Protecting the View: TreadLightly! Fencing Project on Top of the World Trail

by Terry Pritchard

The Top of the World Trail in Moab, Utah, is a must-visit for off-roaders—not just for its moderately challenging terrain, but for the unforgettable view at the summit. Sitting over 7,000 feet high on Waring Mesa, the trail’s famous sandstone ledge juts dramatically over a cliff, offering a panoramic vista of Fisher Valley, Onion Creek, and the La Sal Mountains. It's also one of the most iconic—and heart-pounding—photo spots in the off-road world, making it a bucket-list destination for adventurers nationwide.

But with that popularity comes a responsibility to protect the landscape. Preserving this legendary trail and its stunning overlook is a shared effort for all who ride it.

Each year during the legendary Easter Jeep Safari, TreadLightly!—a nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible off-road recreation—organizes a special stewardship project to help protect the trails and landscapes we all enjoy.

This year was no different. TreadLightly! teamed up with volunteers, off-road industry pros, SEMA officials, and land managers to build protective fencing at a key gathering spot near the start of the Top of the World Trail. The goal? To clearly mark trail boundaries and protect the fragile terrain near this busy junction—helping keep it open and beautiful for years to come.

Volunteers braved the sun and rugged terrain to install durable “buck and rail” fencing that blend into the environment while reinforcing responsible trail use. This project is just one of many that reflect TreadLightly!’s mission to balance access with conservation—ensuring trails like Top of the World stay open and beautiful for generations to come.

The participants got a quick training on the process of building the fencing by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) officials. Once “trained” the large group of volunteers, made quick work of moving supplies, building the “A” frames and constructing the entire fencing. The multiple locations for this fencing were completed in a couple of hours. This same project would have taken the BLM officials multiple days to complete on their own.

The camaraderie between the volunteers was wonderful. Conversations ranged from upcoming events to how to make a difference in the off-roading community. The gratitude from the BLM and TreadLightly! was clear, as they thanked participants for giving their time and energy to preserve these trails. It was a powerful reminder that when the off-road community comes together, we can make a lasting impact—one post, one fence line, one cleanup, and one trail at a time.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Moab or exploring your own local trails, remember: treading lightly helps keep our favorite places wild, open, and epic.

Terry Pritchard (Jeepin’ Terry) is the  Events & Off-Road Content Specialist for Oracle Lighting. In his spare time, he is the host of the Jeep Life Podcast and co-founder of the Jeep Enthusiasts of Eastern Pennsylvania, one of the largest Jeep clubs in the state. His obsession with Jeeps started in the 80s with his boss’s big bad blue CJ5. Growing up in the mountains of Tennessee, Terry spent plenty of time on the trails and in the outdoors. His 2017 Wrangler, named Kylo, has been to California and back and everywhere in between, finding trails and adventures everywhere… and constantly asks for more.