Pritchett Canyon Rock Pile

Mile 3.8 of Pritchett Canyon serves up the most infamous obstacle in Moab’s portfolio of rig-breakers. This 12-foot vertical rock face demands perfect line choice, spotting, and equipment — most attempts end in body damage, broken axles, or expensive recovery ops. The bypass route around the left side isn’t much easier and has claimed its share of casualties. Dozens of rigs litter the canyon floor as testament to overconfidence meeting physics.

This is a hard 5.0 obstacle that requires full skid protection, 35+ inch tires, lockers front and rear, and significant driver skill. Even then, breakage is common. Most overlanders should turn around before reaching this point — the trail up to here is scenic and challenging without the carnage risk.

Moab's most notorious rig-destroying rock climb