One thing we definitely noticed this year was fewer fullsize vehicles. On that note, while we are seeing fewer fullsizes, we are seeing more beds being taken off for a flatbed conversion or no bed at all. One fullsize we could count on seeing was Moab local Dirk Phillips in his flatbed Chevy truck. It's amazing that he can wheel year-round in Moab and still have that clean a truck. | 
Hello, Skunkworks! We caught up with the Jeep boys to see what cool things they had brought out to debut. What you're looking at here is not an AEV vehicle (look-no truck bed split in the body!), but instead a concept vehicle called the JT based on the new JK Wrangler. Tell your dealer how much you want a JT truck Jeep, and just maybe Jeep will get enough interest generated to actually produce them. |
Our illustrious leader Pewe shot this Jeep getting its tire a little high on Pritchett Canyon, but it seems like we are seeing fewer wheels airborne these days (unless someone has a lead foot, of course). Lots of current suspensions work so well that it's getting harder and harder to find some air in between the ground and a rig's tires. Better for traction and for the wheeler, but worse for the photographer praying for mishap.... | 
If you're in Moab and have at least a rear locker, we highly suggest taking a careful drive up the Moab Rim trail. As you can see in back of this three-wheeling Jeep, the views are spectacular, and the trail is pretty darn challenging to boot. But be careful, as only too close to the driver side is a 100+ foot fall to the highway below. |
Upper Helldorado is to a fullsize body tub what a can crusher is to an empty Mountain Dew. Jeeps or buggies can make it through with minimal body damage, but that corner just left of where this Jeep's spotter is standing is a doozie. It has so many different color paint scratches on it that it looks like a rainbow. | |
When in Moab, we suggest trying to hit these trails. They are some of the harder and more fun trails in Moab. If you can, get to Moab during an off week, and you'll get more wheeling in than during the Easter Jeep Safari. EJS is pretty fun as well, with all the people and the excitement, but it's crowded! Want directions or coordinates to get to these trails? Contact the Red Rock 4 Wheelers and let them know you're interested in helping to keep Moab open and that you want to make a donation. We're sure they'd be happy to help you out with some directions after that.
And sorry, but we're not listing the Red Rock 4 Wheelers' rating system of these trails because they are in the process of changing their 2-5 ratings to a more specific 1-10 ratings system.
Behind the Rocks
Cliffhanger Trail
Coyote Trail (near Area BFE)
Flat Iron Mesa
Golden Spike
Hell's Revenge
Hole in the Rock
Kane Creek
Metal Masher
Moab Rim Trail
Poison Spyder Mesa
Pritchett Canyon
Proving Grounds
Steel Bender
Upper Helldorado (in Area BFE)
A few years ago, the area now known as Area BFE was in jeopardy, as the owners of the land put it up for sale. Jeremy Parriott got together with some investors and saved the area for wheelers, keeping it open for us to run such great trails as Upper Helldorado. But Moab is seeing the impacts of too many people and too much use. Dump Bump has been closed for good. So has Lion's Back, due to the sale of the land and some potential condos or something. And Potato Salad Hill saw its last wild weekend, as it will be closed after this year as well. Want to keep your trails open? Then fight for them, care for them, and make sure they stay clean.