The sixth annual Rally on the Rocks brought UTV enthusiasts to Moab, Utah, from May 13–16, 2015. Headquartered at the Old Spanish Trail Arena, the guided-ride event offered more than 20 routes ranging from easy scenic drives to some of Moab’s most demanding slickrock obstacles.
Few destinations are better suited to a side-by-side than Moab. The surrounding red-rock landscape combines incredible scenery with steep sandstone climbs, technical ledges, narrow passages and trails for nearly every experience level.
Tuesday: Fins and Things and Hell’s Revenge
Fins and Things with SSV Works
We began the week on Fins and Things with SSV Works. The moderately rated trail runs along both sides of Sand Flats Road, between Hell’s Revenge and Porcupine Rim.
Its rolling Navajo sandstone fins deliver steep climbs and descents without the sustained difficulty of Moab’s more technical routes. The eroded sandstone formations—the trail’s “things”—provide distinctive scenery throughout the ride.
Hell’s Revenge with Marshall Motoart and Assault Industries
Hell’s Revenge exposes riders to broad expanses of sandstone slickrock and climbs that appear impossibly steep from the driver’s seat. The trail crosses the famous Slickrock Bike Trail and includes several optional obstacles for drivers looking for an additional challenge.
One of the highlights was watching UTVs tackle Hell’s Gate, the famous optional obstacle on Hell’s Revenge. Its narrow approach and steep sandstone walls require careful tire placement and a committed climb.
Wednesday: Gold Bar Rim, Golden Spike and Rusty Nail
Wednesday’s route combined Gold Bar Rim, Golden Spike and Rusty Nail before an evening return to Hell’s Revenge. Golden Spike is one of Moab’s classic long-distance four-wheel-drive routes, offering challenging obstacles, nonstop scenery and relatively comfortable sections between the major technical features.
The Golden Spike route was developed during the 1989 Easter Jeep Safari to connect Poison Spider Mesa with Gold Bar Rim. Groups worked inward from each trail until they met, inspiring a name connected to Utah’s historic joining of the transcontinental railroad.
Ride for Wally Memorial Ride
That evening, we returned to Hell’s Revenge for the #RideForWally memorial ride honoring our friend Rick “Wally” Wallace.
Thursday: Cliff Hanger
Cliff Hanger lived up to its name. The difficult trail follows a shelf above Jackson Hole and includes formidable rock ledges, steep climbs and exposed sections where the drop below commands the driver’s attention.
Friday: Metal Masher
We finished the week on Metal Masher, a difficult loop accessed from the Gemini Bridges route. A well-equipped UTV can complete the trail much faster than a Jeep, but drivers still need to negotiate steep rock obstacles and tight passages.
Several of the most difficult obstacles, including Widowmaker, have bypasses. Mirror Gulch does not: the route squeezes through a narrow passage in solid rock before climbing toward Arth’s Rim and its views over Highway 191.
PRP Seats
Camp Chef
GBC Motorsports
DragonFire Racing
Four Days of Moab UTV Riding
The 2015 Rally on the Rocks delivered four days of dramatically different terrain. Fins and Things provided a scenic introduction to Moab slickrock, while Hell’s Revenge, Golden Spike, Rusty Nail, Cliff Hanger and Metal Masher supplied increasingly technical challenges.
The combination of organized guided rides, strong industry participation and access to Moab’s iconic trails made Rally on the Rocks one of the standout UTV gatherings of its era.
More Rally on the Rocks Coverage
- 2014 Rally on the Rocks: Four Days of UTV Riding in Moab
- 2013 Rally on the Rocks: Three Days on Moab UTV Trails
- 2011 Rally on the Rocks: Four Days of UTV Rock Crawling
- 2010 Rally on the Rocks: UTV Trail Riding in Moab
Editor’s note: This article documents the 2015 Rally on the Rocks as it occurred. Trail access, regulations and event details may have changed. Confirm current requirements with the appropriate land-management agency before planning a ride.
