Moab Jeep Rentals

Jeep: From War Hero to Moab Legend

The word “Jeep” instantly conjures up images of a rugged, no-nonsense 4x4 grinding its way over rocks, through rivers, and across battlefields. It's an American original, forged in the fires of World War II. Originally commissioned for the U.S. Army, the vehicle was meant to be light, durable, and unstoppable. It quickly proved itself indispensable across Europe and the Pacific, earning a reputation for resilience and adaptability. Since then, it’s been part of nearly every American conflict, humanitarian mission, and off-road adventure imaginable.

As for the name? That’s where things get a little muddy. Some say “Jeep” came from the slurred initials “G.P.” for “General Purpose” vehicle, used by soldiers and mechanics in the field. Others trace it to Eugene the Jeep, a magical, problem-solving character from the Popeye comic strip, Eugene, whose only words were "jeep, jeep!" was able to go float through ceilings and walls and seemingly able to go anywhere and do anything. It’s a fitting origin, especially here in Moab, where Jeeps aren’t seen as general-purpose at all. They're specialists—designed and deployed to crawl over slickrock, squeeze through canyons, and traverse the kind of terrain that would stop lesser vehicles in their tracks.

Moab’s love affair with Jeeps goes farther back than just adventure for tourists. It’s rooted in the area’s mining history. In the mid-20th century, Moab was at the center of a uranium boom that brought prospectors, geologists, and truckloads of dynamite into the desert. To reach the remote deposits scattered across red rock mesas and sandstone cliffs, they built hundreds of miles of rugged access roads—roads that would later be reclaimed by off-roaders, Jeep clubs, and outdoor enthusiasts. Today, these same routes form the backbone of Moab’s vast 4x4 trail network, offering everything from casual scenic drives to white-knuckle rock crawling challenges.

When you rent a Jeep in Moab, you’re not just getting a vehicle, you’re gaining access to a living museum of exploration, industry, and adrenaline. With a modern suspension and trail-ready clearance, your Jeep can take you places most people only see on postcards. From the wide-open views of Shafer Trail to the winding climbs of Onion Creek, the trails around Moab still whisper of their past lives. But now, instead of hauling ore and explosives, they carry families, photographers, and weekend vacationers on the ride of a lifetime.