Adrenaline Rush in Moab, Utah

PHOTO: Channel your inner-daredevil with a Jeep ride in Moab, Utah. (photo by Chelsea Davis)One of the last things I would have ever thought I’d be doing—with confidence—is driving a 4x4 Jeep up and over the massive rock formations of Hell’s Revenge and Seven Mile Rim Trailhead.Yet, that is exactly what I did during my stay in Moab, Utah.It’s uncertain whether or not I would have ever experienced this adventure had it not been for an invitation from Cooper Tire to do something completely out of my wheelhouse. However, if you’ve been itching to disconnect from urban life, I highly recommend channeling your inner-daredevil and letting loose in this unforgettable destination.Though Moab is best known for being one of the top mountain biking destinations in the country, the feeling of getting behind the wheel of your very own shiny Jeep, fully outfitted with the best off-roading gear, equipment and tires, is second to none.MORE Destination & TourismCan you climb straight up a massive boulder, to the point where all you see is the sky and nothing more, on a bicycle? No, no you can’t. Off-roading in a 4x4 Jeep is one of the most ultimate adrenaline rushes to be had and should not be missed on a trip to the famous rocky trails of Moab.After pleasantly waking up to the sun rays peeking through the opening of my luxury tent, I was immediately excited for the day ahead of me. Though I’m not a camper by any means, Moab Under Canvas—a glamping site just north of downtown Moab—made sleeping outdoors a luxe experience.With a plush bed, wood stove, shower, sink and flushing toilet, I didn’t miss being in a regular hotel room at all.Stepping out onto my private deck and looking out towards Arches National Park, while the sun rose and brightened the desert landscape was surreal.Day one began with a thorough introduction to our whips for the next two days. Outlaw Jeep Tours gave us the full rundown of how to operate these powerful, candy-colored vehicles. From utilizing front and rear differentials, releasing the swaybars and even using a winch—thank goodness we had no need to put this new found skill into practice!—Outlaw made sure we knew what we were doing.Part two of our off-roading tutorial was on the tires. In addition to general tire safety protocol, one of the main points the Cooper Tire team focused on was the fact that the vehicle’s tires are the only parts to come in contact with and keep you connected to the road. In other words, they are crucial to your overall off-roading experience.Each Jeep Wrangler came decked out with Cooper Tires’ Discoverer STT PRO tires, designed specifically for off-road performance, no matter the season.“The tire has really exceeded expectations,” said Scott Jamieson Director of Product Management for North America. “The tires were originally designed for mud traction. However, at Cooper, we know consumers looking for a ‘mud tire’ encounter more conditions than just mud—including rocks, dirt and many others.”“Ultimately, we designed the tire for an enthusiast who loves to play in an off-road environment, which has a lot of variables.”READ MORE: Upgrades Come to Utah for Ski SeasonAfter explaining to me, a tire newbie, that these wheels come with features such as scoops which act like shovels to scrape mud away from the tire, allowing them to gain traction and moreover designed with small dimples in the tire tread that create air pockets to help in preventing mud buildup, I was skeptical.Ready or not, I jumped into my lime green Jeep and, along with our five Outlaw tour guides, we headed off to Seven Mile Rim in single file formation. The two-track road winds through a uranium mine with the surface primarily of sand, dirt and some slick rock.While the views of the vibrant burnt orange plateaus, cliffs and canyons against the bright blue sky were striking, the particularly exhilarating part was yet to come.Upon reaching our first obstacle, our guides jumped out of their jeeps to calmly, yet assertively assist us as we ascended over the jagged rock formation. With a combination of vocal direction and hand signals, our guides were able to impeccably direct us past the obstacle.With the tiniest wheel adjustments and slow, steady throttle input, the Jeep crawled right up and over. No slippage.As the afternoon passed, we cleared obstacle after obstacle in the same manner: creeping up slowly but surely. Before I knew it, we had arrived at the looming Courthouse Rock, the last stopping point before making our way back to camp.The confidence in my own off-roading skills, as well as my vehicle and accompanying tires, were at all-time highs.By day two we were tackling Hell’s Revenge, a trailhead whose name in and of itself is incredibly intimidating. Only adding to the anxiety building up to our first climb were some raindrops that later would become a torrential downpour. The initial descent at Hell’s Revenge is one that certainly weeds out the faint of heart.Imagine climbing a rock slope whose width is only barely larger than that of your jeep at a 45-degree angle!Not to mention, there’s a 70 to 80-foot drop waiting for anyone who strays too far left or right. With our guides leading the way, they made sure to remind us to stay on the marked black path.Given that Hell’s Revenge was described as a rollercoaster of a trail, I wasn’t surprised that this day's obstacles proved more challenging. Petrified sand dunes, steep climbs and descents across high cliffs made this ride both exciting and a bit daunting.As instructed, I engaged the front and rear lockers a few times, with each instance making it almost too easy to ascend the obstacle. But, this is exactly why the locks were invented.Our last peaceful stop on our way to the infamous Hell’s Gate was at an overlook which provided an incredible view of the expansive Colorado River. From there we rode over to Hell’s Gate, one of the most famous 4×4 obstacles in Moab.For most, ascending this steep obstacle is a tricky task. Many struggle to keep all four wheels on earth, with the possibility of rolling all the way to the bottom a constant threat.Lucky for us, one of our lead guides handled Hell’s Gate like the consummate pro he is. Without thinking twice, he was able to line up the wheels perfectly and cruised right up the ominous vertical.READ MORE: Discover the Bahamas with a Sunset Jeep TourHe even faked brake failure just prior to making it all the way up, as a terrifying joke, which certainly made me shriek.As we continued on our way up more series of steep rock slopes, a torrential rainstorm hit us out of nowhere. Thanks to the confidence and expertise of both our Outlaw and Cooper Tire teams, our group remained cool, calm and collected. We knew we were in good hands.Through heavy rains, sideswiping winds, lighting and thunder, we crawled forward and over the enormous boulder. No one slipped off the edge or even came close.True to their word, the tires gripped the rocks effortlessly and proved themselves worthy of any off-roading excursion.