Moab Easter Jeep Safari Trail Descriptions - Cliff Hanger Trail

Rating:
Credit - Red Rock 4-Wheelers

This trail is the only vehicle route onto Amasa Back, a rather high isolated area bounded by Kane Springs Canyon, Hurrah Pass, Jackson Hole, and a big lop of the Colorado River. The trail was up-rated to 4+ recently because several of the rocky lodges have become very difficult, even with top equipment. If Kane Creek is full, the crossing can become impassable. The views, however, are unusual and spectacular all the way up the side of Kane Springs Canyon. Farther along, the trail is high above the canyon of the Colorado River. There are some petroglyphs and other evidence of early visitation.
Note: There is a possibility that the trail rating will be lower in 2006. The road was built to serve power lines and an above-ground natural gas lie that short-cut across Amasa Back to potash mine. We have been told that access for maintenance work on the gas line may alter the road, although they will try to keep it near it present condition.

The trail gets your attention immediately as it descends a cascade of rock ledges from the Kane Creek Road to the creek bottom and climbs out again over nasty rock ledges. The creek crossing can range from dry sand through quicksand to deep water, depending on recent weather. The steep irregular ledges require good clearance and maneuverability. A switchback farther along includes a bouldery climb that calls for the best of man and machine. On the cliff-edge section, one rocky ledge is especially vexing: the only room for error is a 300-foot vertical drop. There are no bypasses for these obstacles.