Behind the Rocks - Tip Toe - 4WD Skills Day

4WD Skills Day trip!

Not your typical trail run!  The primary point is NOT to actually run the entire trail, but to use a variety of the different terrain and obstacle types found  on portions of the trail for training purposes.

The 4wd Skills Day takes place in the Tip Toe Behind the Rocks area. This trail will allow us to utilize the variety of terrain and obstacle types you encounter on other trails.  The Officials hope to help drivers develop their solid 4wd techniques. You will become aware of vehicle dynamics, preparedness, basic recovery and safety.  Drivers will learn how to analyze rocks, hills, ledges, and sand and make effective driving corrections, under the guidance of seasoned 4-wheelers and professional instructors.

4-Drive Skills Day for Winching and Hi-Lift jack techniques and instruction will also take place on this trail.

As we have stated, you will not be traversing the entire trail which tours the “Behind the Rocks” country just like the regular Behind the Rocks Trail. Instead we will be using areas of the trail where you can learn the "how to" of approaching obstacles and different terrain and how to choose your own line of ascent/descent.  See Tip Toe Behind the Rocks Trail in the TRAILS tab for a full trail description.
 

Scenery

The rock layers slope downward behind the cliffs, and the virtually impenetrable Navajo Sandstone domes and fins of the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area are in view most of the time. Balcony Arch, Picture Frame Arch, and Pritchett Arch may be seen at a distance (but close-up on Mondays hike). There is a spectacular pour-off of Hunters Canyon with a small natural bridge above a pool and hanging gardens that are fed by perennial dripping springs.

Surface

Most of the road is sandy dirt with occasional rock outcrops.

Trail Details

There are a few minor drainage crossings that have exposed rock ledges requiring a bit of technique to climb with equipment that is close to stock. The downhill route into Hunters Canyon may require some rock positioning to carry those with less lift and tire diameter. Even so, the sound of metal skid plates on rock will be common.