Mercedes Lilienthal
A variety of Jeeps climbing obstacles during the multi-day event.
Words and photos by Mercedes Lilienthal
The recent 56th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT, gave way to thousands of Jeep enthusiasts and all kinds of 4x4 hardware and designs. From old wartime Willys flat fenders to Jeep’s latest concept vehicles, there was a wide variety of customized rigs for everyone to admire. Tons of trails hosted day-long treks for extreme rock-crawling endeavours for those brave enough to test their vehicle’s off-road mettle.
Held April 9 to 17 and presented by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers club, Easter Jeep Safari is one of the largest Jeep-centric gatherings in the U.S. and its famous slick red rock and awe-inspiring scenery provided event-goers with many reasons to celebrate. It didn’t matter if adventurers were mountain biking, hiking, or Jeeping their way through this southeastern high-desert region, they left with memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Easter Jeep Concepts
This year Jeep showcased a massive array of concept vehicles. Heavy-handed in electrification, they debuted seven 2022 concept 4x4s (four of them 4xe plug-in hybrid models and one a full EV). Three 2021 SEMA concept rigs were also featured. Jeep packed a punch with 10 total concepts, each uniquely different.
Paying homage to the very first Willys-Overland that dates back to 1941, the Jeep ’41 Concept echoed its acknowledgement by donning drab olive-green and simple Fifteen52 Analog HD wheels. However, the ’41 concept looks to the future by showcasing a plug-in hybrid powertrain boasting an estimated 49 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent) and up to 34 km (21 mi) of EV range. Additionally, it incorporates a WARN winch, a tan soft-top, Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) bull bar and half doors.
1 of 10
Mercedes Lilienthal
The Jeep Magneto 2.0 boasts more than double the horsepower and triple the torque of its predecessor.
2 of 10
Mercedes Lilienthal
Some of the enthusiasts at the event.
3 of 10
Mercedes Lilienthal
A Factor 55 Jeep Gladiator. Being Moab, even the most tricked-out rigs needed some support winching.
4 of 10
Mercedes Lilienthal
Testing the challenging conditions couldn’t be resisted.
5 of 10
Mercedes Lilienthal
A Rubitrux Jeep in articulation motion.
6 of 10
Mercedes Lilienthal
Up she goes! We wonder how 4x4s that weren’t rigged with serious hardware fared on the trails.
7 of 10
Mercedes Lilienthal
A customized Jeep climbing a narrow chute.
8 of 10
Mercedes Lilienthal
Some enthusiasts during one of the organized runs.
9 of 10
Mercedes Lilienthal
More rigs during one of the scheduled group events.
10 of 10
Mercedes Lilienthal
A Toyota 4Runner leading Fabtech Trail Run.
Equipped with a 3.6 L Pentastar engine, the high-gloss black Jeep D-Coder concept boasts more than 35 JPP and Mopar parts and accessories featured in bright ‘Maraschino Red.’ Every part is labelled with a QR code that allows access to live, shoppable links. In short, the Jeep D-Coder is a rolling catalogue of updates and upgrades.
In addition to other electrified concepts, the second iteration of Jeep’s all-electric endeavour, the Magneto 2.0, showcases more than double the horsepower and triple the torque of its predecessor. Jeep’s goal for this EV is to be ‘an open laboratory’ to understand customer interactions, how it tackles Moab’s slick rock, and how it’s received among those who drive it.
Trail Happy Jeeps
From ‘Kane Creek’ and ‘Cliffhanger’ to ‘Metal Masher’ and ‘Moab Rim,’ the Easter Jeep Safari showcases tons of trails for off-roading enthusiasts. Although the city is relatively small, Moab’s surroundings are vast and varied. Boulder-filled tracks challenge even the most seasoned off-roaders (as evidenced by integrated winch points and black rubber-lined stairsteps). Scenic trails offer easier terrain for those without lockers or massive tires and outlying sand dunes beg to be seen.
Jeep JKs, JLs, Gladiators, and more took to the town and trails as the week-long event transpired. From stock tire sizes to massive 40-inch rubber, each rig was uniquely different yet extremely capable. Although mainly a Jeep event, random Toyotas, Fords, and other vehicles were showcased.
There were also some tips for enthusiasts. Carefully research each trail before taking it on since many can pose unforgiving challenges. Whether Jeepers sign up for EJS-led trail time or behind-the-scenes outings, it’s a time bursting at the seams with fun, sun, and loads of Jeeps.
Moab is a special place for adventurers of all types, no matter where they’re from. Its colourful desert landscape and inviting atmosphere will enchant visitors for years to come, wooing them back for another chance at red-rock fun.