The relentless sun in a cloudless August sky, pushing temperatures to 106 degrees in the southern Utah redrock desert, can mean dehydration or even death to those who don't make proper plans. A biking trip, such as the offroad journey to Gemini Bridges, photographed below, has its hazards. The week before these photographs were taken, a teen-ager died of exposure after taking a wrong turn on the Porcupine Rim trail and wandering in the wilderness. And there are always scrapes and sunburns, as well as sore muscles, to consider. Fortunately, Moab is the center of the universe for mountain biking, and many bike shops and fellow trail riders will help visitors have a safe and pleasant trip.
Maps are available of many trails, and guides can be hired.
Gemini Bridges are twin arches of red sandstone, separated by a crack in the earth about 3 feet wide. A 14-mile bike trail from Highway 313 to Highway 191 passes near the top of the bridges. At the end of the trail, bikers can ride 9 miles along 191 into town. Just be careful out there. A fork in the road on the Gemini Bridges trail.