Moab, Utah is an ultimate off-road proving ground, a red rock playground where adventure junkies push their limits. Every spring, the town fills with the growl of engines and the thrill of tire treads carving through legendary slickrock. 

Whether you’re here to flex on boulders, tear through sand, or take the scenic route to views that will fry your retinas (in a good way), Moab delivers. And the best part? You don’t even need to own a rig — Jeeps, UTVs, ATVs, e-bikes, and custom rock crawlers are all up for rent. If you’ve ever dreamed of tackling terrain that laughs in the face of pavement, welcome home.

Jeeps and 4x4s: Get Lifted or Get Left Behind

In Moab, a good Jeep isn’t just a vehicle — it’s a rite of passage. With the right clearance and nerves of steel, you can take on bucket-list routes like the Shafer Trail, a winding descent with vertigo-inducing views of Canyonlands National Park. Feeling gutsy? Hells Revenge will chew you up and spit you out if you’re not ready for its notorious “Tip-Over Challenge.” 

Rentals are everywhere, so whether you’re a newbie looking for a mellow scenic drive, or an expert ready to rock crawl until your axles cry for mercy, Moab has a trail (and a vehicle) with your name on it.

UTVs and ATVs: Because Speed is a Beautiful Thing

For those who think Jeeps are just a little too … tame, Moab’s side-by-sides (UTVs) offer the thrill of high-speed exploration with the agility to match. These bad boys are perfect for shredding the sand dunes near Kane Creek, gripping onto slickrock at Fins and Things, or threading the needle on Seven Mile Rim’s ledges. Fast, fun, and built to take a beating, UTVs give you the kind of ride that leaves your heart pounding and your teeth covered in Moab’s famous red dust. Prefer something even lighter? ATVs let you dart through narrow canyons, blast through washes, and conquer rolling slickrock like it’s your personal motocross track.

Rock Crawlers: The Big Dogs of Moab

You think your lifted Jeep is cool? That’s cute. Moab’s hardcore rock crawlers make even the gnarliest 4x4s look like toy trucks. These beasts are built to tackle terrain that would make a mountain goat reconsider its life choices. If names like Pritchett Canyon and Helldorado make your pulse race instead of your palms sweat, this is your scene. Most hardcore rock crawlers bring their own rigs, but if you’re not quite there yet, Moab’s got rental options and guides who can help you live out your extreme off-road fantasy — without rolling into oblivion.

Moab’s Trail Hierarchy: Pick Your Poison

Not all trails are created equal, and Moab makes sure you know it. Whether you want a laid-back joyride or a near-death experience, here’s the rundown:

Easy (aka “Let’s Not Die Today”)

• Shafer Trail – The views are insane, the difficulty? Not so much. A dirt road with jaw-dropping scenery,  zero panic attacks, and just enough exposure to keep it interesting. Since this trail is in Canyonlands, you can take your Jeep, but leave the off-highway vehicles at home.
• Gemini Bridges – A chill 4×4 drive leading to natural rock bridges that will make your Instagram followers jealous.
• Hurrah Pass – A gateway to stunning desert views and a warm-up for tougher trails ahead.
• Chicken Corners – Winding along the Colorado River, this is your Sunday cruise—but with way better scenery.

Moderate (aka “Hold My Beer”)

• Fins and Things – Think rollercoaster, but made of rock. Small climbs, quick drops, and a whole lot of fun.
• Seven Mile Rim – A mix of sand, slickrock, and vistas so good they should be illegal.
• Hells Revenge – The name says it all. Steep climbs, narrow ridges, and moments of sheer terror— but in a good way. This trail has some challenging optional obstacles. 
• Poison Spider Mesa – You’ll work for those views, but trust us, it’s worth every bump and scrape.

Difficult (aka “Better Have Insurance”)

• Golden Spike – A punishing mix of ledges and obstacles that demand serious skill.
• Behind the Rocks – A rock-crawling endurance test that separates the pros from the posers.
• Cliffhanger – The name isn’t a joke. This trail tests your nerve and your ability to not look down.
• Moab Rim – A steep, rocky climb right from the start, with tight switchbacks and a serious drop-off that keeps drivers on edge.

Extreme (aka “Good Luck, Buddy”)

• Pritchett Canyon – If your idea of fun includes vertical rock faces and deep sand traps, this one’s for you.
• Rusty Nail – A relentless rock-crawling challenge that demands precise driving and a well-built rig.
• Coyote Canyon – Twisting, technical, and filled with ledges that will test both driver and machine. (Public land, but you’ll need a permit to send it.)

Ready to Send It?

Moab isn’t just a place — it’s an experience, a challenge, and for many, an obsession. Whether you’re crawling over boulders, blasting through sand, or taking in the views from a dusty trail, one thing’s for sure: You’ll leave with a new appreciation for what off-roading is all about — and probably a little bit of Moab’s red dirt permanently embedded in your gear.

Feature Image from Solo Travel Goals on Unsplash.