what trails are on your "must do" list? [Archive] - NAXJA Forums -::- North American XJ Association

sidriptide

January 19th, 2008, 08:18

yeah i know its a little early but i'm not talking about a trail schedule. more like thinking out loud about what i want to run. i've already been there twice, first trip was the 20th anniversary and i pretty much stuck to the "easy" runs. Klondike Bluffs, Hidden Canyon, Wipe Out Hill, Top Of The World, Dead Horse Point, Gemini Bridges, Long Canyon. second trip in May 06 i went out to hang with the kids in the IC for their Spring Fling and i did Rose Garden Hill /Top Of The World, Hell's Revenge, Shafer Trail/Dead Horse Pt, and Seven Mile Rim. my guide book has been required bathroom reading for a few years now and i'm thinkin for this next trip out i want to hit Fins & Things, Metal Masher, Poison Spider Mesa, and some of the easy stuff like Mineral Point and the hoop up thru the La Salle range. but i might want to do the long trip around White Rim too.
yeah i spend too much time thinking about this crap.

jmaxj

January 19th, 2008, 09:13

instead of mineral point you should go down into mineral bottom there is some really cool stuff down there to see, at least better than what is on the mineral point loop

IllianaXJ

January 19th, 2008, 11:42

All of them.

WayneXJ

January 19th, 2008, 12:46

Pritchett :D

sidriptide

January 19th, 2008, 23:42

instead of mineral point you should go down into mineral bottom there is some really cool stuff down there to see, at least better than what is on the mineral point loop

i was planing on that as well..

rightseatsis

January 20th, 2008, 11:15

I am hoping to do Mineral Bottom as well. I would also like to try either Steel Bender or Cliffhanger.

One of the other things I would like to do is a day of geocaching. There are alot around there that are jeep friendly.

IntrepidXJ

January 20th, 2008, 11:54

i'd like to finish Hey Joe Canyon this time. Maybe an overnighter on White Rim.

I will also be doing a bit of geocaching myself :)

Boatwrench

January 20th, 2008, 13:31

Depends on the XJ(s) I bring. Got another $50 one that if I can get past smog will be there. :repair:

I'd like to two day White Rim also, but that would require different planning as I normally don't bring any camping gear along to Moab. Elephant ??? (guess I need Mike's book) always sounded appealing except that it is an ALL day adventure.

The XJeeper's photos of the LaSalle's make me wonder why I haven't been up there before.

IllianaXJ

January 20th, 2008, 14:08

I will also be doing a bit of geocaching myself :)

I may be doing a bit of this, along with a little job research :thumbup:

planefixer

January 20th, 2008, 19:14

Pritchett :D

Mandatory.:D

DrMoab

January 20th, 2008, 22:37

I may be doing a bit of this, along with a little job research :thumbup:
X2, Maybe we should do a seperate geocache run. Or... Have are own little comp. See who can come up with the most caches in the week.

mojojojo

January 20th, 2008, 23:00

X2, Maybe we should do a seperate geocache run. Or... Have are own little comp. See who can come up with the most caches in the week.

i like this idea alot. maybe a team event type thing. hmmmm.......

IXNAYXJ

January 21st, 2008, 01:03

I think I had more fun on Kane Creek than any other trail. Definately going to spend some time on that one again. Also, Escalator kicked my ass last year...I have been waiting to extract my revenge. And speaking of which, Hell's Gate/Hell's Revenge is always a lot of fun.

Somebody asked me if Potato Salad hill was closed the recently, and I hadn't heard of it. Can anybody shed some light on whether it's sill open?

-----Matt-----

DrMoab

January 21st, 2008, 08:46

Somebody asked me if Potato Salad hill was closed the recently, and I hadn't heard of it. Can anybody shed some light on whether it's sill open?

-----Matt-----
I haven't heard anything on the local boards. I would think they would scream like pigs if it got closed.

Dump Bump and Lions back have been closed for good though. Since they are in the same area you might be getting conflicting info there.

jeeperguy21

January 21st, 2008, 11:38

How can they close Dump Bump when it's part of the Hell's Revenge trail?

sidriptide

January 21st, 2008, 12:40

How can they close Dump Bump when it's part of the Hell's Revenge trail?

its not.. just right near the trailhead.. same with Lion's Back.

jeeperguy21

January 21st, 2008, 14:21

Lion's back is completely separate. Dump Bump is literally connected to the trail. You go over the little mini lion's back and at the bottom, to the left, is Dump Bump... an optional part of the trail. Impossible to close unless they but a barbed wire fence on the left side of the trail. So did they really close it? That's one of my favorite obstacles!
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w57/jlattin21/Moab097.jpg

IntrepidXJ

January 21st, 2008, 14:27

yes...it is really closed. the property in front of dump bump is sold, so there is no access to it any longer. so it's not that dump bump was closed, just access to it has been

jeeperguy21

January 21st, 2008, 14:30

Well dang it! It didn't really bother me that Lion's Back had closed. That sort of thrill isn't for me. But Dump Bump? CRAP! That has been a huge attraction for the crowds in years past. I think I'm gonna cry. I haven't been there since December '06. Anybody know when it closed?

IntrepidXJ

January 21st, 2008, 14:43

rightseatsis

January 21st, 2008, 17:54

Thinking about trying for this cache:

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=03e0fea0-135d-4a74-b1fb-26eb99e854cb

Sounds like a challenge.

Mike in NJ

January 22nd, 2008, 09:17

All of them.

Yeah. In a half dozen trips out to the Promised Land, I'd have to say that no matter what direction I've pointed the truck, it's been a blast. However, in my "golden" years, I've found myself more interested in what I can see around each bend, rather than seeing what part I can break next!

On my last ride West (which ended prematurely in the Buckeye State with a free flowing main un-seal), I was planning a little excursion that looked interesting on one of my Moab topos. (I'm a touchy-feeley map sort of a guy, the GPS wizardry I'll leave to you young'uns!).

It's off of the very long Lockhart Basin Trail. I wasn't intending to head all the way down to the Needles section of CNP, but after making the turn south under Hatch Point, I see a marked trail down Lockhart Canyon that goes all the way DOWN to the river (approx. 109*43'45"W, 38*21'35"N). Putting my tires in river water in that area seems like a worthy goal - and something different this time around. (Assuming that this track hasn't been closed off by BLM edict).

In the past, I've led a lot of the so-called "scenic" runs (which is real easy to do when it's so damned scenic in any direction!), and depending when I get out there this time, wouldn't mind doing it again, if volunteers are in short supply (or all out doing the "challenging" stuff!).

MG

Mike in NJ

January 22nd, 2008, 09:24

i'd like to finish Hey Joe Canyon this time.

As long as you have no respect for your paint job, Randy - the mine at the end of the trail is interesting. But those damn thorny bushes along the river will strip off everything on the outside of your truck that isn't welded down, and leave pinstriping that you'd need Bondo to fill! :D

Better idea is to let an H1 hummer go first - if he doesn't fall into the Green, it'll leave a nice wide hole through the bush.

MG

IllianaXJ

January 22nd, 2008, 09:29

It's off of the very long Lockhart Basin Trail. I wasn't intending to head all the way down to the Needles section of CNP, but after making the turn south under Hatch Point, I see a marked trail down Lockhart Canyon that goes all the way DOWN to the river (approx. 109*43'45"W, 38*21'35"N). Putting my tires in river water in that area seems like a worthy goal - and something different this time around. (Assuming that this track hasn't been closed off by BLM edict).

MG

I *think* dad and I did that in 04. I remember driving forever in CNP and ending up down by the river. We did it without a map :dunce: I'd like to spend some time exploring around CNP again, that was the best part of our trip.

Kejtar

January 22nd, 2008, 09:31

Pritchett :D
Tue through Sat? If so I'll join you on one of those runs :) I didn't get to do Pritchet last year but I ran it the year before and it was fun :D

Other trails that are on my must do list? lemme see:
1. HellsRevenge
2. Pritchet
3. Green Day (maybe I'll finally finish it :D)
4. Spider - Spike - Rim
5. SteelBender

And fill the rest with something else or other ;)

IntrepidXJ

January 22nd, 2008, 09:46

As long as you have no respect for your paint job, Randy - the mine at the end of the trail is interesting. But those damn thorny bushes along the river will strip off everything on the outside of your truck that isn't welded down, and leave pinstriping that you'd need Bondo to fill! :D

Better idea is to let an H1 hummer go first - if he doesn't fall into the Green, it'll leave a nice wide hole through the bush.

MG

oh, i went through enough of it to know that.....just ran out of time and had to turn around and head back before I made it to the end

http://myxj.net/g2/d/91146-1/IMG_7545.JPG

Mike in NJ

January 22nd, 2008, 09:54

http://myxj.net/g2/d/91146-1/IMG_7545.JPG

Perfect!!!:yelclap: :D Great shot.

You know, I THOUGHT I had a passenger with me that day as we pushed through that green wall - but, the seat was empty when we got back . . . .

I seem to recall telling him to rollup the window.

Boatwrench

January 22nd, 2008, 10:02

You know, I THOUGHT I had a passenger with me that day as we pushed through that green wall - but, the seat was empty when we got back . . . .

I seem to recall telling him to rollup the window.

Hmmm...maybe I'll take the mother in law along:gag:

Wayne Sihler

January 22nd, 2008, 10:26

Yeah. In a half dozen trips out to the Promised Land, I'd have to say that no matter what direction I've pointed the truck, it's been a blast. However, in my "golden" years, I've found myself more interested in what I can see around each bend, rather than seeing what part I can break next!

On my last ride West (which ended prematurely in the Buckeye State with a free flowing main un-seal), I was planning a little excursion that looked interesting on one of my Moab topos. (I'm a touchy-feeley map sort of a guy, the GPS wizardry I'll leave to you young'uns!).

It's off of the very long Lockhart Basin Trail. I wasn't intending to head all the way down to the Needles section of CNP, but after making the turn south under Hatch Point, I see a marked trail down Lockhart Canyon that goes all the way DOWN to the river (approx. 109*43'45"W, 38*21'35"N). Putting my tires in river water in that area seems like a worthy goal - and something different this time around. (Assuming that this track hasn't been closed off by BLM edict).

In the past, I've led a lot of the so-called "scenic" runs (which is real easy to do when it's so damned scenic in any direction!), and depending when I get out there this time, wouldn't mind doing it again, if volunteers are in short supply (or all out doing the "challenging" stuff!).

MG

Mike,
I,ll follow you.We,re too far from home to be breaking stuff un-necessarly. It will be a challange just to make the trip.
I just want to take back pics and souvinours(sp) not trophys of broken parts.
Wayne

lesslimited

January 22nd, 2008, 10:58

Tue through Sat? If so I'll join you on one of those runs :) I didn't get to do Pritchet last year but I ran it the year before and it was fun :D

Other trails that are on my must do list? lemme see:
1. HellsRevenge
2. Pritchet
3. Green Day (maybe I'll finally finish it :D)
4. Spider - Spike - Rim
5. SteelBender

And fill the rest with something else or other ;)

That's right, you were part of the "special" group on Pritchett :D

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/42127/2430145310049957266S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2430145310049957266AbilRp)

http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/37915/2391831710049957266S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2391831710049957266TRDGgG)

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/12819/2771908950049957266S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2771908950049957266ZydYJB)

I love Pritchett, but that long-ass boring ride out at the end is a bummer. They should pave that part :D

Green Day looks interesting, probably save that for one of the last days.

And the Spider-Spike-Rim is my favorite.

sidriptide

January 22nd, 2008, 11:05

Mike,
I,ll follow you.We,re too far from home to be breaking stuff un-necessarly. It will be a challange just to make the trip.
I just want to take back pics and souvinours(sp) not trophys of broken parts.
Wayne

aint a damn thing wrong with that state of mind.. Hey Joe is off my itinerary at least for this trip.. we're shooting the new color on the CJ5 next month and i plan to keep it looking nice.. (yeah i'm gonna be a rebel and gonna drive the hot rod unless something changes).. its either that or the Camry.. at least till i get another XJ.

karstic

January 22nd, 2008, 11:41

I'm in on the geocaching run.

Kejtar

January 22nd, 2008, 12:02

That's right, you were part of the "special" group on Pritchett :D

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/42127/2430145310049957266S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2430145310049957266AbilRp)
Yeah.. it was a shitty spot to be with a sliced tire ;)

http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/37915/2391831710049957266S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2391831710049957266TRDGgG)

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/12819/2771908950049957266S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2771908950049957266ZydYJB)
I think twas one of your brethren that made the group special :D

Wayne Sihler

January 22nd, 2008, 12:30

aint a damn thing wrong with that state of mind.. Hey Joe is off my itinerary at least for this trip.. we're shooting the new color on the CJ5 next month and i plan to keep it looking nice.. (yeah i'm gonna be a rebel and gonna drive the hot rod unless something changes).. its either that or the Camry.. at least till i get another XJ.

Thats really going to be a long ride in the CJ5, whats top speed 50 mph.And where are you going to find room for all your stuff and the wife-to-be,s stuff.
Wayne

sidriptide

January 22nd, 2008, 12:45

Thats really going to be a long ride in the CJ5, whats top speed 50 mph.And where are you going to find room for all your stuff and the wife-to-be,s stuff.
Wayne

well my top sped better be more than that considering its an all-glass body with a Ford 5.0L...... though the 4 spd might make me hate the highway. and until you mentioned a "wife to be" i was sure i had room for everything i need.......

............ now i need to go find one of them too?!?! :loveu:

more concerned about my kidneys after a long ride on rock-solid springs...

sidriptide

January 22nd, 2008, 12:48

............ now i need to go find one of them too?!?! :loveu:

think i found one!!!

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=940284

lesslimited

January 22nd, 2008, 13:20

think i found one!!!

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=940284

:roflmao:

And here I was expecting a link to the "Friend of the Day" thread.

IXNAYXJ

January 22nd, 2008, 14:55

I haven't heard anything on the local boards. I would think they would scream like pigs if it got closed.

Dump Bump and Lions back have been closed for good though. Since they are in the same area you might be getting conflicting info there.Thanks, that's what I figured.

As for when Dump Bump was closed, it had already been blocked off when I was there in May of 2007.

-----Matt-----

WayneXJ

January 22nd, 2008, 19:24

Kejtar

January 23rd, 2008, 07:46

I think I'll have to run it at least 2 times during the week:D along with Behind the Rocks backwards. :D:D I havn't done Rusty Nail in a few years, so that'll be on the list to.
Lemme know what days you're running both. I have a feeling I might wanna follow ya :D

WayneXJ

January 23rd, 2008, 17:54

:)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/wthomas39/IMG_1321.jpg

xjblue

January 31st, 2008, 13:11

As long as you have no respect for your paint job, Randy - the mine at the end of the trail is interesting. But those damn thorny bushes along the river will strip off everything on the outside of your truck that isn't welded down, and leave pinstriping that you'd need Bondo to fill! :D

Better idea is to let an H1 hummer go first - if he doesn't fall into the Green, it'll leave a nice wide hole through the bush.

MG

We sent 0313 through last Fall Fling with his full size axles, I was tailgunning and it didnt seem to help at all on the way in but on the way out it felt a little more opened up. Now that probably means it will grow back in twice as thick this spring.
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/40539/2315234740043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2315234740043863621DGGfRF)

xjblue

January 31st, 2008, 13:16

Impossible to close unless they but a barbed wire fence on the left side of the trail. So did they really close it? That's one of my favorite obstacles!

Yup, that's pretty much how they closed it.

tcharon

February 7th, 2008, 08:00

Pritchett :D
For sure!

tcharon

February 7th, 2008, 08:09

David B.

February 27th, 2008, 12:56

1. Hells Revenge
2. PS-GS-GBR
3. Moab Rim
4. Steel Bender
5. Kane Creek (never done)

MT Mike

February 27th, 2008, 15:56

djblade311

February 27th, 2008, 16:46

1. I've never done Kane Creek all the way through. Last time it was washed out.
2. Spider - Spike - Rim
3. Hell's Revenge again (my favorite)
4. anything else I havent done

rightseatsis

February 28th, 2008, 11:11

What trails are suitable for someone with open/open and 30x9.50s? .

I have a similar set up on my XJ and I have run trails such as:
Klondike Bluffs
Fins N Things
Shaffer Trail
Chicken Corners
Tusher Tunnel

I would recommend some skid plates, especially for the transfer case and gas tank.

See you in Moab.

MT Mike

February 28th, 2008, 12:11

I have a similar set up on my XJ and I have run trails such as:
Klondike Bluffs
Fins N Things
Shaffer Trail
Chicken Corners
Tusher Tunnel

I would recommend some skid plates, especially for the transfer case and gas tank.

See you in Moab.

I've got the gas tank covered, just need to get an aftermarket transfer case skid.
Thanks for the list of trails. I'm really looking forward to this.
Mike

Handlebars

February 28th, 2008, 14:23

What trails are suitable for someone with open/open and 30x9.50s? Also what is the best Moab guide book that you guys recommend?
Contrary to what you read on the internet you are set up fine for 90% of the trails in Moab. Some Wipeout Hill action with a stock Cherokee:
http://www.fototime.com/BC8B047AD26ED79/orig.jpg

Charles Wells wrote the bible of Moab trails, you can get the handy spiral bound version of the updated second edition of his book when ordering directly from him:
http://www.funtreks.com/index.php?page=book_3

See 'ya in Moab!

XJEEPER

February 28th, 2008, 17:48

Great stocker backtire wheelie shot, nice one of Mil's backside too.......I hope he comes to the 25th event.

Boatwrench

February 28th, 2008, 17:55

Wow Alex, I had to do a double take thought that might be my XJ during the 20th (see avatar). When the rear wheels lifted I saw a minivan in my future. That's mil & sidriptide standing there watching.

mtnmike
In a bone stock with 225/75/15's I did Gemini Bridges, Long Canyon, Tuscher Tunnel & Wipeout Hill during the 20th. Rightseatsis' 01 stock did well on Fins-n-Things. Paul's bone stock went all the way up to Top of The Hill.

As far as her recommendations I agree, Gas, Transfer Case & Rockers. Don't forget recovery points front and rear and the other NAXJA requirements.

See you in Moab.
Tom

IntrepidXJ

February 28th, 2008, 19:06

Top of The Hill.

Top of the World :wierd:

Boatwrench

February 29th, 2008, 11:33

. Paul's bone stock went all the way up the hill to Top of The World.

Fixed it!
Thanks Randy, see you in Moab. :wave:

Tom

IntrepidXJ

February 29th, 2008, 11:36

Fixed it!
Thanks Randy, see you in Moab. :wave:

who knows.....maybe even before then..... :cheers:

Handlebars

February 29th, 2008, 13:11

Wow Alex, I had to do a double take thought that might be my XJ during the 20th (see avatar). When the rear wheels lifted I saw a minivan in my future. That's mil & sidriptide standing there watching.

That same guy did Kane Creek the next year, although I think he got a little rocker damage. Mike, you might want to add rock rails before October... you can just slide 'em over stuff that is too big to clear. We can drag you over the spots that are too big to drive over. It reduces your stress level to not have to worry about body damage.

Back in the good ol days, 30's and 3.07's. The rock rails got a real workout! The fun level was never higher, you don't really appreciate how much fun a near-stock Cherokee is to wheel until you have dumped a bunch of time and money into it and find all you have acomplished is gaining the ability to do the stupid lines on the same darned trails.

http://www.fototime.com/D3993F0971887C5/standard.jpg

MT Mike

February 29th, 2008, 15:10

That same guy did Kane Creek the next year, although I think he got a little rocker damage. Mike, you might want to add rock rails before October... you can just slide 'em over stuff that is too big to clear. We can drag you over the spots that are too big to drive over. It reduces your stress level to not have to worry about body damage.

Back in the good ol days, 30's and 3.07's. The rock rails got a real workout! The fun level was never higher, you don't really appreciate how much fun a near-stock Cherokee is to wheel until you have dumped a bunch of time and money into it and find all you have acomplished is gaining the ability to do the stupid lines on the same darned trails.

Rock rails are on my list too. JCR will be getting an order from me right after the tax returns get here.

Stumpalump

February 29th, 2008, 20:02

Pritchett :D My wife and I still talk about running Pritchet with you. That was the best day we had in Moab and your trail guiding expertise made it that. Thanks again!

JEONLYEP

February 29th, 2008, 22:54

X2, Maybe we should do a seperate geocache run.
I much like this idea!!!

Thinking about trying for this cache:

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=03e0fea0-135d-4a74-b1fb-26eb99e854cb

Sounds like a challenge.
You know I have to do this one.....

What a great name for a Geocache!!!!!

Goatman

March 3rd, 2008, 14:35

Great stocker backtire wheelie shot, nice one of Mil's backside too.......I hope he comes to the 25th event.

Should I post Mil's cell number so everyone can call him to make sure he comes? :D

or just PM me. :)

Goatman

March 5th, 2008, 08:41

Must do trails for me:

Always,

Moab Rim
Rusty Nail

This year,

Coyote
Porcupine Rim

DrMoab

March 5th, 2008, 11:07

Coyote
Porcupine Rim
What rig are you bringing?

Goatman

March 8th, 2008, 23:52

What rig are you bringing?

I'm bringing the buggy. Actually, I'd love to bring the XJ and do a bunch of cool scenic trails that I haven't done before, and have something to drive around town in. But, we're doing a Best of the West reunion so we're going to be doing some playing. I'll drop the camper in the campground and tow the rig around. It should be fun coming back down Prittchet. :D

climbon

March 10th, 2008, 21:08

Kane Creek, looking forward to this one.

IntrepidXJ

March 10th, 2008, 21:11

I'm bringing the buggy. Actually, I'd love to bring the XJ and do a bunch of cool scenic trails that I haven't done before, and have something to drive around town in. But, we're doing a Best of the West reunion so we're going to be doing some playing. I'll drop the camper in the campground and tow the rig around. It should be fun coming back down Prittchet. :D

.....what did you wheel at BOTW before you built the buggy? :D

:laugh3:

Ramsey

March 16th, 2008, 00:19

Well I have a pretty decent fear of heights, what are the trails that take you rather close to the edge of some decent drop offs so I know what to avoid.

RedHeep

March 16th, 2008, 15:06

Well I have a pretty decent fear of heights, what are the trails that take you rather close to the edge of some decent drop offs so I know what to avoid.

Check it fool.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=946289

Ramsey

March 16th, 2008, 20:31

Thanks for the link

JEONLYEP

March 18th, 2008, 00:49

1. Hells Revenge
2. PS-GS-GBR
3. Moab Rim
4. Steel Bender
5. Kane Creek (never done)
I'm liking Barney's answer....

But you have to add the (never done) to all trails in Utah. So as I read more about some trails, more could be added, some deleted.....

And may very according to my wifes pulse rate after the first day.... It will be her first wheeling trip.....

Kejtar

March 18th, 2008, 01:03

And may very according to my wifes pulse rate after the first day.... It will be her first wheeling trip.....
Then make sure Moab Rim is on the last day :D

JEONLYEP

March 18th, 2008, 06:31

Then make sure Moab Rim is on the last day :DBut I really want to do it. So, I was kinda thinking it should be the first day.... Just in case she she says no more..... Then I can say that I did it......

Goatman

March 18th, 2008, 11:30

.....what did you wheel at BOTW before you built the buggy? :D

:laugh3:

True..........but once you pass over to the dark side, you can't ever go back. :D :D

Rod Knee

March 19th, 2008, 18:48

Rod Knee

March 19th, 2008, 18:59

What trails are suitable for someone with open/open and 30x9.50s? Also what is the best Moab guide book that you guys recommend?
I will have my front recovery points on in the next week or two and I already have a hitch in the rear (properly mounted with nutstrips). I've got all the other requirements of fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and CB covered. Unfortunately I don't have the money to do a whole lot more before then. This will probably be my best chance to get to Moab and I would just like to know which trails I can do without trashing my rig and/or becoming a hindrance to the rest of the people on the trail.

Trails I ran at stock height, 235's, open/open in 2006:

Tusher Canyon (near Mill Canyon), Gemini Bridges, Long Canyon, Dome Plateau (starting at Dewey Bridge), Hidden Canyon. No problems whatsoever as long as you are a decent driver and know when to use momentum and not to use speed. Take "ribs" running across the road at an angle to keep at least one wheel on top of them at all times. Disco front swaybars are very helpful.

xjblue

March 19th, 2008, 21:08

Don't know that it has an official name, and its not "Moab" per say, but I started a trail from Goblin Valley westward toward the north end of Capitol Reef NP. It skirts along the south end of the San Rafael Swell and fords Muddy Creek. Didn't make it very far due to summer heat and a car sick son but would be alot of fun in Fall or Spring. There are some great hiking possibilities along the way like Little Wild Horse Canyon. I could see spending a couple three days in the area.

Burgers at Ray's Tavern in Green River on the way back to Moab.

That is a decent drive, and I need to go back and hike those canyons but it is a little bit out of the way from Moab. It would be ok on the way in or out if you are going past that general direction for those seeking some extra adventure while traveling. There are great burgers to be had in Hanksville after finishing that trail as well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/xjblue/Intermountain%20Chapter/Loose%20Screws%20Tour%2006/LseScrws06_01.jpg

Rod Knee

March 20th, 2008, 07:06

Looks like Morrison Formation your'e traveling through there, xjblue. I'll bet its nasty when wet. I recall some graded parts of the road like that starting out heading west and then getting onto a 4wd only part about half way to Muddy Creek.

Mike in NJ

March 20th, 2008, 09:25

Don't know that it has an official name, and its not "Moab" per say, but I started a trail from Goblin Valley westward toward the north end of Capitol Reef NP. . . . .

Good chance that's the "Wild Horse Mesa Trail". Ends up going past Factory Butte down to Route 24 (west of Hanksville). Great ride!

Actually, the whole San Rafael Swell - Capitol Reef - and Maze section of Canyonlands is a really nice section of Utah with plenty of stunning areas and trails to explore. I never seem to have enough time to do it justice - one of the best campsites I ever had was at Cathedral Valley in the N.P.

Which is why I'm probably headed to the 25th celebration of few days early, so I can spend some more time west of the Green and Colorado before I come back to Moab for the "official" festivities.

MG

Rob Mayercik

March 20th, 2008, 10:28

Trails I ran at stock height, 235's, open/open in 2006:

Tusher Canyon (near Mill Canyon), Gemini Bridges, Long Canyon, Dome Plateau (starting at Dewey Bridge), Hidden Canyon. No problems whatsoever as long as you are a decent driver and know when to use momentum and not to use speed. Take "ribs" running across the road at an angle to keep at least one wheel on top of them at all times. Disco front swaybars are very helpful.

Good to know - seeing as I'm also open/open with 30s (and front sway disco).

Rod Knee

March 20th, 2008, 10:43

Good chance that's the "Wild Horse Mesa Trail". Ends up going past Factory Butte down to Route 24 (west of Hanksville). Great ride!

Actually, the whole San Rafael Swell - Capitol Reef - and Maze section of Canyonlands is a really nice section of Utah with plenty of stunning areas and trails to explore. I never seem to have enough time to do it justice - one of the best campsites I ever had was at Cathedral Valley in the N.P.

Which is why I'm probably headed to the 25th celebration of few days early, so I can spend some more time west of the Green and Colorado before I come back to Moab for the "official" festivities.

MG

Canoeing the Green is a blast too! Did Mineral Bottom to the Green/CO confluence a couple years ago. An XJ and a canoe are a great combo to take to Utah.

xjblue

March 20th, 2008, 10:50

That's the one Mike. We should meet up in the Swell somewhere on the way to town, been itching to squeeze the Devils Racetrack in this year..

Rod, they had just graded the whole trail including most of the wash sections when we drove it (that was a year and a half ago, weekend before the 06 fall fling when the whole area got dumped on with rain) unusually smooth ride and fast cruising out to Factory Butte. My father and a neighbor drove it earlier that year in the spring, reported a long rough ride, barely made it across muddy creek with a Z71.

Rod Knee

March 20th, 2008, 11:02

Well, its been 5 years since I was there but I do want to get back sometime. Road improvements are a bummer. I used to live in Utah. I remember back in the 70's driving out to Grand View Lookout in Canyonlands NP on ungraded dirt roads. When they paved them for the European tourists the remote feeling to it was just unfortunatley lost.

WayneXJ

March 20th, 2008, 14:32

I'll let you guys know how the road is when I go there next week. :D

Kejtar

March 20th, 2008, 15:08

I'll let you guys know how the road is when I go there next week. :D
oh yeah.. can you give me a detailed report on Pritchet? :D

WayneXJ

March 20th, 2008, 19:47

oh yeah.. can you give me a detailed report on Pritchet? :D

Pritchett was last Saturday, I met up with Thom Charon and we made it through the trail without any trouble. I'm going to the Goblin Valley area next week for a few days of hiking though.

Mike in NJ

March 21st, 2008, 09:46

That's the one Mike. We should meet up in the Swell somewhere on the way to town, been itching to squeeze the Devils Racetrack in this year..

Actually, that does sound enticing. DR is reached off of an obscure exit on I-70 somewhere near the south edge of the Sids Mt. WSA, right?

Still too early to figure out the schedule of my cross country mile run, so I'll check with you again as we get closer, maybe we can work somethin' out.

MG

xjblue

March 21st, 2008, 14:13

Actually, that does sound enticing. DR is reached off of an obscure exit on I-70 somewhere near the south edge of the Sids Mt. WSA, right?

Still too early to figure out the schedule of my cross country mile run, so I'll check with you again as we get closer, maybe we can work somethin' out.

MG

Yes, there are one or two approaches from the south IIRC, at least one of wich is followed by driving underneath I-70 ala my avatar. Let me know!

Handlebars

March 21st, 2008, 14:46

Sounds like Loose Screws '08 is in the works! :D

xjblue

March 24th, 2008, 17:22

Sounds like Loose Screws '08 is in the works! :D

Yes it does! After DR it would be very easy to include a couple other routes (namely (http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/558671856bARJiE?vhost=outdoors&start=0)) on the way out of the swell headed towards Moab. After no real Loose Screws 07 I'm having withdraw issues.

MoabXJeeper

March 25th, 2008, 02:52

i'd like to finish Hey Joe Canyon this time. Maybe an overnighter on White Rim.

I will also be doing a bit of geocaching myself :)

Hey Joe is not all that Randy. At the end of the trail the shack that used to be there has fallen down. When we went last FF there was lots and lots of tamarisk. I mowed down as much as possible with my roof rack! :D I think Derek will back me up on this, haha.

MoabXJeeper

March 25th, 2008, 02:58

Well I have a pretty decent fear of heights, what are the trails that take you rather close to the edge of some decent drop offs so I know what to avoid.

Porcupine Rim, Spring Bottom, Cliffhanger, Easter Egg Hill, Moab Rim, Chicken Corners...:D

MoabXJeeper

March 25th, 2008, 03:07

I would love to do Pritchett again, Hells Revenge but I need to get in the hot tub, up the Escalator, and Hells Gate is on the list too, Been a while since I did Steel Bender, and Fins/Porcupine is always fun!

IntrepidXJ

March 26th, 2008, 19:49

Hey Joe is not all that Randy. At the end of the trail the shack that used to be there has fallen down. When we went last FF there was lots and lots of tamarisk. I mowed down as much as possible with my roof rack! :D I think Derek will back me up on this, haha.

i did about half of it last year before I had to head out. but it's ok now, I'm sure I'll run it sometime on a weekend before FF now