Escape Adventures is inviting travellers on a six-day mountain bike tour with first-class camping to explore the Trail of the Ancients to unravel the mysteries of the region's significant cultural and historic sites on the beautiful scenic byways of Colorado.
Located over 100 miles from the nearest interstate highway, Needles is one of the most remote regions left in America, east of the Colorado River.
"The Canyonlands region was looked upon as nothing but a wasteland until the mid-1940s," said Jared Fisher, Director of Escape Adventures. "Then, our nation's urgent needs for uranium, vanadium, and petroleum products brought cycles of mining, prospecting and drilling to the area. These activities carved out most of the backcountry road and trail networks still in use today. But long before modern times, the Ancestral Puebloans developed a flourishing civilization in these canyons. Located far into the backcountry, vestiges of their society have remained undisturbed for over 800 years."
Travellers will ride past ancient Indian ruins into Ruin Park and The Needles District, hike slot canyons, pedal to Elephant Hill, traverse Lockhart Basin (a 50-mile jeep road that follows the Colorado River), pass over Chicken Corners and descend back to Moab.
The Trail of the Ancients is suitable for intermediate riders and athletic beginners alike.
The tour's cost includes all internal land expenses and services, such as transportation, food preparation, meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations are also covered, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and support vehicles.
Tour Timeline
- Day 1-2: Meet in Moab. Shuttle to Needles. Ride Beef Basin to Needles Overlook. Ride to Ruin Park. Hike ruins.
- Day 3-4: Ride through Needles; Hike slot canyons. Ride to Lockhart Trail.
- Day 5-6: Ride Lockhart Basin to Chicken Corners. Ride over Hurrah Pass to Moab.
