Planning my 1st trip to Moab. Advice/suggestions ?????

[Demon4x4]

I wish I had had it for my 2 trips out there... I also reference it when Rory (Trailmater) is doing recoveries.

I've bought at least 4 different editions of this book, over the years. haha

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[HowieLong]

We went to Moab for the first time last month. We are relatively new to off roading, especially the style in Moab. I used FunTreks books, Trailsoffroad and OnX off road as well as watched many YouTube videos. The trail ratings can be different depending which source you use. For example, Tower Arch is rated difficult in FunTreks but moderate (3) on Trailsoffroad. Moab Friends For Wheelin' is a facebook group you can use to try and find others hitting the trails.

 

[Rockledge]

I'm on 37's now with a 1 inch body and a 2 1/2 coil over lift. Sasquatch package. I found a OEM skid plate set for $700 local . I will add a transmission skid and a front bumper.
Solid Idea to start looking into places to stay. I'm thinking 2 to 3 weeks.

 

[Rockledge]

You'll have a blast.
I have a Moab-specific thread on here where I met up with some other forum members in March of '23. We did Fins and White Rim, visited Arches. We will go back and do White Rim again. It's that amazing that I would drive 30 hours each way.

Did another trip this past June-July where we stopped in Moab for a day OTW westward.
Strange how it felt like home after just visiting it once before.
We are from NC as well and it is a haul to get out there (but well worth it!!!)

Trying to keep this short so here goes:
Your trail list is doable, Top Of the World will be a challenge but these rigs are pretty darned capable even in stock form.
Go with a group, would recommend rock rails and at least a front and fuel tank skid minimum.
Have a means to air up and down.

For the journey TO there, I strongly recommend the southern route. 40W and all of the sights to see past Amarillo are by leaps and bounds better than I70. I70 is absolutely featureless and boring from KY all the way to Denver. IF you do the I40 route, pop on and off the interstate at the small towns and see the Rte 66 historic stuff. El Reno has a ton of cool things, shops, murals.
IF you really have all the free time you want, I also recommend staying on 40W to Winslow, AZ and on to Flagstaff where you will venture north on 89.
Sunset crater is worth stopping to see.
You are also only a 30 minute trek down 64W from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Strongly recommend eating that time and going over to check it out. In and back out the way you came.
Follow 89 up to 160. The views (geology) on this stretch are absolutely awe inspiring.
Veer off onto 163N at Kayenta and go though Monument Valley, Mexican hat area. Check out Valley of the Gods if you can.
163 will run into 191 that will lead you north into Moab.

Don't have time/interest in the extra stuff above after Winslow?
Get off of I40 at Chambers, AZ and head north on 191 all the way to Moab.
Even without all the above this route is so much better than I70.

We typically push straight through to Amarillo and stop for the night.
After that I break it down into 4-8 hour travel days depending on the in-between things to see.
That 2023 trip we did Amarillo, Winslow, Moab in a 3-day span and spent another 3-4 days in Moab (which was not nearly enough).

Our last trip was 3 weeks but we did all the way to Big Sur and meandered back east.

EDIT: Aarchway Inn is our go-to hotel there. The rooms are clean, showers are nice, etc. Pricing is good and they have gone above and beyond for our group stays both times. I'll gladly support and recommend them.

I just finished reading your trip journal. I cannot wait . Nothing like it here out east.
I still have much to learn - so excited though.

 

[contented]

I have never been to Moab and I do not want to tackle trails there not knowing the area. I have been looking into the possibility of signing up for the Easter Jeep Safari March 28 thru April 5th 2026, thru Red Rock 4 Wheelers.
I really want to experience the views and just being there. Coming from North Carolina and driving there and back- I am not looking to damage my vehicle.
My wish list includes:
Chicken Corners
Top of the World
Onion Creek
I'm looking for advice and suggestions to plan this out.
Where to stay? nice but not to $$.
Other trails to visit?
Just things i should know ?

I’d offer several things after being there the last three years. Once in May. Twice in August. Stay away from the Jeep Safari. Town is crazy busy, accommodation prices are at their highest, trails are clogged, and restaurants are busy. I like August, it‘s hot but not much more than Florida and way less humid. Lodging prices as low as they get with lots of choices and restaurants aren’t busy. For the most part, you’ll be the only one on the trails. We’re going again August 2026.

Lots of good trail suggestions, so I‘ll pass on that.

Your profile says you have a Base. If you don’t have Sasquatch package, Top of the World is definitely too much for your rig. Picture in my profile is on Top of the World. Definitely subscribe to Trails Off-road. The app is great to track your progress on the trail, it leaves bread crumbs and gives you waypoint info. If you aren’t on at least 33” tires and preferablely 35” I’d recommend not doing anything rated by Trails Off-road over a 3 and possibly some 4s.

One last thing, STAY ON THE trail. To say I was shocked at the difference in Fins & Things from 2023 to 2024 is an understatement. It’s rough, so to avoid the rough, folks travel on the side of the trail, which in time effectively doubles the width. I couldn’t believe how wide the trails had become. Too many folks drive wherever they feel like. It’s how trails get closed.

In 2024 I was on the trails alone w/ my adult grandson. Did Fins & Things, Steel Bender, and Poison Spider, etc. Never saw another soul. But I carry a full suite of recover gear, tools, parts air compressor, tire repair kit, lots of water, and am prepared to spend the night out if need be. And, we both carried phones capable of hitting a satellite and contacting Trail Mater if we got in trouble.

If you watch many Trail Mater videos, I swear, stupid people doing stupid things comprise 60% of his business. Don’t go out at night. Exercise good common sense.

 

[Rockledge]

Have you considered renting a bronco in MOAB that already has skid plates and is lifted? If you are spending thousands on skid plates for this specific trip it would probably be cheaper..

I did consider this idea, I am lifted and on 37's. I need skid plates whether I go or not. I do plan on many more off road adventures in the future.

 

[Demon4x4]

I’d offer several things after being there the last three years. Once in May. Twice in August. Stay away from the Jeep Safari. Town is crazy busy, accommodation prices are at their highest, trails are clogged, and restaurants are busy. I like August, it‘s hot but not much more than Florida and way less humid. Lodging prices as low as they get with lots of choices and restaurants aren’t busy. For the most part, you’ll be the only one on the trails. We’re going again August 2026.

Lots of good trail suggestions, so I‘ll pass on that.

Your profile says you have a Base. If you don’t have Sasquatch package, Top of the World is definitely too much for your rig. Picture in my profile is on Top of the World. Definitely subscribe to Trails Off-road. The app is great to track your progress on the trail, it leaves bread crumbs and gives you waypoint info. If you aren’t on at least 33” tires and preferablely 35” I’d recommend not doing anything rated by Trails Off-road over a 3 and possibly some 4s.

One last thing, STAY ON THE trail. To say I was shocked at the difference in Fins & Things from 2023 to 2024 is an understatement. It’s rough, so to avoid the rough, folks travel on the side of the trail, which in time effectively doubles the width. I couldn’t believe how wide the trails had become. Too many folks drive wherever they feel like. It’s how trails get closed.

In 2024 I was on the trails alone w/ my adult grandson. Did Fins & Things, Steel Bender, and Poison Spider, etc. Never saw another soul. But I carry a full suite of recover gear, tools, parts air compressor, tire repair kit, lots of water, and am prepared to spend the night out if need be. And, we both carried phones capable of hitting a satellite and contacting Trail Mater if we got in trouble.

If you watch many Trail Mater videos, I swear, stupid people doing stupid things comprise 60% of his business. Don’t go out at night. Exercise good common sense.

Hmm, I've done Top of the World with a group of stock and barely modified first gen Ford Explorers. Of course, that was about twenty years ago now - but I'd think a base could handle it.

 

[Spooled]

I'd add Elephant Hill Rd in Canyonlands to the list. Tight squeeze in through the devils pocket, but you'll be fine. It's not Raptor friendly, though, for anyone with one reading this.

 

[Rockledge]

I'd add Elephant Hill Rd in Canyonlands to the list. Tight squeeze in through the devils pocket, but you'll be fine. It's not Raptor friendly, though, for anyone with one reading this.

Added to the list.... Thanks

 

[contented]

I'm on 37's now with a 1 inch body and a 2 1/2 coil over lift. Sasquatch package. I found a OEM skid plate set for $700 local . I will add a transmission skid and a front bumper with skid.
Solid Idea to start looking into places to stay. I'm thinking 2 to 3 weeks.

Oh, you’ll be good to go once you get the skids. Carry a spare inner tie rod and tools to change it.

 

[Rockledge]

Oh, you’ll be good to go once you get the skids. Carry a spare inner tie rod and tools to change it.

Thank you , I found a pair on Amazon = $67.00

 

[contented]

Equipped as you’ve described, and if this is your first time doing this kind of thing, once you’ve dipped your toes in the easier stuff, think Top of the World, Fins & Things, Steel Bender Loop, Poison Spider, Hell’s Revenge, Elephant Hill, Metal Masher, Seven Mile Rim, Wipeout Hill, Flat Iron Mesa, and Gold Bar Rim. If you’re younger, and have more endurance than I do, hit the Trifecta, which is a portion of Poison Spider, Golden Spike and Gold Bar Rim. I’m told it makes for a very long day.

Here are a few pics, Wipeout Hill, The Wall on Steelbender, The Shute on Flat Iron Mesa, and going up the Gold Bar waterfall. The pic in my profile is on the loop at the back end of Top of the World (Trails Off-road 8 rated). I don’t think I could’ve made it up.

Enjoy your trip..

 

[Rockledge]

Might stop and talk to Rory and pick up some swag. Ask him what he thinks about Broncos and ifs…. He had some great info he shared last year now I just have to get back out there and check it all out.

I'm not sure whom Rory is ? Can someone fill me in ?

 

[contented]

I'm not sure whom Rory is ? Can someone fill me in ?

Rory Irish, owner of Trail Mater Off Road Recovery. He has a YouTube channel and website. He’s the guy you call when you need help on the trail. I carry his contact info in my phone.

https://www.trailmater.com/shop

 

[Rockledge]

Rory Irish, owner of Trail Mater Off Road Recovery. He has a YouTube channel and website. He’s the guy you call when you need help on the trail. I carry his contact info in my phone.

I thought so -just wasn't sure! Thanks and I will add to my phone..

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