MEET UP INFORMATION:- LINE-UP: 11850 US-191, Moab, UT 84532
- COORDINATES: 38°29'38.6"N 109°28'10.5"W
- TRAILHEAD: South on Hwy 191 for approx. 30 miles. Look for the sign that says "OHV Area". Turn Left\East on Rd. 114\Steens Rd. Continue approx. 1 mile to Hook and Ladder OHV trailhead.
TRAIL DESCRIPTION:Located in the Cameo South area 25 miles south of Moab, Jax Trax is a tribute to Jack Bickers, a legendary Moab 4x4 explorer who rediscovered the old mineral exploration roads that make up this trail back in the 1990s. The trip has been carefully chosen to provide some four wheeling challenges while maximizing the views of the abundant scenery in this area. Those looking for extreme challenges will be disappointed, but novices are advised they may want to choose a different trip also. Approximate mileages 80 overall, 16 off the pavement.
The 5 rating gives the hint there won't be many obstacles worthy of names, but Jack did leave us with the "Top Notch" and "El Diablo". The latter, while not technically difficult for most vehicles, can be intimidating to the driver. But don't worry, there is a slightly easier alternate route. The trip starts out in sandy Sandstone Draw that has sections that are pretty brushy. A shelfy little climb gets one up onto a sagebrush flat that offers views of the LaSals, Cameo Mesa and Agate Point before beginning a twisting bumpy descent into the middle reaches of a wash that drains into Sandstone Draw. Next up is a twisting, wandering tour of the area, sometimes down low, sometimes higher up with sweeping vistas.
The descent down to the "Top Notch", and from there past Kokopelli Point and on down to Hook and Ladder Wash is interesting. Then the brushy, sandy bottom of Hook and Ladder is used to transition to the start of the trail named "El Diablo". That trail brings the trip up onto Cameo Ridge, and from there along the south side of Cameo Mesa to reenter Sandstone Draw close to the start at Steen Road.
