Part two of “To Hell’s Gate and Back” continues the story of the trek that we made on the famed Hell’s Revenge trail during the 47th Annual Moab Easter Jeep® Safari.
The crown jewel of Hell’s Revenge is the appropriately named “Hell’s Gate” event. Do a quick video search for it online, and it should be plainly obvious how it got its name (and why it’s essential to have a capable vehicle and an expert spotter to give you the best line up).
Of our group of about 35 vehicles, roughly 10 dared to venture up the legendary passage. That included our Rubicon 10, which was the least modified of any of the vehicles. A few of the vehicles struggled going up, thanks to less-than-ideal lines and some poor technique. We witnessed one vehicle, in particular, with a front tire spent quite a bit of time up in the air while the crowd that amassed looked on anxiously. Luckily, with a little help, everyone who took on the event made it up.
Which vehicle made it look the easiest? Not to toot our own horn, but it was probably the Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition. By taking the right line from the start, it managed the event like it was child’s play – a testament to the vehicle’s off-the-floor capability (and skilled driver and spotter).
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What separates the Jeep brand from other automotive manufacturers is events like this. Jeep brand engineers, designers, marketers and everyone else in between converge on hallowed ground. But not to do what most brands do – to shill, or sell or push the latest project. Rather, it’s to ride along with the most important people of all – the customers; to listen to them speak about their vehicles; to hear them talk about what they want to see the Jeep brand make.
And finally, we’re out there with the enthusiasts to just ride the trails. Come Hell’s Revenge or high water, that’s what it’s all about.
