- The Man Behind the Monster Buggy
Moab legend. Off-road superhero. The only guide in the world to conquer the Escalator 3,500+ times with passengers aboard.
Dave Hellman founded the Moab Reservation Center in 2011 with one clear, audacious vision: to create the most unforgettable rock-crawling experience on earth, and to share the raw beauty and challenge of Moab's legendary trails with everyone who dared to show up.
That vision began with a custom-built 1989 Chevy Suburban. It evolved into the iconic Monster Buggy experience known worldwide today.
Dave didn't set out to run a typical tour company. He set out to go further than anyone else dared. Not just taking guests across Hell's Revenge Trail, but giving everyday adventurers the chance to experience one of the most difficult rock-crawling obstacles on earth: the Escalator. Dave has personally conquered the Escalator more than 3,500 times going up and over 1,600 times down with passengers aboard. And counting.
Widely regarded as a Moab legend, Dave holds the record for navigating the area's most challenging obstacles with passengers. He has rescued more than 100 vehicles stranded on the trail. With over 15 years dedicated to vehicle recoveries across Moab (including National Park terrain), his experience, skill, and commitment to safety are simply unmatched.
Known by many as "Moab's off-road superhero," Dave is deeply respected and loved by thousands of guests nationwide. His passion is powerful and simple: make Moab's extreme terrain and breathtaking beauty accessible to everyone through jaw-dropping thrills, endless laughter, and once-in-a-lifetime memories in every single adventure.
Dave built this company the way he drives: methodically, with the safety margins worked out well before anyone else gets in the vehicle. Every route Xtreme 4x4 Tours runs, from the 3.5 hour U-Drive on Hell's Revenge to the multi-hour National Park backcountry trips, reflects choices Dave made after driving the terrain himself first, not after reading a map or a brochure from another operator.
Guests notice it on the trail. Dave calls out obstacles before you see them coming, explains why a line works instead of just telling you to follow it, and treats a nervous first-timer with the same patience as a repeat guest chasing the Escalator descent for the fourth time. That combination, deep trail knowledge plus a genuine investment in whether you have a good time, is what separates fifteen years of actually running this terrain from a company that just licenses access to it.
Common questions about Dave Hellman and Xtreme 4x4 Tours
How many times has Dave climbed the Escalator? More than 3,500 times going up and over 1,600 times coming down, both with passengers aboard, on the Level 5 obstacle most Moab operators will not attempt.
How long has Dave been guiding in Moab? Over 15 years, including founding the Moab Reservation Center in 2011 and personally performing more than 100 trail recoveries across Moab and National Park terrain.
How do I book a tour with Dave? Call or text 435-210-5853, or book online. Xtreme 4x4 Tours does not require a deposit to reserve your spot.
With passengers. Up the Level 5 obstacle.
The terrifying part no one else attempts.
Trail recoveries across Moab & National Parks.
Founded Moab Reservation Center in 2011.
