Deadman’s Ridge Trail is a loop that belongs to the Brand Trails network, which, on the whole, is known as a beginner’s area. But don’t be turned away by the easy-breezy nature of the Brand Trails reputation, because Deadman’s Ridge packs a technical punch thanks to small (but fun) rock drops, steep slickrock ramps, and twisting singletrack on humps shaped like dinosaur backs that spin-cycle you through one of Moab’s best rides.
The trail is part of a new network of more advanced terrain that is being constructed in the west end of the Brand Trails complex, while still being connected to the well-known Lazy EZ loop and Bar M trails. Overall, the Deadman’s Ridge trail can be a destination in itself, or be made as part of a long day of riding the spiderweb of loops.
Getting to Deadman’s Ridge is the easy part, literally. From the parking lot, you simply ride Lazy EZ south to where it connects with the Bar M Trail, then watch for the start of Deadman’s Ridge on the right. From here, you get to experience truly narrow singletrack (a rarity in Moab) as rock-lined borders keep things tight and prevent bike tires from rolling over delicate flora and fauna.
As the trail climbs and descends numerous ridges and small, rock-covered hills, the ride throws out a few technical spots where scrubbing speed in favor of careful consideration is needed. Overall, however, the flavor of the ride is rolling hills with no long descents where you can open up the speed and bomb your bike. It’s a fun ride that will get your heart pumping after the easy going slacker ride on Bar M.
You can find Deadman’s Ridge and the rest of the Brand Trails about 7 miles north of Moab, across the highway from the Gemini Bridges parking lot. A gravel road with obvious signage will guide you to the parking for the Brand Trails, where the mass of people unloading bikes from racks and children pedaling around will tip you off that you’ve found the right place.