This Jeep, rented in Moab, was one of three or four that were driving together. They had traveled about six miles on sandy roads to get here. I had hiked about 1.5 miles on varied terrain. To each his own…

Four-wheel-drive trails around Moab are a big part of the area’s popularity so I do not begrudge the presence of four-wheel vehicles. Moab would be worse off economically without the four-wheeler crowd. It is interesting to watch the rock-crawlers travel over rugged sandstone terrain but I cannot imagine getting enjoyment out of it. The drivers are usually going slowly so they do not pose a safety hazard for humble walkers. I just step aside and let them pass. My only complaint is the smell of vehicle exhaust, but that passes quickly.

However, dirt-bike motorcycles are another matter. Exhaust fumes are unpleasant, but much worse is the loud whining of their engines. And in general motorcyclists seem much more aggressive in their driving than do people in four-wheeled vehicles.

This view looks eastward at Monitor Butte.