Moab, UT – The Moab Rim Trail is so close to town I’m surprised there isn’t more traffic on it, perhaps because it’s ridiculously steep. Referred to by locals as “The Stairmaster”, this hike/Jeep Trail gets down to business right away, gaining 1000 ft of elevation in the first 0.9 miles. Don’t let the fact this is also a Jeep Trail dissuade you from hiking here. This trail is so extreme there is very little vehicular traffic, and if you do see a Jeep, take a seat and enjoy the spectacle — you will either be impressed they successfully negotiated the giant ledges or you can call 911 if they didn’t.
The Moab Rim Trail is also known locally as “The Stairmaster”
Ledges on the Moab Rim Trail
A Jeep on the Moab Rim Trail
Reach the top after this calf busting climb, enjoying views of the Colorado River along the way. The trail moderates from here on, following either slick rock or a wash for the remainder of the trail. Enjoy commanding views down into the town of Moab. Apparently there used to be a chairlift that ushered riders 1000’ from town up the mountain to where you now stand. Selfishly, I’m glad the chairlift failed and was removed. There are now only two ways up here: walk (or bike) up a crazy steep mountain or drive a heavily modified Jeep up a crazy steep mountain. Not many people chose to do either, meaning relative peace and quite in a town packed full of tourists.
Moab Rim Trail climbs along the Colorado River
The “Z Turn Obstacle” on the Moab Rim Trail
Another view of the “Z Turn Obstacle”
Continue undulating among the sandstone swells and you’ll find two more challenges for drivers (and hikers): tire test hill and sand hill. Tire test hill is reputed to achieve an 85% grade at one point, which sounds like a great way to tip a Jeep end over end. Sand hill is exactly what it sounds like, really steep and full of deep sand. Negotiating such a hill (upward) requires tremendous horsepower, and likely no stock engine from Jeep will do the job. But walking down the hill is great fun. I “sand-skied” down, hopping from one foot to the next and sliding a few feet with each hop. Luckily you don’t have to ascend this sand monstrosity to return to the trailhead.
A “Hottub” on the Moab Rim Trail
A slickrock section of Moab Rim
