Rally Trail Descriptions

2008 National Rally Moab Trails List

Vehicle Requirements
Vehicles should have the following:
CB Radio - Highly Advised
Rock Sliders - Preferred but not needed for easier trails
Front & Rear Recovery points - Mandatory
Own Recovery equipment including recovery strap and rated shackles - Mandatory
Pre-trip inspection by Trip Leader and their approval to run trail
Fire Extinguisher - Very Highly Advised
First Aid Kit - Preferred

A downloadable version with pictures that is in Word format is available here. It is appx 10 MB. There are pictures of some of the trails in the gallery, either under Utah Trails or under Moab Rallies. Use the search function to help find specific trails.

The moab trail rating system has been changed from the old 1-5 rating system to a 1-10 rating system, similar to Colorado, though it seems a little harder. Below is an approximate description of the new ratings. The actual descriptions are on Red Rock 4 wheelers website, which is copywrited, so this is my interpretation of their ratings with my experience thrown into the mix. Note, while we are running most of the trails on their website, we are not running all of them. The ratings are at the bottom of their page, and are more on the conservative side in my opinion.

Rating:1
County dirt road. The road is maintained. Most 2wd and all 4wd vehicles can drive these trails.

Rating:2
County dirt road. Some maintenance after rain or snow, but high clearance is recommended. Lower gearing may be needed. May have some ruts, smaller rocks, mild hills. Should be passable by all 4wd vehicles.

Rating:3
The road is hardly maintained, and the surface can be dirt, rock or sand. There can be ruts and holes. 4 wheel drive is recommended as is high clearance. Depending on the trail, it can be very difficult if wet.

Rating:4
Rutted and/or rocky road. Steps up to 12″. 4WD under most conditions. The surface can be any combination of slickrock, dirt, sand or rocks. You should have high clearance. You may encounter water, mud, washes or eroded sections of trail. You should have good driving skills. Fairly steep slickrock sections may be encountered, but should be passable by most 4wd vehicles with low range.

Rating:5
Rutted and/or rocky road that can have long slickrock sections. Rocks or steps up to 14″ and water crossings up to 12″ with possible mud. 4WD required. Taller tires and traction aids are recommended as are good driving skills. Body damage is possible and things can be broken if care isn’t taken.

Rating:6
Quite rocky or deep ruts, steps up to 24″ with lots of slickrock. Mud is possible and water can be deeper than 12″. Tall tires and traction aids are recommended as is good articulation and very good driving skills. Good approach and departure angles are needed as hills can be steep. Damage or breakage is possible. Rolling is possible on certain trails, though not likely.

Rating:7
Any trail surface is possible, but it will probably be long expanses of slickrock. The trail can have steep hills and many steps taller than 24″. Recommended for experienced drivers. Vehicles should have tall tires and locker(s) and very good ground clearance. A winch could be helpful. Damage is possible and there are opportunities for the vehicle to roll if care is not taken.

Rating:8
Heavily modified vehicles and front and rear lockers are needed, and a winch is helpful. Fairly large rocks, ledges and steps are probable, Rolling is possible, and body/mechanical damage likely. Steep hills are possible.
Excellent driving skills needed.

Rating:9
These trails are even more extreme, with common rollovers and very likely vehicle damage. Requires front and rear lockers and a winch. Best for buggies or the most modified stock vehicles only. Breakage is likely. Very large rocks, steps and ledges possible as well as very steep sections.

Rating:10
The hardest of the hard! Buggies only on these trails. Very large rocks, ledges and steep climbs/descents. Rolling is very probable and breakage of some vehicles almost guaranteed. If you have to ask how hard it is, you don’t belong on it.
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Individual Trail Descriptions

Pritchett Canyon - Rating 8
Description of Trail and Obstacles

This is the hardest trail outside of BFE. It has grown much harder recently due to weather erosion and use. The major obstacles are Rocker Knocker and The Rock Pile. You should have a rock buggy or extremely well built truck for this trail with large tires. Expect to break parts and possibly roll on this trail. Most of the obstacles have no bypasses. The trail is about 4 ½ miles down Kane Creek Road on the left, and is about 4 1/5 miles long. You will need front and rear lockers, a winch, roll cage, rock protection and at least 35” tires to do this trail as well as LOTS of off-roading experience! Vehicle damage is likely.

BFE – Rating 9
Description of Trail and Obstacles

Area BFE is private land that was purchased to help keep trails open for off-road use. The trails are extreme rock crawling trails and should only be run with buggies or very well built trucks. You should have front and rear lockers, a winch and at least 35” tires. They also have their own restrictions on some trails, like a minimum number of vehicles in a group. While the park is free, please consider donating to the landowners for their kindness in spending their money to give you a place to wheel. Vehicle damage is likely. Area BFE is south of Moab to the east off of Hwy 191.

Behind the Rocks - Rating 7
Description of Trail and Obstacles

Behind the Rocks is one of the harder trails in Moab. It has quite a few difficult obstacles including White Knuckle Hill, High Dive and Upchuck Hill to name a few. This is not a trail for inexperienced drivers as it is easy to roll and breakages are common. Vehicles should have both front and rear lockers, a roll cage and a winch. 35”+ tires are recommended. Vehicle damage is very possible. The trail is south of Moab to the west off of Hwy 191.

Cliff Hanger / Amasa Back – Rating 6

Description of Trail and Obstacles

Cliffhanger, as it is more often called, is an apt description of this trail. It starts on the right, about 6 miles down Kane Creek Road and climbs onto a high isolated plateau. Part of the trail, and one obstacle are along a shelf road on a high cliff face. There are several difficult obstacles along the trail. Vehicles need at least a rear locker, front is recommended, 32” minimum tires, good ground clearance and rock protection. There are great views from the end of the trail, looking down on the Colorado River and the potash plant in Jackson Hole and up towards Dead Horse Point.

Flat Iron Mesa - Rating 5
Description of Trail and Obstacles

Flat Iron Mesa is about 17 ½ miles south of Moab on Hwy 191, with an entrance on the right that is easy to miss. It starts out a little slow with mellow dirt trail, then later on gets into more interesting slickrock obstacles. The main ones are Tilt-A Whirl, which is a steep and tippy slickrock descent, and Easter Egg Hill, which is another tippy descent which is complicated by having to drive between a gap between rocks. Body damage is possible on this one without very careful driving. Both these obstacles have bypasses, though the Easter Egg bypass is relatively long. The trail can be driven without lockers, though at least a rear locker is highly recommended. You also need good articulation, rock protection and at least 32” tires. There are several cliff overlooks off short spurs off the main trail. If you find a wedding ring, contact Jim.

Golden Spike – Rating 7

Description of Trail and Obstacles

This is probably one of the longest trails time wise in Moab, and the longest one at the rally. It actually consists of 3 trails, most of Poison Spider which must be driven to get to Golden Spike, Golden Spike and Gold Bar Rim which must be driven to get back to the highway.
The trail is rather difficult, with many obstacles along it’s high slickrock route. Route finding can be difficult at times and most of the obstacles have no bypasses. There are also some side trails off of it, like Rusty Nail and Where Eagles Dare, although you have to know where they are to find them. Total length is close to 35 miles and 10 hours on the trail if not more is not uncommon, especially with breakages. Vehicles need at least a rear locker, rock protection, good ground clearance, 32” minimum tires although larger is highly recommended. Bring lots of food and water as this is a very isolated trail and breakages are common. Sections of the trail have supposedly gotten harder, so YMMV.

Moab Rim – Rating 7
Description of Trail and Obstacles

Moab Rim is a difficult trail that climbs up a rim on the south side of the Colorado River just west of Moab. It is fairly steep for most of it’s length, with big ledges and sharp turns, occasionally at the same time, which must be negotiated. In fact, most of the first mile of trail is one steep obstacle after another. Most of the trail is on slickrock until you reach the top, where some dirt and sand are encountered. This is an up and back trail, so what you go up, you must drive back down. Body damage is possible on this trail as is rolling if you become careless, and if you roll, it’s a long way down! Vehicles should have at least a rear locker and 32” tires and rock protection. There are some great views overlooking Moab from the top. The trail starts just a few miles down Kane Creek Road on the left hand side.

Hells Revenge - Rating 4

Description of Trail and Obstacles

Hells Revenge is one of 3 trails off of the road to Sand Flats Rec area. It starts on the left, just past the fee booth, and is mostly slickrock. The trail follows slickrock fins up and down, some of them being rather steep. The steep ascents and descents will test your nerves, as there are no bypasses except on some of the hardest obstacles. This is a trail that stock standard vehicles can attempt as their “hard” trail however you have to be prepared to pay out lots of $$ in repairs if your driving skills are poor or you make mistakes. Please note however that Range Rovers and Discoveries with front air dams [i.e. the plastic skirt below the front bumper] may find these dams will scrape and may get damaged, therefore it is recommended that such be removed. In addition to the slick rock there are rock ledges, broken rock, sandy dirt and some blow sand. The views are of the La Sal Mountains, the Arches National Park and the Colorado River Canyon. Vehicles should have at least 30 “ tires, and traction aides are helpful .Climbs are too steep and long for Freelanders.

Poison Spider - Rating 5
Description of Trail and Obstacles

This is one of Moab’s most popular trails which offers a wide variety of obstacles with bypasses for some of the tougher challenges. It is popular because the driving is challenging while still being drivable by a fairly stock vehicle. Much of the trail is on Navajo sandstone slickrock with one small stretch of bare rock. There are also some rock ledges sandy wash bottoms and two sand hills. The initial climb and switchbacks are rough but easy to drive. There are some rock ledges that make the trail difficult combined with some steep slick rock climbs. There is a potential for damage or rolling if you choose a bad line, though most vehicles make it through unscathed. You should have rock sliders as sill/door dents are a real possibility and at least 30” tires, though larger is better. Not a good trail for Freelanders.

Metal Masher - Rating 6
Description of Trail and Obstacles

This trail offers a 1300-foot high view from Arth’s Rim, which overlooks Highway 191 between Gold Bar Rim and the highway. The trail varies from easy dirt to high sandstone ledges with some relatively level slick rock. The trail passes Rock Chucker Hill, a playground for those mad of spirit and deep of pocket. The bypass is itself a difficult option including rocky steps and the infamous “widow maker Hill”. The route first angles up the sloping part of the cliff to a gap in the rim rock. It follows Little Canyon partway into the mesa to resume the climb along the gentler slope of the tilted rock strata. Much of the trail is routine four-wheeling, but there are a few spots, notably Mirror Gulch and Widowmaker Hill, where many will not make it on the first try. The narrow Mirror Gulch often damages full-width vehicles, and it is especially difficult for those with long front or rear overhangs. Widowmaker Hill is extremely challenging for any vehicle because it has become dug up at the bottom. A winch is almost mandatory to make it up. Fortunately it is an optional part of the trail. The road portion on the slope beneath Arth’s Rim climbs to increasingly fine views of Arches National Park, Moab Valley, and the La Sal Mountains. That is just a warm-up for the later perch on the cliff top. Little Canyon has beautiful vertical walls. This trail varies from easy dirt to some tall sandstone ledges, with some relatively level slick rock and sand mixed in. Vehicles should have rock sliders and 31” or taller tires. Traction devices are helpful.


Strike Ravine - Rating 5

Description of Trail and Obstacles

In addition to the views inside the rugged canyons, there are beautiful vistas of colorful rocks, forested slopes, and the snow-covered La Sal Mountains. The easy parts of the trail are sandy dirt with enough bedrock poking through to keep the speed down. The difficult creek-bottom parts have rocks, boulders, and ledges, and the most difficult hills have large, loose rocks. Two hills have loose dirt and rocks that cause poor traction. The canyon bottoms have large rocks and rock ledges that can change with every flood. Strike Ravine is ledgy and rough, with a combination of rock steps and loose dirt. Tall tires, short wheelbase, and short overhangs are the order of the day. A minimum of 31” tires and rock sliders are recommended. The trail is located approximately 12 miles south of Moab along Highway 191.

Kane Creek Canyon – Rating 6
Description of Trail and Obstacles

Kane Creek Canyon trail is southwest, just out of Moab, at the end of Kane Creek Road. Most of the trail isn’t too hard, meandering in and out of Kane Creek many times before climbing up the canyon wall near the end. The creek can be non-existent to very deep, and deep water can hide rocks and tree roots beneath it’s surface. Also some of the easier beginning sections can get washed out, greatly increasing their difficulty. However by far the hardest section is the climb up the canyon wall. This section has been washed out to where a winch is now often needed to get up, even with lockers, and it is along a far drop to boot. Pin striping from the Tamarisk trees is unavoidable. Vehicles should have at least 32” tires and a rear locker, rock protection, with a front locker and winch highly recommended. Sometimes deep mud and quicksand may be present.

Fin’s N’ Things – Rating 4
Description of Trail and Obstacles

While Fins ‘N Things isn’t a difficult trail at all, it is a very fun trail for almost any vehicle. It is in the Sand Flats Rec area, and as it’s name suggests, it follows up, down and all over the slickrock fins. There are also some dirt and sand sections, as well as Sand Flats Road sections between parts of the trail. It starts on the south side of the road and ends up on the north side of the road. While many of the fins are rather steep, they are easily doable by stock vehicles. However those which still have the front air dams may scrape them in places, as well as trailer hitches scraping on the LWB vehicles that don’t have a lift. The trail also travels along a part of Negro Bill Canyon, and the beautiful La Sal Mountains can be seen in the distance. Most any vehicle can drive this trail, just keep in mind the above mentioned caution about scraping air dams and hitches for lower vehicles. Air dams should be removed if you don’t want to damage them. Some climbs might be a challenge for Freelanders as there are some short but steep ones.

Steel Bender - Rating 6
Description of Trail and Obstacles

Steel Bender follows an historic Wagon trail that works its way up form a beautiful canyon to elevations above 6000 feet. It features 2 creek crossings, numerous steep ledges and 2 rocky ascents that have bypasses. This trail will test those in stock vehicles as you attempt a procession of rock ledges. It is located close to town starting immediately northeast of the Moab Golf Course on private land. The trail lies between Moab and the La Sal Mountains in the vicinity of Mill Creek, a major drainage from the mountains. The trail crosses the creek a few times and travels a lovely part of its canyon. It overlooks the North Fork of Mill Creek as it climbs to the base of South Mesa on the skirts of the La Sal Mountains. It is another variation on the Canyonlands landscape, and it offers further variety to the scenery and the four-wheeling opportunities of the Moab area. The trip can be done in stock 4×4s that have excellent clearance, but only because there are bypasses around some of the challenging spots. Portions of the trail are in two beautiful parts of Mill Creek Canyon. Other portions ride the higher country toward the mountains and overlook Canyonlands vistas toward the west from a 6,000-foot elevation. The canyon-bottom trail crosses stream-washed rocks and the stream itself in a few places. The higher country has dirt and a little sand - all generously mixed with rocks and rock ledges. There is a little slick rock near the upper creek ford. Mill Creek has a strong perennial flow that is highest in springtime, but the fords usually do no more than dampen your hubs. Not far above the creek is a steep, ledgy chunk of rock that may push some to the easy bypass. As the trail climbs, a succession of rock steps can be difficult for stock equipment, but each ledge area has a bypass. A couple of minor tributary canyons provide steep, rocky descents and testy climbs. The final creek ford is followed by a short, steep climb that can get muddy and slippery
A rear traction aid, rock protection and 32 inch tires would be preferred on this trail. This trail is harder if run from south to north as a winch will probably be required to ascend The Wizard’s Chest.

Seven Mile Rim – Rating 4

Description of Trail and Obstacles

Seven Mile Rim trail winds it’s way up to where it follows the canyon rim for a while. There are a lot of old mining roads in the area, and the trail also passes the old Cotter Uranium mine along the way. Route finding can be difficult for those that don’t know their way. Most of the trail is fairly easy driving on sandstone, with small ledges here and there, and mild climbs. Part way through the trail, it passes close to Uranium arch, which can be walked across if you don’t have a fear of heights. It joins other trails in the area of Merrimac and Monitor Buttes. There is a harder section if trail on the south side of Merrimac Butte which includes a squeeze, and a sandy hill near the end of the trail. Both can be bypassed due to the maze of roads. Also by Merrimac Butte, the trail has a slickrock sidehill section just above Wipeout Hill if that section is run. Depending on how it is run, it is suitable for most stock vehicles, please note however that Range Rovers and Discoveries with front air dams [i.e. the plastic skirt below the front bumper] may find these dams will scrape and may get damaged, therefore it is recommended that such be removed. Freelanders may scrape on some rocks and ledges.

Rose Garden Hill - Rating 5
Description of Trail and Obstacles

Rose Garden Hill is actually part of th Kokopelli bike trail system. It can be run several ways, with various difficulty depending on the route taken. If run as an out and back trail starting at Onion Creek, You must go both up and down Rose Garden Hill. At least a rear locker is needed to run it like this, as traction is hard to come by when going up the hill. It can also be run from the road by Dewey Bridge(or what’s left of it). Going this route also has several options, either following Entrada Bluffs Road to Cottonwood Canyon trail and down Rose Garden, or following it down and crossing the Dolores River a couple times, water level permitting, and then taking the Dolores Canyon Overlook trail up to the Cottonwood Canyon trail and down Rose Garden Trail. It is easier in this north to south direction, and lockers aren’t needed. Rock protection and at least 32” tires are recommended either way due to the big ledges on Rose Garden Hill. Expect to scrape something wether going up or coming down. There are some great views from the top of the mesa as this is the same mesa the Top of the World trail traverses. There are also some smaller ledges and a cliff section of trail. The trail starts between 20-30 miles north of Moab off of Hwy 128 depending on which route is taken. The drive up 128 is scenic as well as you follow the Colorado River up the deep and wide canyon.

Top of the World – Rating 4

Description of Trail and Obstacles

Awe inspiring views. Nothing more really needs to be said other than bring lots of film.
This trail is ideal for stock standard vehicles. Owners of such are encouraged to sign up. Please note however that Range Rovers and Discoveries with front air dams [i.e. the plastic skirt below the front bumper] may find these dams will scrape and may get damaged, therefore it is recommended that such be removed. Freelanders may scrape as well.

Hell Roaring Rim – Rating 3
Description of Trail and Obstacles

Hellroaring Rim trail follows the mesa between the deep Hellroaring and Mineral Canyons, and follows Mineral Point out to the west. The trail is fairly easy, and is suitable for all stock vehicles. The trail consists of rocky ledges, broken rock and sandy dirt. Depending on vehicle height, it is possible to scrape low parts on some rocks/ledges for low vehicles. The trail culminates in a spectacular view overlooking the Green River.

Dome Plateau – Rating 3
Description of Trail and Obstacles

This trail explores the highland area east of Arches National Park and north of the Colorado River. It is a little more than 30 miles north of Moab, off of Hwy 128, and starts on the north side of the highway just past Dewey Bridge. The trail has several arches and also some shelter caves that were used to protect livestock The plateau slopes towards the south but crosses two canyons on the way to a spectacular view overlooking the Professor Valley and the Fischer Towers along the Colorado River. The trail consists of sand, rock and dirt. With the exception of one hill near the overlook, the trail is fairly easy. On the northern section of the trail, arches in Arches National park can be seen off in the distance. Freelanders may have problems on the hill by the overlook, but the rest should be ok

Secret Spire – Rating 2
Description of Trail

Secret Spire trail follows the mesa top between Spring and Hellroaring Canyons. It crosses the upper portion of Spring Canyon to visit a tower that the trail was named for, the Secret Spire. The trail consists of sand, dirt and a little rock. There are great views into the canyons as well as being able to see the San Rafael Reef and Book Cliffs in the distance. There is a spur road that goes to the Dellenbaugh tunnel, which is a watercourse which is usually dry that goes through the sandstone and limestone and ends up at the brink of Spring Canyon. It is around 100 feet long and tall enough to walk through. The trail is suitable for all stock vehicles, although sometimes there can be washouts which could cause problems for vehicles with low ground clearance.

Chicken Corners – Rating 2
Description of Trail

Chicken Corners trail is actually a combination of two trails, Hurrah Pass and Chicken Corners. Both trails are relatively mild and are passable by all stock vehicles. Like most of Moab, there are some fantastic views from both Hurrah Pass and Chicken Corners, with the Colorado River far below, and Dead Horse Point across the way. There are also many interesting rock formations along the way. Chicken Corners is reached by Kane Creek road, southwest of town, and is west of Kane Creek Trail. The surface is dirt, some slickrock, sand and some smaller rocks. While you do drive close to the cliff in spots, it isn’t that close, and the trail is more than wide enough.

Wipe-Out Hill – Rating 5
Description of Trail

Wipe-Out Hill trail was named after it’s main obstacle, Wipe-Out Hill. This is a steep rock section with two routes, both of which have ledges as well. While it is possible to make it up without lockers, the chances of doing it, and doing it without breaking something are low. Good ground clearance and breakover angle are needed. There is also a sandy wash which must be driven, some more mellow slickrock and some dirt or sand hills. This trail is northwest of Moab, where it also passes by both Monitor and Merrimac Buttes and Determination Towers. Vehicles should have at least 31” tires as well.

Porcupine Rim – Rating 5
Description of Trail

Porcupine Rim is an out and back trail which starts at the end of Sand Flats Road, east of Moab. It consists mostly of dirt and rock, having some ledges, slickrock and sand as well. It is a somewhat bumpy trail compared to others. The trail winds it’s way along the mesa top, and has some great views overlooking Castle Valley. Vehicles should have 31” tires, decent ground clearance, and a limited slip/traction control or lockers are helpful though probably not needed with good driving skills. Air dams should be removed for this trail, and there is a potential for scraping underneath and possibly hitting door sills.

Gold Bar Rim – Rating 5
Description of Trail

This trail is northwest of Moab and shares a road with Gemini Bridges and Bull Canyon trails, basically the southern most section of Gemini Bridges trail. The first part of the trail isn’t too difficult, but the first difficult obstacle has gotten much harder recently. It is a rocky incline that terminates with a steep rock section, which has been washed and probably dug out much more than it was in past years. The trail also has a large crack that must be crossed as well as numerous smaller ledges. Vehicles should have limited slip/traction control or lockers and at the very least 31” tires if not larger. Since you come back the same way unless you end up running Golden Spike backwards, some vehicles may need to winch or be pulled back up the first/last obstacle. The trail in general has a lot of slickrock, some dirt and loose rock and some sand. There are good views overlooking both Gold Bar Canyon and the Moab Rim, with Arches National Park across the valley.

Copper Ridge – Rating 3
Description of Trail

Copper Ridge Trail consists of a combination of several trails including a part of Klondike Bluffs Trail. The trail runs somewhat parallel to the southwest boundary of Arches National Park. The trail has some slickrock sections, but is mostly dirt interspersed with rocks here and there. There are also some sandy wash sections. Most of the trail is fairly easy, but there may be eroded sections, and there are two somewhat steep climbs. When wet, the trail can become impassible, so caution should be taken if it looks like it may rain. The trail is scenic, especially in the Klondike Bluffs area where the rock is eroded into interesting formations. There are also several arches that can be seen in the distance in the park. Vehicles should probably have 30” tires. May be too steep for Freelanders.

3D – Rating 3
Description of Trail

3D trail is northwest of Moab. The trail runs by some deep canyons, and also travels to a high overlook, which is where it’s name is supposed to come from. There is a variety of terrain, from slickrock to dirt, sand, and some ledges. Some of the hills can be challenging for stock vehicles, and look intimidating either because of their steepness, or how the ground drops off on either side (Mean Hill), but they are doable. Vehicles should probably have 30” tires. May be too steep for Freelanders.

Hey Joe Canyon– Rating 3

Description of Trail

Hey Joe Canyon is another trail northwest of Moab in the vicinity of 3D, Secret Spire and several others. It is accessed via Spring Canyon Bottom Road, which is a ledge road that descends the 600 foot deep canyon. This road should be in fairly good shape as it is county maintained. At the bottom, the road follows along side the Green River for quite a few miles. This section has varying difficulty as there can be erosion and rockfalls. The trail is mostly dirt, but there are rocks and there can be a mud hole. There are a lot of tamarisk on this trail, so paint will likely get scratches. The trail should not be run when wet or if rain threatens due to the rock fall danger and mud factor. This trail also has some narrow sections. It ends at an abandoned uranium mine which should be stayed out of. Barring any bad washouts or rock falls, this trail is suitable for all vehicles.

Tiptoe Behind The Rocks – Rating 3

Description of Trail

Tiptoe Behind the Rocks is a more tame version of some of the trails in the Behind The Rocks area. It also bypasses some of the longer stretches of easy road. The trail is dirt and sand with sandstone sections and some ledges. It has gotten slightly harder due to erosion recently. The trail runs by some of the harder obstacles in the area as it shares some of the regular Behind The Rocks trail sections. There are great views from this trail, especially of the interesting Behind The Rocks Wilderness area. The trail is southwest of Moab. Vehicles should have at least 31” tires, good ground clearance and rock protection.