Cliff Hanger

Total Miles
4.3

Technical Rating

7

Difficult

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Type

High-Clearance 4x4 Trail

Accessible By

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Cliff Hanger
14

Trail Overview

Cliff Hanger, as the name indicates, winds up and around high jagged cliffs, providing plenty of difficult obstacles along the way. Beginning with a challenging descent from the Kane Creeek road to the creek bottom, the route continues out of the canyon over steep ledges offering breathtaking views into Jackson Hole. The final reward is a jaw-dropping overlook above the Colorado river. The backdrop is phenomenal, and mountain bikers often ride in this area as well. Be courteous and careful. Helmets recommended.

Photos of Cliff Hanger

Cliff Hanger
Cliff Hanger

Difficulty

Difficult. Strictly hard-core. No stock SUVs. Huge ledge along cliff edge at 2.6 miles is not for the faint of heart. At Wpt. 03, if you're not careful, it is easy to slide sideways and roll over.

Technical Rating

7

Status Reports

Brian Allen
Jun 12, 2025
Open
Normal
Dusty
Really great trail. Has some serious obstacles that will test your rig and your sanity. The trail length is not a 4.5 mile out and back, it is right around 8 miles so take that into consideration. Took us 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete with 2 buggies and a well built jeep.
Trevor Seidel
May 28, 2025
2024 Jeep Gladiator
Open
Normal
Trail was a lot of fun and very scenic. None of the obstacles were particularly challenging, but they were technical and non stop. Make sure you can get back up the first few obstacles before going down. JT with 3.5” lift and 37s. The longer wheelbase definitely helps on this trail.
David Mccormick
May 21, 2025
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Very difficult. 4.5” lifted JKU on 37’s. The trail has become far more difficult and dangerous over the years. Cliffhanger obstacle is one of the most straightforward to tackle. The obstacle before cliffhanger was difficult to climb up and the two obstacles at the beginning of the trail are challenging to climb up on your way back as well. You will scrape the bottom of your rig and test its suspension to the max. You will have to pick the right line and don’t be afraid to give it allot more of the long peddle on the right.
Jeremy Thomas
May 05, 2025
4x4
Open
Normal
The second obstacle is a big drop that is very difficult if not impossible for a locked TJ on 35’s to get up at the end of the day. None of us could get up and after I unexpectedly rolled everyone else winched. Those who winched almost rolled too so they added another winch line. One LJ made it. This trail is getting harder and harder where changes can occur. The obstacle on the edge that the trail is named for is easy for a locked TJ on 35’s.

Access Description

From Hwy.191 on south side of Moab, head west on Kane Creek Road. Bear left at the first fork, and continue south along river. After large parking area on right at 4.7 miles, road turns left and heads downhill. Go another 1.1 miles to start of trail on right.

Cliff Hanger Map

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