Moab Utah Dangerous Obstacles - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

Each year thousands of daring adventurers migrate to Moab to test their skills and vehicles. The town has its largest gathering of four-wheelers during the weeklong Easter Jeep Safari event, which is hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers. The mass migration of off-road enthusiasts and industry professionals from across the U.S. is huge.

Moab is one of the most beautiful wheeling adventure destinations in the United States. It's also one of the most dangerous and controversial. Some of us are drawn to the challenges of the precarious slickrock trails and by the adrenaline rush that accompanies cliff-hanging and off-chamber wheeling. Others are completely oblivious to the region's perils. As they converge on the historic little town, some folks know what they are in for, while others arrive completely unprepared. It would be impossible to estimate vehicle damage and breakage in dollars. The few repair shops and auto parts stores in town do a great business during the event. Unfortunately other providers that also have a dramatic rise in business are Moab's emergency services and police. However, the keys to a fun, successful, and safe trip are knowing your limits, researching the trails, not taking unnecessary chances, and never traveling alone.

Recently we spoke with a well-seasoned off-road enthusiast who had just wheeled Moab for the first time. After spending the day on the trail with a vehicle that wasn't his best choice, he told us in a very disconcerted voice, "I didn't like that at all." The problem wasn't his driving skills, but the vehicle. We were impressed with his ability to get a fullsize lifted truck through a very difficult trail, but it's a vehicle that really didn't need to be there. We hate to think what could have happened to an inexperienced driver. There are trails around Moab for every driver of every skill level and for every vehicle, but more often than not, we find inexperienced enthusiasts in places they shouldn't be. Our point is that your vehicle may work on the trails at home and around the farm, but they may not be suitable for Moab without some serious work. If that's not a possibility, choose your trails wisely and with the help of some expert advice.

The reality of four-wheeling around Moab is that some trails are downright dangerous. A word from the wise-play it safe, prepare, and learn about the trails before you head out. Every year serious accidents occur, which in some cases could have been avoided. We aren't trying to scare you away from Moab, we highly recommend a visit. Just be safe.
The reality of four-wheeling around Moab is that some trails are downright dangerous. A wo
This bump is about half way up the start of the Moab Rim trail. If it were in the middle of a field, most enthusiasts wouldn't think twice attempting it, but it's about 15 feet from the edge of a 100-foot drop-off. This little step definitely grabs your attention and increases the pucker factor. It's obstacles like this that should never be attempted alone.
This bump is about half way up the start of the Moab Rim trail. If it were in the middle o
Always travel prepared. Wheeling in groups is not only much safer, there's always someone along for the ride that has the right tools for every repair. Without a way to repair a vehicle, someone could be stranded in the backcountry miles from help. Recovery costs could also run in the hundreds of dollars.
Always travel prepared. Wheeling in groups is not only much safer, there's always someone

Paying careful attention to trail ratings wherever you wheel is always important. The higher the difficulty rating, the more technical the driving will be. In most parts of the country this just means broken parts and body damage. However, special attention should be given to the trails around Moab. Consider the fact that the higher the rating on a number of these trails means the more dangerous they could be. The reality of off-highway adventure in this part of the country is that the trails have a tendency to be very steep, they will tilt your vehicle off-chamber in the most unnerving places, and there are numerous drop-offs and cliffs. Some trails are dangerous to the degree that if you screw up and take the wrong line, you may have a serious or fatal accident.

As diehard off-road fanatics and experts, we love the challenge and the danger that goes along with it. We prepare for our runs and know what to expect on the trail once we get there. If we run into a problem we know how to deal with it. We often hear of unfortunate and tragic off-highway accidents that could have been avoided with a little knowledge and preparation. If you've never been to Moab and are planning a trip, we recommend gaining experience by participating in the official Easter Jeep Safari trail runs, or talking with local guides and experts. Respect our lands, get involved, and follow the rules of the trail. If you do, we may have a chance to enjoy these lands with our families for generations to come.

The geological formations in this region of the country are phenomenal. There aren't too many places left in the world this spectacular that can still be explored. However, we are consistently under attack from anti-access groups who claim this type of off-highway travel causes irreversible damage to the environment. Yet if this trail went untraveled for a season or two, these tracks would be erased by the forces of nature, leaving little sign that anyone was there at all.
The geological formations in this region of the country are phenomenal. There aren't too m
Potato Salad Hill has been the scene of raucous wheeling and gatherings for years. There have been some issues with rowdy spring-break revelers, but most who visit the obstacle just want to watch some challenging four-wheeling. Unfortunately the anti-access folks use photos like this to champion their unjust cause. What they won't tell the unwary public (when asking for donations to support their agenda) is that this rocky little hill sits just a few hundred yards behind Moab's old city dump, which is now closed.
Potato Salad Hill has been the scene of raucous wheeling and gatherings for years. There h
For some of us, wheeling is all about pushing the limits, so be prepared to pay the price. This guy just racked up a repair bill that may run $1,000. Make sure your vehicle is well prepped with the proper safety equipment like a rollcage, safety harnesses, and properly placed grab handles.
For some of us, wheeling is all about pushing the limits, so be prepared to pay the price.