Pritchett Canyon Trails
Pritchett Canyon ATV Trail in Moab,Utah
Region: Moab
Trailhead Location: West of town 2.8 miles from Mcdonalds, stay left at fork in road
Trailhead GPS: 38°32’8.48″N 109°35’56.18″W
Trail Mileage: 4.5 miles to the top of the canyon
Riding Difficulty: Difficult (Rated 4+ on Moab’s 4 point rating scale)
Temperature Range: 30-90 Depending on Season
Trail Description
The Pritchett canyon is a large trail of about 33 km which is found open all around the year. This point-to-point trail offers scenic views and is considered one of the most difficult trails in Moab. Experts suggest always maintain your ride on the right side of the canyon and follow route point marks all the time.
No matter how experienced a rider you are, you should always analyze the obstacles beforehand and have the courage to call quits if you think it would be extremely risky for you. This is the trail that won’t give a scratch to your pride even if you go back to the start. If you can control your aggression and make full use of the winch points then only you can make it along with the obstacles in the Pritchett Canyon trail.
The most difficulty is found in the obstacles named rocker knocker and the axle hill. Many high-profile rigs would get winced and strapped and your vehicle can easily get a broken axle. The roads that you will find in this trail will either be bumpy with rock ledges or it will be on solid bedrocks and much dirt will also be there in some places. But this trail is also considered to have natural canyon features like no other trail.
The steep walls of rocks which are often found wet are quite unique. From these cliffs, you will also witness large side canyon pour-offs along with pool kind of creek bottoms. Arches of window arch and Pritchett arch are also viewed from this trail. On the left side of the canyon trail, you will also find the wilderness study area which you shouldn’t indulge in any way. A series of hills like the axle, yellow, chewy will be experienced by the rider in this trail.
Obstacles and further details
At the initial part of the trail you will find a steep descent from the canyon ledge but the actual difficulty you will face after a few miles when you reach the rocker knocker which is present in a nasty angle which you need to first study with your eyes before going in with the ride. Then you will soon have to face a difficult narrow bypass where patience and bravery need to go hand in hand.
The rock pile is also present afterward which is also very difficult to ride through because of the rock and tire friction problems. Lastly, you will face the yellow hill where the elevation would be maximum and a great view will be noticed.
There are multicolored rocks present on these uneven ledges that will provide a sense of achievement in itself from the top. Your ride needs to have the ultimate features for off-road riding to make you travel properly through this trail although getting your vehicle damaged is a very common thing in the pritchett canyon trail.
Elevation High: 4600
Elevation Low: 3900
Terrain: Rocky Jeep trail
Best Travel Season: Spring and Fall
Map Availability: National Geographic has two detailed maps of Moab area trails
