| Can You Moo?
Can You Moo? is a 11.6-mile loop in the red dirt and rock west
of Vernal. The trail is narrow desert singletrack, intermediate
technical, twisting and turning through a gradual 550 feet of climbing.
It's not too tough, and not too scary. There's one short brute climb on
the way out (counterclockwise loop), and one spooky loose plunge on the
way back. Good bike-handling skills are recommended to keep the bike on
the narrow singletrack. The loop is best ridden
counterclockwise.
Bruce
pops over the lip of a small wash, with Troy of Altitude Cycle close
behind. Photo by Mike, August 27, 2004.
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Update 2010: The trail has been
hammered by cattle and isn't seeing regular upkeep. The local bike shop
isn't sending riders to Can You Moo any more. You can still ride the
trail, but check with Altitude Cycle about current conditions. |
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The trail can be ridden virtually year-round, although
some clay areas can get really ugly when wet. This area is winter range for a LOT of cows. The trail
surface can change drastically during the wet months of winter.
A couple of other trails link to Can You Moo?. Upper Moo is a
nice add-on loop that forks off Can You Moo? at mile 5 (when riding
counterclockwise) at N 40° 23.670' W 109° 38.138'. Although not as
visually rich or exciting to ride as Can You Moo?, it offers
another 8 miles of similar riding.
Trailhead supply stand. Take what you
need, hang what you don't.
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| Ridden counterclockwise, the uphill section is a twisting,
high-speed gradual climb in a shallow flat canyon. The trail drops in and
out of the wash countless times. Once you reach the Upper Moo fork, the
trail rises over a saddle and begins a more-technical descent. The trail
hits a number of unusual geographic formations resembling lava flows,
alternating with high-speed desert brush.
Bruce climbs up Can You Moo? |
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Stop at Altitude Cycle in Vernal for directions
and current riding conditions. They have an excellent
trail guidebook to the Vernal region trails, including topo maps and
excellent mile-by-mile trail-riding directions. |
| Getting there: Starting at the view area on
US-40 just west of Vernal, drive west (away from Vernal) 5.9 miles. As the
road curves right around a small mountain, spot a dirt road on the right.
Park on the side of the dirt road at N 40° 20.253' W 109° 38.055'. Carry
your bike through the gate (close it!) and start riding up the old road.
When the singletrack leaves the road on the left, keep right as the trail
drops into a wash.
Links to Vernal area resources
Copyright 2004 UtahMountainBiking
Thanks to Troy of Altitude Cycle for guiding us on this trail!
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