When people talk about the most popular off-roading trails in Moab, they usually talk about the ones that prove challenging to modified rigs. However, few of them talk about the trails that are so challenging they might as well be for buggies only.
Such trails do exist and are a favorite of adrenaline junkies and off-roaders who don’t mind wrecking their rigs while dangling precariously from rock ledges or negotiating gravity-defying slopes.
One such trail is Chain Reaction, found in Sand Mountain, St. George.
Chain Reaction Trail Overview
Sand Mountain in Sand Hollow National Park is an open riding area for UTVs, ATVs,Jeeps, and bikes. It consists of over 15,000 acres of sculpted dunes and slickrock guaranteeing hours of off-roading and dune-shredding fun. If you want to have fun outside the crowded trails of Moab, then Sand Mountain will deliver as you explore the washes and whoops, the dunes and red dirt trails with the red cliffs making a stunning background.
Chain Reaction is one of the trails in this area. It is rated 9 and from the onset, you can see why. This trail should only be undertaken by heavily modified rigs with high ground clearance, tires that are at least 35”, a winch, and both front and rear differential lockers. You’ll also need great off-roading skills as well as the courage to navigate some of the obstacles you’ll encounter. Even then, expect mechanical and body damage to your rig. No matter how careful you are, your ride is bound to get some love bites from the rocks and you may be unlucky enough to roll over.
If you have time to look up from the treacherous trail, you’ll be delighted by the scenery around you. Sand Mountain offers incredible views of Zion National Park, Sand Hollow Reservoir, the Hurricane Cliffs to the east, and the snow-capped Pine Valley Mountains to the west. From the right vantage point, you can also catch a glimpse of the Warner Valley and St. George spread out below.
Obstacles and other Trail Details
The obstacles at Chain Reaction come at you right from the start. The first one you encounter is a giant waterfall that is only suitable for buggies. Luckily, this obstacle is by-passable and you can then move on to the Low Chain or the Upper Chain of the trail. The Low Chain serves up plenty of obstacles, some of which can be harrowing with tricky falls and huge boulders. Upper Chain is no better with plenty of vertical hills and slickrock climbs to navigate.
Chain Reaction is ideal if you’re out for an adrenaline-filled adventure beyond Moab. Should your car sustain damage on the trail, don’t hesitate to bring it to the Dixie 4 Wheel Drive auto shop for a tune-up. While at the shop, ask us about downloading some trail maps of the area or joining us on one of our trail riding events to discover even more fascinating trails in Southern Utah.
