Moab - Easy/moderate trails that don't involve shelf road?

[crenca]

Whole family is going with me to Moab next week where I will be doing off-rodeo and wheeling with the family for a few days. My wife is afraid of heights, so shelf roads are out - she has made this very clear to me ... In addition, she had a surgery a few months back so I don't want her out walking around obstacles if it can be avoided so nothing more than moderate. I know I know, the geography of Moab makes it difficult but any recommendations for easy to light-moderate trails that don't involve shelf roads but perhaps still have good views?

Most of the popular recomendations (e.g. Chicken corners, Shafer, Long Canyon, I think Gemini Bridges as well) involve shelf roads...

Thanks!

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[userdude]

Don't ever take her to the north side of Rocky Mountain National Park, she will claw your sweaty pinched face off as you try not to have a panic attack before skittering to your death.

Does Sand Hollow have shelf roads? It's only five hours away... Did not realize it was that far away.

Well, I got nothin'. Happy Thursday! lol

 

[broadicustomworks]

It's kinda hard to get away from some heights there on a lot of trails, even if it does not involve shelf roads.
Fins-N-Things is fairly low-key. There are some steeper approaches and descents but nothing too crazy.
It's one of the only "easy" ones I can think up that does not involve some cliff-side shelf road action.
Others who are more familiar with some trails I have not been on can hopefully throw some more options out there for ya.

 

[PWillette]

Maybe check local clubs for recommendations.

 

[BleednBlue]

Buy this book:

https://www.amazon.com/guide-backro...b&qid=1741277762&sprefix=Funtr,aps,120&sr=8-1

 

[HotdogThud]

The far northwest section of White Rim is pretty low key, but you do have to get down some switchbacks to get into it. Once you do it's about 25 miles of peaceful bliss before you hit hardscrabble

 

[Snacktime]

Back way into the Arches was my wife's favorite. She was also fine with Fins and Things. Divorce and threats occured on Hells Gate.

 

[JustWideman]

OnX app has ratings and trails rated 3-9

https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/blog/moab-off-road-trails

"Cliffhanger" is the scariest thing I have seen, glad Top Gear did it so I don't have to. I hope to do some of those moderate trails too later this spring.

 

[Scott M]

Definitely check out the Eye of the Whale trail that's in Arches NP. It's flat, but sort of rugged. Make sure to stop and do the short walk to the whale arch - you'll have the whole thing to yourself.
Eye of the Whale, Utah | Offroad Trail Guide & Map (We did it in reverse of this guide)

Another trail that would be must-do in your situation is Onion Creek. It's easy, but has some amazing rock formations all the way through the canyon. The road follows the creekbed and is pretty wide: I wouldn't consider it a shelf road: Onion Creek, Utah | Offroad Trail Guide & Map

 

[SeptuagenerianSasquatch]

This is the guide to get. But check with BLM or a jeep SxS rental place for trails that may be closed, as eco-zealots have been on the restriction warpath.

Also, plenty of threads on Moab. Happy trails to you!

 

[EMBronco]

The FunTreks book that has been mentioned is a must have and has good descriptions of each trail.

One of my favorite trails that would meet your criteria it Tower Arch. FunTreks has it listed as difficult, but it really is more of a moderate trail. I was there 6 months ago and the NPS graded the most difficult part of the trail. The trail takes you to Tower Arch and Eye of the Whale Arch. Both of which are fantastic to hike to with the family. The best part is since it's off the beaten path, you can avoid most of the crowds at Arches.

 

[jzweedyk]

Secret spire and Dellenbaugh Tunnel. Get the Wells book (previous post).

 

[broadicustomworks]

OnX app has ratings and trails rated 3-9

https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/blog/moab-off-road-trails

"Cliffhanger" is the scariest thing I have seen, glad Top Gear did it so I don't have to. I hope to do some of those moderate trails too later this spring.

That was a fun watch.
Just gotta say though...that 70 Mustang is the stuff dreams are made of. Superb build and attention to the right things.

 

[duel007]

Just seconding what others have mentioned:

Onion Creek is a pretty mild trail with some really awesome views. Towards the end you can continue through to some tougher things if you want, too.

I highly recommend the high-clearance trail in Arches which goes to Eye of the Whale Arch. It's awesome to have an entire arch to yourself. (Don't tell the NPS that we brought a cooler full of beer and sat there for a couple hours )

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

Agree with Onion Creek. Also White Wash Sand Dunes has no shelf roads. I was originally going to go back to the trails on the way to Chicken Corners, but forgot that there are some initial shelf roads on that drive.
Maybe a drive down Potash road which will take you alongside the Colorado river? You can follow it to the end to the Potash ponds and Shafer Basin. Pretty simple dirt road drive and no shelves that I can remember (someone else can chime in).
I really don't remember any shelf roads along Gemini Bridges, if you avoid the entrance/exit from 191. Come in from 313 (again, someone else can chime in). Your wife would unfortunately miss seeing the landmark, as you have to hike down to it from a parking spot. You can drive further down to another landing area, but would still have to hike to get a view of the arches. However, still a nice casual dirt road drive.

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