Seven Fun Off-Road Trails in Moab, Utah

If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, visiting Moab in Utah needs to be on your bucket list, and the Easter Jeep Safari is the perfect time to check it off. We recently returned from an epic trip to Moab with our friends at BFGoodrich Tires, who are proud to support this premier yearly off-roading event with their BFGoodrich Garage, offering mechanics, tools, patience, and wisdom to help fix Jeeps and get them back on the trail. 

Located in southeastern Utah, Moab is home to many great places to visit like Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park. The beautiful landscape includes the Colorado River and red rock cliffs, which are the premier attraction, but you can also relax and take in events and festivals. There are shops, restaurants, microbreweries and more, but for those who are looking for a little more excitement, Moab has you covered as well.

Every year there are a large number of tourists looking for the best off-roading trails to explore. Whether you’re a novice or an off-roading professional, Moab, Utah has the trails to get your adrenaline rushing through your veins. While we were only able to tackle the first two this year, we’ve prepared a list of seven trails that are sure bets to bring the fun to your off-road adventure in Moab. 

1) Shafer Trail

Shafer Trail is 19.2 miles of ridiculous views and beginner friendly wheeling through Canyonlands National Park. This was a great warm-up during our BFGoodrich led adventure, and we tackled it with a group of 4×4 Vans from Quigley Motor Company. The trail runs along the Colorado River and features beautiful wild flowers, stunning views both at the top and the bottom of the canyon. Most stock 4×4 vehicles will have little trouble navigating this easy trail, however you’ll want to air down your tires for more traction and a softer ride.

2) Kane Creek Canyon Trail

On our second day in Moab, we joined up with a large BFGoodrich led trail-ride on Kane Creek Canyon Trail. The views start off stunning and never quit, which we quickly learned was a staple of all trails in the Moab region. This trail was much more difficult, and should only be attempted in a group with modified capable vehicles. There were several rock crawl sections which required spotting, and in-between there were dozens of creek crossings, which were a delight due to an overnight rain. There was a little bit of everything on this trail, including mud, sand, rock, and water. It was the perfect test for BFGoodrich’s Mud-Terrain KM3 tires which tackled every obstacle in front of us with ease.

Kane Creek Canyon Trail is 13.2 miles long and gains 1,358 feet in elevation from start to finish. It will easily take you all day to complete, so start out early in the morning to avoid wheeling after dark.

3) Gemini Bridges Trail

This is a great beginner trail for those looking to become a part of the off-road world. It stretches nearly eight miles of smooth trail from the entrance to the apex of the twin arches called the Gemini Bridges 160 feet in the air. Looking down from this vantage point you’ll see vistas and various trails scattered between both highways 191 and 313. This is where those newbies can experiment and play with their speed and control. This is where they can learn to handle and master their off-road vehicle. As you enter this trail and gaze up it will be difficult to not return to this heavenly place.

4) Chicken Corners Trail

This trail is considered a moderate path that can be traveled by stock Jeep Wranglers, but other less capable SUVs and Trucks may have difficulty. The only rough areas of concern are when you get close to the end of the trail. A fear of heights will definitely be a factor as you maneuver around some scenic but high terrain. You’ll be in amazed as you take in such notable sights such as Dead Horse Point and see hikers rounding the narrow ledge of Chicken Corners. This trail traces parallel to the Colorado River and is one of the most serene trails in Moab, Utah.

5) Moab Rim Trail

This is a difficult roller coaster of a ride that will have you on pins and needles from beginning to end. This trail is a popular one with groups because it’s so invigorating. Only experienced wheelers attempt this trail because it can be dangerous. If you’re not careful and respectful of this trail it could be an early day for you. AllTrails describes it as “The first half mile is nothing short of terrifying. A long climb of tight, tippy, and extremely difficult ledges requires excellent driving skills and a very capable four-wheel drive rig. This is a dangerous trail. Not for stock vehicles or inexperienced drivers. ”

One of the most incredible things you’ll come across is the ancient evidence of the Native Americans, from traces of their home life to petroglyphs engraved in the walls. This one is a special trail.

6) Poison Spider Mesa Trail

A trail that lives up to its reputation as a challenging adventure and will rule your thoughts is Poison Spider. You must be a technically sound professional if you want to tackle this trail. It’s recommended that you never attempt to travel Poison Spider by yourself. It consists of some dirt and sand trails but is comprised of mostly slickrock. You’re encouraged to stay on the main trail as you can easily want to veer into one of several rock ledges. AllTrails says, “Huge, awkward ledges and many tippy spots. For modified vehicles with very high ground clearance, lockers, large tires and good articulation. Route-finding on loop portion of trail is very challenging. Follow track and painted Jeep symbols.” Along the trail, you’ll come across Mary Jane Francis’ grave, as well as Pig Rock, and Little Arch. There are also some notable challenges like the waterfall and Wedgie obstacles.

7) Hell’s Revenge Trail

The name should be an indication that this is not a trail for a novice. Hell’s Revenge is equipped with well-known obstacles that will make your adventure an arduous one that will last hours. From several hot tubs to Hell’s Gate, and the Escalator you will be challenged with steep paths and descents. The trail’s terrain varies from sandy to slickrock so be careful and respect the land while you enjoy the beautiful landscape. You should strive to get to Hell’s Revenge as early as possible because this famous trail is one of the most coveted destination spots on man wheelers’ bucket list.

Philip Van der Vossen

Philip Van der Vossen founded and hosts the Trail Trek Tour, a traveling series of off-road events for automotive media. In 2020 he launched the off-road travel site, OffRoadTripz.com, as the content focused side of TrailTrekTour LLC. Philip has been an online publisher since 2008, and has covered the automotive industry since 2010. Prior to founding Trail Trek Tour, he served for three years as the Rally Director for the Washington Automotive Press Association.

Related Articles

Back to top button