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     Having done Hell's Revenge many times, I always wanted to go in the way most come out.  So we did just that, and I lead the way as Jed and Marc were introduced to Moab climbing some fun obstacles right away!  The tight lean gulch took on a new meaning going up it.  If you ever get to Moab with your Jeep, don't leave until you do Hell's Revenge Trail!  This is what Moab is all about 'Slickrock'!! 

    We made it to the ridgeline above Lion's Back, and over to the Tip Over obstacle where I took the shortcut SE back over to the beginning of the trail.  One thing about this trail and others in Moab, it that they are full of mini 'obstacles' that would make any Colorado trail envious (especially Poison to Gold Bar Trails). We only saw less then 10 other rigs on the trail, but then again it was Friday and a lot of people were still working.

    Backtracking along the slickrock, we arrive at the long steep hill climb.  The sensation of climbing slickrock is great!  Your experience tells you 'that's too steep!', but traction says otherwise.  I always wonder how my carb will do, but it never let me down. 

   Now on track, I head NE along the sandy and easy stretch, working our way towards the Colorado overlook and lunch.  A great view at the overlook for lunch with temps in the 70's, and puffy clouds canvassed the red rock scenery----ahhhhh Moab!!

   We took a look at Hell's Gate, and then it was off overlook to catch the loop west towards and around the Black Hole (which is a small crescent-shaped cliff) and up to the higher ridgeline of slickrock.  One turn above it is pretty intimidating, with a 200+ drop off. If your steering wheel devilishly turns left on you when you want to turn right, you'll be sucked down the 'Black Hole'.  The climb was fun, as some steep slickrock climbs and turns kept you on your toes.

   Once on the ridgeline there are a few depressions (tubs).  We took on the easiest, and the other two (one called Mickey's Hot Tub) has a steep exit.  Steve and I recalled the 'trail comedy' story at Mickey's from last year with the 'good ole boys from Meeker'.  One by one we entered and exited the tub, the slickrock traction makes the climbs effortless.

    Once you arrive on the top of the 'Giant SlickRock Dome', welcome again to Moab, and slickrock country!!  Vast mounds of rock lie before you for the rest of the day.  Steep hill climbs and descents are the order of the day!  The trail is well marked with flames on the trail, though there are many spurs, stay on the flames, and get the full enjoyment of the loop.  

    We made it off the steep dome descent back into the small valley of sand, and on over to 'Tip Over' obstacle. Paul and Jed took a shot at it, and did great!  With a series of ledges, and an off camber ledge near the top, tire placement is key.  Paul even got a little 'tippy' as the obstacle suggests.

    We headed back out the tight leaning gulch and thru some wicked articulation spots on the sandy stretch to the highway.  We headed up the hard rocky left to the ridgeline and off to descend to the backside of Lion's Back.  Everyone negotiated the tippy lean spot and we stopped for some great articulation photos off the last obstacle.  Through the sand and back on pavement…. Hell's Revenge is all that!! 

Before heading to town we showed the newbies 'Potato Salad Hill'. No one was there, so Jed decided to give it a try 'just to get a feel for it'. At first, he didn't get very far, and then he locked in his hubs ;) He headed up, and the series of ledges attacked back like Pickett's Charge. He made it to the last ledge before leaning left a touch--ummmmm! Yep, enough is enough as he backed down. Hey, someone had to give a show for the hikers across the creek waiting patiently for someone to 'roll'. We all headed back into Moab for provisions and back to camp.

    A planned nite run for 6pm over Seven mile Rim was cancelled.  But later on that night about 10pm, everyone except for myself took a run up to the sandy washes around the Gooney Bird as the almost full moon shined bright.  It seems new campers by the dozens descended on our camping area that night, as I had to fend off a few wanting to camp right next to us (I mean next to us). Everyone came back in around midnight from the moonlight run, and settled in with dreams of another day in Moab---aahhh.

 Bill Hallinan  HoboJeepers

Here are some other Hell' s Revenge Trip reports:

2001 HoboJeepers Hell's Revenge Trail

2000 HoboJeepers Fin's and Things/Hell's Revenge Trail

2000 HoboJeepers Hell's Revenge Trail 110%

1999 HoboJeepers Hell's Revenge Trail

Hell's Revenge Trail by 4x4Trails.net: 

http://www.4x4trails.net/db_view_trail.asp?trailNum=210

Hell's Revenge Trail by Mike Millen: 

http://www.moab-offroad.com/EJS98/98Trails/HellsRevenge/

33rd Annual Easter Jeep Safari Hells Revenge by Flatlander:  

http://www.4x4now.com/33jshr.htm  

30th Annual Easter Jeep Safari Hells Revenge by Flatlander:  

http://www.4x4now.com/hr.htm

31st Annual Easter Jeep Safari Hells Revenge by Flatlander:  

http://www.4x4now.com/31jshr.htm

Rockcrawler’s 1998 Hells Revenge Trail Report:  

http://www.rockcrawler.com/trailreports/moab98/friday/friday.htm  

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