A major trail goal is Arth's Rim, which overlooks Highway
191 about 1300 feet below. The route first angles up
the sloping part of the cliff to a gap in the rim rock.
It follows Little Canyon partway into the mesa to resume
the climb along the more gentle slope of the tilted
rock strata. Much of the trail is routine four-wheeling,
but the approach to the rim though Mirror Gulch is difficult
and threatens sheet metal. Despite some shovel work
last year, Widowmaker Hill could be considered a "5"
rating. You'll likely opt to take the roundabout bypass
to the top of Widowmaker.
Scenery:
The road portion on the slope beneath Arth's Rim climbs
to increasingly fine views of Arches National Park,
Moab Valley, and the La Sal Mountains. That is just
a warm-up for the later perch on the cliff top. Little
Canyon has beautiful vertical walls, and a few arches
may be spotted by alert riders. The trail leader may
have time to include Gemini Bridges or Long Canyon at
the end of the day.
Road
Surface:
This trail varies from easy dirt to some tall sandstone
ledges,. with some relatively level slickrock and sand
mixed in.
Obstacles
and highlights:
The slickrock slopes on the way to Arth's Rim have one
step that will warm up a few tires. Near the rim the
trail passes Rock Chucker Hill, once the way to go but
now used occasionally as a 4+ playground that triumphs
over some awfully good equipment. The "easy"
route through narrow Mirror Gulch includes difficult
rock steps. The original route via Widowmaker Hill climbs
a big ridge in two stages. The lower section is a tippy,
narrow cliff-side at its top and warrants care in choosing
a route. The second section is steep and has a smooth
rock ledge with a low-traction base that is being dug
increasingly deeper. Trust your trail leader for guidance
to avoid this one; it has the same overhang and center
clearance problems as the Dump Bump but is now taller.
There is another short, but vexing option called Mother-in-Law
hill.
Back
To Main 4X4 Trails Page>>> |