During the summer months, your guides cannot guarantee that you will be able to ride the entire route of the Whole Enchilada. While you start at a much cooler alpine elevation, the route ends at the much hotter desert environment. Riders need to carry a minimum of 3 liters of water, so be sure to bring a hydration pack with this capacity (there is no place to re-fill) as well as space to carry a lunch that will be provided.
The Burro Pass section (the first 6 miles) involves a substantial climb at high elevation which can really work folks before the extremely technical descent right after. The rest of the route is considered a “pedally” downhill, with the final 12 miles on the Porcupine Rim being physically demanding because of constant chunky and rocky riding, as well as the summertime heat.
This ride is the most remote and technically challenging of any ride in Moab and is more suited for expert riders with very strong fitness. If you and the guide get to a point where it is no longer feasible to continue (due to time, temperatures, rider skill or safety concerns, amount of water left in your packs, etc.), you will need to exit the route, for your health and safety.
If the best decision is to exit the route – either before or after the LPS section, where there is still 12 miles of rough and physically demanding trail. There are options to ride the Raptor Route before riding a few more miles down the Sand Flats Road to get back to town. The mileage is very similar to finishing on the Porcupine section, however, you are much closer to civilization in case something goes wrong. A rescue by ground on Porcupine Rim can take 7 – 8 hours.