The fourth annual Rally on the Rocks brought UTV enthusiasts to Moab, Utah, from May 15–18, 2013. Over three days, we explored Behind the Rocks, Hell’s Revenge, Steel Bender and Cliff Hanger in our heavily modified 2011 Kawasaki Teryx.
By Jon Crowley, UTVGuide.net
Moab offers incredible scenery and terrain unlike almost anywhere else. In 2013, the city welcomed off-road enthusiasts from around the country for guided rides ranging from relaxed scenic routes to technical rock-crawling trails that challenged both driver and machine.
Many of the Rally on the Rocks trail rides departed from the Old Spanish Trail Arena with a police escort through Moab. Others required participants to trailer their UTVs to trailheads outside town.
For someone experiencing Moab for the first time, Rally on the Rocks provided an excellent introduction. Experienced guides and volunteers helped participants choose trails that matched their vehicles and experience levels. Just as important, the event brought UTV enthusiasts together and helped create friendships that lasted long after everyone left Moab.
The outdoor vendor area at the arena was filled with displays from Can-Am, Polaris, Arctic Cat and Kymco. Manufacturers offered demo rides, and many of the machines could also be seen out on the trails.
Inside the arena, aftermarket companies displayed and installed accessories for event participants. When it was not on the trail, our 2011 Kawasaki Teryx build was displayed in the STI Tire & Wheel booth.
Day One: Behind the Rocks
On Wednesday, I joined a group of other editors for a media ride on Behind the Rocks. Woody from RockCrawler.com guided the group in his capable Polaris RZR, while Camp Chef provided a catered lunch on the trail.
The Behind the Rocks trailhead is located off Highway 191 approximately 13 miles south of Moab. We trailered our machines to the staging area, where there was plenty of room to park. The route can be driven in either direction, but running it backward increases the challenge.
Behind the Rocks includes well-known obstacles and landmarks such as High Dive, Hummer Hill, White Knuckle, Roller Coaster and Hunter Canyon. Scenic highlights include Terra Cotta Warriors, Lone Rock, Balcony Arch and Picture Frame Arch.
Behind the Rocks Photo Gallery
Day Two: Hell’s Revenge
On day two, we joined Discount Tire for a run on Hell’s Revenge. We followed a police escort from the Old Spanish Trail Arena to the trailhead northeast of Moab. The turnout was so large that the ride had to be divided into two groups, with approximately 80 vehicles participating.
Hell’s Revenge is one of Moab’s most famous trails. Its route crosses broad expanses of slickrock with steep climbs, intimidating descents, sharp turns and outstanding views. The trail can appear overwhelming, but drivers who carefully follow the marked route and use the available bypasses can avoid its most extreme optional obstacles.
During the 2013 event, obstacles including Hell’s Gate, the Hot Tubs and the Escalator were open only to properly equipped vehicles and drivers with the required safety gear. These obstacles demand experience, capable suspension, a strong roll cage and properly installed harnesses.
Hell’s Revenge Photo Gallery
Day Three: Steel Bender and Cliff Hanger
On day three, I joined Pro Armor, Jagged X and GBC Motorsports to tackle two trails in one day. We started with Steel Bender, an end-to-end route that begins northeast of Moab and finishes near Ken’s Lake.
Steel Bender follows a historic wagon route out of a scenic canyon. Along the way, the trail includes creek crossings, steep ledges and two challenging rocky climbs with bypasses.
The trail borders a wilderness study area, making it especially important to remain on the designated route. Early sections provide dramatic canyon views, followed by close-up views of the La Sal Mountains. Harlen from ATVRiders.com rode with me as my passenger.
Steel Bender Photo Gallery
Finishing the Trip on Cliff Hanger
Cliff Hanger lives up to its name. The approximately 4.5-mile trail includes demanding ledge-style climbs that test both driver skill and vehicle capability. At the end of the route, riders are rewarded with an incredible view of the Colorado River.
I was again joined by Pro Armor, Jagged X and GBC Motorsports. Aaron from PRP Seats also climbed into the passenger seat of our Teryx for this ride.
The highlight of the trail—and possibly the entire trip—came on the return to the trailhead. I began carrying more speed through the obstacles and soon noticed Kory from GBC Motorsports close behind me. I turned it up another notch, and we “raced” back to the trailhead in approximately 15 minutes. For a moment, it felt like I was back at the King of the Hammers UTV race.
Cliff Hanger Photo Gallery
Three Memorable Days of Moab UTV Riding
Moab remains one of the premier destinations for UTV recreation. It offers everything from approachable scenic routes to highly technical rock-crawling trails, all surrounded by Utah’s extraordinary red-rock landscape.
The 2013 Rally on the Rocks gave us three packed days of riding and the opportunity to experience four distinctly different Moab trails. Behind the Rocks delivered famous obstacles and remote scenery. Hell’s Revenge combined intimidating slickrock with spectacular views. Steel Bender followed a historic route through a canyon toward the La Sal Mountains, while Cliff Hanger provided the trip’s most memorable technical driving.
Our long-travel, 916cc Kawasaki Teryx project handled everything Moab put in front of it and proved to be just as entertaining on the technical trails as it was in the dunes.
This article documents the 2013 Rally on the Rocks in Moab. Event locations, trail access, regulations and registration information can change. Confirm current requirements with the appropriate event organizer and land-management agency before planning a trip.
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