The best traffic-free bike rides around Arx

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes available in the Arx region, offering a range of experiences from easy to difficult.

The best times for touring cycling in the Arx region (Arches National Park) are typically spring (March to May) and fall (September to October). During these seasons, temperatures are more moderate, making for a more enjoyable ride compared to the extreme heat of summer or the colder winter months.

Yes, there is one easy no-traffic touring cycling route. The Poudenas loop from Sos is a great option, covering approximately 12.3 km with a moderate elevation gain of around 111 meters.

The Arx region (Arches National Park) is renowned for its stunning red sandstone formations, including over 2,000 natural arches, hoodoos, mesas, and balanced rocks. Cyclists can expect breathtaking desert vistas, unique ecosystems, and panoramic views, often with the distant La Sal Mountains as a backdrop.

Yes, all the no-traffic touring cycling routes listed are circular loops. For example, the Barbaste – Moulin des Tours de Barbaste loop from Meylan offers a longer, challenging circular ride, while the Bike loop from Réaup-Lisse provides a moderate circular option.

The longest no-traffic touring cycling route is the Barbaste – Moulin des Tours de Barbaste loop from Meylan, which spans approximately 106.4 km with an elevation gain of over 932 meters, making it a difficult and rewarding ride.

The Arx region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique and dramatic desert landscapes, the sense of solitude on less-trafficked routes, and the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area away from vehicle noise.

Yes, there are several challenging routes. Three of the five routes are rated as difficult. The Bike loop from Grave Longue, for instance, is a difficult 41.4 km route with over 514 meters of elevation gain, offering a significant workout amidst stunning scenery.

Given the desert environment of Arx (Arches National Park), it's crucial to bring plenty of water, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), and appropriate clothing for varying temperatures. A repair kit for your bike, snacks, and a map or GPS device are also highly recommended.

While the routes themselves offer continuous scenic beauty, the entire Arx region (Arches National Park) is filled with iconic formations. Cyclists on the Arches Scenic Drive can visually enjoy landmarks like Balanced Rock, Park Avenue, and the Windows Section. Although direct cycling to Delicate Arch is not possible, the views from various points are spectacular.

The duration varies significantly by route and difficulty. The shortest easy route, the Poudenas loop from Sos, takes approximately 45 minutes. Longer, difficult routes like the Barbaste – Moulin des Tours de Barbaste loop from Meylan can take over 7 hours to complete.