Sunset on the Edge: E‑Bike the Rim at Dead Horse Point
Ride an electric mountain bike to one of the West’s most dramatic sunset stages
The first heat of the day has slackened and the canyon walls begin to warm from rust to brick. You climb a final switchback on an electric mountain bike, the motor murmuring like a companion that knows when to push and when to be quiet. Ahead, the mesa opens into a bowl of layered rock and a ribbon of river that has carved its signature for millions of years. Night arrives slowly here, painting ridgelines in amber and cooling the air until it smells like sage and dust. On this private, three‑hour ride you are invited to witness the desert’s slow, deliberate performance — and to reach it with a grin rather than an exhausted shuffle.
Trail Wisdom
Charge and check
Ensure your e‑bike battery is fully charged and that you know the motor’s assist levels before you start.
Layer for wind and sun
Bring a lightweight windbreaker for after sunset and a breathable base layer to manage heat on climbs.
Hydration plan
Carry at least 1.5–2 liters of water; sip often in dry air and account for more if it’s hot.
Respect fragile soil
Stay on designated trails to protect cryptobiotic crust and avoid accelerating erosion on the mesa’s edges.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Shafer Trail viewpoint for dramatic switchback perspectives
- •A quieter pullout near the potash road with a micro‑view of the river’s meander
Wildlife
Desert bighorn sheep, Golden eagle
Conservation Note
The mesa’s cryptobiotic soil is fragile—stay on designated trails, avoid shortcuts, and pack out all trash to minimize impact.
Dead Horse Point earned its name from a 19th‑century tale of horses corralled on the point; the park also sits within a landscape traversed by ancestral Indigenous peoples.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower blooms, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Variable winds, Occasional late cold snaps
Spring offers mild days and vivid color on the desert floor, but be prepared for gusts and chilly evenings.
summer
Best for: Long daylight hours, Evening breezes after sunset
Challenges: High daytime heat, Potential for thunderstorms
Summer rides are best scheduled for late afternoon to avoid midday heat; carry extra water and sun protection.
fall
Best for: Clear skies, Perfect sunset light
Challenges: Cool nights, Higher demand for tours
Fall is peak season for sunset clarity and comfortable temperatures—book early to secure a private slot.
winter
Best for: Solitude, Crisp, clear vistas
Challenges: Cold temperatures, Occasional snow/ice on high points
Winter can be superb for unobstructed views but bring warm layers and expect shorter daylight windows.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
HelmetEssential
A properly fitted helmet is required and protects you on rocky, uneven trail sections.
Hydration pack (1.5–2L)Essential
Hands‑free hydration keeps you sipping on technical sections and during warm weather.
Lightweight wind shellEssential
Sunset brings wind and cooling; a packable shell keeps you comfortable after dark.
Grippy trail shoesEssential
Stiff‑soled shoes with tread help with confidence on pedals and short dismounts.
Common Questions
Do I need prior mountain biking experience?
No — basic bike handling skills are helpful, but guides offer an orientation and will tailor the route to the group's experience.
How long is the tour and how much riding is involved?
The tour lasts about three hours; most groups cover roughly 8–12 miles depending on chosen routes and pace.
Are helmets and bikes provided?
Yes — bikes, helmets, and safety gear are included as part of the tour package.
Is the tour suitable for kids?
Children who are confident riders and meet the operator’s minimum age/height requirements can join; check with the operator for specifics.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Operators will contact you about rescheduling in severe weather; thunderstorms and icy conditions can prompt a cancellation for safety.
How private is a private tour?
This booking is private to your group, so guides can adjust speed, distance, and stops to suit your needs.
What to Pack
Helmet (safety), Hydration pack 1.5–2L (hydration), Lightweight wind shell (post‑sunset chill), Grippy trail shoes (pedal control)
Did You Know
Dead Horse Point overlooks a 2,000‑foot drop to the Colorado River and was a filming location for the 1991 film Thelma & Louise.
Quick Travel Tips
Book the sunset slot in advance; arrive at least 45 minutes early; bring cash or card for the park entrance fee; expect limited cell service on the mesa.
Local Flavor
After the ride, head into Moab for a local meal — Moab Brewery offers hearty pub fare and craft beer; Desert Bistro provides a more upscale, locally sourced menu. For something quick, try a lineup of tacos and a cold beer downtown.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Canyonlands Field (CNY) in Moab — regional; Major airport: Grand Junction (GJT) ~2 hours. Driving from Moab: roughly 30–45 minutes to Dead Horse Point State Park. Cell service: intermittent on the mesa. Permits/fees: State park entrance fee required; reservations recommended for sunset tours.
Sustainability Note
This park contains fragile cryptobiotic soil and nesting raptors; stay on trails, pack out waste, and minimize noise to protect habitats.
Continue Reading
Red Rock Primer: Two Hours Inside Sedona’s Scarlet Circuits
A fast, guided primer to Sedona’s iconic formations: two hours of geology, Wild West stories, and the best photo frames that will shape the rest of your trip.
Sedona, Arizona
Between Plates and Parliament: Hiking Thingvellir’s Rift and Waterways
Where Iceland’s parliament met and two continents keep a slow, visible disagreement—Thingvellir combines short cultural walks, long ridgeline hikes, and the surreal clarity of Silfra. It’s an intimate, elemental introduction to Icelandic landscape and history.
Reykjavík, Capital Region