Behind the Rocks Moab Utah - Image 1
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Behind the Rocks Moab Utah

4.6
·491k reviews·, United States

A legendary off-road playground in Moab, Utah, featuring challenging obstacles and breathtaking desert landscapes.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Behind the Rocks Moab Utah - Image 1

Behind the Rocks Moab Utah

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A legendary off-road playground in Moab, Utah, featuring challenging obstacles and breathtaking desert landscapes.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This trail is a must-do for serious off-roaders seeking adventure and stunning red rock views."

Vertical photo
TIP

4x4 Vehicle Essential

High-clearance 4x4 is a must for the Behind the Rocks trail.

Experienced Drivers Needed

Many obstacles require skill and a spotter.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The High Dive

The High Dive

Behind the Rocks Trail

A notorious and challenging obstacle for off-roaders, testing skill and nerve.

Instagram
Gatekeeper Obstacle

Gatekeeper Obstacle

Behind the Rocks Trail

A significant rock crawling challenge, even for stock Jeeps.

Instagram
Scenic Arches

Scenic Arches

Behind the Rocks Trail

Pass through stunning natural arches, a rewarding sight for the adventurous.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Vehicle Prep

The Behind the Rocks trail is a challenging off-road route. High-clearance 4x4 vehicles are essential. Many sections require experienced drivers and spotters. Check trail conditions before you go, as weather can significantly impact accessibility. Instagram+1

Timing Your Visit

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Behind the Rocks. Summer can be extremely hot, making hiking and off-roading difficult. Be aware of potential crowds, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend off-roaders
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Big pro tip #ultramarathon #Running #ultrarunning #utah #moab #behindtherocksultra
@nate_illingsworth
69.2K likes • 628.1K views

4x4 Vehicle Essential

High-clearance 4x4 is a must for the Behind the Rocks trail. Instagram+1

Experienced Drivers Needed

Many obstacles require skill and a spotter. InstagramReddit

Travel Guide: Moab, Utah! 10 things to do! Any questions? #travelvlog #moabutah #utah #roadtrip #solovanlife
@quingable
40.8K likes • 1.4M views
Have you ever driven the High Dive on Moab's Behind the Rocks trail? Wilhelmina does it in style! @wanderingwilhelminajku #rockslideengineering #rsewilhelmina #thehighdive #moab #utah #offroad #tricky
rock_slide_eng
137 likes • 3K views

Check Trail Conditions

Weather can change the trail drastically. Reddit

Pack Plenty of Water

Desert heat is no joke! Stay hydrated. TikTok

Behind the rocks at gate keeper. No lift, no lockers, no problem! Can't believe I forgot to post this! #stockjeep #jkusquad #wrangler #4wheeldrive #4wheeling #utah #moab #behindtherocks #gatekeeper #explore #nolockersnoproblem #jeepnation #instajeep #utahjeeps #jeepcommunity
adventuresofjeepu
28 likes • 295 views

Tips

from all over the internet

4x4 Vehicle Essential

High-clearance 4x4 is a must for the Behind the Rocks trail. Instagram+1

Experienced Drivers Needed

Many obstacles require skill and a spotter. InstagramReddit

Check Trail Conditions

Weather can change the trail drastically. Reddit

Pack Plenty of Water

Desert heat is no joke! Stay hydrated. TikTok

Respect the Landscape

Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile desert environment. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the challenging and rewarding off-road experience at Behind the Rocks, highlighting iconic obstacles and stunning desert scenery. While incredibly fun for experienced drivers with the right vehicles, it's crucial to be well-prepared and aware of the trail's difficulty. Some find it inaccessible without a specialized vehicle.

What People Like

Challenging off-road obstacles
Spectacular desert scenery
Sense of accomplishment

What People Dislike

Requires specialized vehicles
Can be inaccessible

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Behind the Rocks trail is located south of Moab, Utah. Access is typically via Highway 191. Many off-roaders start near the Kane Creek turnoff. It's crucial to have a reliable GPS or map, as signage can be minimal. TikTokReddit

No, a regular car is not suitable for the Behind the Rocks trail. You need a high-clearance, 4x4 vehicle with good articulation. Instagram+1

Moab, Utah, is the primary gateway town to the Behind the Rocks area, offering amenities and services for visitors. TikTok+1

The full Behind the Rocks trail is a challenging off-road route. Many visitors tackle sections of it, but completing the entire loop requires significant off-roading experience and a well-prepared vehicle. Instagram+1

Yes, several outfitters in Moab offer guided off-road tours that can take you through parts of the Behind the Rocks area, providing a safer and more informative experience. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, no specific permit is required for driving the Behind the Rocks trail itself, as it's considered public land managed by the BLM. However, always check for any temporary closures or regulations. Reddit

There are no direct entrance fees for the Behind the Rocks trail. However, if you plan to visit nearby state parks like Dead Horse Point or Canyonlands, separate entrance fees will apply. TikTok

Behind the Rocks is an open trail system, so there are no set operating hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility. TikTok

Dispersed camping is allowed in many areas around the Behind the Rocks trail on BLM land, but be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles. Designated campgrounds are also available nearby. Reddit

Hiking on the public lands around Behind the Rocks is generally free. However, always be prepared for the desert environment and carry necessary supplies. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The terrain is rugged and varied, featuring slickrock, sand, rocks, and steep inclines. It's a true test of off-road capability. InstagramReddit+1

While primarily an off-road destination, there are opportunities for hiking, especially if you access trailheads from nearby areas. Be prepared for desert conditions. TikTok

You might encounter desert wildlife such as lizards, birds, and potentially larger mammals like deer or even mountain lions. Always maintain a safe distance. TikTok

Facilities are very limited to non-existent on the trail itself. Plan to be self-sufficient and pack out everything you pack in. TikTok

Obstacles like 'The High Dive' and 'Gatekeeper' are well-known for their difficulty and are popular challenges for off-road enthusiasts. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The natural arches, unique rock formations, and panoramic desert vistas offer incredible photo opportunities. The 'High Dive' and 'Gatekeeper' also make for dramatic shots. Instagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the best light for capturing the red rock landscape. Midday sun can be harsh. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to BLM regulations. Always check current rules and restrictions before flying. Respect wildlife and other visitors. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture distant formations. A durable camera or action cam is advisable for off-roading. Instagram

Many of the challenging off-road obstacles themselves offer unique perspectives. Pull-offs along the trail can also provide stunning views of the surrounding canyons. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Off-Road Enthusiasts

The Behind the Rocks trail is a bucket-list destination for off-roaders. Prepare for challenging obstacles like The High Dive and Gatekeeper, which are famous for testing driving skills. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is non-negotiable, and experienced drivers recommend going with a group and having a spotter. Instagram+2

Research the trail thoroughly before you go, understand the difficulty of each section, and ensure your vehicle is in top condition. The reward for navigating these tough terrains is not only the thrill but also the spectacular desert scenery. Many off-roaders consider this one of the premier off-road destinations in Utah. Reddit

Adventure Photographers

Behind the Rocks offers dramatic landscapes and unique geological formations perfect for photography. Capture the ruggedness of the off-road trails, the impressive arches, and the vast desert vistas. Golden hour is your best friend here for soft, warm light that accentuates the red rock. Instagram

Be prepared for challenging access if you're not in an off-road vehicle. However, even from accessible viewpoints, the scale and beauty of the landscape are impressive. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping panoramas and a telephoto to isolate interesting rock features. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan to capture aerial shots. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Off-Roading the Behind the Rocks Trail

The Behind the Rocks trail is a legendary destination for off-road enthusiasts in Moab, Utah. It's renowned for its challenging obstacles, slickrock sections, and stunning desert scenery. This trail is not for the faint of heart or for standard vehicles; it demands a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle equipped for serious rock crawling. Popular obstacles like 'The High Dive' and 'Gatekeeper' are frequently featured in off-road videos and attract drivers looking to test their skills. Instagram+2

Experienced drivers often recommend going with a group and having a spotter for the more technical sections. The trail can be unforgiving, and recovery can be difficult if you get stuck. It's wise to research the trail thoroughly, understand the obstacles, and ensure your vehicle is properly prepared. Many visitors find that even a 'stock' Jeep can navigate some sections, but modifications significantly enhance capability and safety. InstagramReddit

Beyond the technical challenges, the scenic beauty of the Behind the Rocks area is a major draw. You'll encounter unique rock formations, natural arches, and expansive desert vistas. The feeling of accomplishment after successfully navigating a difficult section, combined with the breathtaking views, makes this trail a memorable adventure for off-roaders. Instagram

Hiking and Exploring the Area

While primarily known for off-roading, the Behind the Rocks area also offers opportunities for hiking and exploration, particularly for those who can access trailheads without needing to drive the entire off-road route. The rugged desert landscape provides a unique environment to explore, with opportunities to discover hidden canyons and interesting rock formations. Visitors have noted seeing native rock art, adding a historical dimension to the exploration. TikTok

When hiking, it's crucial to be prepared for the desert climate. This means carrying ample water, wearing sun protection, and being aware of the terrain. Trails can be unmarked and rugged, so a good sense of direction and a map are advisable. The 'Behind the Rocks' name itself hints at the geological features you might encounter, including arches and alcoves. TikTokInstagram

For those looking for a more accessible experience, consider visiting nearby attractions like Mesa Arch or Fisher Towers, which offer stunning scenery and are more easily reached by standard vehicles. However, for the adventurous hiker willing to navigate the terrain, the Behind the Rocks area promises a more secluded and raw desert experience. TikTok