Conquering the Challenging Path in a Regular 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. The trail is lined with giant ledges and loose rocks, with several thousand miles of fresh air below. Climbing requires off-road techniques like left foot braking and smooth throttle control, but on the descent, the only option is to drive forwards and hope for the best. I clench my buttocks and teeth as I drop the nose over the edge, clattering the overhang and remodelling the tailpipes. After repeating this a few times, I finally level out and breathe a sigh of relief, realizing that the only way off this death road is the way we came in.

The trail's name, Cliffhanger, hints at the danger involved. Despite multiple pregame meetings with guides and experts, I was not informed that we would be skiing a diamond black run with sticks of celery glued to our feet. We navigate this treacherous trail in a box fresh and stock Wrangler, squeezing between boulders and climbing rock walls that would normally be a dead end. This was not the adventure I anticipated in the town of Moab, Utah.

If you've been to the Nürburgring, you know that the experience begins before you even crash into the Armco at turn two. Moab is America's Nürburgring, with 4x4 workshops, rental places, and iconic establishments lining the track. The town is full of good vibes, with bars, restaurants, hotels, and novelty T-shirt shops catering to the off-road enthusiasts who visit every year. Moab's history as the uranium capital of the world adds to its charm, and the trails were originally plotted out in search of minerals. But now, it's all about four-wheeled tourism.

Our vehicle of choice is a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary 4XE, a plug-in hybrid with plenty of power for our purposes. We prepare the Jeep by removing the doors and rear quarter windows, peeling back the roof, and deflating the tires for maximum traction. It may be considered a midlife crisis vehicle in the UK, but out here in Moab, it's perfect for the adventure ahead. We follow our guide Jim, a senior trail guide for Jeep Jamboree, as he leads us to our first obstacle.

The first obstacle is a set of steps that I wouldn't have had the nerve to tackle without Jim's guidance. We navigate the trail with caution, bottoming out and collecting battle scars along the way. Despite the challenges, we continue to make slow and steady progress, appreciating the stunning views and the Jeep's capabilities. With each obstacle conquered, the landscape reveals itself a little more, showcasing the beauty of Moab. However, there is no room for error in this territory, and the constant reminder of the impending danger keeps us on edge.

But we survive. We conquer Cliffhanger and take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking view from the top. The sense of achievement and adventure fills the air as we reflect on the journey. We may have been slightly underprepared, but with the help of our guide and our trusty Jeep, we made it through. It's truly astonishing, just like the little town of Moab itself.

FutureCar Staff