by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
You can see it in the eyes, first. The way pupils dilate and how a look goes from being present and attentive, to far away and distracted. Just say the name “Moab” to any Jeep enthusiast and you simply see it happen.
It probably will not be subtle, either, as excitement, adrenaline, anticipation, and a whole host of other emotions fight for control, while visions of red rocks and climbing iconic obstacles dance through the brain.
Yes, off-roading in Moab, Utah, is an exciting and challenging adventure that draws scores of thousands to this small oasis in the southeastern part of the state. With diverse and rugged terrain, the surrounding area offers a wide range of trails from relaxing to white-knuckle sure to test anyone’s abilities.
Plus, the scenery. With the usually snow-capped La Sal mountain range just to the east, and plenty of red rocks in whatever direction you look, it is all an adventure waiting to be conquered.
And once you do, once that time is finished and you are back to wherever home is called, you start counting the ways you can make that adventure happen again.
However, adventure does not conquer itself. So before piling in the vehicle, you really should do some preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable time in Moab — no matter if it is for the upcoming 58th annual Easter Jeep Safari, or just some other excursion in, and around, town.
Prepare Your Jeep
It probably goes without saying that this advice is good no matter where your off-roading travels lead, but especially when the road heads to Moab.
Things like tire tread and wear, brakes, suspension components, shocks and steering parts should all be checked and greased or otherwise adjusted as needed. Additionally, all recovery gear should be inspected, winch line tested if you have one installed and its remote placed somewhere easily accessible.
Test the battery as well, especially if it has been in the vehicle for years, to make sure it is up for the trip and get that oil change done if it is time. Wipers and wiper fluid are other important things to check.
Research
Whether your Moab trip is just for a day, weekend, or longer, make sure to do some planning beforehand to understand the terrain you’ll be driving, as well as the expected weather.
Often, these trips will be with family, friends or a Jeep club so you can use them to help reference expected conditions and terrain as well. If not, an internet search about the area should help answer questions. Then, make sure to pack appropriately. Take an extra change of clothes, as well as a few pairs of socks and another set of shoes. These extras are always helpful in case you are out of the vehicle a lot during the day and your originals get muddy or water-soaked.
If this is an extended trip, plan ahead and secure lodging or a campsite location as these can get pricier the closer to your trip, and may not even be available if you wait until reaching town.
Of course, this area is considered a high desert and even though temperatures may soar during the day, it could still get a little chilly on the trail in the morning and evening, depending on your altitude. So make sure to pack layered clothing and a weather-appropriate jacket.
Additionally, research and understand how your vehicle works before you leave for the trip — especially if it is fairly new to you. Get a good feel of how the four-wheel-drive system operates, or why using lockers is so important if the vehicle has them equipped.
Know What to Bring
Don’t just show up to town ready to head out on the trail. After all, there are no restaurants or take-out services in the desert. Ensure you have a cooler and stock with plenty of water or other non-alcoholic drinks, as well as snacks, lunch and dinner — and probably a little more just in case.
Always remember you don’t punch a clock for a Jeep trail ride so there are no guarantees you’ll be back to the trailhead at a certain time. All it takes is a recovery or two and you could find yourself out on the trail way longer than anticipated. Also, whether you have a fridge freezer or some other cooler, definitely include several food storage bags or Tupperware so no leftovers spoil.
Next, pack recovery gear because you may not be near another vehicle in the group that has some. Things like D-rings or soft shackles, tow straps, gloves, recovery boards and a functional winch are definitely important items. Many of these you can purchase all together inside a quality recovery kit like Res-Q series.
A stocked first aid bag with things like bandages, antiseptic, petroleum for burns, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen, gloves, shears, alcohol wipes and other essentials is important, as is a flashlight, extra blankets and a change of clothes. Again, just in case. A paper map is also a good idea as smartphone service is almost non-existent once you get a few miles outside of town on the trail.
Speaking of smartphone service, you should make sure you (as well as the whole group) have a good working radio in the vehicle. Generally, these days, that means a longer-range GMRS radio. Communication is important, especially in a crowded area like the Moab trail system.
Never Go Alone
If you talk about a cardinal sin in the off-road world, it would be trail riding alone — especially in Moab. While it may seem fine to those who recently purchased a Jeep to try it out, adventuring in the backcountry around Moab isn’t like going to a tennis court for the first time and hitting balls against a backboard.
Any number of things could happen while you are off-road; many of which you have no control over like a mechanical, engine, or tire issue. Or an obstacle could cause a part failure such as a tie rod bend. Sure, the odds of something like that happening may be on the lower side, but they do happen. So always make sure to be part of a group when off-roading.
Plus, going out in a group may give you the chance to meet new friends, or learn from more experienced off-roaders.
Understand the Rules and Tread Lightly
Whether it is Moab, or a trail somewhere around where you live, it is always imperative you follow the rules of being a good off-roader and Tread Lightly.
This means staying on marked trails at all times and driving over obstacles instead of going around them, as going off trail potentially destroys important area vegetation. Also, follow directions on area signage to ensure you are where you are supposed to go.
Always make sure to keep the driver behind you in view. This is especially crucial when the trail splits in two directions. Don’t assume everyone knows where the group is going. Also, if you lose view of the vehicle ahead, then radio the group and let everyone know. The last thing you want to do is guess where you are going.
Don’t blindly discard trash or vehicle parts. Carry trash bags with you and pack away your trash. Even better, keep an eye out on the trail for someone else’s loose trash and snatch it up as well. Always leave the area better than you found the place.
Know the trail right of way. Since there are no stoplights on a trail, understand you need to give the right of way to things like mountain bikes, hikers and horses. And take special care to not make loud noises or unexpected movements as horses can spook easily.If you end up as the first, or last, vehicle in the group, let oncoming drivers know how many are in your group — or that you are the last one.
When approaching a steep hit against oncoming trail traffic, generally the vehicle heading up the hill has the right of way to make sure it can maintain the momentum needed to reach the top. But if the climbing party has enough space, and it is easier for them to pull out of the way to allow downhill vehicles safely through, then let common sense prevail to clear the hill.
Finally, never stop at a blind curve and exit your vehicle to take pictures or take a break. Find somewhere further down the trail where you can safely pull out of the way. This also means keeping the trail clear whenever you need to stop for things like lunch, bathroom breaks, trail repairs or to simply get out and do some photography or filming.
Of course, it also should go without saying to never, ever bring alcohol along for the ride. It can make things extremely dangerous for you, as well as endanger everyone else on the trail as well.
Enjoy Yourself
Like we said before, off-roading and the entire Moab experience combines the thrill of rugged desert terrain with the beauty of exquisite views. It is known the world over for its amazing off-road trails, ranging from easy scenic drives to challenging slickrock crawls.
It is also not a timed adventure each day on the trail, and should you come across a beautiful view or something you want to shoot or film, make sure to let the group know you want to make a stop. Usually everyone is accommodating because they’ll probably want to do the same. Don’t feel like you are holding anyone up when you want to stop, as long as you don’t make it into an hour-long studio session.
Also, make sure to enjoy the town itself and not just the surrounding trails. There are plenty of restaurants that cater to all palettes and shops that sell all kinds of items to mark your trip.
And with two nearby National Parks, you can also take a day or so away from off-roading to enjoy some amazing landmarks and history you can’t really find anywhere else.
All you need to do is be prepared.
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