This is a newer Montrose trail, even “bigger and badder” than the original trails. Featuring constant huge boulders requiring the driver to always be looking ahead trying to pick the best line to set themselves up for what is to come. Body damage will occur and rollovers are common. Breakdowns are likely.
Highlights: A large ledge to climb midway through the trail with a large drop off to the driver’s side. A huge waterfall to climb at the exit, which has sent several rigs rolling over backwards. There are winch anchors available.
Minimum requirements: 39” tires, winch, locking differentials, full cage, tow rig.
Trail 17: Cactus Ridge & Cactus II
A classic Montrose rock crawling trail following a dry boulder-strewn wash. The obstacles are usually regarded as slightly more difficult than Die Trying, but the trail is shorter. Partway through, the trail forks, with the Cactus II route taking off to the left and making a long, steep loose climb up to the exit. The original Cactus Ridge route continues to the right, featuring a large 6 foot waterfall requiring longer wheelbase and a committed bump. A winch anchor is available. Rollovers are possible here.
Highlights: A long loose climb to exit Cactus II or a large waterfall to exit Cactus Ridge. At the end of the trails, the exit route features a steep descent with impressive views of the Uncompahgre Plateau.
Minimum requirements: 37” tires, winch, locking differentials. A tow rig is recommended.
Trail 18: Calamity Canyon
The Calamity Canyon trail follows a network of rocky dry washes, making short loops and climbing out each time up a large waterfall.
Highlights: 3 large waterfalls must be climbed to complete each “loop”. There are no winch anchors. Rollovers are possible, especially on the 2nd and 3rd waterfalls.
Minimum requirements: 37” tires, winch, locking differentials
Trail 19: Death Row
Montrose’s newest and arguably hardest trail. It starts as a spur off the Topless Trail and makes a rapid climb up a wash to the top. It features several difficult boulder-strewn climbs. This is buggy territory. Body damage will occur and rollovers are common. Breakdowns are likely.
Highlights: Constant boulders, all on a steep grade.
Minimum Requirements: 39” tires, winch, locking differentials, full cage, tow rig.
Trail 20: Die Trying
This is perhaps the most well-known, classic Montrose rock crawling trail. It follows a dry, boulder-strewn wash. It offers almost constant rock crawling with an exit from the wash up a steep loose climb out. A large staging area is available. Body damage is possible.
Highlights: An optional 4 foot ledge awaits you at the end. Rollovers are possible.
Minimum requirements: 37” tires, winch, locking differentials. A tow rig is recommended.
Trail 21: Topless
Another classic Montrose rock crawling trail, this is a little less difficult than Die Trying, but still not to be taken lightly.
Highlights: The first major obstacle is a large ledge spanning the width of the canyon. It has multiple lines for those that are more adventurous. The second obstacle is a narrow climb up a rock “waterfall”. The trail narrows toward the end with large rocks to crawl and trees on either side, with damage to hardtops likely.
Minimum requirements: 37” tires, winch, locking differentials. A tow rig is recommended.
Rangely Area Trails
Trail 22: Rangely Rock Crawl Park
The Rangely Rock Crawl Park is maintained by the Rangely Rock Crawlers Club. The park features many steep rock faces, with “waterfall” obstacles and exposed climbs suitable to longer wheelbase vehicles. Body damage and rollovers are likely. Not for the faint of heart.
It is approximately 90 miles from Grand Junction to Rangely on Highway 139 over Douglas Pass. A tow rig is recommended. The group will caravan to the park and then unload at the staging area within the park. From there, the trip leader will choose which trails to lead, usually with input from the group.
Highlights: Big adrenaline-inducing climbs will test your skill and your nerve
Minimum Requirements: 38” tires, winch, locking differentials, full cage.
A Note about Trail Ratings
We are using the rating scale developed by the Red Rock 4 Wheelers to rate the Easter Jeep Safari trails in Moab as posted on
http://www.utah.com/offroad/moab_trail_ratings.htm The following ratings are for Moab area roads in dry conditions. The effect of snow or rain varies greatly depending upon the altitude of the roads and the type of soil the bed consists of. Driver Beware! By The Red Rock 4 Wheelers Club.
County dirt road maintained for high clearance 2WD and 4WD use in adverse conditions.
County dirt road with infrequent or light maintenance after rain or snow, 2WD high clearance with low gears, otherwise light duty 4WD.
Road with frequent use, but seldom maintained. Dirt, sand and slick rock surfaces, with mud holes possible (note: maybe impassable when wet due to soil composition.). 4WD recommended under most circumstances due to ruts or wash erosion.
Road surface consisting of loose rock, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces. Erosion, washes, gulches and rock steps no higher than 12". 4WD is recommended with good ground clearance and driving skills. Aggressive tires and limited slip would be a plus. Water and mud is possible.
Road surfaces are rutted, rocky and sandy with steps not exceeding 14", with considerable slickrock surfaces. Water not exceeding 12" with some mud possible. Good vehicle approach and departure angles are helpful. Tall tires (33" plus) and traction added device (lockers, limited slips) is recommended. Above average driving skills are desirable.
Roads are difficult with considerable erosion damage repaired just enough to be passable. Water in excess of 12" is possible with mud conditions. Steps not exceeding 24". Tall tires (33" plus) with traction added devices (lockers, limited slips) are recommended. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and ground clearance are helpful. Excellent driving skills are recommended.
Trail consists of rock; sand and considerable slickrock with many steps exceeding 24". Steep inclines and declines are prevalent. Enhanced off road equipment is required including locking devices (front & rear), tall tires, maximum vehicle ground clearance, and tow hooks. A winch is desirable. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely. Roll over possibilities exist.
Extreme trail similar to #7 except a bit more extreme. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle damage is likely. Equipment or mechanical damage is probable.
Extreme and beyond, similar to #8. Vehicle damage is likely. Excellent driving skills are required. Roll over is very common. Winches, spare parts and tools are recommended. Be prepared to spend the night on the trail. Beyond the capability of most modified stock vehicles.
Let the carnage begin! Buggy territory. Street driven 4X4's should not attempt this trail. Modified factory vehicles will not be able to complete this trail.