MTB routes

Next to town: There are many trails around Blanding, many of which are double track. More routes are being developed! Check in at the Visitor Center for more information.

Abajo Mountains: (Available ~May-October. Check locally for updates!) Robertson’s Pasture Loop(opens in new tab): This ride is an awesome 20 mile loop. After a short climb you have miles of excellent singletrack downhill riding until you reach Foy Lake. A few miles of road gets you back to double track and the Spring Creek trail. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for this loop! 

There are many great trails on and around the mountain, check out the Forest Service Map here(opens in new tab). Check out other trails in San Juan County here(opens in new tab).

E-Biking and Bike Packing

The area is full of great opportunities for bike packing and e-bike trips. There are miles of backcountry routes to explore with very little traffic. Here are a few to consider.

Over the Mountain Loop(opens in new tab): From town head up to Dry wash reservoir, then take a right on the over the mountain road. Experience beautiful mountain scenery all the way up the pass. The route will top out at North Creek pass and head downhill.  Once you hit the road on the other side you can either hitch a ride from Monticello back, or make it a loop! The South Creek road will take you back up into the front range of the mountains and Wagon Wheel trail will connect you to Bulldog road, which can bring you almost back to Blanding. Be aware that the Wagon Wheel trail is rocky and not for the faint of heart! The pay off views of this ride are incredible, especially in the Fall with the changing colors. 

Bears Ears Loop(opens in new tab): This loop is a doozy, but gives you a great view and allows you to experience the best of Bears Ears. Starting off near the Chippean rocks and following West and South gives you excellent views of the often unseen areas of Bears Ears National Monument. Along the way you’ll reach Gooseberry Guard station. The route takes you through the Notch, an amazing viewpoint into the surrounding Canyons, and eventually to the South Elks. From there you could take a spur route to see the Bears Ears themselves, or continue into South Cottonwood canyon. South Cottonwood road will bring you back up North to meet the Goosberry road, and a short jaunt from there brings you back to your vehicles. The entire route is about 70 miles and includes all dirt roads maintained by San Juan County and the Forest Service. Traffic is very light in the area and there are no amenities along the way, plan ahead!

There are hundreds of other routes and trails available, check in at the Visitor Center for some ideas!