Four Wheelin'

Moab is the Mecca of the four-wheel world. From simple, scenic trail rides to hardcore off-roading, Moab has many four-wheel-drive (4WD) trails to choose from, most only a short drive from town.

Trail difficulties range from easy to nearly impossible. While today’s sport utility vehicles and Jeeps are well designed for off-highway travel, the four-wheel SUVs will not go everywhere. If you see a sign that says Four-Wheel-Drive Only, believe it.

Note: ATVs are not permitted in the national parks or Dead Horse Point State Park.

Some Trail Suggestions

For amazing scenery, try the Potash Road/Long Canyon route. The 37-mile-long loop includes nine miles of pavement. The road goes directly below Dead Horse Point State Park and above the Colorado River. This road has been used in countless commercials and movies, most notably Thelma and Louise. The road enters Canyonlands National Park (fee required) not far from White Rim Road. Shafer/Long Canyon Loop climbs Shafer Road in a series of long, stunning switchbacks.

Gemini Bridges is one of the most popular four-wheel drives. An SUV should not have a problem with the route. From the bridge over the Colorado River, just outside Moab, drive north on US Hwy 191 for 7.2 miles to mile marker 135.5 and a large parking lot. This is the trailhead. Be sure you have a map as the area is crisscrossed with roads. The road climbs steadily until reaching a high point then descends into a wide valley before climbing another steep hill. Watch for a sign that indicates Gemini Bridges to the right and Bull Canyon to the left. The spectacular twin arch called Gemini Bridges, on the rim of an arm of Bull Canyon, is extraordinary. Three hours roundtrip.

Within The Needles District is the famous Elephant Hill as well as numerous other 4WD routes. The start of Elephant Hill is very steep and the remainder of the trail has some difficult spots. SUVs need very high ground clearance.

White Rim Road follows White Rim, a water-eroded shelf of sandstone, for most of the 100 miles and circles the Island in the Sky District. This is in Canyonlands National Park so a fee is required.  

If you don’t want to do all of the White Rim, you can trek down the incredible Shafer Switchbacks to the split in the road; White Rim Trail continues to the right and the Shafer Trail goes left, eventually coming out on the Potash Road. Permits are required for all overnight trips on White Rim Trail. www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/reservations. Long day-trips can be planned but always go prepared with food, water and plenty of gas.

For rentals or tours contact

Canyonlands Jeep Adventures
866-892-5337, (435) 259-4413, www.canyonlandsjeep.com

Highpoint Hummer and ATV Tours
877-486-6833, (435) 259-2972, www.highpointhummer.com

For complete details on these trails and more, we recommend FunTreks 4x4 and ATV Guidebooks, available at many local stores or online at www.funtreks.com.