by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
MOAB, Utah — Whether it is the promise of a unique off-roading challenge, or just because adventure can often lurk around almost every corner, Moab, Utah is somewhere that can satisfy almost anyone’s outdoor passion.
Any yet, when many think about driving out to Moab in their Jeeps, those thoughts revolve more around the ‘just being there’ idea, and not the ‘what kind of trails are there’ thing.
It is understandable. Sometimes stuff just gets overlooked in the overall picture.
Well, this red rock playground in the southeastern Utah desert does offer a diverse array of trails that offer a challenge and will delight drivers of all skill levels. So, to help anyone looking to know more about Moab’s trail system, we've compiled a list of what many consider the area’s top 10 off-road trails — not in any particular order.
Hells Revenge
This iconic trail is a must for any off-road enthusiast visiting Moab, whether you are new to the area, or are a long-time veteran. With a length of nearly 6.5 miles, Hells Revenge features steep inclines, heart-pounding descents, and iconic obstacles like Hell's Gate and the Escalator guaranteed to test whatever skill level you possess. It is also a favorite by many for a nice, beautiful sunset ride.
Of course, there are plenty of bypasses to all these obstacles so you won't get into anything too difficult if you want to enjoy an easier experience. In addition to slickrock areas, there are also plenty of rock ledges, broken rock and sandy dirt to power through. And it is all worthwhile when you reach the overlook near Hells Gate as this provides stunning views of the La Sal Mountains and Colorado River. From there, you can choose to turn around and head back the same way you entered, or continue on through more steep climbs, sharp turns and nice descents.
Fins and Things
Off-roading on 200 million-year-old Navajo Formation slickrock 'Fins' can be quite the historical experience. Although not a difficult trail, this one consisting of those fins and then 'Things' that are what is left over when fins erode, is certainly fun. And why it is a trail that almost everyone hits at least once during Easter Jeep Safari week.
It runs about 12 miles and features some sudden, steep hill climbs and descents, plus the occasional rocky overhangs that require a 'Moab' bump to get over. Overall, it is almost like a rollercoaster ride through the eastern Moab area that overlooks the La Sal Mountains and some of Castle Valley. It is also perfect for beginners and intermediate drivers looking for a taste of Moab's slickrock terrain.
Poison Spider Mesa
No, this trail isn't filled with eight-legged creatures looking to reach out and bite. Instead, it provides just enough of a challenge to ensure its popularity, while offering some severely scenic views of the La Sal Mountains, as well as Moab itself some 1,000 feet below the mesa.
Much of this 16-mile off-pavement trek rides over Navajo Slickrock with some switchbacks right at the start, and then features numerous rocky ledges, some sandy wash, hills and a canyon that leads to one of its noted obstacles — "The Waterfall". Along the way, there is also an optional V-notch section that many find makes for an excellent picture spot before reaching all those other scenic views, although this one does require some skill and tire placement to ensure success.
Steelbender
With trail names like this, as well as the upcoming Metal Masher, new to the area Jeep enthusiasts may think a day on these trails will leave some interesting 'beauty marks' on their vehicles. However, like anything else, smart driving and following spotter instructions can make all the difference.
Steelbender's 15-mile off-road experience lies just to the southeast of town, and is a major drainage location for Mill Creek Canyon. What this usually means is the trail's difficulty keeps moving around depending on trail erosion and whatever obstacle repair is needed. The trail also rises up from the creek and heads a bit west towards the La Sal Mountains, cruising up to 6,000 feet to give a nice view of the mountains and surrounding valley.
Dirt and sand mix up with rocks, ledges and overhang shelves to provide some interesting driving conditions, while slickrock hills do require a bit of patience. Additionally, some of the area's most popular obstacles lie on this trail including "The Wall" and "Waterfall". which actually is a sharp slickrock drop with plenty of rubble that simulates that waterfall feeling on departure.
Top of the World
You've no doubt seen the pictures on social media somewhere. The one where people place their Jeeps right out on a rocky outcropping that overlooks Fisher Valley some 7,000 feet below, while La Sal mountains glisten in the distance. That's what makes this trail one oof the most popular to run during EJS week.
Most of this trail is considered a graded road that bends up from Route 128 right from the Dewey Bridge, before turning into a more off-road focused trail for the last 10 or so miles. Broken layered and loose rock, along with some steep shelves mark much of this portion of the trail and make for some fun/challenging ascents to overcome. But the overall highlight of this trail day is reaching the top summit and encountering one of the area's best views — a full 360-degree overlook. It is especially amazing during those somewhat colder months when snow fills the mountains and valley, but, really, anytime you run the trail you'll get some outstanding scenery.
Metal Masher
Like Steelbender, this trail's name may cause a little pause, but most of the normal obstacles can be conquered by slightly modified Jeeps and just plain old smart driving. Others, like 'Rock Chucker" and "Widowmaker" do have bypasses if you want to see other, beefier, rigs try to overcome the more extreme angles.
Overall, Metal Masher features about 46 miles of off-road conditions that go anywhere from sandy, loose rock, to steep shelves and sharp, vertical walls. Along the way, there are some long slickrock ledges that eventually lead to the narrow "Mirror Gulch". This area does require some patience as rock walls come almost right up to your Jeep's doors, so careful attention will help keep paint from scratching or metal from, er, mashing. The reward for conquering this ride reaching Arth's Rim, which displays another amazing view of Arches National Park and the surrounding area from about 1,300 feet.
Behind the Rocks
This 35-mile off-road trail is a more secluded option for those looking to avoid the crowds, and can be a bit tougher than the average Moab trail. It really gets its reputation thanks to a steep downhill drop called "White Knuckle Hill" which is equally as difficult going up as it is down. Especially these days as more and more erosion takes place.
The trail itself stretches out over an elevated area south of Moab between the Moab Rim Cliffs and Kane Springs Canyon. And it features a nice mix of sand, slickrock, loose rock and challenging obstacles like High Dive and Upchuck, as well as stunning views of the La Sal Mountains. We definitely recommend a nicely modified Jeep, including winch and recovery points, to tackle these obstacles.
Chicken Corners
This 42-mile out-and-back off-road trail is a great option for off-roaders, especially beginners, seeking a more leisurely adventure without the stress of technical rock crawling. It provides breathtaking views of the Colorado River and Kane Creek Canyon, with plenty of opportunities for photography and exploration.
At its beginning, Chicken Corners was quite a bit more difficult and took its name for when the least "chicken" driver was the one who tackled the trail and roared past Chicken Corners. Now, it follows the Colorado River Canyon and cuts into Lower Kane Springs Canyon about 2,000 feet below the mesa tops, before widening out and ascending more than 400 above the river level. While much of the trail is gravel and dirt, it does feature some sandstone and slickrock ledges along the way.
Additionally, there is plenty of history as well thanks to ancient rock art petroglyphs along the roadside and some older caves exposed from erosion.
Kane Creek Canyon
While some flash flooding and road deterioration closed off Kane Creek during this year's EJS, this trail will soon reopen and once again show off its beauty to travelers. It runs about 20 off-road miles and follows the winding Kane Creek through a narrow canyon — crossing that creek almost 50 times and making for a unique off-roading experience. The trail features a mix of sand, slickrock, and creek crossings, making it perfect for drivers who enjoy diverse terrain.
The initial lower portion is narrow and can be as tricky as it is beautiful, before straightening out and becoming wider further upstream. Gravel, silt, gullies and numerous narrow spots do require precision tire placement, while rocky steps and a loose rock creek bottom mark the trail's upper section.
Moab Rim
Not every trail needs to be a long, winding, exhibition through the Utah desert. In fact, you can pour a lot of excitement into a little area. Which is exactly what Moab Rim offers its riders.
This trail begins just southwest of town so it is not a long drive to reach. Then, it extends up and away from the Colorado river on a pretty decent angle. In fact, this trail's first mile perhaps has the highest density of obstacles of anything in the Moab area.
And the higher you go, the better the view. This includes a stunning look back into the Colorado River gorge, as well as an overlook that looks out towards the nearby La Sal Mountains and Spanish Valley.
Of course, nothing that pretty is simple to reach and this trail does have some legit ledge and step obstacles — including the famous "Devil's Crack" and "Z Turn" that will test all skill levels. Plus, with some being a bit off-camber and a fairly steep drop towards the river, it helps to have a stout constitution on this ride.
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