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An awesome loop around the Amasa Back area.


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Map Key

15.1

Miles

24.3

KM

92%

Runnable

4,949' 1,508 m

High

3,962' 1,208 m

Low

1,993' 608 m

Up

1,996' 608 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Captain Ahab is a very popular downhill mountain biking trail. If you're hoping to avoid the two-wheeled mayhem, try to run this early.

Overview

This loop is highlighted by incredible beauty and 360-degree vistas.

Need to Know

Early is better to avoid the jeep and mountain biking crowds.

Runner Notes

This showcases perfect technical singletrack running trails. The warning sign at the trailhead is for the mountain biking crowd. Don't get me wrong...its a tough loop...but entirely runnable.

Description

Starting from the parking lot just down Kane Creek Road from the Amasa Back trailhead, run up the road to the trailhead, head down the hill on Hymasa Start Segment and cross the stream. Climb the jeep trail for a short ways before forking left onto Captain Ahab Trail.

Captain Ahab Trail is the best singletrack I saw in Moab. Awesome views and super rugged terrain made for mouth-dropping (maybe because I couldn't breathe) technical running. The Captain Ahab Trail is about 4 miles long and climbs the plateau before rejoining the Amasa Back. The biking crowd is supposed to roll downhill, but runners can head up it. Just be cautious of downhill mountain bikers.

Keep climbing over Cliffhanger past the Jacob's (Jackson's) Ladder Overlook and out to the End of the Road trail. Two quick optional out and backs will add a little mileage before getting serious and heading out to the Pothole Arch Trail. Pothole Arch Trail makes you wonder how a giant batch of cookie dough turned into stone and became an incredible slick rock adventure. A mile out and back brings you to Rockstacker Trail and the downhill begins.

Rockstacker travels across some seriously rugged terrain. Be ready for tough downhill scrambles and potential ankle busters. Pay attention and enjoy the views and you descend. The trail ties directly into Jackson's Trail and downhill to the Kane Springs Trailhead. Blaze a half mile back up the road to your car and stroke your ego after one awesome loop.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Dobson

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 5 votes

#1

in Amasa Back

#963

Overall
  5.0 from 5 votes
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Amasa Back

#70

in Utah

#963

Overall
15 Views Last Month
5,798 Since May 2, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
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25%
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75%
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Photos

End of the Road
May 2, 2015 near Moab, UT
Amasa Back faux view point
Apr 2, 2015 near Moab, UT
The mighty Colorado River seen from the Jackson's Trail
Apr 4, 2015 near Moab, UT
Thar she blows!!!
May 2, 2015 near Moab, UT
Awesome viewpoint
May 2, 2015 near Moab, UT
Watch that first step...its a loo loo!  On the Capt Ahab Trail.
May 2, 2015 near Moab, UT
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