Our first trail day in Utah was set in motion as tents warmed from the rising sun, and percolating coffee filled the camp stoves. We convoyed into Sand Flats Recreation Area ready for Hell’s Revenge. The game of follow-the-leader began as engines roared to life over tires at 15 PSI and disconnected swaybars. The entire group gracefully handled every ledge, fin and clench-worthy drop, with the La Sal Mountains beaming in the distance under a blue bird sky.
The crew navigates well-traveled trails of Hell’s Revenge
The crew navigates well-traveled trails of Hell’s Revenge.
Tyler descends from Hell’s revenge in his 2000 4Runner with the La Sal Mountains in the background.
A tourism Hummer serves as an obstacle atop Hell’s Revenge.
We stopped at Hell’s Gate for lunch, but everyone opted for beer and sandwiches overlooking the Colorado River instead of tackling the obstacle. After lunch, it was time for more breathtaking views than we could count while everyone pushed their trucks (and driving skills). Built vehicles took harder lines, conquering smaller hot tubs and the Tip Over Challenge while stock trucks enjoyed the beaten path. We dropped out of Sand Flats into Moab in the evening and took inventory – no injuries for truck, man, or dog. We celebrated with Fireball and a campfire under the stars.
Day One lived up to the hype, but Day Two was bound to be epic – airing down at Poison Spider Mesa while the paleontologist-in-training described the famous dinosaur footprints near the trailhead. Poison Spider Mesa was a great warm-up with fun ledges and v-notches, all surrounded by Moab’s infamous, awe-inspiring scenery.
Chris experiences an off-camber moment in his 2000 4Runner at Poison Spider Mesa.
Nate flexes his 1999 4Runner at Poison Spider Mesa.
Excitement was mounting as we transitioned to Golden Spike, rolling over Launch Pad, Skyline Drive, and dropping endless ledges. 
Four trucks dropped into Golden Crack as the sun met the horizon, cameras flashing and the GoPro rolling. 
Sunlight gave way to off-road only lights as the group moved through Golden Staircase and Body Snatcher. After what seemed like hours in the dark we reached Gold Bar Rim, a trail filled with ledges and drops that were intensified by the darkness. Night wheeling had its challenges, but damn if it didn’t make for a great time! After thirteen trail hours, we hit the Denny’s in town for much-needed late night sustenance. 
The remaining two days in Moab were mellow after the Trifecta tested the limits of our driving and sanity. We hiked Corona Arch, rode some easy trails to get the tires dusty, and sipped PBRs while enjoying the views. As we were packing camp, it suddenly felt as if we hadn’t been there more than a day, but responsibility was calling in Colorado, Oklahoma and North Dakota. That didn’t stop us from turning off at Dewey Bridge for a quick run on Top of the World to hold us over – at least until our next adventure.
The scenic Bowtie and Corona Arches are defining objects for the Moab region.
All Photos!
[flickr set=72157646257813035]
To get your copy of the July 2014 issue of TCT Magazine:
FIND US ON:
