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Hell's Revenge... I'm still not sure how I feel about it.

by Cheryl

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are known for their stunning arches, bridges and unique red rock formations. But did you know that the surrounding area is world famous for its jeep and ATV trails?

Since we travel with our children, we are always trying to mix in some adventure with the sightseeing so Matt booked us a jeep tour. Little did we know that we would be cruising around with Dan Mick, the "Mayor of Slick Rock."

He started the first jeep tour company in Moab and many of the obstacles (that's what they call the crazy paths that people take their jeeps on) are named after him.

Our first obstacle was straight up a narrow fin with 20 foot drops on both sides. He easily and safely cleared this obstacle while eating a breakfast burrito and driving with one hand, all while telling us some funny stories about epic fails tourists have had along the trail.

I'd assured my kids before we left that this jeep tour would be much like going on a rollercoaster. It would feel scary but was completely safe. I was wrong.

Several people have died on the Hell's Revenge trail we were on. From my research, these deaths mostly occurred when inexperienced drivers attempted the incredibly difficult obstacles along the trail. As we drove along, I'd see several cautious people bypassing obstacles that they knew were not safe for them.

Lucky for us, no one drives like Dan. He took us on every scary obstacle along the trail...and made it look easy. My kids LOVED it. I was grateful for the installed handrail that I clenched the entire 3 hours of our tour.

Most of the time I felt like crying, vomiting or laughing. The obstacles were exciting and Dan was really funny but I was still terrified the whole time.

Why are you telling me this?

Matt and I are big believers in adding some adventures to sightseeing trips. We'll never forget riding eBikes through Bryce Canyon, driving a Slingshot through the Black Hills, or riding mules at the Grand Canyon.

A Jeep ride through Moab is one of those adventures that we encourage people to do. My kids still talk about how fun it was.

We paid for our own jeep tour and have no business partnership with Dan. I just want people to safely enjoy the trails. Dan Mick Jeep Tours has been taking people around Moab for years and is a good bet.

What's been your favorite adventure?

I'd love to hear if you've ever done something really fun while visiting a national park. It's exciting when I get responses from you and I'm always looking for new ideas to enjoy the West.

If you are planning a trip to Arches, Canyonlands, or Moab, we have an itinerary for you! It has an amazing mix of our favorite things to do, including back-up plans. It walks you through step-by-step with easy to read maps that will help you see Delicate Arch, Devil's Garden, Park Avenue and many more in the most efficient way.

Getting Personal: 2 Very Special Anniversaries Happy 22nd Anniversary, Matt! Not too many university professors care to get involved in their student's personal lives, but Dr. Sessions of Weber State University is an exception! I'll never forget the last night of our History of Utah class. I was walking out the door and I heard him say to Matt, "It's now or never!" The rest as they say.... is history! I Left the Classroom 1 Year Ago 28 years ago, I graduated from high school and began my teaching career. Over the years, I have taught... In a transition program for 18-22-year-olds with severe disabilities as a teachers aide Sex-Ed to horny junior high students (😳 it's the only time I ever taught general ed) Severe special education at a junior high Night school helping students with mild disabilities get their high school diplomas Adapted Zumba for adults with severe disabilities Reading and math for students with mild disabilities at my neighborhood elementary school In the same transition program, I began my career, but as a teacher I didn't leave because I was unhappy. I'm proud of my career. If I had a time machine, I'd tell the 18-year-old me to make the exact same decisions. Every day I got to work with angels including my students, their families, and my co-workers. ​ Magical things happen when good people work together for a good cause. It was a career filled with joy and purpose. ​ I left to live a dream with the man I love. Being able to earn a living blogging, creating YouTube videos, and writing travel guides is about as rare as making it to the NBA. Matt has worked so hard to make it so that We're in the Rockies could support our family and I'm grateful to be able to pursue this dream with him. ​ I apologize for the belated announcement. It was an emotional decision and something hard to put into words. ​

Thanks for sharing this adventure with me and I wish you safe travels, where ever you may go.

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Matt and Cheryl

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