MTB Project Logo

Captain Ahab

Difficult
 4.7 (148)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Moab
  5. Amasa Back
Previous Next

“Steep, technical, fast and fun. An excellent trail built specifically for mountain biking. ”

djn Nechrony
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

4.2

Miles

6.7

KM
Singletrack

4,898' 1,493 m

High

4,034' 1,230 m

Low

326' 99 m

Up

981' 299 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features -none-

This trail is a directional downhill trail. Ride up HyMasa Trail or the Amasa Back road to access the top end start. One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Need to Know

Shuttle service is provided by Hazard County Shuttle 435-210-8082 (www.hazardcountyshuttle.com).

Description

This is an outstanding new singletrack along the rim below the iconic Amasa Back 4x4 trail. It's a very well built, thoughtful and challenging trail.

The top end starts with an easy climb that continues from HyMasa Trail. The views of Jackson Hole and Canyonlands are outstanding.

A big rock drop will mark the start of the descent. The upper half of the trail is designed for longer travel bikes and riders who enjoy technical descending. There are plenty of options to avoid most of the larger drops, so you can make it as hard as you want. After the first series of descents and rollouts, Captain Ahab contours a bit with some short punchy climbs and drops.

The lower half of the route drops into tight singletrack nesteled above Kane Creek. This part of the route is fast and exciting with some exposure along the cliff edges. It's has good flow and very little in the way of climbing.

The final stretch of Captain Ahab drops down through a spicy rock garden before rolling out to the Amasa Back / Cliffhanger road.

*Note: If you're looking for a shorter route or want to avoid the more technical upper sections, there is a bypass at 3.3 miles into the HyMasa Trail climb.

Contacts

Local Club: Moab Trail Mix

Land Manager: BLM Utah - Moab Field Office

Shared By:

djn Nechrony with improvements by Kristen Arendt and 2 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 148 votes

#1

in Amasa Back

#6

Overall
  4.7 from 148 votes
5 Star
78%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
1%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Amasa Back

#3

in Utah

#6

Overall
424 Views Last Month
65,969 Since May 7, 2013
Difficult
0%
0%
2%
1%
82%
15%
Add a Photo

Photos

Captain Ahab has some amazing views west towards Canyonlands.
Apr 1, 2015 near Moab, UT
Building (and riding!) Captain Ahab
Oct 17, 2013 near Moab, UT
The final stretch of Captain Ahab is rowdy, fast and fun.
Apr 1, 2015 near Moab, UT
Moab bike mechanics enjoying the off season the only way they know how...killing it on the trails!
Dec 13, 2016 near Moab, UT
The lower reaches of Captain Ahab are neatly tucked into the slickrock amongst the trees above Kane Springs Creek.
Apr 1, 2015 near Moab, UT
One of the many thrilling technical challenges on the Captain Ahab trail.
May 18, 2015 near Moab, UT

11 Comments

Sort by: Oldest
Newest Oldest Popular

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 9 hours ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 15, 2022
Dave Manago
Picture perfect conditions!
Oct 9, 2022
Mark Mastalski
Went to Pothole Arch via Hymasa and Pothole and back down Captain Ahab.
Jul 24, 2022
Sarah Emilie Boivin
4.2mi
Feb 24, 2022
Jacee Hammons
My favorite trail ever. Seriously fun and techy!!!!
Dec 23, 2021
Charissa Seid
Lots of punchy climbs - a few pretty sketchy drops but great trail overall and gorgeous views! 9.2mi — 2h 45m
Dec 18, 2021
Lost Justpastnowhere
Nov 13, 2021
andy knouse
Broken bones:( No Bueno! 10.5mi
Oct 21, 2021
Steve Connolly

Nearby Recommended Routes