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.

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.

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.

There are a plethora of outfitters in Moab that offer jeep and hummer adventure safaris. Selecting an adventure travel company that best reflects your family's interests is essential for a successful off-road excursion. Before you scour the web or wade through a plethora of brochures establish the type of adventure you wish to experience. Focus your initial search on the trip - length, grade, location - rather than the outfitter. Once you have developed a short list of safaris research the outfitter. Assess each company's credentials and find out what is included in the cost; determine the size of the group, type of vehicle, and whether other families have registered for the trip. And before you book, seek advice from other family travelers. Ask friends and pose questions on travel forums.

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.