Moab's Easter Jeep Safari Turns 60, Adding Youth Programs and New Trails

Six days from now, Moab's Main Street will be gridlocked with lifted rigs, roof racks, and trail-dusted bumpers as the Easter Jeep Safari kicks off its 60th edition on March 28. What started in 1967 as a single-day ride down Behind the Rocks, organized by the Moab Chamber of Commerce to coax visitors into town, now runs nine days and ends on Easter Sunday, April 5.

The Red Rock 4-Wheelers, the volunteer club that manages permits, guides, and trail logistics year-round, hosts the event alongside the Moab Chamber of Commerce. George Schultz, president of Red Rock 4-Wheelers, says this milestone year is bringing more than nostalgia. "We're thrilled that in addition to recognizing our 60th anniversary this year, we're also seeing opportunities to expand the Safari to build more community by hosting programs that align with our mission, which is always first and foremost in our minds," Schultz said. "Camp Moab is the first of its kind."

Camp Moab is a free all-day program on April 3 at the Old Spanish Trail Arena, open to youth ages 6 through 17, both local kids and those making the trip to Moab for EJS. The curriculum centers on outdoor ethics, safety, and responsibility, with conservation woven throughout. "We're partnering with agencies including the Bureau of Land Management and Steward Moab to educate our youth on not only four-wheeling, but conservation efforts that are critical to all outdoor recreation," Schultz said.

The arena, located at 3641 S Hwy 191, also serves as the hub for the vendor expo and Jeep brand expo running throughout the week. This year's lineup adds a vintage iron car show to those staples, rounding out a schedule that organizers describe as offering nearly around-the-clock entertainment. Local restaurants and businesses will run daily specials throughout the nine days.

On Tuesday, March 31, Jeep will sponsor a drone show over downtown Moab at dusk, open to anyone who plants themselves on a downtown corner to watch. Jeep uses EJS annually to connect with its community and has historically previewed concept vehicles during Safari week.

Out on the trails, the event opens nearly 40 desert routes around Moab to daily guided group rides. The roster includes technical classics like Hell's Revenge, Poison Spider, and Golden Spike, alongside the more scenically focused Shafer Trail and Gemini Bridges. Behind the Rocks, the trail where it all began 59 years ago, is part of the rotation as well.

The event is open to any street-legal 4x4, not just Jeeps, provided the rig has 4-low, adequate ground clearance, and proper tires. If you're not trailering your own build, rental inventory in Moab moves fast during Safari week, so book ahead. Trail traffic runs lighter in the early morning, and routes like Gemini Bridges deliver spectacular red rock light without demanding extreme technical skill. Restaurant reservations are worth making now.

The Moab Museum has noted it is working on commemorative items tied to the 60th anniversary. Registration for the event is open.