Moab is celebrated for its wide array of 4x4 and backcountry trails. People from all over the world congregate to tackle the challenges of some of off-roading’s most difficult obstacles. If you’re not an avid off-road enthusiast, don’t be intimidated, there are plenty of easy, beginner trails for you to explore. You don’t even need your own vehicle, we can help line you out with a capable and reliable rental.
When you rent a Jeep, or any other available 4x4 rental in town, they will qualify and/or restrict your list of trails to these beginner and intermediate trails. Beginner and intermediate trails are no less epic or spectacular than the list of more extreme trails further below, but they are somewhat less difficult, technical, or extreme. You'll thank us for the heads up once you see where these trails take you, and when you understand what the words "difficult", "technical" and "extreme" mean in Moab 4x4 terms!
The Shafer Trail is an eye dropping and heart stopping trail that is not for the faint of heart. Enjoy incredible views of the Colorado River, Thelma and Louise Point, and the La Sal Mountains. If you're afraid of heights and roads near cliffs you will want to look elsewhere! Shafer Canyon Trailhead (Google Maps)
Spectacular scenery throughout the trail. Trail ends at the iconic Gemini Bridges with beautiful viewpoints and overlooks. The start of this trail is approximately 48 Miles from Moab and only 14 miles are off road. Gemini Bridges Trailhead (Google Maps)
This trail is surrounded by red rocks and is an easy well-maintained off-roading trail, only 30 minutes from Fisher Towers, a spectacular hiking trail. Be cautions of flash floods as they can wash out parts of the road. Approximately 20 miles round trip from Hwy 128. Onion Creek Trailhead (Google Maps)
This trail is just north of Arches National Park and overlooks the park and the Klondike Bluffs. Watch for dinosaur prints along the trail. If this trail is wet, it can be more difficult than when dry. Klondike Bluffs Trailhead (Google Maps)
Scenic trail in the La Sal Mountains. Mount Peale can be seen from this trail, as well as parts of Canyonlands National Park and Spanish Valley. Perfect for a summer picnic day. Please note that this area may close in winter due to snow. Geyser Pass Trailhead (Google Maps)
Suitable for most high-clearance SUVs. Close to Mill Canyon Copper Mill, halfway Station, and Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail. M&M Trail (Google Maps)
This trail starts just a few miles from downtown Moab and goes along the South side of the Colorado River until the it reaches the Colorado River across from Dead Horse Point. Chicken Corners Trail (Google Map)
This ONE-WAY trail explores the vast expanse of slickrock domes so abundant in the Sand Flats Recreation Area just a few miles east of the town of Moab. It is a series of rock crawling challenges and obstacles most similar to the nearby Hell's Revenge Trail. Wide access routes between each obstacle makes for perhaps more forgiving route-finding and exit points. Fins & Things Trailhead (Google Maps)
This 4x4 trail leads back to Moab from the Dead Horse Point area by way of a gorgeous canyon. The area is popular with hikers and mountain biking, so be mindful of crossing routes. The trail is open year round. Long Canyon Upper Trailhead (Google Maps)
Located within Canyonlands National Park, Elephant Hill will require the purchase of an national parks pass. The route to the park entrance south of Moab will require approximately an hour of highway driving. The 4x4 route itself allows access to the more remote parts of Canyonlands National Park. Elephant Hill Trailhead (Google Maps)
The terms "difficult" or "advanced" are relative terms but be warned that those are perhaps in the extreme, as in "extremely technical" in Moab, Utah. On these more difficult routes, 4x4 off-roading becomes "rock crawling". Yes, there's a difference! Let's put it this way: every Easter weekend Moab is home to the Jeep Safari where a parade of balloon-tired, jacked-up 4x4 extreme machines converge, with their equally insane owners challenge each other in the most extreme rock crawling obstacles perhaps on planet earth. Throughout the rest of year the same test happens again and again on these trails, only without the official parade effect. These routes are less about access to the remote scenery so abundant in Moab and much more about seeing what man and machine can achieve with 4x4, horsepower, and technique.
One of the most popular and iconic trails in Moab. It offers a wide range of obstacles and amazing views of slickrock domes and the La Sal Mountains.
Guided Hummer Tours Available
This trail offers incredible views of the surrounding areas such as Behind The Rocks, the Colorado River, the Moab Valley, and the La Sal Mountains. 36 Miles round trip from Moab.
The trail starts on the south side of the Colorado River and reaches the boundary with Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study area. You will enjoy incredible views of the Colorado River, Moab Valley, and the La Sal Mountains. Allow 1.5 hours to reach the top of the rim and back,
This is the ultimate vehicle to get out and see what Southeastern Utah has to offer. This Jeep comes with a 2.5 inch lift, 4 doors for easy accessibility for those sitting in the rear seat and more cargo area for all your needs, plus with seating for five everyone can ride together.
Free Insiders Guide to Moab, UTWhat to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Our Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.
Expedition GuideWhat to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience.
