22.4 miles
Distance
3,384 ft
Climb
-2,302 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
*Elevation data may be highly variable by device or mapping platform, as different software may use various data sources and calculation methods. Our total elevation gain for the route is a middle estimate based on readings from multiple devices.
Moab Rocks takes some of the region's best classic and new routes including Klondike, Porcupine Rim and Mag 7 and combines them into a 3-day xc masterpiece in a fully supported format. All this wrapped up in a fun and friendly atmosphere, combining camaraderie and competition. TransRockies Events pioneered Mountain Bike Stage Racing in North America with the TransRockies Challenge in 2002, and the 3-day race format with the TR3 starting in 2009.
Detailed Description
2019 Moab Rocks Stage 1: Porcupine Rim is a 22 mile expert race route located near Moab Utah. This mountain bike only route and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 7 trails. This route climbs 3,384 ft with a max elevation of 7,291 ft then descends -2,302 ft.
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37 Reviews & Comments
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+ 0
Gritzka1
(Nov 23, 2022 at 17:46)
(Nov 23, 2022 at 17:46)
Trail Porcupine Rim
If you were to ask me (and even if you weren't,) I'd tell this is an awesome ride and if you're in Moab, you should most definitely ride it. Very fun.
[Reply]
Nmhinton
(Jul 9, 2022 at 13:59)
Trail Porcupine Rim
This "trail" is mostly destroyed jeep trail... maybe fun for some people, but way overrated in my opinion. The views are awesome of course, but one expects that in Moab. The fact that no emtbs allowed is ridiculous... Moab need to get with the times on that issue. The singletrack does have some fun sections, but the rest of the trail was like riding a jackhammer.
[Reply]
Winjones8
(Apr 4, 2022 at 18:25)
Trail Porcupine Rim
I’d say double track is rad if you like rad gnarly downhills that really test your physical ability. Single track is obviously sick too though.
[Reply]
Madsadsalad
(Dec 13, 2021 at 19:28)
(Dec 13, 2021 at 19:28)
Trail Porcupine Rim
“Flow” trails are fine for areas with very little acreage to jam in an efficient trail network, but as much as they are fun, they are also generally scripted, planned, and frankly rather sterile. A lot of the new trails in Moab are like this. Fun trails, but essentially all pretty much the same. At its inception, Mountain Biking was about covering large stretches of mixed terrain with resilience, fortitude, and a spirit of adventure. Technical skills were just as, if not more important, than pumping and flow my bro. There were no soulless trail cutting machines and fastidiously groomed berms. The rocks were actually considered a feature and not a bug. Trails had character. So it is with the iconic Porcupine Rim. Love it while it lasts. The lower section was once much more raw, challenging, and gnarly before the masses complained it into submission. Porcupine is a grand cathedral of the sport and should be approached with reverence. If not awe.
[Reply]
sunderland56
(Dec 14, 2021 at 8:21)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Any changes to Porcupine Rim are due to mother nature - the constant sun / wind / rain / snow / etc - not workers making changes. That trail is insanely difficult to get to with tools and so it only receives minimal work. It is also within a WSA which restricts what can be done.
We are lucky to have several MTB Hall of Famers living in Moab and they say the trail is just as challenging as it was back in the day. Remember, though, that bikes have gotten a LOT better, which makes everything seem that much easier.
[Reply]
We are lucky to have several MTB Hall of Famers living in Moab and they say the trail is just as challenging as it was back in the day. Remember, though, that bikes have gotten a LOT better, which makes everything seem that much easier.
misterjohn123
(Dec 10, 2021 at 17:47)
(Dec 10, 2021 at 17:47)
Trail Porcupine Rim
agree with most commenters here. trail is split into double track section and singletrack section. first half of double track is just a road with lots of rocks and short technical climbs. second half gets more technical with drops and ledges, lots of fun but lots of opportunities to get caught on square rock edges. singletrack portion is awesome and worth going through the double track imo. relatively flowy with cool technical sections (drops, off camber, exposure) and great views. area near the river is REALLY technical on the ups and downs but easily scoped and walked, props if you can clean this.
[Reply]
EpicTrails
(Nov 22, 2021 at 16:40)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Moabs biggest disappointment. The last 5% of the trail is super fun and there are awesome views along the way, but most of the trail is just a road full of janky chunder.
[Reply]
eeshtar
(Oct 16, 2021 at 18:52)
(Oct 16, 2021 at 18:52)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Surely there are trail builders keen to create an alternate to the endless soul crushing double track
[Reply]
dildo-baggins
(Jul 8, 2021 at 8:14)
Trail Porcupine Rim
What a jank pile. Fruita is way better!
[Reply]
northernshoob
(Jun 13, 2021 at 9:40)
(Jun 13, 2021 at 9:40)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Can’t believe I did this ride starting in 102° weather. If your not an experienced rider, do not, by any means, ride this trail. Full face helmet recommended due to jagged rocks and easy over-handlebars experiences. Luckily I did not fly over my handlebars. I could see it happening quite easily as two in my group happened to do this. Bring LOTS of water as well as electrolytes ESPECIALLY if you are doing it in the summer. Some parts of the trail are virtually unrideable (near the end) so expect to dismount (and don’t feel bad about it). Be careful out there, it’s a rough trail that shouldn’t be done without full dedication. Have a good ride.
[Reply]
tommymcsass
(May 14, 2021 at 11:17)
Trail The Snotch
To get down the first part, y'all gotta be on some kinda somthing. Watch this on youtube, pretty epic. Easy enough for rooks like me to walk down and enjoy the rest of this trail
[Reply]
kennethspencer44
(Mar 31, 2021 at 18:53)
(Mar 31, 2021 at 18:53)
Trail Porcupine Rim
I am 52 and have been mountain biking for 20 years but I am not a big drop off guy and I am a little more cautious these days due to my age. My bike today was my 2013 Rocky Mtn. Element 930 which is a full suspension cross country bike without a lot of travel. Having said all of that I think Porcupine is a very fun trail and I am glad I rode it. When it looked too sketchy I just walked it on through. We shuttled up as high as we could and did 16 miles on the trail and 4 more to get back to town. It is a very fun and technical trail.
[Reply]
RyanCox21
(Nov 2, 2020 at 11:11)
(Nov 2, 2020 at 11:11)
Trail Porcupine Rim
People that don’t like the double track either have shitty bikes, or don’t like rowdy downhill riding.
[Reply]
Jjwhite5
(Oct 21, 2020 at 7:46)
Trail Porcupine Rim
My favorite trail of all time. It’s only fun if you can get comfortable launching off the jumps. To me it’s the right level of technicality. While I like Capt Ahab for its views etc. it’s a little nerve racking to ride and the downhill isn’t very fast. PPR is fast and not super scary so in my mind it sits right there as the perfect level of fun. Great downhill, really fun jumps and the right amount of technical features to feel like you did some work.
[Reply]
schuttg
(Oct 14, 2020 at 14:54)
Trail The Snotch
The line down the cliff face is best described as a pro line. Maximum fall hazard, lack of runout, and generally Sandy/ loose conditions as opposed to clean sandstone. It’s difficult to get a bike down solo.
[Reply]
freerider619
(Sep 2, 2020 at 5:52)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Fun ride. Not a typical downhill trail. I’m from PACNW and have been spoiled riding flowy dh trails. This trail had some sections that flow. Lots of small drops off rock ledges. Some technical sections which will have you on edge. Literally. I brought my enduro bike which did very great for this trails. I ended up getting dropped off at the first trail head off the main road and then had to climb a brutal 3 miles up hill. Which normally wouldn’t be a problem but being acclimated at sea level and then trying to climb at 5k elevation was tough for the lungs but well worth it.
[Reply]
Ryan-L
(Jul 26, 2020 at 13:06)
Trail The Snotch
Nice steep and rocky trail. 2 tight steep switchbacks, both are intimidating but not too difficult for a skilled rider
[Reply]
JackBrady
(Jun 13, 2020 at 17:01)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Double track part is fun to bomb but will murder your hands. Last section of trail should be a double black.
[Reply]
twowheeledwanderer
(Dec 1, 2019 at 10:56)
Trail Porcupine Rim
This is the best part of the Whole Enchilada, especially as you get further down toward the river. As for the doubletrack, it is kind of meh IF you follow the main lines, but once you figure out that there are tons of alt lines - including drops and kickers - to the sides of the doubletrack it becomes immensely more fun. Read more about The Whole Enchilada in this blog post twowheeledwanderer.com/posts/the-whole-enchilada-what-you-need-to-know
[Reply]
mattman0321
(Oct 1, 2019 at 13:40)
(Oct 1, 2019 at 13:40)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Never seen such bad trail manners, I was yelled at for going the “wrong way” though this doesn’t seem to be a one directional trail
[Reply]
vydra
(Jul 27, 2019 at 19:10)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Epic view, many technical rocky section, when “flowy” it’s deep sand. I’d recommend this trail, though bring a gallon or two in the summer heat.
[Reply]
dogbutt65
(Mar 28, 2019 at 18:54)
Trail Porcupine Rim
This is a very good trail for ADVANCED riders. Do not expect ‘flow’ riding of any sort. The 900’ vert climb to the rim is technical with multiple rock steps. The long descent takes you past countless 1-2’ rock step downs - FUN! Not for the feint of heart. Intermediate riders should look elsewhere - not the place to snap a collar bone. It took me riding solo a total 2:30 fromlower trailhead to hit the river at bottom, incl 20 mins of break time. I would do this again in a heartbeat, hopefully with snow gone so we can devourthe whole enchilada!
[Reply]
spacemanDan
(Nov 21, 2018 at 17:22)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Bottom 2 miles of this trail is probably the coolest trail Ive ever ridden. One or two darn near vertical rock garden sections that I hiked(and would rank as double black) but virtually all of the decent was do-able for me with no dabs. EPIC VIEWS
[Reply]
bschleenbaker
(Oct 1, 2018 at 14:42)
(Oct 1, 2018 at 14:42)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Upper portions are great for views, middle double track is mostly just to get between A and B but the last 2 miles of trail, that's where it"s at. Some of the best built trail you can find anywhere with amazing views and technical moves.
[Reply]
kiki1597
(Jun 27, 2018 at 12:14)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Great ride - one of my favorite trails in Moab! Get a shuttle up and just enjoy the ride down! Love the technical sections and the views are incredible. Highly recommend this trail to any confident rider, and those from out of town should definitely do it (if they're good riders and not afraid of exposure or semi-sketchy technical descents).
[Reply]
whatthecraig
(May 21, 2018 at 7:25)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Great views and the last section is nice, but I will take the road to Sand Flats next time. Even on a big squishy 150mm 29er, this trail was extremely rough and downright painful to ride. I landed on my wrist earlier in the day and the constant jarring put me in a lot of pain.
[Reply]
jsnswt
(Apr 19, 2018 at 17:27)
Trail Porcupine Rim
double track sucks, too rocky and jagged. except for those ledge drops which are pretty fun. Single track is fun and fast.
[Reply]
WillieB
(Jun 11, 2019 at 9:36)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Double track was brutal. Only serious masochists would like that bit
[Reply]
carsonjensen
(Nov 25, 2017 at 16:19)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Single track sections are amazing, the double track sucks though.
[Reply]
JakeAndersonShred
(Dec 17, 2014 at 14:00)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Porcupine Rim is a great trail. It is a very fast, kick-ass, rockin' downhill trail that will rattle your teeth. If you are looking for a lot of uphill portions, this trail is not for you. I started at the LPS and had essentially no climbs. There are super fun technical spots and killer views. Have fun and shred hard!
[Reply]
canadaka
Trailforks (Nov 21, 2014 at 17:17)
Trail Porcupine Rim
Even though parts of the porcupine rim are double track, I found it very fun to rip down at high speed on a beefier full suspension bike. Then the singletrack portion along the canyon edge is super fun, with some nice optional drops and exposure. Nice thing about the trail is riders of all levels can go, advanced riders will just go faster to make it more technical.
[Reply]
Trails in Route
| 11 miles | |||||
| 2,910 ft | |||||
| 10 miles | |||||
| 1 mile | |||||
| 1,923 ft | |||||
| 1 mile |
Route POI
 | Aid Station | Aid Station |
| Aid Station | Aid Station |
Details
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Race Course
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Riding area
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Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlack Diamond
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eBike Allowed
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Bike typeAM, XC
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Physical ratingHard
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Ridelogs
More Stats for 2019 Moab Rocks Stage 1: Porcupine Rim mountain bike route
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Altitude change1,082 ft
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Altitude min4,078 ft
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Altitude start4,078 ft
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Altitude end5,161 ft
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Grade0.9%
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Grade max-30.6%
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Grade min21.3%
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Distance climb12 miles
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Distance down9 miles
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Distance flat1 mile
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Trail Conditions
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Photos
Videos
Porcupine Rim! The Enchilada's Final Descent! So much Flow! Chunk! Drops! Tech! FUN!!!!
trail: Porcupine Rim
6:52 | 21 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jan 14, 2023
Porcupine Rim crash
trail: Porcupine Rim
| comments: 0 | favs:
Nov 18, 2022
Over the bars on porcupine rim.
Recent Trail Reports Along Route
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