Moab, Utah – September 16, 2026 -- The Mud Springs Trail System has officially opened in San Juan County near Moab, adding purpose-built mountain biking trails for youth racing, adaptive cyclists, families and riders of varying skill levels.
A decade-long project cuts the ribbon during a major youth race weekend
Local and regional partners held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 11, capping nearly ten years of work to build a new race-capable public trail system. The opening lined up with the first Utah High School Cycling League race weekend at Mud Springs, which drew more than 1,100 youth mountain bikers to the area.
Phase 1 totals about 11 miles of machine-built, bermed trail
Mud Springs offers fast, flowy trails with bermed turns. 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.
Michael Soleta, director of the Moab Office of Tourism, said Mud Springs gives riders another way to experience the region, with views of the La Sal Mountains and trails built for a range of abilities. He described the system as complementing existing rides like Slickrock and The Whole Enchilada while adding an accessible option for families, adaptive cyclists and newer riders.
The system joins an already dense network of Moab-area trails
Mud Springs adds to established options including Slickrock, The Whole Enchilada, the Moab Brands trail system, Klonzo and Dead Horse Point State Park. Local bike shops, guides, rental providers and shuttle services already serve visitors across the region.
Adaptive access was built into trail design from the start
The National Ability Center provided handcycles for trail staff to ride during training, giving crews direct experience with how adaptive equipment interacts with trail features. Mud Springs was designed to support future youth and adult mountain biking races, adaptive cycling competitions and running events.
The Utah High School Cycling League returns Sept. 26 for a regional race
The system will host the league's Region 3 race on Sept. 26, marking the first league race held in Moab since 2022 and the first competition on a full adaptive course at Mud Springs. The Sept. 11 opening also included a course pre-ride by Utah High School Cycling League athletes following the ribbon-cutting remarks.