We didn’t know these trails were so hard

Stove Gulch and Neversweat Canyon are two of the most technical trails in San Rafael Swell, Utah. We pushed the Jeep Gladiator through 54 minutes of treacherous rocky ascents, steep descents, and narrow washes. If you're planning a San Rafael Swell trip and want to know what these trails really require, watch this.

What started as exploration turned into a serious test of driving skill and vehicle capability. Stove Gulch and Neversweat Canyon are rated harder than expected - narrow lines, technical rock crawling, and steep descents that demand precision. This is NOT a beginner trail run. Watch as we navigate some of the most challenging terrain in the San Rafael Swell.

*TRAILS COVERED:*

*Stove Gulch:*
Technical rocky ascents
Narrow trail sections
Requires precise line selection
Difficulty: Difficult
Vehicle: Jeep Gladiator with 35s minimum, 37-38s recommended

*Neversweat Canyon:*
Intensely challenging technical sections
Steep descents requiring careful spotting
Narrow washes with limited room for error
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Vehicle: Experienced drivers only, rock sliders essential

*JEEP GLADIATOR SETUP:*
Tires: 35s or 38s
Rock sliders: Essential for protection
Recovery gear: Yankum ropes and straps

*TRAIL CONDITIONS:*
Season: Summer
Terrain: Technical rock crawling, steep descents, narrow washes
Navigation: GAIA GPS and Trails Offroad recommended
Group riding: Highly recommended for safety and spotting

*TRIP PLANNING TIPS:*
1. These trails are harder than Trails Offroad ratings suggest
2. Experienced drivers only - not for first-timers
3. Rock sliders are mandatory (body damage likely without them)
4. Bring recovery gear and wheel with experienced friends
5. 35-inch tires minimum, 37-38s preferred
6. Allow extra time - technical sections slow progress significantly
7. Check weather - flash flood danger in narrow canyons

*LESSONS LEARNED:*
Utah trails consistently run harder than published ratings
Neversweat Canyon lives up to its reputation as extremely technical
Jeep Gladiator wheelbase adds challenge on tight technical lines
Spotters are critical for safe navigation on steep descents
Northeast corner of San Rafael Swell is underrated and amazing

*WHAT TO EXPECT:*
This is serious technical wheeling. If you're looking for scenic cruising, these are NOT your trails. Expect body panel contact, careful line selection, and slow progress. The Gladiator handled it but this pushed the limits of what an overland rig should attempt. Comments confirm: "I have never seen anyone rock crawl like that in an overland rig."

*BEST TIME TO VISIT:*
Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for moderate temperatures. Summer is scorching. Winter can be cold but trails remain accessible. AVOID during monsoon season (July-August) due to flash flood danger in narrow canyons.

*DIFFICULTY WARNING:*
One commenter noted: "Utah trails are always harder than TO rates them." This is accurate. If Trails Offroad rates these as moderate, expect difficult. If rated difficult, expect very difficult. Plan accordingly.

*BIG THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:*
Dirtbox Overland - Mention Trail Traveler for discount: http://dirtboxoverland.com
Progressive Suspension: http://progressivesuspension.com
Clayton Offroad: http://claytonoffroad.com
Super Springs - Save 15% with JOURNEYBETTER15: https://thetrailtraveler.com/go/super...

*NAVIGATION & TRAIL INFO:*
Trails Off-Road All Access Pass - Save 25% with code TRAIL_TRAVELER: https://www.trailsoffroad.com/all-acc...
GAIA GPS: Essential for navigation in remote areas

*OVERLANDING GEAR WE USE:*
Yankum Ropes & Recovery Gear (10% discount): https://thetrailtraveler.com/go/yanku...
Smittybilt Overlander Tent: https://thetrailtraveler.com/go/smitt...
Dometic CFX3 Fridge: https://thetrailtraveler.com/go/domet...

*JEEP BUILD DETAILS:*
Bagheera (Gladiator): https://revkit.com/bagheera/
Optimus (Wrangler): https://revkit.com/trailtraveler/

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#SanRafaelSwell #StoveGulch #NeversweatCanyon #UtahTrails #JeepGladiator #TechnicalTrails #RockCrawling #OffRoadUtah #TrailGuide #OverlandingUtah