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Chisholm Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (48)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Moab
  5. Navajo Rocks
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“A fun connector route between the Navajo Rocks and Horsethief trail systems. ”

Daniel Christianson
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Map Key

7.6

Miles

12.2

KM
Singletrack

5,990' 1,826 m

High

5,473' 1,668 m

Low

627' 191 m

Up

278' 85 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Description

The Chisholm Trail is a connector route between the Navajo Rocks and Horsethief trail systems. Expect two-way traffic along this route. This description assumes a start at the north end where it begins on the Big Lonely trail 50 yards west of UT313.

The first mile is a twisty route across an open meadow, a dirt road and cattle guard before gradually starting up into the pinion pines. Once in the trees, the trail constantly transitions between rock and hard pack, working its way out along the edges of the canyons whenever possible. Even heading uphill the trail maintains good flow and never seems to climb for too long or be overly steep. However, it can be a challenge, construction design here leans more towards creating a constantly changing technical ride rather than an all out fast trail.

At roughly five miles, the trail nears the Horsethief Campground, and then crosses the dirt access road. A small parking area and map/info kiosk is here. Shortly after is another route into the campground and the Rowdy trail. From the Campground, the Chisholm Trail can be accessed via two short trails; one directly across from the main entrance and the second at campsite #50 which is also conveniently close to a restroom.

Continuing on the Chisholm is the same fast and challenging trail but on more of an even elevation for the next 1.5 miles to where it crosses UT313. Here is another parking area with a map/info kiosk. The trail then makes a fun and fast descent to where it terminates at the intersection with the Mustang Loop.

Contacts

Local Club: Moab Trail Mix

Land Manager: BLM Utah - Moab Field Office

Shared By:

Daniel Christianson with improvements by Kristen Arendt and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 48 votes

#5

in Navajo Rocks

#264

Overall
  4.1 from 48 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
58%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
2%
Trail Rankings

#5

in Navajo Rocks

#45

in Utah

#264

Overall
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Photos

There are some pretty unique features along the Chisholm Trail.
May 23, 2017 near Moab, UT
Constant traversing between canyon and rock ledges.
Jul 3, 2016 near Moab, UT
Trail follows the edges of canyons where possible.
Jul 3, 2016 near Moab, UT
A lot of rock work wet into the construction on this one.
Jul 3, 2016 near Moab, UT
Beginning of the Trail at the Big Lonely near UT313
Jul 3, 2016 near Moab, UT
Three road crossings are straight across and well marked.
Jul 3, 2016 near Moab, UT

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 37 days ago
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Check-Ins

Mar 20, 2024
Joseph Sheffield
only a partial ride to Rodeo and around the campground
Oct 8, 2023
Corrie Beauvineau
May 11, 2023
Sheri Vernier
Started at Navajo rocks north parking. Road 2 hours as out & back Next time start by horse thief camping parking area by road. 7.6mi
Aug 5, 2022
Charles Stolz
Jun 8, 2022
Eberhard Czirr
8mi — 1h 40m
Apr 29, 2022
Curtis Evans
Rode Chisholm, Big Lonely, and Big Mesa. Fun flowy sections on Chisholm! Awesome trails! 12mi
Mar 27, 2022
Sheri Vernier
Nov 24, 2021
Wil Harmsen

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