Hitting Moab over the long weekend

[K9Toyota]

Taking the 4Runner to Moab this Friday.

I've run more difficult trails the past couple of times I visited, so I'm not too familiar with what territory a stock 4Runner TE (other than TRD suspension and upgraded tires) belongs in. Any tips on trails that won't cause damage, yet make it hard enough to justify using 4x4?

 

[RonJR]

Go to www.traildamage.com (website appears to be currently down), find the Utah section, and look for trails rated 4 and below. Should be well suited for a stock 4runner.

Gemini Bridges, Long Canyon, Chicken Corners are on the low end for difficulty, but offer plenty to see.

There are a couple of roads in Arches, around Eye of the Whale and also at Tower Arch that might be of interest.

 

[K9Toyota]

Go to www.traildamage.com (website appears to be currently down), find the Utah section, and look for trails rated 4 and below. Should be well suited for a stock 4runner.

Gemini Bridges, Long Canyon, Chicken Corners are on the low end for difficulty, but offer plenty to see.

There are a couple of roads in Arches, around Eye of the Whale and also at Tower Arch that might be of interest.

Thanks for the reply.

Those are the trails I've been steering towards based on info from sites like that

 

[RonJR]

If you haven't already, don't pass up the opportunity to drive the Schafer switchbacks. Not particularly hard, won't need 4wd, but you can't beat them for dramatic scenery.

 

[KidVermicious]

Taking the 4Runner to Moab this Friday.

I've run more difficult trails the past couple of times I visited, so I'm not too familiar with what territory a stock 4Runner TE (other than TRD suspension and upgraded tires) belongs in. Any tips on trails that won't cause damage, yet make it hard enough to justify using 4x4?

It's not just the truck, it's the driver. A stock 4Runner can take on much harder roads than Chicken Corners and Shafer Switchbacks. Your truck can handle Fins and Things if you're ok with dragging a little hitch here and there, and if you've been driving harder trails in another truck you should have a decent idea of where to put the tires. Get Charles Well's Guide To Moab 4WD Trails, and drive Fins first thing. That'll give you a good idea of where you and your truck stand, and you can pick your next trails accordingly.

Everything that Ron recommended is high on scenic value, and worth the drive just for that. I'll add Sevenmile Rim and Bull Canyon - nothing terribly technical that you can't bypass, but great drives.