Deep in the red rock canyons of Moab, Utah, where the trails twist through sandstone and the sky stretches wide with adventure, one man has become a living legend among off-roaders—Danny Grimes, better known simply as Grandpa. His story isn’t just about Jeeps and rugged terrain; it’s about the spirit of camaraderie, the unbreakable bonds of the off-road community, and the magic that happens when one man opens his garage—and his heart—to everyone who walks through its doors.
A Life Built for Adventure
Danny’s love for the open road didn’t start in Moab. Born and raised in California, he grew up with grease on his hands and the thrill of adventure in his soul. He started young, tearing through the streets on bikes and motorcycles before discovering the world of off-roading. That first taste of navigating rough terrain—where skill, machine, and nature collide—hooked him for life.
His first Jeep, a 1948 flat fender, became more than just a vehicle. It was his ticket to freedom, his passport to explore the wildest places he could reach. Every modification, every upgrade, was a new chapter in a story of adventure. The off-road lifestyle wasn’t just a hobby—it became the core of who he was.
Finding Home in Moab
For years, Danny made pilgrimages to Moab, drawn by the legendary Easter Jeep Safari, the challenging trails, and the tight-knit community of off-roaders who gathered there. Eventually, he realized that this place—the red rock paradise of 4x4 dreams—was where he belonged. In 2006, he made it official and moved to Moab full-time.
At the time, Moab was still a well-kept secret, a haven for hardcore off-roaders who respected the land and shared a passion for adventure. But as word spread, the town evolved into a premier off-roading destination, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. And at the center of it all was Grandpa’s Garage.
Grandpa’s Garage: More Than Just a Workshop
What started as a simple workspace quickly became something much bigger. Grandpa’s Garage evolved into a gathering place for Jeepers, a sanctuary where off-roaders could wrench on their rigs, swap trail stories, and find a sense of belonging. It didn’t take long before Danny’s generosity and wisdom turned his garage into a Moab institution.
But it wasn’t just about the Jeeps.
Danny set a tone from the very beginning—this was a place of respect, camaraderie, and good vibes only. No negativity. No drama. Just a shared love for adventure and helping each other out. If you walked into Grandpa’s Garage needing a hand, you’d walk out with new friends. That’s just how it worked.
The Trails, The Stories, The Legacy
Moab’s off-road trails are legendary—Pritchett Canyon, Hell’s Revenge, Cliffhanger, Top of the World—and Danny has conquered them all. Each trail tells a story, each obstacle a challenge to be met with grit and skill.
But for Danny, it’s never been about just the thrill. It’s about responsibility. He’s a fierce advocate for treading lightly, preserving Moab’s beauty for future generations, and teaching newcomers how to respect the land. He’s seen Moab change over the years, from a quiet off-roader’s paradise to a booming tourist destination, and he’s determined to make sure its soul stays intact.
More Than Mechanics—A Brotherhood
One of the most remarkable things about Grandpa’s Garage isn’t the rigs—it’s the people. Over the years, it has become a brotherhood (and sisterhood) of Jeepers from all walks of life. Some roll in needing help with a broken axle, some just stop by for advice, and others are just looking for a place to belong.
Danny’s seen it all—the first-timers, the old-timers, and the lifelong off-roaders who make Moab their annual pilgrimage. He welcomes them all the same, sharing wisdom, cracking jokes, and making sure they leave a little better (and maybe a little dirtier) than when they arrived.
A Birthday Celebration to Remember
In 2019, the off-roading community gave back to the man who had given them so much. For Danny’s 75th birthday, friends, family, and fellow Jeepers pulled off a surprise party that was nothing short of legendary. The celebration was filled with laughter, love, and the unmistakable roar of Jeep engines. It was a testament to the impact he’s had—not just in Moab, but in the lives of so many who’ve crossed his path.
As confetti rained down in the garage and the stories flowed like gasoline at a fill-up station, Danny took it all in. A lifetime of adventure. A garage full of friends. A legacy that would live on, not just in the trails he’s conquered, but in the people he’s inspired.
Final Thoughts from Grandpa Danny Grimes
As the years roll on, Danny’s passion for off-roading and community hasn’t faded one bit. He still welcomes Jeepers into his garage, still rolls out onto the trails, and still reminds everyone why Moab is magic.
“If you haven’t been to Moab, come out and experience it,” he says with that signature Grandpa grin. But come with respect. Come with a sense of adventure. And come ready to be part of something bigger than just the trails.
Because in Moab, it’s not just about the Jeeps—it’s about the people.
And no one embodies that spirit better than Grandpa.
