Moab Jeep Safari

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The Moab Jeep Safari is an annual event, where 4-weelers come to challenge the rough terrain of the Moab Back country. Although its title does say it's a festival of jeeps, a few take on the trails in 4x4 trucks. The event usually occurs twice a year, once on Easter Weekend, and another on Labor Day Weekend. Easter Weekend is usually the time when the most people come to try out the many trails. The Easter Weekend safari lasts for nine days, going through Easter Sunday.

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[edit] Expeditions

When going 4-wheeling, people can either go alone, or join up in a group. Groups usually meet up early in the day, at a certain location in the city. First wavers are signed and collected, then the drivers are given instruction and told to comply with any and all Bureau of Land Management regulations (i.e. stay on the trail, avoid walking on protected soil, etc.). Groups will then head out to the trails for the day. Once a group arrives at a trail, they will air down their tires to get better traction on sand or slick rock. Once the air down is completed they will begin through the trail and depending on the trail and the number of stops, it can take anywhere from a few hours to all day.

Many groups do radio introductions, over the CB radio, where a person (often the driver) will introduce his/her self and any passengers in the car. They may also tell if they have driven the trail before, or if it's their first time. When a group approaches a really difficult obstacle, a few will get out and act as a spotter to ensure everyone makes it up or down safely.

Groups will usually stop around noon or 1:00 P.M. for a lunch break. Drivers and passengers usually chat, take pictures, or do some work on their cars. Once lunch is completed they will take off again.

[edit] Trails

Trails rank from easy to difficult (1 through 5). A Circle is Easy, Square is Moderate, and Diamond is Hard.

[edit] Danger

Some trails, specifically the higher difficulty ones can be dangerous for unexperienced drivers, especially if they go at it alone. If unexperienced, it is suggested that you bring a spotter along on the more difficult trails. Rollovers can happen, and so do injuries, so do be careful. As well, people that participate are encouraged to bring water, as the area is in a desert.

[edit] Jeep Safari and the Moab Community

On one hand, you got all these tourists coming and the whole town suddenly goes batshit insane. Working through the day becomes a living hell (see Subway and Jeep Safari) - on the other hand, tourism rakes in all the dough for the small town to survive financially.

[edit] External links