Overlanding is a very popular with full sized vehicles such as Jeeps in the Moab area. However, it can be just as much fun with an UTV. For this trip on Moab Utah's Poison Spider Mesa we used our Polaris RZR Pro 4 and our Can-am Maverick Sport XRC, both Side by Sides were great choices for our adventure.
Typically we would stay in our VACATION RENTAL back in town. However, when you are with the guys and don't mind roughing it some, camping is an adventurous alternative. As an added bonus we would be three days away from cell service, on phone zombies or work interruptions on this Moab camping trip. This overlanding trip lasted 3 days and two nights. For this blog entry we are covering the first night. We road multiple trails including Poison Spider Mesa, Rusty Nail, Gold Bar Rim and Where Eagles Dare. Ultimately we found one of Moab's best camping spots in an alcove along the trail.
This combination of trails included many difficult obstacles. On Poison Spider Mesa trail we had to navigate The Waterfall and V-Notch. But the trail offered great views of Pig Rock and Behind The Rock. I don't mind obstacles when they lead to places like the above overlook. From here the view is north away from Moab along US 191. Straight in front of our Polaris Pro RZR 4 is Arches National Park, if you know what to look for one can clearly see the Windows Section of Arches National Park.
When we got onto Golden Spike trail, we road Skyline Drive, Launch Pad, and Golden Stairs. Unfortunately we actually rolled our Can-am Maverick Sport at the Golden Crack, the crack was too much for the machines short wheel base. The Polaris RZR Pro 4 had no problem with the Golden Crack. The Maverick Sport XRC left with a big scratch and a broken mirror and a bruised ego by driver, the mirror was replaced but the scratch and ego have permanent damage.
The trails can be confusing and we actually made a wrong turn onto Where Eagles Dare. This ended up being my favorite trail in the area. The trail is similar to Hell's Revenge with its huge sandstone domes with butt puckering accents and descents but is much less traveled. Climbing the huge domes was great fun and the views were spectacular! The first photo at the top of the page was taken from the Where Eagles Dare trail. The trail wasn't all about open views across the mesa, there were also views into deep canyons like this one into Gold Bar Canyon. The rock formation in the center distance contains Jeep Arch.
We eventually finished Where Eagles Dare and got back to the Golden Crack Trail. We set up camp in an alcove just past the Golden Crack. Be built the perfect campfire and the alcove really helped to keep our camp nice and warm all night long even though we were riding in late fall. That night we also had the rare Moab rain shower but due to the alcove we stayed dry and were not bothered at all with the rain. We were also close to Jeep Arch which offered great vistas as we looked across Moab's beautiful red rocks. Check out our other videos if you are interested in making the hike to Jeep Arch.
Overall I think UTVs are a great way to experience Moab Utah's backcountry. It is great to get away from the crowded town and national parks but still see scenery that is arguably just as good. The best was that we were out of range of cellular service, IMO it is great to get away from that stuff when you can. Our group of four had a great time sitting around our campfire spinning yarns and remembering the adventures of the day without being distracted by the phones. Adventures like this would be great opportunities for parents to reconnect with their kids.
This video is part one of a two part series that covers our 3 day trip. Subscribe and follow us to our next camping spot for the ultimate in Utah backcountry camping. Maybe camping is not your thing but you still want to experience Moab's great UTV trails. If that is the case consider staying with us at https://www.moabadventurecondo.com