Interview with Mike Lopez of Colorado
Is the Hell's Revenge Trail only for Beginners?
All photos courtesy of Mike Lopez
What better trail name could you ask for? HELL'S REVENGE sounds both daunting and exhilarating all wrapped up into one location. The word on the street is, or, on the "off-road", is that Hell's Revenge can be ridden by more than just Jeeps and ATV's. The Hell's Revenge 4x4 Trail is a popular route, but extremely difficult due to hazardous terrain. The route is approximately 6.5 miles in length and takes 2-3 hours to navigate. The Hell’s Revenge Trail crosses the Slickrock Bike Trail (marked with painted white “dashes”). The Slickrock Bike Trail is open to motorcycles and mountain bikes only. The entrance to Hell’s Revenge is just past the Sand Flats Recreation Area Entrance Station.
If you haven't figured it out yet, we've been featuring a trail or national park or other must see location each month of the year, and sometimes we are lucky enough to find other off-roaders who have been there. They are kind enough to share their experience and their expertise. Take a moment, grab something nice and cold to drink, and see what Mike has to say about one of the coolest trails around.
What Trails do you think we should feature next? Tell us in the comments below!
TRAIL OF THE MONTH GUEST
From Montrose, Colorado, Mike Lopez of WarFab Armor shares his experience in Overlanding, as well as his time over at Hell's Revenge.
About Mike
How long have you been off-roading? About 15 years
How did you get started? Out in the desert with friends into the 'prerunner' style of off-road. Sand dunes, very mild wheeling.
Do you have a favorite mod? Lockers. Traction wins all.
Any advice for new riders? Be patient. Be willing to learn. Stay the trail. Find mvum for the area you are in and realize that rules will likely be different for different areas. Protect the ability for future wheelers to enjoy the trails.
Any reminders for experienced riders? You were new too. Be willing to educate and help develop new off-roaders.
What's your favorite trail? The 'trifecta' (poison spider, gold bar, gold spike) Moab. Great wheeling all day. Amazing views. Lines for about every level of vehicle build.
About Hell's Revenge
Tell us about what appeals to you about Hell's Revenge? It's great for almost any rig, mild to wild. Great acclimation to Moab traction and trail feeling.
When did you first ride it? 2008 ish.
Should Tacoma riders think twice before riding it? Or should they have any special equipment before going? Just be mindful of the less than great departure angle of the long trucks, and how tippy they can be dipping into holes. You're going to drag hitch/rear bumper most of the day.
What should riders be aware of when going, in your opinion? It's busy. Very busy. It's both easier than most are led to believe, but also dangerous if you aren't mindful of yourself. Just be willing to let other pass, keep good trail etiquette, and take your time. A misplaced tire can lead to very tippy situations, but the trail is doable in mostly stock vehicles.
What's your favorite trail? The 'trifecta' (poison spider, gold bar, gold spike) Moab. Great wheeling all day. Amazing views. Lines for about every level of vehicle build.
Tell us about what appeals to you about Hell's Revenge?It's great for almost any rig, mild to wild. Great acclimation to Moab traction and trail feeling.
When did you first ride it? 2008 ish.
Should Tacoma riders think twice before riding it? Or should they have any special equipment before going? Just be mindful of the less than great departure angle of the long trucks, and how tippy they can be dipping into holes. You're going to drag hitch/rear bumper most of the day.
What should riders be aware of when going, in your opinion? It's busy. Very busy. It's both easier than most are led to believe, but also dangerous if you aren't mindful of yourself. Just be willing to let other pass, keep good trail etiquette, and take your time. A misplaced tire can lead to very tippy situations, but the trail is doable in mostly stock vehicles.
Would you recommend only experienced riders to go? No. I think newer or inexperienced folks should join others who have more seat time out there, or on a trail in general. Being careful and taking your time, it's a great trail to learn on. As with anything off-road, there are always risks.
Anything else we should have asked, but didn't? Off trail traffic has been hurting a lot of areas, and Moab is an ohv area that's been struggling with this a lot. Stay the trail. No questions or leeway. Stay on the trail. Take your trash with. If you're not sure, stop, get out, and look. Moab community is great at hosting trail runs and meet ups to tag along with. Never go out alone and plan for more food and drink than you need. Also, make sure you have Rory Irish from Moab Motorsports phone number handy in case you need a repair or a tow.
There you have it folks, never say never and ALWAYS STAY ON THE TRAILS! Don't forget to check out this month's special on Bumper Kits. Our brackets are built in house and with the most powerful LED's on the market, you are sure to ride easy with one of these babies lighting up your night.
Until next time!
At Cali Raised LED, we not only want to encourage riders to try something new, (with all the proper precautions of course!) but also to not be too shy when it comes to checking out trails that they may not have thought possible. It's in our very slogan, "Rise Up and Seek Adventure." We really mean it.
Thank you to Mike Lopez from WarFab Armor for sharing your story with us.
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