MOAB, Utah — April snow. In Moab.
Normally, that white powder is just something nice to look at on the peaks of the nearby La Sal Mountains.
However, Tuesday's trail day on the popular Behind the Rocks track at the 56th annual Easter Jeep Safari suddenly became more than just a challenge. It became something that required everyone's full attention. This run was sponsored by the EJS Xperience and featured some really well-built Jeeps, so normally that would mean a nice time on the trail, but Monday night's snow somewhat upped the difficulty level.
Behind the Rocks is just south of Moab off Utah Hwy 191, and offers a little bit of everything to those who accept the challenge. There is some inspiring scenery, good warm-up obstacles, really technical sections and then a few very challenging descents.
So larger tires, lift kits to provide clearance, front and rear lockers and good recovery equipment are really mandatory for this run.
The first serious downhill obstacle on Behind the Rocks is named High Dive and it certainly helps to have some trail experience, as well as a top-notch spotter to successfully navigate to the bottom.
It isn't so much a straight downhill descent, but something that does have a few rock ledges that need to be managed as you slide downward. So creeping along as you get more and more vertical is a must, but also being ready to add throttle just in case things get too light in the rear. Ideally, that slow-controlled descent will eventually get your front tires to hit bottom, and from there you can manage the rear tires down the slope.
However, any kind of brake failure here could mean trouble, so should you lose brake pressure, make sure to let the group — and spotter — know immediately so they can get out of the way.
Also, shorter wheelbase Jeeps may want to hook up to a strap for safety, as well as to make sure they can be tugged through in case they get high centered.
Once all that is accomplished, the second difficult obstacle looms.
White Knuckle Hill
And this one certainly lives up to its moniker.
Just like High Dive, it is crucial to have an experienced spotter in the group who really knows the correct line in order to give everyone the best chance to get down safely.
The correct tire placement into the hill is also crucial and slowly approaching the edge will help make sure your descent is controlled — to a point.
As those front tires crest the edge and begin to slide down, that is where the fun, or white-knuckling, begins, as the Jeep becomes real tippy and both front and rear tires will slide at the same time.
Once the front wheels hit, hit the throttle to level out. Those with longer wheelbase Jeeps will probably drag a bit on the rear as it comes down, and shorter wheelbase ones can get hooked up to a winchline or tow strap to avoid a forward roll on descent.
Again, trail experience definitely helps on this track and this group had plenty to go around, so overall it was a great trail day in the snow.
