area draws an estimated 2.5 million visitors annually. Officials say Mud Springs is now open to the public and expect it to become a regular host site for youth and adult races, adaptive cycling competitions and running events in the years ahead.
This report is based on information from a press release distributed via PR Newswire.
