Cliffhanger Trail Jeep Wrangler

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 surrounded by loose rocks and a vast expanse of fresh air. When climbing, there are techniques to be used - left foot braking, smooth throttle control, and steering wheel manipulation to find traction. But on the descent, there is only one option: full speed ahead while being as careful as possible. I cautiously drop the nose of the vehicle over the edge, followed by the rear, clattering against the overhang and reshaping the tailpipes. I repeat this nerve-wracking process several times until the terrain levels out, and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. However, it dawns on me that there is only one way to exit this treacherous road - the same way we came in.

The name of the trail, Cliffhanger, is a fitting clue to the challenges that lie ahead. Despite multiple meetings with guides and experts, no one mentioned that we would be skiing down a diamond black run with skis strapped to our feet. Our guide, Jim, did mention that the drops were long enough to read a book on the way down, but that was not the surprise. The surprise was maneuvering our stock Wrangler between boulders the size of trucks, climbing rock walls that would normally be impassable, and carefully navigating narrow paths carved into sheer cliff faces. I thought we were here to enjoy the scenery, not to risk our lives on it.

If you've ever been to the Nürburgring, you know that the experience starts long before you crash your car into a barrier. You notice the tuning shops on the way into town, the increasing number of interesting cars, and the track that surrounds you, lined with iconic places to eat and stay. Moab is America's version of the Nürburgring, with less speed but more off-road adventure. There are 4x4 workshops everywhere to keep your vehicle in top shape, places to rent off-road vehicles if you don't have your own, and establishments like Milt's, Moab Diner, and Lin Ottinger's rock shop, which is filled with dinosaur bones and fossils. Moab has evolved to accommodate the influx of off-road enthusiasts with bars, restaurants, hotels, and numerous novelty T-shirt shops.

Ironically, this was not meant to be a story of danger and survival, but rather a story about a small town in Utah called Moab. Moab is the epitome of the American spirit, with its big skies, Thelma and Louise vibes, red rocks, and canyons. It attracts off-road enthusiasts from all over the world who come here to push their limits and risk their insurance claims. But Moab is more than just a place for thrill-seekers. Founded by missionaries and miners, it was once the uranium capital of the world. The trails that we now explore were originally plotted out in search of precious minerals. However, now it's four-wheeled tourism that dominates the town, and Moab has adapted to cater to the influx of visitors with its vibrant atmosphere, offering a wide range of entertainment options.

Our vehicle of choice is a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary 4XE, a plug-in hybrid with a powerful engine and electric motors. It provides us with plenty of power for our adventure. We remove the doors and rear quarter windows, lower the roof, and deflate the tires for better traction. In the UK, driving a Wrangler may be seen as a midlife crisis, but out here in Moab, with our spirits high and the Jeep looking impressive, it feels perfect for the task at hand. It is built to withstand the challenging terrain and is more reliable than the Ford Bronco we drove from LA. We follow Jim, a local resident and experienced trail guide, a few miles outside of town, where the real adventure begins.

Our first obstacle is a set of steps that I would never have attempted without Jim's encouragement. We engage low gear and carefully navigate our way down, occasionally hitting the bottom but mostly unscathed. As we continue, we encounter water splashes, steep rock faces, and more treacherous ledges. Our progress is slow and cautious, with the Jeep enduring scratches and scrapes along the way. Surprisingly, we don't experience any flat tires or mechanical issues. In London, a small scrape on a curb would haunt me for days, but here, the sound of metal scraping against rock has become the soundtrack of our adventure. The Jeep is in its element, fulfilling its purpose as an off-road workhorse.

Despite the challenges, there are rewards for our perseverance. With each obstacle conquered, the breathtaking view unfolds before us - towering red rock formations, millions of years of geological history, and distant snow-capped peaks. Finally, we reach the climax of our journey, perched above a valley carved into the landscape. The view is astonishing, but there is no room for error. The fear of heights lingers as we navigate the treacherous terrain. However, we make it through and complete the Cliffhanger trail. Before turning back and retracing our steps, we pause to enjoy a sandwich and take in the awe-inspiring view. It's a moment of triumph, a testament to the adventure we have embarked upon. We may have been slightly underprepared, but with the help of Jim and his team, our Jeep - a vehicle that can be purchased off the showroom floor - has survived. It's truly remarkable, just like the little town of Moab.

FutureCar Staff