Jan 25, 2022
This week Justa Bronco and I made an impromptu trek through the Cameo Cliffs OHV Area (a.k.a. Hook & Ladder Area) with a friend in his Rubicon on 35s. The route we took is listed in the "Guide to Moab Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails" by Charles A. Wells as #68, Cameo Cliffs to Wilson Arch. This is a moderately difficult trail, or a 4 out of 10 on the Red Rock 4-Wheelers rating system, so I am already jumping ahead in my plan to explore the local trails one at a time in order from easiest to hardest.
The trail begins about 30 miles South of Moab, just off Steens Road (County Rd 114), about 1 mile East of Highway 191, where there is a large staging area with public toilets.
Leaving the staging area, we followed a very mild sandy road, with some patches of sandstone slabs and small ledges, and incredible views of the surrounding cliffs.
About three miles in we encountered the first ledge, requiring every bit of the base's ground clearance and breakover angle. I was able to get down this ledge without touching anything other than the mud flaps.
A couple miles later, we crossed a valley floor full of sage brush and tumble weeds, then climbed a steep sandstone slab to begin the ascent back to higher elevations.
Shortly after that we crossed a sandstone step that showed us why 33s or larger are recommended on this trail.
With some careful tire placement (and a little help from the bash plates) we made it down the ledge without damage.
The trail begins about 30 miles South of Moab, just off Steens Road (County Rd 114), about 1 mile East of Highway 191, where there is a large staging area with public toilets.
Leaving the staging area, we followed a very mild sandy road, with some patches of sandstone slabs and small ledges, and incredible views of the surrounding cliffs.
About three miles in we encountered the first ledge, requiring every bit of the base's ground clearance and breakover angle. I was able to get down this ledge without touching anything other than the mud flaps.
A couple miles later, we crossed a valley floor full of sage brush and tumble weeds, then climbed a steep sandstone slab to begin the ascent back to higher elevations.
Shortly after that we crossed a sandstone step that showed us why 33s or larger are recommended on this trail.
With some careful tire placement (and a little help from the bash plates) we made it down the ledge without damage.
the poacher, MACoe
