Easter Jeep Safari
All Systems Are Go for the Annual Moab Event
In this Article
The 49th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah gets wheeling on March 28 and stretches nine days through April 5. Rigs of all sorts from stock to ultra-modified to Unimogs will take to the desert to run trails, and drivers can marvel at spires, arches, bridges and sunsets and get a healthy dose of old fashioned camaraderie with fellow jeepers. Beginners and expert level off-roaders will mix it up on trails ranging from easy to difficult. Here’s a look at what’s new for 2015 including the Concept Jeeps being unveiled, what a few Jeep clubs are up to and vendors attending.
What's New This Year?
Last year the number of vehicles registered was over 1,500, an astounding number for the nine day fest, and in 2015 even more are expected to attend. Hosted by the local Moab Red Rock 4-Wheelers Inc., this year’s event ushers in a few new wrinkles. There are eight new or expanded trails for outings including Deadman Point (trail rated 3), Where Eagles Dare (trail rated 7) and Rusty Nail (trail rated 8). Additionally, the Red Rock 4-Wheelers is permitting registered attendees to run an obstacle on Hell’s Revenge dubbed the Escalator (trail rated 8).
Some departure times for runs are now divided up into early 8 a.m. starts and 10 a.m. later ones. If a starting time is not specified, departures happen at 9 a.m. for day long trail rides. Also new for 2015 is that the paper system for registration is a thing of the past and participants planning on wheeling must register online.
As always, drivers are asked to respect the land, pack out trash and recycle and carry as much drinking water as possible. It’s always a good idea to bring a supply of tools and parts and recovery equipment is a must. Historic Native American rock art ruins are not to be disturbed and any violations should be reported. Permits require Jeeps on runs to keep on the trails and roads as specified by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the best rule of thumb is to practice good trail manners and follow trail leaders and guides.
Jeep Clubs a Go-Go
Jeep clubs in the Utah and surrounding areas as well as those from far away will congregate for the nine day event. The nonprofit Red Rock Four Wheeler Club and the Moab Chamber of Commerce team up to present the Safari and everything is coordinated with the Utah chapter of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Members of Nevada’s Jeep Fanatics club will be running trails and Texas’ Skyline Jeep Club considers Moab the Mecca for wheeling. Clubs coming from further away include the Minnesota-based North Star Jeep Club and Florida’s Orlando Jeep Club.
As a Red Rock Four Wheeler Club member for a quarter of a century, current Treasurer Rex Holman has ample experience running trails at Moab. He’s led rides on trails including Kane Creek, Strike Ravine, Hey Joe Canyon, Fins & Things and Hells Revenge. “Every trail has some unique characteristic that makes it memorable,” he says
Novel Concepts
Jeep traditionally targets Moab as the perfect spot to unveil impressive concept vehicles and this year is no exception. The FSJ Cherokee Chief is a throwback to iconic ‘70s fullsize Jeeps with a surf and sun vibe. It pairs a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and the interior’s seat covers and white seats conjure images of the big island.
Honoring military service vehicles and recalling the Willys MB is the Jeep Staff Car. With minimal styling, it manages to match round, military-style lamps with a rear-mount spare and military gas can. An integrated roll cage works well with the doorless Jeep and a built-in cooler gives a nostalgic nod to artillery boxes.
Next up is the Jeep Wrangler Africa Concept designed with overland treks in mind. Drawing on the four door Wrangler for inspiration, it features plenty of extra storage space and employs a 2.8-liter diesel engine with automatic transmission. The flesh-toned Jeep has 17-inch steel wheels BF Goodrich Mud Terrain 35-inch tires.
Other concepts are the reliably rugged Jeep Grand Cherokee Overlander and the Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk customized for desert sojourns. For emergencies, the Wrangler Red Rock Responder is equipped with compartments to carry tools, recovery equipment and spare parts and the Jeep Cherokee Canyon Trail sports formidable off-road capability with a hood decal of Moab’s infamous “Hell’s Revenge” trail.
Vendors and Demonstrations
On Thursday and Friday April 2-3 there will be a vendor show at the Spanish Trail Arena open to registered attendees and the general public. Friday night will feature a huge raffle chock full of Jeep parts and accessories awarded randomly to winning ticketholders.
Easter Jeep Safari has a huge list of corporate sponsors including 4WD, Mickey Thompson, ARB and Superchips and many others that host special trail rides. This year, 4WD is sponsoring the Poison Spider/Where Eagles Dare run on March 30, the Golden Spike run on March 31, 3-D the Pickle Version on April 1 and Steel Bender on April 4th.
Demonstrations of parts like suspension and air compressor systems, winches, Detroit lockers, trailers and custom tops will quench the thirst of jeepers curious to see how they handle. Select tire companies will let wheelers try out their products on trails for a couple of days.
