We knew Moab was a popular gateway to the spectacular Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, but did we expect to fall in love with it? In a word, no. Yet, here we are five months after our fall visit, dreamily looking at pictures and pining away for the area’s paved bike paths and gorgeous vistas. If you’re considering experiencing the area on e-bikes, we have some gentle and joyful recommendations that are a great way to cover a lot of ground and explore the land and feel the air. Bonus, there are some very memorable places to stay, eat and drink, which are much appreciated after a big day of riding and hiking.

Until our next visit, we’ll keep picturing all we saw and wishing we could’ve made it around each bend and over every mountain we rode or hiked. There’s just an infinite sense that something big and beautiful lies beyond. In a word, limitless awe. Enjoy!

Top three e-bike rides

Ride through Canyon Lands National Park

Park at the Canyon Lands Visitor Center and ride through this spectacular park all the way to the end and back.
If winds are rough, and you want to avoid getting sand blasted, definitely wait until they calm down. We were almost blown off the road at a couple of points. But, it was a really memorable adventure with vistas we can’t possibly describe.
FYI - we were glad we had not opted to ride from Moab to the entrance of Canyon Lands. While the bike path does take you part way there, the long stretch of narrow road, complete with blind twists and turns, looked too nerve wracking when we scouted it out in our car. That said, it was recommended on a couple of websites. Give it a go if you’re more adventurous, of if you’re with a large group.

Ride from Moab to Arches National Park

The dedicated bike path that runs from Moab to Arches National Park is a joy. Make it a leisurely ride and take a detour down Potash Road (making a right) to head north along the Colorado River (see photo at top of blog). The bike path only goes for about 5 miles, but it’s spectacular. For us, the shoulder was too narrow and the traffic was going too fast for us to continue on the regular road, but this is a worthwhile and awe-inspiring little trek.
Turn around and head back to the bridge, crossing it to continue along the bike path all the way to Arches National Park. Enjoy their informative Visitor Center and the inspired docents who work there.
FYI - we DO NOT recommend riding up the road from the entrance into the park. We managed it, but it was harrowing! It’s a very narrow shoulder with cars flying past… fast. Maybe it had a lot to do with the construction going on, or maybe we were there on a REALLY busy day, but it wasn’t fun. Next time we’ll take our car in and focus on the spectacular hiking that Arches National Park offers.
Note:. To enter the park April 1–July 6 and August 28–October 31, 2025, most visitors will need a Timed Entry Ticket. Tickets may be purchased from Recreation.gov up to six months ahead. Starting March 31, extra tickets will release at 7pm for next-day visits.

The Colorado River Ride (aka Potash Road)

This 33.4 miles ride takes you out and back along the Colorado River. It’s spectacular and relatively flat.

Start at Junction of Hwy 191 and 279. To shorten this ride, drive in a few miles to any of the numerous parking places along Hwy 279.
Along the way you’ll pass Wall Street, a popular climbing area where you can watch climbers scaling vertical sandstone walls. Within a mile are two roadside signs pointing to some of the finest petroglyphs in the Moab area, and there are other rock art panels along the way – so keep an eye out.
The ride and the pavement end at the Colorado River boat ramp, a nice spot to stop for a snack before you turn back and retrace your route.

Note: For more rides, visit the Moab Protect and Preserve website. Really a great resource for road, trail and back roads riding.

Where to stay and eat?

Our top pick is the Moab Springs Ranch. We could have moved into our bungalow and stayed a month. Their rustic yet modern cabins are beautifully and efficiently appointed. Our included a functioning kitchen Cozy, clean and connected to the land around us. Picking up a delicious cup of coffee from the historic homestead building and enjoying it on our deck was the perfect way to start each day.

We can confirm from their website that it is “very close to the Colorado River, La Sal Mountains, and Arches National Park. All restaurants, shops, stores, and services of central downtown Moab are one to two miles away. A safe paved bike path connects the Ranch to Town as well as an extensive network of road and mountain bike trails in every direction.” The natural spring that run through it makes it clear why this was one of the first Ranches settled in the area.

Before booking, check-out the property map to review their different types of units. We don’t think there are any bad options, but they are very unique experiences if you choose a bungalow, townhouse (modern, we promise), or whatever.

Big tip

In the category of BEST THINGS EVER, anyone over 62 can purchase a Senior Lifetime Past to all US National Parks. That includes you and anyone in your car. Definitely an item for our Go Bag.