Bob Bandle of the Red Rock 4-Wheelers expects about 1,500 vehicles and between 2,500 and 3,000 people to converge on Moab this year, with a lottery needed to determine who gets to ride the most popular trails.

"We get the registration whether they come or not," said Bandle. "Until the Safari actually runs and people show up, we won't know who chooses to come or not. But the early Easter will probably have no detrimental effect."

Indeed, getting a room in Moab during the event that runs through Easter Sunday on March 23 can be difficult, though it's a good idea to check for cancellations. Public and private campgrounds in the area can also fill quickly.

That said, four-wheel-drive enthusiasts and the other hikers, campers and mountain bikers in Moab need to build some flexibility into their plans, largely because it's been a snowy winter in southeastern Utah.

"Out of Moab Valley, it's still pretty wet because of the recent snowfall," said Russ von Koch of the Moab Bureau of Land Management office which manages much of the recreation in southeastern Utah. "There are a lot of areas where the roads are muddy to the south of Moab and to the north and west towards Green River.

"Club officers are looking at alternate routes. We have had snow on Easter in the past, and they have to revise how they run the event. They still have trails and will go, but may not be able to go into some of the same places," he added.

Bandle said it is not uncommon to have snow in April at some higher elevations, and organizers are not concerned about the earlier-than-normal dates.

"We have contingencies," he said. "There are only two or three places impacted even in heavy snow. We have more problems with washouts, especially at Kane Creek, even with a slight amount of rain."

Walk-ins who haven't registered in advance can usually find an open trail with the Safari registration booth at the Spanish Trail Arena that's open daily. Four-wheelers usually leave at 8 and 9 a.m.

"You are almost guaranteed to get some kind of trail," said Bandle.

The Spanish Trail Arena is also the site of the Safari Expo, scheduled March 20 and 21, and will host more than 100 vendors selling off-highway vehicle equipment, tires, souvenirs and jewelry.

For Moab Jeep Safari information and registration fees and materials, visit www.rr4w.com.

- Tom Wharton