MOAB, UT — SEPTEMBER 26-28, 2014: Fun and challenges during an intense three-day weekend sampling Moab’s famed Jeep trails with the Barlow Adventures group. This was a great opportunity to get to explore some trails we would not have attempted on our own. And we got to experience many of the different terrain types found in the area including layered rock sediment, sandy washes, dunes and the classic red sandstone fins. Each terrain had its own challenges, and we reviewed technique while enjoying the awe-inspiring landscapes. With the expert guidance of Nena Barlow, one of a select group of 4×4 trainers certified by the International 4wd Trainer Association, we were even able to take on a few of the “harder” obstacles.
Combining fun Jeep trails with an awe-inspiring landscape…
Exploring some of the different types of rugged terrain found in the area…
A quick loop around the training grounds at Area BFE to get comfortable…
An impromptu trail-side review of the basics for handling soft sand…
Getting some practice driving soft sand and crossing dunes…
Cresting the dunes with a big Jeep feels different, though the principle remains the same (and I got just a little air)…
Making rainbows and enjoying the sensations of speed and power while playing in the sand…
The sand was quite solid due to recent rain, and no one got stuck…
A demonstration of how to repair a tire instead of changing it on the trail…
Picking lines over ledges and down steps on Seven Mile Rim…
Experiencing our first taste of Moab’s famed slick rock on Fins and Things…
Giving context and technical driving tips while on the trail…
Riding the slick rock roller coaster was like driving dunes in slow motion…
Spotting us through when the trail got a little bit more “technical”…
Steep climbs up solid rock with nothing but blue skies in the windshield…
A canine passenger doesn’t mind the rough ride down a rock step…
Keeping an eye on critical clearance as the Jeep climbs a rock ledge…
Manually disconnecting the sway bar to give the Jeep better articulation…
A rare rainstorm requires the group to pause while on Hell’s Revenge…
Direction on the best strategy for approaching a technical challenge…
The glistening rain transformed the landscape into something otherworldly…
Wet tires have an adverse effect on traction causing the Jeep to slip…
A steep climb can be intimidating and requires a steady throttle …
Heading into the car wash, an optional obstacle on Hell’s Revenge…
Climbing up and over the edge of Wipe Out Hill on Seven Mile Rim…
Making sure we understand that “easy on the throttle” is important…
Thanks to recent rain there were several unexpected water crossings…
Getting the Jeeps into position for the Tip Over Challenge on Hell’s Revenge…
Getting under the Jeep to check for mechanical trouble…
Driving up entry way to Hell’s Revenge is pretty impressive…
Following the trail down the steps of a sandy rock ledge…
Jeeps spread out along the narrow ribbon of slick rock trail winding up and down over Hell’s Revenge…
