Where is Amasa Back Trail?

Amasa Back Trail, one of Moab's classic rides, sits southwest of town in eastern Utah. This 4.3-mile unpaved adventure is a real climb, gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation with some seriously tough spots. Known as the Cliffhanger Safari Route, it winds up from Kane Creek near the Colorado River, taking you onto a rocky outcrop almost completely surrounded by the river.

Expect incredible views, especially at the end, but be warned: this trail is no joke. Rollovers are a real risk if you get too aggressive, and one ledge road is especially nerve-wracking. From start to finish, it's obstacle after obstacle, with technical challenges that'll test even experienced riders.

Strong intermediates can tackle it, but be prepared to walk some of the gnarlier climbs. Jeeps churn up slippery, undercut ledges and chunky rocks, making approaches tricky. Recent maintenance added some dirt, but it's washing away fast, leaving mostly rock.

The real kicker? A narrow spot with a 3-foot drop into a loose, boulder-strewn runout. Keep an eye out for petroglyphs and signs of early travelers as you cross sandstone ledges, sand, dirt, and the occasional stretch of fairly smooth slickrock.