Tackling the Challenging Path in a Regular Jeep Wrangler

I find myself on the edge, both mentally and literally, peering over the brow of the obstacle that has made this trail famous. It consists of giant ledges surrounded by loose rocks and a vast expanse of fresh air. While climbing, there are techniques to be used, such as left foot braking and smooth throttle control to maintain forward momentum. But on the descent, the only option is to go full speed ahead, hoping for the best. I cautiously navigate the edge, clattering the overhang and reshaping the tailpipes. After repeating this several times, I finally level out and breathe a sigh of relief, realizing that there is only one way off this death road - the way we came in.

The name of the trail, Cliffhanger, hints at the danger involved. However, during our preparations, nobody mentioned that we would be skiing a treacherous black diamond run with skis attached to our feet. Our guide, Jim, did mention that the drops were long enough to read a book on the way down, but it's not the falling that surprises me, it's the fact that we're maneuvering a stock Wrangler between massive boulders, climbing rock walls that would normally be impassable, and carefully navigating narrow paths carved into sheer cliffs. I thought we were here to enjoy the scenery, not to become a part of it.

If you've ever been to the Nürburgring, you know that the experience begins even before you crash your car into the Armco at turn two. You start noticing the tuning shops on the drive into town, the increasing number of interesting cars, and the track itself surrounded by 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 help with repairs, places to rent vehicles if you don't have one suitable for off-roading, and establishments like Milt's, Moab Diner, and Lin Ottinger's rock shop 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 thrilling story of danger and survival, but rather a tale about the little town of Moab, Utah. It's a place known for its big skies, red rocks, canyons, and quintessential American charm. Moab attracts off-road enthusiasts from around the world who come here to challenge themselves and risk their insurance claims. But there's more to Moab than just adrenaline-pumping adventures. The town itself exudes a laid-back vibe. Founded by missionaries and miners, it was once the uranium capital of the world. The trails that now attract off-roaders were originally plotted out in search of precious minerals. Thanks to trails with names like Hell's Revenge and Metal Masher, Moab has become a destination for four-wheeled tourism, and the town has adapted to cater to the needs of thrill-seekers with its array of bars, restaurants, hotels, and souvenir shops.

Our vehicle of choice for this adventure is a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary 4XE. It's a plug-in hybrid with a four-cylinder petrol engine and twin electric motors, delivering a total of 375bhp and 470lb ft of torque - more than enough power for our needs. With about 25 miles of electric-only range, we have the advantage of stealthy ascents. This special anniversary model has a half-inch lift over the standard Rubicon, which I reassure myself is sufficient for the terrain that awaits us.

We remove the doors and rear quarter windows to reduce weight and barriers, and to look somewhat cool for the cameras. We also peel back the roof and deflate the tires for better traction. While a Wrangler may not be the most common sight in the UK, it feels perfect here in Moab. It's solidly built and performs better than the Ford Bronco we drove in from LA. Following Jim, a seasoned trail guide, we venture a few miles out of town until we reach a rusty metal sign marking the beginning of our challenging journey.

Our first obstacle is a set of steps that I wouldn't have had the courage to tackle without Jim's guidance. We engage low gear but don't need to lock the differentials for the descent. The Jeep carefully picks its way down, occasionally hitting the bottom but mostly unscathed. With growing confidence, we continue, facing water splashes, vertical rock faces, and treacherous ledges. Despite the occasional scrape and dent, we remain free from flat tires or mechanical failures. I'm amazed at how well the Jeep handles the harsh terrain, realizing that it's doing exactly what it was designed for - conquering off-road challenges.

Our Jeep is equipped with 35-inch tires, which may seem excessive for a camping trip but are considered average in Moab. Jim believes there's a line for us to follow, and with a few strategically placed rocks, he signals for me to move forward. To my surprise, the front left tire finds grip and the Jeep triumphantly climbs, only to slide sideways and get wedged between two rocks. The rear arch is damaged, the rear left wheel is shredded, and the side sill sliders are scuffed. I wonder how I'll explain this to the Jeep's delivery driver when they come to collect it. After a few minutes of head scratching, we witness a group of motocross riders and mountain bikers successfully maneuvering past us. The mind boggles at their audacity.

With no other options left, Jim attaches us to his winch and pulls us free. We continue on, enduring more clanking and scraping, collecting battle scars along the way. The trail takes us over flat sections, sandy tracks, and unforgiving rock formations. We maintain a slow and cautious pace, never exceeding 5mph. Despite the growing damage to the Jeep's body, we encounter no further mishaps. It's remarkable how well the Jeep performs, reminding me that it's a true off-road workhorse.

Our persistence pays off as the view becomes more breathtaking with each conquered obstacle. We witness stunning red rock formations, millions of years of geological history, and distant snow-capped peaks. Finally, we reach the top, perched above a valley carved into the landscape. It's a remarkable sight, but there's no room for error here. While I don't have a fear of heights, the lack of safety measures makes me acutely aware of the potential danger. One wrong move could result in a disastrous outcome. The absence of doors serves as a constant reminder of the imminent and untimely death that awaits.

But fear not, dear reader, we survive. We conquer Cliffhanger and take a moment to enjoy a sandwich at the top of the world. The view is breathtaking, although the sandwich itself is a bit dry. The sense of accomplishment and the adventure we've experienced to reach this point is truly remarkable. Despite being slightly underprepared, Jim and his team have guided us through, and our Jeep - a vehicle that can be purchased off the showroom floor - has endured the challenges. Isn't that astonishing? Almost as astonishing as the little town of Moab, Utah.