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Show Safari Trail lYloab Rim is Known as "Cliff hanger Trail" Moab Rim trail is considered consider-ed the second roughest run in this year's Safari. For the courageous jeeper,' it . offers breathtaking' excitement as drivers encounter challenging steep slopes of a nearly verticle wall---hence, it is commonly known as "cliff-hanger "cliff-hanger trail". Experienced trail master, Brig Larsen, will again head the Safari group that chooses this magnificent jeep trail. It begins a mile down-river from the Colorado River portal. Less than a hundred yards from the BLM sign directing where to leave Kane Creek road is the trail which starts abruptly upward over the steeply sloping strata. This is the only access into a section of Behind-the-Rocks country that lies just beyond the high rim to the west of Moab Valley. One of the richest rewards for jeepers on this trail is the view found at the top of the rim of Moab Valley with the panorama of red rock and mountains lying beyond. From here the trail is fairly easy for a short distance until it again presents a variety of challenges challen-ges as it works through the wild, rugged terrain. Descending now to follow the general slope of the rocky land, the run crosses a dry stream course and begins the ascension through brush encrusted en-crusted sand dunes and steep slickrock. domes leading to an ancient Indian fort. Petro-glyphs Petro-glyphs are also visible in a cave near an alternate route which leads from another rim viewpoint near the end of the trail. This branch trail plunges down a bluff of soft dune sand following a dry stream bed to rejoin the main trail. The most challenging part of the Moab Rim run is the trip back down only limited visibility visi-bility of the trail is possible, making the descent even more thrilling than the ascent. Skillful brake work will be necessary despite low gear travel, as drivers follow Brig down the slope. However, traction is good since the trail here is almost solid rock. |