The Most Difficult Trail in Moab, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the trail you think is the most difficult!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:26
When embarking on an adventure in Moab, knowing which trails present the most challenge can significantly enhance a traveler's experience. By categorizing these paths from most to least difficult based on real user feedback, potential hikers can align their abilities and expectations with the right route, ensuring a fulfilling yet safe adventure.
This system of ranking, driven by votes from individuals who have personally navigated these rigorous terrains, helps create a dynamic and accurate tool for future visitors. Your participation by casting votes or adding personal insights further enriches the resource, making it an invaluable guide for adventure seekers wishing to tackle Moab's rugged landscapes.
What Is the Most Difficult Trail in Moab?
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154votesThe Hell's Revenge Trail is this trail is known for its steep inclines, narrow ledges, and challenging obstacles. It requires advanced driving skills and a capable vehicle.The Hell's Revenge Trail is a challenging off-road trail located in Moab, Utah. It is known for its breathtaking views, technical obstacles, and extreme off-roading experience. With its steep slickrock climbs, narrow ledges, and off-camber sections, it tests the skills and capabilities of both drivers and their vehicles. The trail winds through beautiful red rock formations and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding canyons and La Sal Mountains.
- Location: Moab, Utah
- Difficulty: Extreme
- Length: Approximately 6.5 miles
- Terrain: Slickrock, narrow ledges, off-camber sections
- Obstacles: Steep climbs, drop-offs, slickrock fins
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231votesThe Poison Spider Mesa Trail is this trail has steep climbs, narrow ledges, and deep crevices. It also has a section called "The Wedge," which is a steep, rocky descent.The Poison Spider Mesa Trail is regarded as one of the most challenging off-road trails in Moab, Utah. It offers a thrilling and demanding experience for experienced off-road enthusiasts. This trail showcases stunning views, technical obstacles, and steep ascents and descents that will push drivers to their limits.
- Location: Moab, Utah
- Difficulty: Extremely difficult
- Length: Approximately 14 miles (22.5 km)
- Terrain: Rocky, challenging, and steep
- Obstacles: Large rock ledges, off-camber sections, tight turns
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315votesThe Golden Spike Trail is this trail requires advanced driving skills and a highly modified vehicle. It has steep climbs, narrow ledges, and deep crevices. It also includes the infamous "Golden Crack" obstacle.The Golden Spike Trail in Moab is renowned as one of the most challenging off-road trails in the area. It offers a thrilling and demanding adventure for experienced off-roaders seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience. The trail is located in the heart of the stunning Sand Flats Recreation Area, known for its unique and rugged terrain.
- Difficulty: Rated as a 9 out of 10, indicating its extreme level of difficulty.
- Length: Approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) long.
- Terrain: Features a combination of steep climbs, descents, rock obstacles, tight squeezes, and off-camber sections.
- Trail Type: An advanced 4x4 trail that requires modified vehicles with high ground clearance and excellent off-road capabilities.
- Obstacles: Includes challenging rock formations, ledges, narrow passages, and off-camber sections that put both the driver and vehicle to the test.
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418votesThe Moab Rim Trail is this trail has a steep climb up a rocky cliff and narrow ledges. It also has a section called "The Z-Turns," which is a series of tight switchbacks.The Moab Rim Trail is one of the most challenging and iconic off-road trails in Moab, Utah. It is known for its steep and technical terrain, breathtaking views, and intense level of difficulty. The trail follows the edge of a massive sandstone cliff overlooking the Colorado River, providing stunning panoramic views along the way. The Moab Rim Trail is a favorite among experienced off-roaders and thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
- Location: Moab, Utah
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Length: 3.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1840 feet
- Terrain Type: Rugged rock, sand, and dirt
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511votesThe Pritchett Canyon Trail is this trail has steep climbs, narrow ledges, and challenging obstacles. It requires advanced driving skills and a highly modified vehicle.The Pritchett Canyon Trail is known as one of the most challenging off-road trails in Moab, Utah. It offers a thrilling and demanding experience for experienced and skilled drivers seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure. This trail is renowned for its steep climbs, technical obstacles, narrow passages, and breathtaking views.
- Difficulty Level: Extreme
- Trail Length: Approximately 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: Over 1,500 feet
- Obstacles: Boulders, ledges, tight squeezes
- Terrain: Rocky, sandy, and slickrock
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610votesThe Cliffhanger Trail is this trail has a steep climb up a rocky cliff and narrow ledges. It also has a section called "The Wall," which is a vertical climb. It requires advanced driving skills and a capable vehicle.The Cliffhanger Trail is one of the most challenging and thrilling trails in Moab, Utah. It offers a truly adrenaline-pumping and heart-stopping off-roading experience for seasoned adventurers. With its extreme terrain, steep cliffs, and technical obstacles, this trail is not for the faint of heart. It demands exceptional driving skills, advanced off-roading equipment, and nerves of steel.
- Location: Moab, Utah
- Difficulty: Expert
- Trail Length: Approximately 5 miles
- Elevation Change: Over 1,000 feet
- Terrain: Rocky, steep, and challenging
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712votesThe Steel Bender Trail is this trail has steep climbs, narrow ledges, and challenging obstacles. It requires advanced driving skills and a capable vehicle. It also has a section called "The Hot Tub," which is a deep water crossing.The Steel Bender Trail is a renowned 4x4 off-road trail located in Moab, Utah. It offers a thrilling and challenging experience for off-road enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure. The trail is known for its technical obstacles, breathtaking views, and diverse terrain.
- Trail Length: Approximately 15 miles
- Difficulty: Rated as Difficult (7/10)
- Terrain: Rocks, uneven surfaces, steep inclines, and descents
- Obstacles: Narrow ledges, sharp switchbacks, rock shelves, and off-camber sections
- Scenic Views: Canyon views, geological formations, and panoramic vistas
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811votesThe Upper Helldorado Trail is this trail requires advanced driving skills and a highly modified vehicle. It has steep climbs, narrow ledges, and challenging obstacles. It also includes a section called "The Escalator," which is a steep, rocky climb.The Upper Helldorado Trail is considered one of the most difficult trails in Moab, Utah. It challenges even the most experienced off-road enthusiasts with its extreme terrain and technical features.
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Length: Approximately 4 miles
- Elevation Gain: Over 1,000 feet
- Terrain: Rocks, steep inclines, and narrow ledges
- Obstacles: Large boulders, narrow sections, and off-camber sections
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99votesThe Behind the Rocks Trail is this trail has steep climbs, narrow ledges, and challenging obstacles. It requires advanced driving skills and a capable vehicle. It also includes a section called "The Fall," which is a steep descent.The Behind the Rocks Trail is one of the most difficult and iconic off-road trails in Moab, Utah. It offers a thrilling and challenging adventure for experienced off-roaders. The trail is known for its breathtaking views, technical obstacles, and rugged terrain.
- Difficulty Rating: Difficult/Expert
- Trail Length: Approximately 15 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: Varies, up to 2,000 feet
- Terrain: Rocks, boulders, sandy washes
- Obstacles: Steep climbs, descents, narrow sections, off-camber stretches
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105votesThe Kane Creek Canyon Trail is this trail has steep climbs, narrow ledges, and challenging obstacles. It requires advanced driving skills and a capable vehicle. It also includes a section called "The Waterfall," which is a steep, rocky climb.The Kane Creek Canyon Trail is known as one of the most difficult off-road trails in Moab, Utah. It offers a challenging and thrilling experience for advanced off-roaders seeking an adrenaline-packed adventure.
- Difficulty Level: Extreme
- Trail Length: Approximately 21 miles
- Terrain: Rugged and rocky with steep inclines and descents
- Obstacles: Large boulders, deep water crossings, narrow sections
- Scenic Views: Stunning views of Kane Creek, red rock formations, and surrounding canyon
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Ranking factors for difficult trail
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Trail lengthThe overall distance of the trail is an important factor to consider, as longer trails will require more endurance and stamina.
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Elevation gain/lossSignificant changes in elevation throughout the trail can make it more challenging, as hikers and bikers will have to navigate steep inclines and declines.
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Technical difficultyTrails with rocky, uneven, or slippery terrain, as well as those requiring advanced skills such as scrambling or navigating technical features, can be quite challenging.
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ExposureTrails with exposed sections may have increased difficulties due to higher risk factors, such as narrow paths, steep drop-offs, or precarious footing.
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Route findingSome trails may not be well-marked or easy to follow, requiring hikers and bikers to have good navigational skills to stay on track.
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Weather conditionsTrails can be more difficult during certain seasons or weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, extreme heat, or snow and ice.
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Trail popularityHeavily trafficked trails may require additional time, patience, and skill to navigate crowded sections or to pass (or allow passing of) other hikers and bikers.
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Required gear/equipmentTrails that require specific gear or equipment, such as climbing harnesses, ropes, or specialized bikes, can be more challenging for those who are not familiar with using these items.
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DurationThe amount of time required to complete the trail, considering breaks, can add to the difficulty of a trail. Longer, more challenging trails often take significantly more time to complete than shorter, easier trails.
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Experience/skill levelUltimately, the difficulty of a trail is subjective, as it will depend on the experience and skill level of the individual hiker or biker. A trail deemed "most difficult" for a beginner may be moderately challenging for an advanced hiker or biker.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult trail in Moab. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or trail is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1735 views
- 175 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each trail once every 24 hours. The rank of each trail is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most difficult trail in moab
Moab, Utah is a world-renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly for those who love mountain biking and hiking. The area is filled with breathtaking red rock formations, stunning vistas, and challenging trails that offer a thrilling adventure for both novice and experienced hikers. However, with so many trails to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most difficult. That's why we've scoured the area and asked the locals to find out which trail is the most challenging in Moab. From steep climbs to technical descents, we've got the lowdown on the most difficult trail in Moab. So pack your hiking boots, grab your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the trails of Moab.
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