Captain Ahab Trail

Though the Captain Ahab trail is primarily a mountain biking trail, it can also be a fun, challenging day-hike for experienced hikers. When hiking, keep in mind that you will be sharing this trail with technical mountain bikers operating at high speeds, so stick to the side of the trail and allow bikes to pass. This trail gets very popular on weekends, so we suggest hiking it mid-week to avoid trail congestion. The views from this trail are absolutely stunning. Bring lots of water with you on this hike, there are few opportunities to rest in the shade, and there are no water sources along this route. Consider saving this hike for a cooler day to avoid heat exhaustion.

From the Amasa Back parking area, head down the road to the start of the trail on the north side of Kane Springs Road. Stay left at the trail divide and follow the path as it crosses over Kane Spring. At the first divide past the creek, stay right and then take a left at the divide immediately past here to start on “Cliffhanger Trail.” Follow Cliffhanger Trail for 0.5mi to an intersection, continue straight at this crossroads. Do the same at the next intersection 0.6mi later and the following intersection 0.7mi past there. Three miles from the trailhead, you will reach a T-intersection of trails. Take a left here onto the “Upper Captain Ahab Trail.” Follow Upper Captain Ahab Trail for 2.1mi to an intersection with a back road. Cross over the road onto “Lower Captain Ahab Trail” and follow this path for 2.0mi until you reach familiar territory as the Lower Captain Ahab Trail links up with Cliffhanger Trail. Take a right here and follow the path back out to the road.

This trail has lots of twists and turns and intersections, so it might seem complicated but don’t worry- it is well signed and well maintained and well-populated, so it is tough to get lost.