Description:
Amasa Back is the locals favorite because it is fun, technically challenging and so close to the center of town. It’s also one of the only decent places to ride in the area when it is raining as I have found out from personal experience. The route is also a jeep/OHV route called “Cliffhanger” so you may have motorized company.
This is basically an out and back trail but loops can be made although not described here. Even as an out and back this trail is a very challenging and rewarding ride. The views along the ride are simply stunning.
The route starts out with a pretty steep and extremely rocky descent into Cane Creek Canyon. Most people will choose to walk this portion (up and down). Once past the rocks follow a nice singletrack under a ledge to your left. It leads down to a sandy wash. Note: if it has been raining this wash may be flowing with 1-2 feet of cold water (as was the case when I did this ride.)
Cross the wash and start climbing up the trail that alternates between technical rocky climbs, slickrock and just plain old dirt road. After numerous switchbacks you will eventually crest and begin down hill passing by the “Cliffhanger” section where the trail is very exposed on the left side by a steep cliff and a solid vertical rock wall on the right. People who drive jeeps through here must be insane! From here you can look west and see the promontory mesa that will be the end of your ride. You might also be able to spot a crack in the cliff about half way to mesa called Jacob’s Ladder where people portage up and down.
Continue on the dirt road staying left (except don’t go down Jacob’s Ladder) at any junctions until you eventually start climbing slickrock and reach the viewpoint overlooking the Colorado River and the potash plant far below. From here most people turn back around but one can take an excursion up onto Amasa Back or onto a very technical singletrack (left from fire road on the way back) to make a loop.
0.00 Trailhead start at Cliffhanger sign
0.20 Cross wash (or creek)
0.80 Trail steepness and technical eases a bit
1.40 Stay right and continue climbing
2.00 Stay left (right goes to Buzzards Bluff)
2.80 Jacob’s Ladder junction (stay straight)
3.00 Technical section (left is easier)
3.35 Slickrock section
3.65 Somewhat difficult climbing from here on. Watch for cairns marking the trail. Ascend slickrock toward ridgeline.
4.50 The overlook (turnaround point)
Trailhead:
From the center of Moab head south on US 191 for .7 miles and turn right on Cane Creek Road. Continue on Cane Creek Road for 2.6 miles to the trailhead. There is no great parking right at the trailhead. There is a large lot about a mile back toward Moab from the trailhead or you can look for parking along the shoulder of Cane Creek Road. Don’t park at the trailhead, it is way too steep.
Notes:
Bring extra socks if it’s raining or has rained recently because you might be fording a creek. Don’t forget your camera. For the best prevention of cramping and bonking take a look at my riding nutrition page.