V19E7: Moab Adventure Behind the Rocks

This BLM road spur is a 1.16 mile out-and-back. Although it is marked as a dead end from the very beginning, it follows the southernmost section of Moab Rim, and features some technical terrain and excellent scenery, passing both Moab Rim Arch, and terminating at a hiking trailhead to Tukuhnikivats Arch. At the higher elevations it offers a great view of route 191 down in the valley.

The scenic terminus of a 1.16 mile BLM road spur, offering a hiking trailhead to Tukuhnikivats Arch and featuring a great view of route 191 down in the valley. This a great, short trip if you're looking for a quick, but enjoyable four-wheel drive route, offering great views, and not too far from the highway.

Not the official start of the Behind the Rocks 4x4 Route, but this is where I picked up the trail in episode V19E7 of venture4wd. Heading east to west, the trail starts out as varied and not too challenging. It's suitable for any lightly modified four-wheel drive vehicle up to this point.

This was the first major obstacle I encountered, traveling east-to-west on Behind the Rocks 4x4 Route in episode V19E7 of venture4wd. It is an optional obstacle, with an easy bypass up the hill to the right. I was unable to make this technical climb in my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon equipped with 35" tires. I only tried crawling, and while my line was clean, it was too steep. It required more aggression than I was comfortable with traveling alone, and a spotter would be very helpful. I ended up bypassing for the sake of safety.

This is where the Behind the Rocks 4x4 Route steps up the challenge, heading east to west. Now, a heavily modified vehicle is suitable, or a moderately modified vehicle with 35" tires and driven with great care. There are multiple lines here of varying difficulty, but it is possible if you take your time, and even better if you have a spotter.

This is the second most gnarly section of trail I encountered while running the Behind the Rocks 4x4 Route, east to west. There are two lines here, both challenging and similar in difficulty. I opted for the line to the right, descending down carefully in my moderately modified Jeep with 35" tires. I didn't have any trouble taking my time, and getting out multiple times to check the terrain, but there was plenty of opportunities for error. Best navigated with a spotter unless you're a big dog.

It was here that I exited the Behind the Rocks 4x4 Route and traveled south on a relatively easy primitive track, back down to a main BLM road artery. Although I didn't explore Behind the Rocks east-to-west beyond this point, the map indicates there is very challenging terrain ahead. Proceed at your own risk, and be as prepared as possible.