Driving into Moab, Utah as the annual Easter Jeep Safari gets underway is a bit like a child receiving a new pack of crayons.
Those waxed sticks, like Jeeps, are something to look over. Something to admire. And something that may accidentally break if twisted or pushed beyond its limit.
However, there comes a time when action must be taken and paper must meet crayon. So we pulled our eyes away from all those gorgeous Jeeps roaming around Moab Sunday morning, and headed out to one of the area’s most popular tracks.
Hells Revenge.
Not a bad way to begin our first day in Moab.
Quadratec joined RIPP Superchargers, Rockstar Garage, and Unofficial Use Only’s Greg Henderson for an impromptu trail run on this iconic Moab track. We started with about 40 Jeeps, but soon grew to almost 60 as the day went on.
You may remember Henderson from his Project Pathkiller, a 2016 SEMA build which combined a JK Wrangler body and Cherokee XJ front. A unique design that certainly turns heads. Sunday’s run marked the inaugural Moab ride for Pathkiller, as well as for Rockstar Garage owner and General Partner Nic Ashby’s CJ-on-steroids build which soon may go by the nickname Gridlock – as in its stunning look can stop traffic, but also can back up trail traffic if it breaks down, joked Ashby.
Hells Revenge is one of the area’s more difficult runs, consisting of steep slickrock 'fins' that rise and fall to test the mettle of any driver, as well as loose rock, rock ledges, dirt, and sand. While stock Jeeps can do relatively fine on Hells Revenge, Pathkiller certainly did, the trail’s many optional obstacles do suggest utilizing a well-built vehicle for optimal success.
For this ride we visited Devil’s Gate, which our own Video Host Rob Jarrell climbed with ease, along with many others who ascended up steep, angled rock walls requiring precise tire placement and strong nerves. Other stops included Devils and Micky’s Hot Tubs, and the intimidating Escalator. While Devils Hot Tub, a deep bowl shaped indent with super steep walls, only produced one winner, the slightly smaller, but still difficult Mickey’s tub saw others succeed – including Jarrell and Ashby’s CJ build.
Escalator proved somewhat more challenging. A few, including Ashby, made the climb up several steep slickrock ledges which are enclosed by narrow rock walls, but engine problems on one ride took some time to remedy and eventually sent everyone on the path home.
Moab’s EJS, now in its 51st edition, draws 4x4 enthusiasts from all over to experience four-wheeling on some of the world’s best off-road trails and obstacles. While owning a Jeep is not a requirement for attending the event, most do bring that iconic vehicle to Moab. And in doing so, swell the tiny eastern Utah town by nearly 10,000 people and about 2,000 Jeeps.
The event is currently run by Red Rocks 4 Wheelers Inc., which took over the event in 1983 from Moab’s Chamber of Commerce.
