This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Moab Easter Jeep Safari, which began in 1967 using the Behind the Rocks Trail and first sponsored by the Moab Chamber of Commerce, has become one of the most popular events of its kind in the nation.
Now sponsored by the Red Rock 4 Wheelers, the annual event is scheduled April 8-16 and organizers have added eight trails.
Increasingly, the event requires advance planning. Participants must pre-register for the trails they want to ride at http://www.rr4w.com. Though a few spots may remain the day of the event, that can be doubtful.
The site has lists of trails, requirements and events that include vendor show, barbecue and big parade day. If you need more information, you can call the club directly at 435-259-7625.
The Jeep Safari is for all full-sized street legal 4-wheel drive vehicles. No UTVs, sand buggies, crawlers or ATVs are allowed. Cost is $150 to register and $50 per vehicle per trail day. Money goes to pay Bureau of Land Management and state land fees and to provide bathrooms, parking areas, trail marking, signs and maintenance and new camping sites such as the ones along the Colorado River.
The other challenge for participants may be trying to find a motel or a place to camp. Not only is Moab packed in the spring but many long-time Jeep Safari participants make a reservation a year in advance.
There are sometimes cancellations in Moab. Those planning a trip may want to visit http://www.discovermoab.com to learn about any rooms that are available. They can also call 435-259-8825.
A quick look at a travel website showed 77 Moab motels full on Easter weekend. About 10 places remained, with nightly rates from $199 to $730.
It is also wise to check towns near Moab, including Green River and Monticello for available rooms.
The BLM has approved the event permit for the next decade, allowing the Red Rock 4 Wheelers to add eight new trails this year.
Names include The Pickle, Cameo Cliffs, Day Canyon Point, Deadman Point, Rusty Nail, Where Eagles Dare, Jax Trax and an addition to the famous Hell's Event trail called The Escalator.
There are 51 trails in all, rated from one to easy to 10 to severe.
The club emphasizes that the Utah state government has tightened up enforcement of non-licensed vehicles on public roadways. Vehicles that are not registered to be street legal must be trailered to the trailhead.
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