Things to Do with Kids | Off Road in Moab

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Off Road in Moab

Off Road in Moab with Kids

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ACTIVE ADVENTURE

Moab Adventure Center (Moab)

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Exploring the Colorado Plateau with Kids in Tow

Hummer Safari

Photo by Alfredo De Simone

Moab is a great place to make tracks on 4-wheels. Test your off-road driving skills on aptly named 4x4 trails - Metal Masher, Hell's Revenge and Potato Salad Hill are but three - or sit back and enjoy the thrill on a guided jeep safari or hummer tour. And don't forget to take in the view. In Moab, boulders and rocks are more than off-road props. They provide a spectacular backdrop in all shades pink, orange and brown. And they harbor tales of times long ago. Keep your eyes peeled for dinosaur tracks and Native American Rock Art.

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Getting Started

There are thousands of miles of 4x4 trails in and around Moab. Many are shared access and are open to dirt bikes, ATV's and four wheel drive vehicles. And they range in difficulty from easy to extreme. If you are embarking on a self-guided trip be sure to select a trail that is appropriate for your vehicle and commensurate with your driving skill. When choosing a guided hummer or jeep safari check the minimum age before booking a trip and accurately access your child's ability to sit still on a multi-hour tour.

Trail Ratings
Red Rock 4-Wheelers

The Right Trip

Hell's Revenge is one of the most popular Moab area trails. Yet navigating this 6.5-mile roller coaster requires a first-rate vehicle and first-rate skill. If you don't possess both you should consider a guided tour. Hell's Revenge is frequently offered by local outfitters as a sunset trip. Don't let the grade of the Shafer / Long Canyon Loop dissuade you. This easy trail is not only scenic it affords a chance to view desert bighorn sheep. And it is accessible to nearly all street-legal vehicles. Native Indian Rock Art is the highlight of Chicken Corners trail, an easy dirt and gravel trail that follows the Colorado River Canyon.

Plotting your Route

Navigating off-road trails can take a few hours or the better part of the day. The length of the trip will depend on the difficulty of the route as well as the amount of time you plan to spend hiking, playing and picture taking along the way. And it will also depend on the vehicle flow. The peak season for jeep safaris is Easter (date of the annual Moab Jeep Safari) and summer (mid-June to late August). Advance reservations for jeep safaris and rentals are strongly recommended if you plan to travel to Moab during either.

Trails Maps
Off the Beaten Path Maps

Packing Tips

If you are partaking on a fully outfitted jeep or hummer safari you won't need much in the way of specialist gear but there are a few things all families should consider. There is little reprieve from the heat, wind and sun on off-road trails. Pack hats, sunscreen, light jackets and plenty water for each member of your crew. If you are departing on a self-guided trip bear in mind that even well marked trails can be difficult to follow. In addition to hats, sunscreen, jackets and water you should also pack a map or detailed guidebook as well as a small first aid kit.

Weather Forecast & Climate History
Weather Underground http://www.wunderground.com/US/UT/Moab.html" rel="nofollow

Health & Safety

Getting lost, stuck or disabled are the biggest risks on self-guided trips. Selecting a 4x4 trail that is appropriate for your vehicle and commensurate with your driving skill is a start but may not be enough. Leave details of your route with family or friends if you are heading out in a single vehicle. Exposure to the heat and sun are concerns on all high desert outings. Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas before you start out and repeat the applications throughout the day. And encourage the kids to drink regularly (children dehydrate quicker than adults). If possible, plan your outing for the early morning or late afternoon and avoid peak heat hours.