2007 Skyjacker Annual Invitational Run

The 2007 Moab Jeep Safari is off to a great start for us this year.  Our first run of the week was Hells Revenge with Skyjacker. We got a special invite to attend the Skyjacker Annual Invitational Run.  It was so much fun last year that we couldn't pass on it.

2007 Skyjacker Annual Invitational Run

We met early in the morning at the Spanish Trails Arena in front of the Skyjacker 18-wheeler.  Over 20 rigs showed up for the run, and by 8:30am we had the trail leaders give us a quick pep-talk, then we were on our way.

The trail leaders for the Skyjacker run were Tony Eyman and Heather O’Halen from the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Club.  Tony and Heather also led the trail run for Skyjacker last year.  They are very knowledgeable of the trails at Moab, and offer a great deal of assistance with guiding people up and down obstacles.  We were happy to see them back again for ’07.

Yup, it's got a HEMI in it from BOR

I got to ride shotgun in the Skyjacker Jeep Rubicon with R&D Manager and trail master Dillard De' LaSalle.  The first obstacle we hit at the trail head was a narrow ridge that went up a few hundred feet, with very little margin for error.  Dillard drove the Skyjacker TJ like a Pro.  He knew how to read the terrain and judge what gear to be in and if front/rear lockers were needed.  

Dillard De' LaSalle from Skyjacker R&D showing us what the Bear can do

Hells Revenge is a 4+ rated trail that offers a variety of terrain including slick rock, broken rock, rock ledges, sandy dirt, and even blow sand. Most of the vehicles on the run were modified with at least 33-inch tires and a rear locker.  We did, however, have one stock JK that went on the run with us.  For being bone stock, it did pretty good.  Its biggest problem was clearance—he needed a Skyjacker suspension lift kit bad.

KC HiLites and the CJ man

The trail was well marked by painted flame symbols on the slick rock.  The colorful Moab red rock was enticing to the eye, and also made the wheelers charge it like a bull. It was a very scenic trail with a 360-degree view that swept through Arches National Park, Moab Valley, and the La Sal Mountains.

The run trekked through miles of ridges and tight ledges until we got to “Tip-Over Challenge” area.  Before attacking this major obstacle, Skyjacker provided the participants with lunch.  It was a beautiful spot, with a view overlooking the Colorado River pass. 

The "Tip-Over Challenge" award goes to this Jeep CJ

After chowin’ down lunch, some dare devils jumped in their Jeeps and lined up to take on the “Tip-Over Challenge”.  This obstacle lives up to its name.  It starts with a very steep decline with an off-camber entrance that rides into a drop-off that will tip you over if you’re not careful.  After making it to the bottom, there is a second obstacle that brings you back up to the top of “Tip-Over Challenge”.  If the first obstacle didn’t get you, than second time is a charm.  We did have a Jeep tip on its side, but luckily both the driver and vehicle made it out with only a few scratches.

6.1L HEMI powered Skyjacker Jeep JK with 6-inch long arm kit

Next was on the agenda was “Rubble Trouble”, but before we got there, we stopped at Mickey’s Hot Tubs.  The hot tubs are two large bowls at a top of a rock mound that sometimes have water in them.  The challenge is to get inside, and then try to get out.  There are two hot tubs, one small and one big.  Everyone on our run made it through the small bowl, but only a few dared try the big Mickey’s Hot Tub.

Ranch Pratt from UROC took a dip in Mickey's Hot Tub

After taking a dip in the tubs, we headed out towards the sand flats.  This concluded our trail run.  It was a truly scenic and exciting run.  The folks at Skyjacker and Red Rock 4-Wheelers, Inc sure do know how to plan a great trail run.  We hope to be back next year to see what they put together.

Dude...I broke my shaft