VIEW FROM THE TOP: CARSPOTTING AT HELL’S GATE
There is no better place to sit and watch the chaos of Cruise Moab 2026 than the overlook at the top of Hell’s Gate. It’s the ultimate natural amphitheater for off-road theater, where the line between "hero" and "hard-roll" is about three inches of tire placement.
Looking through the lens today, the variety on the slickrock was insane. We had everything from high-dollar builds to the absolute legends of the community.
The Sons of Smokey 60 Series
You can’t talk about land-use advocacy and the Gambler 500 without mentioning the Sons of Smokey crew. Seeing their 60 Series Land Cruiser working its way up the gate is a masterclass in "built not bought" philosophy. This rig isn't just a crawler; it’s a tool for trail cleanups and public land preservation. It’s got that perfect, weathered patina that only comes from years of actual dirt—proving that a classic 60 belongs on the rocks, not just in a climate-controlled garage.
The Brave Soul in the Kei Truck
Then, there was the moment everyone stopped breathing for a second: Who TF drove a white K-truck up Hell’s Gate? Seriously, seeing that tiny JDM Kei truck—likely a Suzuki Carry or Daihatsu Hijet—scrambling up the steep V-notch was the highlight of the day. While the 80 Series and 100 Series guys are worrying about their Departure angles, this legend is basically driving a mountain goat with a bed. It’s a hilarious reminder that sometimes all you need is a short wheelbase, a lot of guts, and maybe a little bit of momentum.
Hell’s Revenge never disappoints, but the carspotting this year was on another level. Whether you’re in a fully-locked cruiser or a literal delivery truck from Japan, the spirit of Moab is about getting to the top together.
