So you are a first-timer in Moab and have rented a Side by Side to go exploring. Now you need to know where the best place to ride is. Of course, there is the very popular and butt-puckering Hell's Revenge. However, you may be looking for something a little more mellow trail but still has breathtaking views and easy access from downtown Moab. If that sounds like what you are looking for, then Kane Creek Road to Hurrah Pass is what you will want to try next.
Before you start your off-roading adventure, there are a few things to know. If you are bringing your own UTV and it is street legal (you went to the DMV and got a tag), be aware that there is a 15 mph speed limit on all city roads. You can ride on the state highway if you can maintain highway speed. I typically find it easier to simply trailer to the trailhead.
If you are renting your UTV, I suggest one of two trails: Hell's Revenge or Hurrah Pass to Chicken Corners. I own my UTV, but the first few times I visited Moab, I rented from Highpoint Hummer. You can ride directly to Hurrah Pass from their rental location. There are several large parking lots if you are trailering.
To find Kane Creek, drive south from the center of town and turn south at the red light next to the McDonald's. You will be riding on a paved road here, but so long as you are street-legal, there is nothing to worry about. The road will eventually start to parallel the Colorado River. After a few miles, the road will turn to gravel just before you leave the river. You will find several large parking areas here if you decide to trailer your UTV to the start of the trail.
Many people don't realize this but Moab is a great place to visit during the winter. Winter visitors may ask, "Is Kane Creek Road Accessible in the Winter". The answer is yes and no. The trail is typically clear but will be icy in shaded areas. This should not be a problem for modern UTV or Side by Sides so long as you take you time. I would not recommend this route in the winter is there is a bunch of snow on the ground.
The allure of Kane Creek Road lies not in the road itself but in the myriad of adventures that line this road. My favorite stop is the Indian Ladder, located near the beginning of the road by the Moonflower Canyon Campground. For those seeking a thrill, attempting to climb the ladder can be quite the challenge. From what I've observed, ascending is less difficult than coming down, so caution is advised to avoid being stranded aloft. Conveniently, the ladder is situated adjacent to the road, eliminating the need for a hike, and there's even a restroom facility nearby. This is a great family location.
If you're in search of a challenging yet brief hike, consider scrambling up to the top of Behind the Rocks to reach Cable Arch, also known as Funnel Arch. This moderately sized arch becomes particularly photogenic when illuminated by the sun at the ideal angle. The middle of the day is the best time to view the arch during the winter.
If you prefer to view ancient art, Kane Creek Road is possibly the best area in the world for such wonders. One of my favorites is the Owl Panel. This panel is in excellent condition, considering it is located right along the road. The vast majority of people drive right by this unmarked petroglyph and never see it. Other works of art include the Moab Maiden and the Birthing Panel.
Kane Creek Road will change its name to Hurrah Pass once you start to climb out of Kane Creek Canyon. If you keep a sharp lookout as you climb the pass, you will be able to spot old Uranium Mines across the canyon on the opposite canyon wall. In fact, the road you are riding on was built to facilitate Uranium mining during the Cold War. From the pass, you will be rewarded with views of Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the evaporation mines along Potash Road.
Depending on how you want to spend your time, it is possible to skip some of the suggested side adventures and continue to Chicken Corners, a bucket list adventure for any UTVer.
