Off-Road's FJ has diligently served as a daily driver, hauler, and photo shoot transportation. We've also flogged the FJ in the dirt, and it's now the proud bearer of some "off-road pinstriping," which no self-respecting off-road truck should be without.
This was the third time I've attended the Moab Easter Jeep Safari, but the first time I've truly enjoyed the event. While past years definitely held some bright spots in my memory banks, I wasn't in the pilot's seat on any of the Easter Jeep Safari trails until '07. Vive la difference! Off-Road's West Coast Division (as opposed to our Rocky Mountain Division) followed the painted stripes of the Hell's Revenge Trail, ventured into Arches National Park, and sampled Fins 'n' Things before heading homeward. Neither Hell's Revenge nor Fins 'n' Things is at the top of the Moab hardcore trail list, yet both routes demand a competent vehicle and a nonrookie driver. Hell's Revenge in particular has several sections that could spell big-time disaster (think sheer drop-offs and steep slopes) if not negotiated properly.
Closer to home, the opportunity was taken to explore some local terrain in search of photo shoot locales. At the same time, the FJ got a new set of tires wrapped around its Walker Evans wheels. There's only been enough time for a first impression of the Nitto Dune Grappler, but this visually striking tire gets a thumbs-up right off the bat in the performance department. Read on.
 If you're sick of reading...  If you're sick of reading about Moab year after year, here's the antidote: Put down the magazine and take a road trip. Moab really is worth experiencing firsthand. Perhaps the best part of Moab is that Dana 60s, 40-inch meats, and mechanical carnage aren't required to have fun: A variety of trails awaits. The entrance to Arches National Park is 3 miles outside of Moab, so there's no good excuse not to check it out. Arches is a nonstop visual feast. |  Longtime desert racer Kreg...  Longtime desert racer Kreg Donahoe isn't slowing down by visiting Moab, he's expanding his horizons. The dynamics of high-speed vehicle control provide a smooth segue into the world of Low range and lockers. "The purpose of suspension is to not upset the vehicle," Kreg advises. "That's true whether you're going fast or slow." Team Donahoe used Moab as a test bed for its new JK Wrangler suspension. Off-Road's Smurf-blue FJ Cruiser joined the Donahoe JK Wrangler and the Donahoe Class 3 FJ Cruiser for a shakedown run on Hell's Revenge. Kreg's four-door JK runs on 37-inch Nitto Mud Grapplers mounted to KMC beadlock wheels. |  The trail to Tower Arch is...  The trail to Tower Arch is bumpy and scenic, but it's actually not all that technical. The best part is that it's an uncrowded trail, even during Easter Jeep Safari. The best parts of Arches National Park can be sampled in a single day, but we'll venture a guess that, just like us, you won't be satisfied with one short visit either. |
 This section of Hell's Revenge...  This section of Hell's Revenge is downright tame, but it's a great spot to test your approach and departure angles. All-Pro Off-Road's front and rear bumpers hug the FJ's extremities. |  Hell's Revenge gives a true...  Hell's Revenge gives a true test of your "Moab bump" skills. The square-edged ledges require just enough momentum to pop your wheels over the edge, but they'll mangle vehicular internals if you slam into them at speed. I'm straining to see over the hood here, and it's not just because I'm short: The 'Cruiser is tough to see out of. |  Delicate Arch adorns Utah's...  Delicate Arch adorns Utah's license plates, and it's worth the 1.5-mile hike to see the real thing. The late afternoon sun hits Delicate Arch with a spectacular flare - pure, 100-percent-natural eye candy. Scores of photographers line up along the edge of the "bowl" that Delicate Arch sits on. If you want to put your hands on the arch or have your photo taken in front of it, make sure to get it done quickly. There's no shortage of photo-Nazis who don't want you "ruining" their pictures. |