Cliffhanger Trail Challenge

author: FutureCar Staff    

I find myself on the edge, both mentally and literally, peering over the brow of the obstacle that has made this trail infamous. It consists of giant ledges, loose rocks, and a vast expanse of fresh air. While climbing, there are techniques to maintain momentum and traction, but on the descent, the only option is to drive forward and hope for the best. I cautiously navigate the edge, clattering overhangs and remodelling the tailpipes. After repeating this process a few times, I finally reach level ground and breathe a sigh of relief. However, I realize that the only way off this death road is the way we came in.

Cliffhanger. The name of the trail says it all. Despite multiple meetings with guides and experts, no one mentioned that we would be skiing a treacherous black diamond run. We find ourselves maneuvering a stock Wrangler between massive boulders and scaling rock walls that would typically be a dead end. This was supposed to be a story about the town of Moab, not a tale of danger and survival.

If you've ever been to the Nürburgring, you know that the experience begins long before you crash into the Armco barriers. The drive into town is filled with tuning shops and interesting cars, and the track is surrounded by iconic places to eat and stay. Moab is America's version of the Nürburgring, with 4x4 workshops, rental places, and establishments like Milt's and Moab Diner. The town has evolved to cater to off-road enthusiasts who come here to challenge themselves. It's not just about the trails, but also about the vibrant atmosphere and amenities that have sprung up.

Our vehicle of choice is a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary 4XE, a plug-in hybrid with plenty of power for our purposes. We strip off the doors and roof, air down the tires, and set off with our guide, Jim. Our first obstacle is a set of steps that I wouldn't have had the nerve to tackle without Jim's guidance. We navigate the terrain, occasionally bottoming out but mostly unscathed. However, the challenges keep coming, and we find ourselves wedged between rocks. With the help of a winch, we continue on, collecting battle scars along the way. Despite the rough conditions, we have no flat tires or mechanical issues.

As we persevere, the view becomes more breathtaking. We see the stunning red rock formations, the geological history etched into the landscape, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. Finally, we reach the pinnacle of our journey, perched above a valley carved by nature. It's a precarious place, where one wrong move could lead to disaster. The absence of doors serves as a constant reminder of the danger. But we survive, and after completing the trail, we take a moment to appreciate the view and reflect on our adventure. We may have been underprepared, but with the help of our guide and our trusty Jeep, we made it through. Truly astonishing, just like the town of Moab itself.

FutureCar Staff