Moab has many 4WD trails to choose from, most only a short drive from town. The trails cover rugged and scenic country from Moab "slickrock" to steep, sculptured canyon walls and rims, rivers and the desert. Trail difficulties range from easy and scenic to nearly impossible for the experienced only. For a good easy trail, try Hurrah Pass. For those seeking more thrills and a difficult trail, do Hell’s Revenge with its multitude of slickrock.

Within the Needles is the famous Elephant Hill as well as numerous other 4WD routes. The Maze District offers miles of routes. The White Rim Road circles the Island in the Sky District.

To keep trails open, minimize your impact on the environment and don’t become a safety risk to yourself or anyone else.

Vegetation in the desert is due to cryptobiotic soil, which is a crust of lichen, mosses, algae and bacteria. This soil can take years to become established, but a single tire track can destroy it. Always stay on established trails and roads or on solid rock.

Vehicles traveling uphill have the right of way.

Never forge a new road or trail or cut across a switchback. Stay on constructed tracks.

Stay off soft wet roads and trails.

Repairing a road is expensive and often a torn-up road is simply closed rather than repaired.

Obey regulatory signs and gate closures.

Leave Native American rock art, ruins and artifacts untouched.

Carry out all your trash.

The nature of 4WD trails makes them hard to mark and keep marked. Slickrock will have painted symbols. Many areas have cairns – small rock piles – to show the route. On some terrain, wooden posts will have a "trail" sign. Always check with local merchants for suitable trails and current conditions.

• Bottled water
• Rain gear
• Small shovel and multipurpose tool
• Emergency medical kit – don't forget the sunscreen
• A working jack with a base plate
• Flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Maps
• Cell phone – remember that they do not work everywhere
• Tire-sealing kit
• Spare car key