Description:
Bartlett Wash is one of my favorite slickrock rides in Moab. If you want to ride some excellent slickrock and avoid crowds, then this place if for you. It will take a bit more route-finding abilities though since there are only minimal or no trail markings on the rock. Sometimes you can follow rock cairns, little piles of rocks to find the trail but most of the time you’re on your own to find your way.
From the parking lot head up the sandy wash for about a 1/2 mile following obvious bike tracks. Look for a old fence on the right ( 38°42'57.38"N, 109°47'18.64"W) and turn right and make your way up onto the slickrock by carrying your bike. You might want to take a mental note of your surroundings or GPS this spot so it will be easier to find on the way back. Once on the slickrock continue heading up and south until you come to another sandy area. Walk or ride through this area staying only on pre-existing trails or tracks. Once beyond the sand continue to work your way up the slickrock gaining altitude. At times you may find it easier to portage your bike up to the next level. The lower, creamy-colored rock has more of a wave-like “flow” to it. Personally we liked riding down on this part and riding up on the higher, reddish-colored rock.
Continue riding south slowly gaining elevation until you reach a large open “playground” of slickrock. Ride around and explore the many “bowls” especially on the southwest edge of the plateau. Beware of some of the edges of the plateau as they drop away gently at first then become a very steep cliff with a LONG drop! If you’re going to get crazy in these playgrounds you might be well advised to wear some armor.
0.00 Bartlett Wash Trailhead parking lot.
0.01 Head south (uphill) in sandy wash.
0.50 Look for fence line on right (turn right).
0.60 Climb up rock to gain elevation.
0.65 Head left or south on rock.
1.00 Cross sandy section.
1.10 Continue south on lighter colored rock.
1.50 Slowly gain elevation as you head south.
2.35 Reach the playground area of Bartlett Wash.
-- To exit re-trace your route or you could head down the next canyon to the west and make a loop route.
Trailhead:
Drive about 17.6 miles north of the center of Moab on Highway 191. Turn left on Blue Hills Road (about a mile before the airport turn-off) and go 2.4 miles then turn left. Go .8 more miles to a fork where you stay straight. Go .5 more miles and turn right toward the wash. Go about a mile more and look for a parking area (38°43'2.78"N, 109°47'7.41"W) near a fence (there is parking on the left and right). There are obvious trailhead parking signs here.
Notes:
Don’t forget your camera! Be careful if you are climbing up the ledges portaging your bike. There may be a rattlesnake sunning itself where you put your hands. A GPS could prove useful to help you re-trace your route off the ledges and back entry point off the sandy wash/dirt road. For the best prevention of cramping and bonking take a look at my riding nutrition page.