Are You Interested In The Easter Jeep Safari? Here Is All You Need To Know
The Easter Jeep Safari is an annual event organized by the Red Rock 4-Wheeler Club. This trip takes off-roading fans on backcountry trails for a week of Jeep-fueled fun.
All You Need To Know About The Easter Jeep Safari
Do you want to roll over slickrock and caravan through Utah’s most gorgeous gullies and red rock trails in your own Jeep? If so, this major Jeep event is for you. Hosted by Moab’s Red Rock 4-Wheeler Club (RR4W), the Easter Jeep Safari is situated close to the stunning landscape of the Arches National Park and the Canyonlands National Park. Hard-core Jeep enthusiasts celebrate all things Jeep in a nine-day long event through the wilderness of Moab, Utah.
This event has been recurring for decades and continues to be a memorable experience for all who join. Participants go on day-long trail rides on pre-planned routes. It’s a chance for Jeep owners to venture out into the wilderness and push the limits of their vehicles and themselves. The Easter Jeep Safari is also where the Jeep brand unveils their newest concept vehicles, giving attendees an exclusive peek at Jeep’s future. This event also includes a BBQ, a raffle, and a vendor show scheduled for the 6th and 7th of April. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this year’s Easter Jeep Safari.
Important Details About 2023 Easter Jeep Safari
The 2023 Easter Jeep Safari takes place from Saturday, April 1st to Sunday, April 9th. This nine-day event involves participants riding on trails of varying difficulty set up by the Red Rock 4-Wheeler Club through the Moab area. Whether you are a hard-core adventure enthusiast or a Sunday driver, there is something for you. Currently, there are 42 designated trails ranging from dirt roads to extreme treks requiring modified vehicles.
There are only two main rules at this event. First: every vehicle must be street legal and have a metal roll bar. And second: every rig must be safe for legal operation in Utah. If your Jeep meets those requirements, it should be fair game.
All participants must pre-register beforehand, so do your planning in advance. Occasionally, for some trails, there is availability on the day of the event. You can check the Spanish Trail Area for any openings. If this sounds like the event for you, keep reading.
History Behind the Easter Jeep Safari
The first Easter Jeep Safari was held in 1967 by the Moab Chamber of Commerce. The event started as just a single-day organized ride. Since then, it has grown into the annual tradition fans know and love today. In the 1980s the event was taken over by the Red Rock 4-Wheeler Club. The last Saturday of the event, known as Big Saturday, includes a massive parade of 4x4 vehicles, all departing downtown Moab at the same time, as a nod to its origins.
Why You Should Attend the Easter Jeep Safari
The Easter Jeep Safari is an annual tradition. Taking place in scenic Moab, Utah, the event is an unparalleled experience. With the multitude of trails, even less experienced visitors can enjoy their first taste of off-roading. All trails are set up and led by experienced members of the Red Rock 4-Wheeler Club, ensuring you have peace of mind during your ride. Surrounded by other Jeep enthusiasts, it's the perfect place to be around like-minded Jeepers who love their off-roading machines as much as you do.
This is a social event that allows adventure-seekers the chance to enjoy the wilderness from the comfort of their vehicles. Convoys at each respective trail start at roughly 9 am. At particularly challenging obstacles, a team member will guide you through that section of the trail. Even if you do not own a Jeep, you can still attend this event. However, 4-Wheelers or ATVs are not allowed, and only street-legal vehicles are permitted.
Here Is How You Can Deck Out Your Jeep For The Easter Jeep Safari
The Easter Jeep Safari is all about celebrating the Jeep. The best way to enjoy the trails is in one of Jeep’s conceptual vehicles, designed specifically for this annual event. Looking at these custom-designed vehicles is the best way for you to get inspiration to deck out your Jeep. Last year, Jeep unveiled 10 new concept vehicles for the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari, to suit the needs of Jeep enthusiasts and off-roading adventurers alike.
The most sought-after concept was the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Gladiator. The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe is a revolutionary new vehicle that is suited for outdoor adventure and environmentalism. It boasts a 375 horsepower plug-in hybrid electric powertrain. The Jeep Gladiator concept is an off-roader’s dream, decked out with a unique open-air design, King coils and bypass shocks, steel bumpers to improve departure angles, a three-inch lift, and 40-inch tires. While we loved last year’s concepts, we can’t wait to see what Jeep has cooking for Easter Jeep Safari 2023.
5 Things To Carry For An Ultimate Easter Jeep Safari Experience
While your guides will provide you with a safe and fun experience, participants are expected to pack everything they may need along the way. If you’re going to be part of this year’s event, the first thing you’ll need is your most important possession: your four-wheel-drive vehicle. We recommend a Jeep (no surprise there) but other off-roading machines are welcome.
Second, you’ll want to pack any food, water, and alcoholic beverages you might need for the trip. There are stores in Moab but with the crowds, there are also long lines. Save time and money by packing your own supplies.
Third, you’ll want to prepare for the sun. Bring along sun lotion and plenty of water, both of which are a must whenever venturing out into the red rocks of Moab, Utah. Temperatures this time of year can reach into the mid-’80s. With very little natural shade, you could be in for a hot ride.
Fourth, layered clothing is a great idea in the high desert climate. The temps tend to be milder in the spring, but rapid weather changes can occur. You’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable enough to have fun.
Lastly, the Red Rock 4-Wheeler Club encourages all participants to carry a safety kit. This should contain a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, tow strap, spare tire, and a jack. That way, you’ll be prepared for anything on the trail.
The Best Easter Jeep Safari Ever
When the official event started in 1967, it was a single-day ride that took place on the Saturday before Easter. Since then, the Easter Jeep Safari has grown substantially, encompassing nine days and over 2,000 participants. Many changes have been made over the event's 55-year history. While the event is bigger and better than ever, the 1978 Jeep Safari is legendary.
That year, more people came to watch the Saturday Jeep Safari and Sand Drag Races than ever before. With the number of participants and spectators, Moab’s population nearly doubled in size. There were about 1,500 paying customers at the Safari, which meant that the races could have larger purses. An astonishing 473 rigs turned out to participate in the event. The positive reception among locals and participants alike ensured that Safari would continue for decades to come.
Every Jeep enthusiast should experience the Easter Jeep Safari at least once. The event is an awesome way to test your rig on gnarly trails amid breathtaking scenery. But with knowledgeable guides and trails of varying difficulty, it’s also a safe first step for people interested in getting into back-country driving. This annual event puts Moab on the map for Jeep lovers each year and makes great memories for its participants. If you're looking for an extended stay in the beautiful red rocks of Moab, Utah with a few thousand other Jeep fans, then the Easter Jeep Safari is for you. Check out the Red Rock 4-Wheeler Club to start planning your epic trip today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions.
Where is Easter Jeep Safari held?
The Easter Jeep Safari is held annually in Moab, Utah.
Is 2023 Easter Jeep Safari Canceled?
Despite being canceled due to Covid restrictions in both 2020 and 2021, the 2023 Easter Jeep Safari is not canceled and will be running as usual.
What is Jeep Safari?
Hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers (RR4W), the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, features some of Utah’s most stunning landscapes, situated close to the Arches National Park and the Canyonlands National Park. Held since 1967, this nine-day event begins Saturday, one week before Easter (as the name suggests). In addition to 42 beautiful trails with difficulty ranging from 2-9, the Easter Jeep Safari is also where the Jeep brand unveils their newest concept vehicles, giving attendees a sneak peek at Jeep’s future. In addition, it also features a raffle and a robust product exposition of after-market vendors. There will be plenty to do, in between swapping stories and breaking bread with other Jeep lovers. The main event is Big Saturday, a massive parade of 4x4 vehicles, all departing Moab at the same time. With the modest entrance fee of $75 per vehicle per day, this is a can’t miss event for all Jeep fans and adventure enthusiasts. People are encouraged to pack water, food, and safety gear for their trip.
When was the first Easter Jeep Safari?
The first Easter Jeep Safari was held in 1967 by the Moab Chamber of Commerce. The event started as just a single-day organized ride. Since then, the event has grown into the annual tradition fans know and love today. The last Saturday of the event includes a parade through downtown Moab as a nod to its origins.
How much is Easter Jeep Safari?
The Easter Jeep Safari costs $75 per vehicle per day. All fees go to the Bureau of Land Management and are used to improve the area. Bathrooms, parking, trail marking, signs, and maintenance are all paid for by fees contributed towards this event. While there is sometimes availability on the day of the ride, participants are encouraged to sign up ahead of time to ensure they have a spot on their desired trail.
What year did the Easter Jeep Safari start?
The Easter Jeep Safari started in 1967 and was hosted by the Moab Chamber of Commerce. Starting as just a single-day event taking place the Saturday before Easter, it has blossomed into the nine-day event we know today. A parade through downtown Moab is held by participants on the Saturday before Easter to honor the event’s roots.
What are Jeep Easter Eggs?
Jeep Easter eggs are surprises hidden within the design of the Jeep. This tradition started in the 1990s and encompasses every Jeep model since. The most popular Easter egg is the iconic seven-bar grill design etched on the cowl of Jeep Wranglers by Micheal Santoro in 1997. Easter eggs often hint at a fact about the model, such as the area code 419 where Jeep Gladiators are manufactured, or nod to Jeep's history, such as an American-flag-shaped C-pillar vent on some models. These Easter eggs give Jeeps added surprise, making each one just a little bit more unique. Finding these hidden gems is exciting for all the Jeep enthusiasts out there.
What is a Jeep Moab?
The Jeep Moab is a 2018 limited-edition makeover to the Jeep Wrangler. Designed to be more capable for off-roading than the previous Jeep Sahara, the Moab will get you wherever you want to go. The Moab includes 17-in wheels, 32-inch mud tires, rock rails, and a limited-slip differential, making this vehicle ideal for adventuring into backcountry trails. Also featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and blindspot monitoring, this vehicle will have you driving in luxury with the most modern technology on the market.