Bicycling in Arches National Park

There's outstanding mountain biking all around Arches National Park, but the park proper is not the best place to explore on two wheels. Bicycles are only allowed on established roads and since there are no shoulders, cyclists share the roadway with drivers and pedestrians gawking at the scenery. If you do want to take a spin in the park, try Willow Flats Road, the old entrance to the park. The road is about 6½-mi long one way and starts directly across from the Balanced Rock parking lot. It's a pretty mountain bike ride on dirt and sand through slickrock, pinyon, and juniper country. You must stay on the road with your bicycle or you chance steep fines.

Outfitters and Expeditions

Chile Pepper Bikes. For mountain bike rentals, sales, service, and gear, plus espresso, stop at Chile Pepper Bikes before you hit the trails. 702 S. Main St., Moab, UT, 84532. 435/259-4688 or 888/677-4688. www.chilebikes.com.

Poison Spider Bicycles. This fully loaded shop serves the thriving road-cycling community as well as mountain bikers. Rent, buy (including Trek, Kona, and Yeti), or service your bike here. You can also arrange for shuttle service and purchase merchandise. 497 N. Main St., Moab, UT, 84532. 435/259-7882 or 800/635-1792.

Rim Cyclery. The oldest bike shop in town, Rim Cyclery has offered mountain bike rentals and sales, trail advice, equipment, and gear since 1983. They have expertise in specialized bikes. 94 W. 100 South, Moab, UT, 84532. 435/259-5333 or 888/304-8219. www.rimcyclery.com.

Rim Tours. Reliable, friendly, and professional, Rim Tours has been taking guests on guided one-day or multiday mountain-bike tours, including Klondike Bluffs (which enters Arches) and the White Rim Trail (inside Canyonlands) since 1985. Road-bike tours as well as bike rentals (and some sales) are also available. 1233 S. U.S. 191, Moab, UT, 84532. 435/259-5223 or 800/626-7335. www.rimtours.com.

Western Spirit Cycling. Head here for fully supported, go-at-your-own-pace, multiday bike tours throughout the region, including trips to Canyonlands and the 140-mi Kokopelli Trail, which runs from Grand Junction, Colorado, to Moab. Guides versed in the geologic wonders of the area cook up meals worthy of the scenery each night. Ask about family rides, too. There's also the option to combine a Green River kayak trip with the three-night bike route. 478 Mill Creek Dr., Moab, UT, 84532. 435/259-8732 or 800/845-2453. www.westernspirit.com.