While Moab's 43rd annual Easter Jeep Safari isn't scheduled to kick off until April 4, those who plan to travel some of the more popular trails should make plans to register. Judging from early interest, there could be as many or more registered vehicles as last year's 1,500, even in a down economy.

At least that's the word from Rex Holman, treasurer of the sponsoring Red Rock 4-Wheelers and editor of the 78-page newsletter sent out each year several months before the start of another Jeep Safari.

"Based on requests via e-mail and fax, interest is as high, if not higher, than last year," he said. "I don't know how many will turn into registrations. We will hold steady or have a little growth. We will have a lot of people."

For information, to register or to request the newspaper, log on to the Red Rock 4-Wheelers site at www.RR4W.com or call 435-259-7625.

The safari has become one of the premier four-wheel drive events in the world as enthusiasts from all over the country descend on Moab to enjoy a variety of trail experiences.

This year's event runs from April 4 -12; on April 11, the Jeeps will parade through downtown Moab.

According to Holman, the first Easter Jeep Safari in 1967 was a one-day event and used a single trail, drawing between 130 and 150 vehicles.

This year, the safari will sprawl over 30 different trails. In addition, jeep/hike combinations offer three more choices. Two of the choices include two-night camping trips.

Each trail has a difficulty rating. The most difficult is Pritchett Canyon, which is offered five days. In rating that canyon, organizers warn that vehicle damage is likely and frequent use of a winch is likely. Rollovers are a distinct possibility.

Trails, which are mostly old mining roads, feature such descriptive names as Hellroaring Rim, Cliff Hanger, Chicken Corners, Hell's Revenge, Metal Masher, Steel Bender and Wipe-out Hill.

Visitors are required to provide their own four-wheel drive vehicle, lunches and non-alcoholic beverages. While there are no restrictions as to vehicle manufacturers, good ground clearance and two-speed transfer cases are the norm.

Registration fee is $50 per vehicle, which includes a daylong excursion on one trail. Another $35 is required for each additional day trails are requested. Much of the registration fee goes toward paying land-use permits from the Bureau of Land Management or the state. For example, the BLM charges $5 per person-day. Last year, the sponsoring organization paid the agencies almost $33,000 in fees. Trail leaders and helpers are volunteers who do not receive payment except for membership in the Red Rock 4-Wheelers.

A lottery system is used to determine who gets on what trails, especially since many trails have been filling their specified limits in recent years. Groups wishing to stay together will be placed into the lottery as if in a single application, with all members winning or losing together.

All trails rides leave each day at 9 a.m. from a designated location.

Another element of the event is the Moab Jeep Safari Exposition at the Old Spanish Trail Arena. Outdoor and indoor displays of four-wheel drive products are on April 9-10 with a giveaway drawing planned for April 10. There is also a traditional Boy Scout barbecue dinner on April 10.