Skinny Tire Fall Festival
Ride the stunning scenery of Utah’s Red Rock Country.
September 19-21, 2026 in Moab Utah
The Big Nasty is back for 2026!
September 19 - 21, 2026
Join us for our Skinny Tire Fall Festival - A RETURNING ROUTE for the 3-day cycling event in Moab with incredible routes worth training for!
This 3-day fall cycling event includes:
Dead Horse Point State Park
La Sal Loop including “The Big Nasty”
Cycling along the Colorado River
Join us in September when temperatures cool down, the fall foliage comes alive, and cyclists from across the country unite in red rock country to experience awe-inspiring landscapes.
This three-day event will showcase to riders Moab's full geographical beauty. Saturday we ride as a group to La Sal Mountain Lookout via The Big Nasty; a gnarly climb known for a elevation gain of 3,000 feet in 7 miles. On day 2, we enjoy a relaxing recovery ride with breathtaking views as we ride the River Portal route along the Colorado River. On Day 3 we have saved the best for last, as we climb up Highway 313, atop the Mesa, and ride into Dead Horse Point State Park.
From your saddle you embrace the landscape, feeling the contours as gravity tugs on your tires, challenging you to climb and daring you to descend. You'll appreciate the grand scale of this place once you've ventured far from town under your own 'skinny' power, and down byways known only to a lucky few.
Your Registration Options
OPTION 1 - The Full Fall Festival
Ride all 3 days (Saturday - Monday), This is the full festival experience and will be epic! Lunch is provided on all three days of the event.
OPTION 2 - The Weekend Pass
For those who can only join us for the weekend, the two-day pass (Saturday & Sunday) is the way to go! You’ll ride up to La Sal Loop Overlook on day 1, and along the Colorado River on day 2. Lunch and festival atmosphere post-ride are offered on both days.
2026 Routes & Descriptions
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Day 1 - La Sal Mountain Loop
Distance: 63 miles, View Map
Elevation Gain: 5,507 ft
# of Riders: Unlimited
Route Type: Loop
Shorter Option? Yes
Start: Aarchway Inn
Lunch: Provided post route.This big loop includes “The Big Nasty”, a climb famous for 3,000ft of elevation gain in only 7 miles. Cyclists start the ride by heading south into town then follow Spanish Valley Drive until the climb starts. Here you will enjoy newly paved roads and incredible Autumn views. After a tough climb, we’ll hit our peak a top La Sal Overlook where spectacular views await. On the descent, riders will pass through Castle Valley and turn onto UT-128 where you follow the mighty Colorado River back to Aarchway Inn.
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Day 2 - River Portal
Mileage: 32 miles, View Map
Elevation Gain: 435 ft
# of Riders: Unlimited
Route Type: Out & Back
Shorter Option? No
Start: Aarchway Inn
Lunch: Provided post route.Highway 279 is a favorite among local roadies because of its unbroken cadence. After passing through "The Portal," the Colorado River begins its cut through the impressive sandstone. The road meanders alongside the tranquil river and maintains a flat profile through some of the most astounding topography imaginable. Red rock walls rise hundreds of feet straight up from the shoulder of the road as it cuts tightly along the river. For miles, you'll spot rock climbers on the infamous “Wallstreet” and cycle past 1,000-year-old Anasazi petroglyphs carved in the ancient rock wall.
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Day 3 - Dead Horse Point State Park
Mileage: 64 miles, View Map
Elevation Gain: 3,890 ft
# of Riders: Limited to 400
Route Type: Out & Back
Shorter Option? Yes
Start: Aarchway Inn
Lunch: To-Go lunch post ride.This route includes breathtaking views, a generous bike lane, hearty climbs, minimal cars, and an amazingly fun descent. The route gradually gains 3,700 ft on the way up and then slightly levels off as you work your way toward Dead Horse Point State Park. On top of the mesa is wide open views of the Colorado River meandering around a huge bluff. Once you enter the park you will be rewarded with Grand Canyon-like views. *Alternate: Start at the intersection of Hwy 313 and Hwy 191 north of Moab.