Our Favorite Jeep Trails of Moab
Well we're just two weeks away from the 50th Annual Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah and I can see from my Facebook feed that people are getting excited. People are posting photos of their fresh modifications and past trail adventures to the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Facebook page and I have to admit it gets me pretty excited to go. To feed that excitement I thought that today I would share with you my five favorite trails in the Moab area. These are the trails that we can't seem to get enough of because despite the endless miles of roads to explore we just keep going back to them. The trail rating system is a 1 to 10 with 10 being the most difficult so let's get going.
5. Wipe Out Hill- Rated a 5 this trail travels through the washes just off of highway 191 and south of the airport. Once you leave the washes the trail traverses some slick rock and takes you past Determination Towers where on more than one occasion I've seen rock climbers scaling their sandstone faces. The trail takes you through unique scenery that has caught the attention of Jeep, American Express and more for shooting their commercials. The real difficulty of this trail is Wipe Out Hill but you actually drop down it which if you follow your spotter is a relatively easy feat. If you're looking for a bit of a challenge than you're more than welcome to turn around and go back up it.
4. The Golden Spike- Rated a 7, the Golden Spike is one of the more famous trails in Moab and with obstacles like the Golden Crack and the Double Whammy it's probably one of the most photographed. If you do the Golden Spike trail you will actually travel over three of the Jeep Safari trails. Poison Spider Mesa, Golden Spike and Gold Bar Rim. The majority of the Spike is slick rock and you will have viewing opportunities of Arches National Park from a unique perspective and you have to make sure you get a picture of Jeep Arch, it's just like it sounds, an arch in the shape of a Jeep. Of course most of us do this trail for the obstacles, there's enough to keep your attention all day, I promise.
3. Poison Spider Mesa- This trail is rated a 6 and is close to town. Popular with mountain bikers, hikers and Jeepers alike, this trail can get very busy during the Jeep Safari. In fact I don't recommend trying to do this trail during Easter week unless you are signed up to go on one of the organized runs. There are a lot of interesting slick rock climbs that will test you're abilities and some that will test your confidence in tire traction. Our lunch spot puts you right at the base of a beautiful arch and a short walk from a large cave that stays pretty cool all year long. From here you can also look over the Colorado River and get an interesting view of the Moab Rim trail. Poison Spider has a great combination of challenge and scenery to keep you coming back every year.
2. Moab Rim- Rated at 7 this trail holds a special place in our hearts because it was the trail that we led and officiated for many years on Big Saturday. This is probably the most intense trail you can find in Moab because for the first 1/2 mile you travel uncomfortably close to the cliff edge that if you weren't paying attention would land you smack dab in the middle of a two lane road. The higher you go the more it looks like you would fall into the Colorado River. The obstacles on this trail hit you one after another and the tippy, uneven slick rock can be unforgiving. Since this trail is so close to town it's common to have many photographers and action junkies crowding around to see if you make it. At the top of the rim you will get the best over look view of the town of Moab. You are literally right on top of town. Now you have to get the courage to head back down. Good luck.
1. Metal Masher- This is without a doubt my favorite. It's also rated a 7 and this trail has it all. Sandy canyon washes, slick rock climbs, beautiful scenery, and if time permits an option of visiting Gemini Bridges (side by side arches.) I've done this trail more than any other. It's a complete package of what an off roader wants in a trail. I would recommend this trail to everyone and unfortunately I can't do the trail justice by trying to explain it. You'll just have to check it out for yourself.
Well there they are my favorite trails in Moab. I hope you take the time to visit these trails if you have a chance. For those of you that read Tuesday's post you learned of Jeep the Adventure Dog's little health problem and as promised here is the latest. He is on medication and steroids to treat the unseen injury and is on strict orders not to run, jump or do stairs. Yesterday he was walking around really well and has attempted to defy the no jumping rule. If he continues to improve then we should have no problems with him attending the Jeep Safari with us.
Have a great and adventurous weekend folks! See you next week.
Brandan