More info - trails
Found this write up on the web. Take it for what it's worth. Never been to Moab so I can't answer any questions.
• Hurrah Pass/Chicken Corners - Easy/Scenic (Rating 2-3)
Some of the roads are on the softer Morrison Formation, which can be impassably slippery when wet. In case it is completely dry, most of the trail could have a lower rating, but there are eroded trail portions that can challenge stock vehicles. Most of the trail is dirt and rocky dirt, but there are a couple of long stretches of slickrock, and some broad, sandy wash bottom. (Mileage: 64 total, 35 off highway)
• Kane Creek - Easy to Difficult depending on how far (Rating 4)
Other than the possibility of mud and quicksand, the major obstacle is the eroded, rocky portion along a shelf above the creek. A major rock ledge at Muleshoe canyon has a tough rock incline. (Mileage: total 38, 20 off highway)
• Fins N’ Things – Moderate (Rating 4)
Any tire tread will do on the slickrock, but the clearance added by tall tires is always an advantage, while an aggressive tread helps in the sand. Approximate mileages: The trail opens with a sand hill featuring a sharp turn that thwarts the high-speed approach often needed in sand, but the hill can be bypassed. There are several steep ups and downs on the slickrock that will drag front, rear, and maybe middle of some vehicles. Slickrock climbs called "Frenchie's Fin" and "Ken's Climb" are about as steep as we can do. (Mileage: 25 total, 13 off highway)
• Sand Flats/Porcupine Rim - Easy/Moderate (Rating 5)
Early in the day are a few sandy hills and some slickrock slopes. Along the rim of Negro Bill Canyon are some small ledges that may hold up traffic. One of those can test the drive-train warranty on stock vehicles, but it has a bypass. The vicinity of the rim has a few more ledges and some of the bumpiest driving. (Mileage: 32 total, 28 off highway)
• Steel Bender – Moderate (Rating 6)
The trip can be done in stock 4x4's that have excellent clearance, but only because there are bypasses around some of the challenging spots. Mill Creek has a strong perennial flow that is highest in springtime, but the fords usually do no more than dampen your hubs. Not far above the creek is a steep, ledgy chunk of rock that may push some to the easy bypass. As the trail climbs, a succession of rock steps can be difficult for stock equipment, but each ledge area has a bypass. A couple of minor tributary canyons provide steep, rocky descents and testy climbs. Ground clearance is the name of the game. The final creek ford is followed by a short, steep climb that can get muddy and slippery. (Mileages: 30 total, 15 off highway)
• Hell’s Revenge - Moderate to Difficult Routes (Difficult bypasses) (Rating 6)
The most difficult obstacles are out of the stock-vehicle class, but those can be bypassed. There are steep climbs and descents and some edges that are not for the faint of heart. The steep slopes, however, are not technically difficult because of the excellent traction on sandstone. (Mileages: 16 total, 12 off highway)
• Cliffhanger – Difficult (Rating 6)
The trail gets your attention immediately as it descends a cascade of rock ledges from the Kane Creek Road to the creek bottom and climbs out again over nasty rock ledges. The creek crossing can range from dry sand through quicksand to deep water, depending on recent weather. The steep, irregular ledges require good clearance and maneuverability. There are no bypasses for these obstacles. (No mileage provided)
• Moab Rim – Difficult (Rating 7)
Its only four-wheel-drive access begins just downriver from town and the first mile has about the highest density of obstacles of any of our trails. Many vehicles have "bit the rocks" on the succession of rock ledges and tight turns that lead to the rim. Highlights among the many steps in the first mile are the Devils Crack and the Z-Turn. The former requires a tricky turn onto a ledge to avoid dropping a wheel into the crack beyond, and the latter has two turns over irregular rocks and ledges. On top, a slickrock dome has an optional climb with about 85 percent grade. Excellent ground clearance and large diameter tires are useful throughout, and a locking or limited-slip differential helps a lot. (Mileage: 12 total, 7 off highway)
• Pritchet Canyon - Experts Only(Damage Likely) (Rating
This trail has become so difficult that it inspired a new rating a few years ago. Two locking differentials are required, and a winch is urgently requested. Our experience is that fewer than ten percent of the vehicles can make it unaided. Mortality of vehicle parts is very high. There are no easy bypasses. The first real test is a couple of miles up the canyon at the nastily angled ledges of the Rocker Knocker. A little farther, a rock fall area has become a major hazard. Just above that is The Rock Pile, a several-foot ledge that requires a pile of rocks just to get wheels on the slope, while a so-called bypass is almost as difficult and hazardous. Next is Yellow Hill, where the road reaches for the canyon top on a very uneven ledge of multicolored rock.
Guidelines for our difficulty ratings are as follows:
The following ratings are for Moab area roads in dry conditions. The effect of snow or rain varies greatly depending upon the altitude of the roads and the type of soil the bed consists of. Driver Beware!
1: County dirt road maintained for high clearance 2WD and 4WD use in adverse conditions.
2: County dirt road with infrequent or light maintenance after rain or snow, 2WD high clearance with low gears, otherwise light duty 4WD.
3: Road with frequent use, but seldom maintained. Dirt, sand and slick rock surfaces, with mud holes possible (note: maybe impassable when wet due to soil composition.). 4WD recommended under most circumstances due to ruts or wash erosion.
4: Road surface consisting of loose rock, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces. Erosion, washes, gulches and rock steps no higher than 12". 4WD is recommended with good ground clearance and driving skills. Aggressive tires and limited slip would be a plus. Water and mud is possible.
5: Road surfaces are rutted, rocky and sandy with steps not exceeding 14", with considerable slickrock surfaces. Water not exceeding 12" with some mud possible. Good vehicle approach and departure angles are helpful. Tall tires (33" plus) and traction added device (lockers, limited slips) is recommended. Above average driving skills are desirable.
6: Roads are difficult with considerable erosion damage repaired just enough to be passable. Water in excess of 12" is possible with mud conditions. Steps not exceeding 24". Tall tires (33" plus) with traction added devices (lockers, limited slips) are recommended. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and ground clearance are helpful. Excellent driving skills are recommended.
7: Trail consists of rock; sand and considerable slickrock with many steps exceeding 24". Steep inclines and declines are prevalent. Enhanced off road equipment is required including locking devices (front & rear), tall tires, maximum vehicle ground clearance, and tow hooks. A winch is desirable. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely. Roll over possibilities exist.
8: Extreme trail similar to #7 except a bit more extreme. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle damage is likely. Equipment or mechanical damage is probable.
9: Extreme and beyond, similar to #8. Vehicle damage is likely. Excellent driving skills are required. Roll over is very common. Winches, spare parts and tools are recommended. Be prepared to spend the night on the trail. Beyond the capability of most modified stock vehicles.
10: Let the carnage begin! Buggy territory. Street driven 4X4’s should not attempt this trail. Modified factory vehicles will not be able to complete this trail.
Last edited by J to the B; 02-16-2010 at 07:33 AM.
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