UT: Capt. Ahab Loop

 We wrapped up our White Rim ride early on Sunday, there was plenty of time for lunch, a bit of hanging out, then over to Kane Springs Rd to ride a Moab classic: HyMasa - Capt. Ahab Loop. It's not a long loop, a bit under 9 miles total, but you work for it. Most of the climbing is done on HyMasa trail, then the flowy chunk of Capt. Ahab takes over.

The Amasa Back trailhead is a good launching point for some other rides as well. We rode out to Pothole Arch back in 2016.

The first mile was a warmup, relatively flat riding to Cliffhanger Rd.

Let the climbing begin!! Now on HyMasa trail as it parallels Cliffhanger Rd.

Sign at the exit of Capt. Ahab, I'll pass by here later.

The climb up was tough. Steady mix of riding, walking and lots of practice on cleaning technical features.

Clouds building to the east over the La Sal Mtns.

Follow the blue dots.

I finally made it to Capt. Ahab, but still a bit more climbing.

Incredible vista overlooking Jackson Hole.

Same spot, looking north.

Late afternoon light vibes...and the usually crowded trail all to myself.

Town and the Colorado River.

Saw this memorial tucked up under some rocks on the way down. RIP.

What is this?? Smooth trail on Ahab?? Indeed, there are bits.

At the midway cutoff.

This is some seriously fun riding.

When you stop to take in the surroundings, it's mind blowing to think how the trail builders found a feasible route. Kudos.

The home stretch hugs Kane Springs Canyon.

Flow, power move, flow, power move and built to perfection.

Yes, a hardtail singlespeed rode just fine on this trail.

At the exit and the sign I saw earlier. What a rush.

Now for the mellow runout to the trailhead.

Ahhhhh.

No rain, but some was coming. Look at that packed trailhead.

I'd have to say, if you have a few hours before sunset, this is a great time to do this ride. It's as close to a must-ride option in Moab as there is and the nice thing about it is you don't need all day to do it. Maybe use it as your first ride in town upon arrival or your last one before heading out. Either way, if you haven't ridden it and like technical riding, don't miss it.

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