20.0 miles
Distance
460 ft
Climb
-5,789 ft
Descent
2 miles
High Point
Please respect trail closures. The upper trails on this ride are closed in the early and late season due to snow and moisture on the trail and when shops and shuttle companies say the trail is closed it is for good reason.
3/4 Enchilada - Starting from Miners Basin and Hazard Country.
This is possibly one of the best mountain bike rides in the world. We have started the route from Miners Basin which is a common shuttle drop in the early and late season due to snow and moisture on the trails. In the heat of the summer it is possible to also start on Burrow Pass. This ride is long and quite challenging at times. Make sure that you bring lots of water and plenty of spare inner tubes. It is an accomplishment to do this ride without at least one flat tire in your group and don't be surprised if everyone has at least one flat even if you are running tubeless. The views are incredible and finishing down at the Colorado River hours later is pretty surreal. It is quite easy to ride along the road right back to your accommodation in Moab. If you do not think you will be up to a pedal home you can always plan ahead and leave a car at the bottom of the Porcupine Rim Trail.
We recommend using one of Moab's awesome shuttle companies for easy trail-head access.
Detailed Description
3/4 Enchilada - Starting on Hazard County at Miners Basin parking - RideSpots.com is a 20 mile popular expert route located near Moab Utah. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 7 trails. This route climbs 460 ft with a max elevation of 9,504 ft then descends -5,789 ft.
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46 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 14:11)
No way this ranks anywhere near a top ride imo. Blown out jeep trail makes up the majority of this ride... no thanks! Make it ebike friendly and it might be more fun, but Moab trail police haven't figured that out that there is a difference between class 1 emtbs and a motorcycle yet. Way overrated trail.
[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 11:10)
Trail Kokopelli
If you get a shuttle to LPS, this is a fun one to climb up (watch out for oncoming traffic). Nice way to avoid the drive out to the La Sal loop road, and get some climbing in - rip Jimmy Keen up top if you want to get a little flow on dirt before coming down the porcupine rim!
[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]
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]
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 11:00)
Trail UPS
This where The Whole Enchilada starts to get fun! Amazing views, cool red rock slabs, some techy bits, and a lot of speed. Read more about The Whole Enchilada and UPS here! twowheeledwanderer.com/posts/the-whole-enchilada-what-you-need-to-know
[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
| 2 miles | |||||
| 4,472 ft | |||||
| 659 ft | |||||
| 1 mile | |||||
| 4,229 ft | |||||
| 11 miles |
Details
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Riding area
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Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlack Diamond
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Route TypeShuttled
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eBike Allowed
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Bike typeAM
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DirectionOne Direction
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Physical ratingHard
More Stats for 3/4 Enchilada - Starting on Hazard County at Miners Basin parking - RideSpots.com mountain bike route
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Altitude change-5,330 ft
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Altitude min4,014 ft
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Altitude start9,344 ft
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Altitude end4,012 ft
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Grade-5%
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Grade max-58%
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Grade min14.7%
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Distance climb2 miles
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Distance down17 miles
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Distance flat4,006 ft
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Photos
Videos
Kokopelli Day 4 - La Sal Mountain Loop Road to Porquipine Rim
21:56 | 80 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jun 6, 2021
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
Recent Trail Reports Along Route
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