Metal Masher 4x4 Trail, Moab, UT

Overview: Featured obstacles include Rock Chucker and Widow Maker. These obstacles have gotten much more difficult in recent years. Fortunately, they both have bypasses. Metal Masher, in addition to offering tough challenges, features one of the best overlooks in Moab along spectacular Arths Rim. Best time to go: Spring and Fall. Located on BLM land. For current status call Bureau of Land Management, Moab Field Office at (435) 259-2100.

Rating:

Classic hardcore trail for modified vehicles only. Very high ground clearance, lockers and large tires required, winch recommended. Always drive this trail with a group. Several sections of the route cross barren slickrock where route-finding is extremely difficult. Fortunately, the trail has been marked with painted white lizard symbols, which greatly improve your chances of staying on the trail. Painted symbols wear away over time, so you’ll be glad to have a tracklog.

This trail is one of 55 trails from the book, Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, 2nd Edition, by Charles Wells, and is available at www.funtreks.com.

Tips: Breakdowns are common on this trail. Travel with a group that knows what it’s doing. Having a few mechanics along is always a good thing. If you’re a good wrencher yourself, it doesn’t hurt. Anticipate what might break and carry backup parts. As usual, carry lots of water, warm clothing and protect yourself from the sun. Be careful with kids and dogs at the overlook; it’s a sheer cliff and a long way down.

Trail conditions can change without notice. FunTreks, Inc. and its owner and employees are not responsible for injury, death, or vehicle damage as a result of using this guide. The content of this guide is the property of FunTreks, Inc. and is made available to the user pursuant to EveryTrail’s Terms of Service (http://www.everytrail.com/tos.php)