Moab is famous for its off-roading trails and the beautiful red desert scenery. You might get lucky and combine the two, depending on the trail that you choose. Thankfully, not all trails in Moab are designed for rough off-roading. Some deliver a more relaxed ride as you and your passengers take in the views and scenery.
One such trail we discovered during our regular trail ride event is Buttes and Towers.
Buttes and Towers Trail Overview
If you’re in the mood for a relaxing day out and some moderate four-wheeling amidst magnificent red rock formations, look no further than Buttes and Towers.
This trail takes you to the scenic Courthouse Pasture area that’s found to the northwest of Moab. The route combines many old trails in the area to create a pleasant and varied off-roading experience. While you’ll have to pay more attention to the trail over some rough sections, you and your passengers will be wowed by the breathtaking views and picturesque vistas of the reddish Entrada rock formations.
This 50-mile trail has a 3 rating so it delivers some minimal challenges. Still, your ride needs tires that are at least 31 inches and above though you can get by without a winch or differential lockers.
Buttes and Towers Trail Scenery and Surface
This trail is definitely big on scenery, taking you to see rock formations that are plentiful in the area. Some of those you’re likely to see include Courthouse Rock, Big Mesa, Pasture Butte, Alien Rock, Determination towers as well as Monitor and Merrimac Buttes.
The trail surface is true to the rating and varies between bumpy road sections and smooth sandy washes. There’s also a two-track dirt section, slickrock with sidehill areas and a few sandy creek bottoms.
Buttes and Towers Trail Details and Obstacles
This trail offers the perfect combination of moderate 4 wheeling with plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Some rougher sections of the trail call for more attention than others but nothing too tough for a stock 4WD to handle.
Along the way, your eyes will be drawn time and again to the huge magnificent Entrada formations jutting out at different parts of the trail. Ensure you take time to stop by as many of these buttes and towers as you wish to take photos and get a feel for their actual size up close.
There are no named obstacles on this trail yet but there’s a spot that might test your driving near Tusher Wash. You may need a spotter to safely guide you through this section.
Even though Buttes and Towers isn’t a tough, rugged trail delivering lots of damage, your vehicle might still need some service and maintenance later on. Bring it to the Dixie 4 Wheel Drive auto shop in Moab and we’ll have it fixed in no time.