Trail Overview
Metal Masher is a classic hardcore trail that’s only suitable for highly-modified rigs and is an 11.6-mile trail rated 7 of 10. This isn’t a trail for the fainthearted, as some of the obstacles are quite harrowing. What makes this an interesting trail is the combination of fun, challenging obstacles, and heady, breathtaking views. Metal Masher takes a route up to Arth’s Rim, overlooking Highway 191. At first, it angles up the sloping cliff to a gap in the rim rock before following Little Canyon partly into the mesa and then following the gentle slope of the rock the rest of the way. The local club recommends a modified rig with maximum ground clearance and at least 35-inch tall tires. Your vehicle should also be equipped with front and rear lockers, and a winch is also a good idea, as it might come in handy. Take time to look up from the obstacles, you’ll be blown away by the magnificent view of the Moab Valley, Arches National Park, and the La Sal Mountains. There are 3 main obstacles for hardcore off-roaders to test both themselves and their rigs. These are Rock Chucker, Mirror Gulch, and Widow Maker. Over the first 4-miles or so, you will encounter multiple ledges of varying size and Tailpipe Hill. About a mile and a half further down the trial you come to Rock Chucker. This obstacle should only be tackled by big rigs and has a bypass. Rock Chucker is a series of vehicle-sized boulders and a 14-foot ledge. Rock Chucker has a legal bypass. A little further down the trail is Mirror Gulch, famous for inflicting sheet metal damage on rigs. Mirror Gulch has no bypass and consists of narrow ledges and cuts, which must be negotiated very carefully to avoid body damage. After climbing Mirror Gulch, you will ascend to the rim overlooking U.S. Route 191. At 7.3 miles, the trail splits. The left fork bypasses the infamous Widow Maker obstacle, while the right fork will lead you to the obstacle and then back to the main trail. Widow Maker is a 10-foot near-vertical waterfall challenge. Continuing on, you’ll find yourself on sandy two-track roads leading out to the Gemini Bridges Road and back to the staging area.
Difficulty
The trail consists of rock, sand, and considerable slickrock with many steps exceeding 48 inches. Steep inclines and declines are prevalent. Enhanced offroad equipment is required, including locking devices (front & rear), 35-inch tires, maximum vehicle ground clearance, and winch points. A winch is desirable. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely. Rollover possibilities exist.
