Strange question about trip for people who've been

[jeep4play2000]

I'm deathly afraid of heights. To the point where driving on bridges, overpasses, sky-ways etc., really affect me. A lot of times, I will have to pull over and let someone else drive across a long bridge or something like that...:anon:
So, here's my question. Would a person like me be able to enjoy Moab? Or is that area too mountainous and hilly for me to enjoy? I would love to go, but some of the pictures I have seen make me second guess it...

[Boatwrench]

Good question.

You can enjoy it. There's plenty to do, pick the right trails, these are from my memory and I have only been there twice.

Onion creek has one 50' bridge, but it's mostly just a graded road with a few <1' deep wet crossings.

Chicken Corners only has the one thin spot maybe the last 250', but you don't have to drive all the way because beyond that squeeze there is not much left. You can stop at Hurrah Pass which is about the 2/3rds point and turn around.

Getting to Gemini Bridges from the bottom requires driving on a shelf for about .5 mile (and it will be on the drivers side).

Long Canyon (going downhill) the steepest part is right at pucker pass, it's short steep with a sharp turn to the right about 3/4s the way down. The road is wider than the shelf section leading up to Gemini Bridges and when driving you are concentrating on what's in front of you not whats out the passenger door. It's scenic.

Rightseatsis took me through Bartlett Wash and it's flat.

Take a day and drive up through Arches NP, 95% of the roads are paved, sunset is gorgeous, but then you'll be missing the evening activities kicking off at Slick Rock.

I would stay off Fins and Things, there are places where you look out either door to nothing but sky. The upper part of Schaffer Road switchbacks and the shelf road out to Musselman Arch are narrow. The drop of is on both sides of the vehicle.


Purchase the book from FunTreks, Inc recommended by HandleBars and sidriptide "Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4wd Trails" by Charles A. Wells I paid the extra $5 to get the spiral bound version, arrived yesterday and I am really enjoying it. It has and will influence my trail selection, I am leaning towards the trails SE of town in the La Sal Mtns.

See you there.
Tom

[WayneXJ]

Moab will cure your fear of heights.

[jeep4play2000]

Thanks, I'll check out that book. Wheeling Moab is something I would really like to do. Wayne, you say it will cure my fear, is that because it's so awesome out there, or because you're forced to deal with the heights, or both?

[Goatman]

There are plenty of trails that won't bother you, and there are plenty of trails that will. Talking with people about the trails should get you enough info to decide which ones you want to do.

Others that you should be able to do are Poison Spider/Golden Spike, which has a couple climbs but you should be OK. 7 Mile Rim and Tusher Tunnel should be fine, but I'd stay away from Moab Rim and Hell's Revenge.

If you can drive Shaffer Trail, it will cure your fear of heights. :)

[Vince]

I'm deathly afraid of heights. To the point where driving on bridges, overpasses, sky-ways etc., really affect me. A lot of times, I will have to pull over and let someone else drive across a long bridge or something like that...
It is worth bringing someone along that is happy to swap seats with you if you get uneasy. Make sure you also bring a camera to take some pictures when you are on foot or not driving. My friend's girlfriend always used to get out of their Jeep to walk whenever anything tricky was happening, she has taken some great pictures.

If you cannot bring a friend that wants to share the driving with you. Let your trail leader know before you set off. They may place you in front of the 'tailgunner' so someone can give you some help if you need it at your own speed without the added pressure of having people behind you.

[sidriptide]

i've always been creeped out by heights but a week in Moab is great therapy! tunnel vision helps a great deal when on shelf roads and slow is just fine. when i get near an edge i stay back about 7', my theory is that i would have to fall down TWICE before i go over the edge. hey it works for me!! the best part of being scared is you get to enjoy alot more adrenaline than everybody else with alot less actual risk.

[WayneXJ]

Thanks, I'll check out that book. Wheeling Moab is something I would really like to do. Wayne, you say it will cure my fear, is that because it's so awesome out there, or because you're forced to deal with the heights, or both?


I would say it's a little of both. The first day or two you'll be nervous but then you'll get the hang of it and enjoy the scenery and the company.

[IntrepidXJ]

I used to be afraid of height as well (though, not as severely as you seem to be) Forcing myself to wheel around Moab and the San Juans has pretty much cured most of my fears.....it wasn't easy at first, and I had to force myself to drive places I was uncomfortable with, but in the end, it was worth it :)

[johnnyc]

I really don't like heights either. Last October, I ran Cliffhanger. While, it was a fun trail, I don't think I'd do it again. ;)

But there are plenty of trails that don't involve heights.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/xjohnnyc/Moab/IMG_1245.jpg

[XJumpmaster]

Yep me too! Cliffhanger gave me tinglees! I would do it again. I know, a guy who jumps from airplanes is afraid of heights! Fear is healthy. When I no longer have fear to jump or drive ledges, that's when I'll quit.

[jeep4play2000]

Thanks for all the insight guys, I really appreciate it. I think I'm going to try and go. I just have to find a capable co-pilot to go with me. Shouldn't be too hard though, plenty of time.
As far as fear being healthy, I completely agree. But there is a difference between being afraid and being paralyzed due to a fear which could make it worse for all!
Again, thanks for all the great suggestions and comments!

[Boatwrench]

there is a difference between being afraid and being paralyzed due to a fear which could make it worse for all!

Takes an awfully brave person to admit that here. I'd like to share a cold one with you in Slickrock.

[jeep4play2000]

Sounds good to me! As a matter of fact, I think I'll have one right in honor of the one we're gonna have in Slickrock... :cheers:

[xjblue]

Might want to avoid Hey Joe Canyon, Porcupine Rim, Hells Revenge, Kane Creek, the White Rim, Mineral Bottom. But to do Cane Creek or Hurrah pass/chicken corners wich was mentioned, first long before those trails even start, driving out on Kane Creek Road you will have to face your fears as the shelf road climbs up past the start of Cliffhanger and then down a steep tight cliffside shelf that suddenly narrows and drops down a sharp double switchback. It's not uncommon to encounter a little traffic there!

Hey Joe shelf road start
http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/24761/2832769030043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2832769030043863621SFMygR)

Hey Joe shelf road, half way down.
http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/18340/2747962720043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2747962720043863621lStIpO)

Kane Creek shelf
http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/33270/1480875546043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1480875546043863621gplwgZ)

Hells Revenge, driving right above the black hole still makes me nervous.
http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/41493/2259290250043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2259290250043863621ogdDNj)

The top of the world trail would be good as at the end you don't have to drive up close to the cliff, you park a little ways off and walk over. You would also be ok going out to Tusher Tunnel wich is close to Bartlett Wash. Klondike bluffs wouldn't be too bad either, off camber but no cliff exposure (without hiking into the park). Plenty of oppurtunity to face your fears though.

[Handlebars]

Don't worry! I used to be afraid of heights too. Some good Moab immersion therepy was the cure.

http://www.fototime.com/0AFC47BC7967DED/orig.jpg

:D

Here I am, calm cool and collected on Cliffhanger:
http://www.fototime.com/EDFCFCD1C71C8E7/orig.jpg

Dang Jes for getting one more photo as I passed by...
http://www.fototime.com/D46AB32B4BC608F/orig.jpg

[Boatwrench]

Don't worry! I used to be afraid of heights too. Some good Moab immersion therepy was the cure.

http://www.fototime.com/0AFC47BC7967DED/orig.jpg



Boy, my fear of height spider senses are tingling just looking at that! Cool pic though.

[jeep4play2000]

Don't worry! I used to be afraid of heights too. Some good Moab immersion therepy was the cure.

http://www.fototime.com/0AFC47BC7967DED/orig.jpg

:D

Here I am, calm cool and collected on Cliffhanger:


Dang Jes for getting one more photo as I passed by...


Man that picture and the one with the crazy guy standing on the edge, literally make my stomach turn and get me kind of panicy... You guys are nuts... lol

[xjblue]

Reminds me of the time handlebars spotted me up to this edge (while standing in front) and almost lost his balance! sweaty palms I tell you.

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/15519/1474009507043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1474009507043863621TuyCMt)http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/31435/1474009408043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1474009408043863621yCeCfD)

[xjblue]

Another cliffhanger scene, and handlebars making me nervous again.

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/41185/1480960567043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1480960567043863621LpOIgB)http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/22476/2868010170043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2868010170043863621puMWLh)

[Handlebars]

Good times Jared!

You might want to avoid Flat Iron Mesa too, jeep4play2000!
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/14107/1199894749055247321S500x500Q85.jpg

[XJumpmaster]

Tamara makes me nervous as hell, too! She's got to go find the tallest cliff to go sit on and dangle her feet. I had a few pics of her at Little Arch from last years Spring Fling with the IC. I couldn't see her for a little bit when I went looking, I hiked down to the arch. Nothing! I was starting to panic, when I heard her call to me. I look up and there she is with Cuma sitting next to her. Feet dangling over a 500 ft cliff with nothing but Potash Road and the Colorado below her! I broke out into and instant sweat and got the tingleys just looking at her! Damn woman!

[XJEEPER]

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/40289/1199900515055247321S500x500Q85.jpg

Optional hike on PSM is fun too......I've seen mtn bikes ride across this.

[xjblue]

Tamara makes me nervous as hell, too! She's got to go find the tallest cliff to go sit on and dangle her feet. I had a few pics of her at Little Arch from last years Spring Fling with the IC. I couldn't see her for a little bit when I went looking, I hiked down to the arch. Nothing! I was starting to panic, when I heard her call to me. I look up and there she is with Cuma sitting next to her. Feet dangling over a 500 ft cliff with nothing but Potash Road and the Colorado below her! I broke out into and instant sweat and got the tingleys just looking at her! Damn woman!

"my wife will kill me when she looks at this photo" said my friend as I fight the same tingly feelings to get this shot. Just to the right of Little Arch. Look close and you can see two people standing on the left side of the arch.

http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/42546/1138285684043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1138285684043863621owuPCP)

[DrMoab]

You guys are supposed to be helping this guy.

Not scaring the pee out of him.

[XJumpmaster]

"my wife will kill me when she looks at this photo" said my friend as I fight the same tingly feelings to get this shot. Just to the right of Little Arch. Look close and you can see two people standing on the left side of the arch.

http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/42546/1138285684043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1138285684043863621owuPCP)I think that's exactly where Tamara and Cuma was sitting! My palms are sweaty just looking at some of these pics!

[sidriptide]

here's a pic of Boatwrench testing his "spidey-senses" on Top Of The World. (i hate taking pics near an edge, i get nervous i'll forget where my feet are. hence my 7' rule )

http://www.fototime.com/7E7DB76ADA113FF/standard.jpg

[XJumpmaster]

Yep, Tamara sat on that edge too! I did get up the nerve to belly crawl and peek over the edge though. Just a quick glance and I was scurrying back as fast as I could!

[Handlebars]

Dangling your legs over a nice crisp edge is one thing, what about seeing how close you can get to the edge of infinity?

http://www.fototime.com/464058D51D1B947/orig.jpg

Another thrilling thing to try- stand at the edge of one of those high cliffs with a pair of binoculars and slooowly pan from the horizon to directly below you. That will knock the bottom out of your stomach every time! I

[DrMoab]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/DrMoab/Moab%20Family%20Trip/MoabFamily027.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/DrMoab/Moab%20Family%20Trip/MoabFamily035.jpg

[IntrepidXJ]

trying hard to scare him away, i see :roll:

[Jes]

Dang Jes for getting one more photo as I passed by...


:laugh2:

I always thought going down that was more pucker...
http://www.fototime.com/F01DE98C54510EA/standard.jpg
...at least you're tilted away from the cliff.

Don't back up...
http://www.fototime.com/D7A0117732C6215/standard.jpg

[SOUTHTEXASXJ]

I really don't like heights either. Last October, I ran Cliffhanger. While, it was a fun trail, I don't think I'd do it again. ;)

But there are plenty of trails that don't involve heights.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/xjohnnyc/Moab/IMG_1245.jpg

thats is awsome I want to go on that trail!!

[xjblue]

You guys are supposed to be helping this guy.

Not scaring the pee out of him.


http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/DrMoab/Moab%20Family%20Trip/MoabFamily027.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/DrMoab/Moab%20Family%20Trip/MoabFamily035.jpg


ummm, you couldn't resist either could you!

[xjblue]

driver seat view, I do recommend coming to a full stop prior to fussing with your camera in this situation.
http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/36532/1480960823043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1480960823043863621KXHihg)

[jeep4play2000]

Not really sure what to say at this point...? It looks beautiful out there, no question about that, I would love to see it in person.... :puke:
Here's a challenge for you. Instead of showing me all of these disgustingly high photos, pick some that look like a lot of fun without being 10000' in the air!! You know the ones, where you could roll your Jeep over and land just a couple of feet from where the rollover began, not the ones where you fall to painful messy death...

[ILLXJ]

You know the ones, where you could roll your Jeep over and land just a couple of feet from where the rollover began, not the ones where you fall to painful messy death...

Nobody takes pictures like that.:eeks1: JIM.

[jeep4play2000]

Nobody takes pictures like that.:eeks1: JIM.

LOL :yelclap:, That's some funny sh!t But o so true..

[old_man]

Not really sure what to say at this point...? It looks beautiful out there, no question about that, I would love to see it in person.... :puke:
Here's a challenge for you. Instead of showing me all of these disgustingly high photos, pick some that look like a lot of fun without being 10000' in the air!! You know the ones, where you could roll your Jeep over and land just a couple of feet from where the rollover began, not the ones where you fall to painful messy death...

I always thought if you fell far enough you wouldn't feel it. :jester:

[DrMoab]

Here's a challenge for you. Instead of showing me all of these disgustingly high photos, pick some that look like a lot of fun without being 10000' in the air!! You know the ones, where you could roll your Jeep over and land just a couple of feet from where the rollover began, not the ones where you fall to painful messy death...
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/DrMoab/Fall%20Fling%202006/FallFling2006147.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/DrMoab/Fall%20Fling%202006/FallFling2006008.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/DrMoab/IConTheRocks/MoabMayham121.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/DrMoab/IConTheRocks/MoabMayham083.jpg

[jeep4play2000]

Nice, very nice... lol. Thanks for that! Everyone in those pics look pissed or bored to tears, must be because they're not 10000' in the air... Ok, Ok, I get it you have to be really high (in the air) to have a good time in Moab...

[DrMoab]

Nice, very nice... lol. Thanks for that! Everyone in those pics look pissed or bored to tears, must be because they're not 10000' in the air... Ok, Ok, I get it you have to be really high (in the air) to have a good time in Moab...
Man you took that wrong.

No one is pissed, everyone is waiting for the good eats!

No one goes hungry in Moab.

[lobsterdmb]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/DrMoab/Fall%20Fling%202006/FallFling2006008.jpg


Remi's jeep?

[DrMoab]

Remi's jeep?
not an uglier one on earth :D

[sidriptide]

No one is pissed, everyone is waiting for the good eats!

yeah who was cooking that awesome grub anyways?? :anon:

[Boatwrench]

Ok here are some happy people. From ICe on the Rocks - 2006
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/DSCN0430.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/DSCN0429.jpg


Folks came from both coast
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/DSCN0433.jpg


I guess this year, this will be considered CHEAP!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/DSCN0439.jpg
That's $3.36 per Gallon in Barstow, CA April 2006


Plenty of help is always offered.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/DSCN0372.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/moab2006spring001.jpg

Flat trail: Onion Creek - Rightseatsis in a Poser water crossing shot
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/DSCN0361.jpg

Long Canyon - Yep it's downhill, but only Pucker Pass hairpin curve and just after the tunnel are on a shelf, and I don't recall the drop off being that bad. On the rightside through Pucker Pass and on the left after the tunnel for about 1/4 mile. The shelf is about 2 jeeps wide.

Pucker Pass:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/PuckerpassTom.jpg

Narrows between Pucker Pass and Tunnel:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/Longcanyonnarrows.jpg

The Tunnel:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/DSCN0359.jpg

The bottom of the Canyon:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/BalancingRock.jpg


Scenic stuff that has paved road to it:

THE Arch:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/DSCN0405.jpg

A vista from Canyon Lands Overlook: You would be standing back about 15' from the edge and there is a railing. That's White Rim Road down there.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/DSCN0410.jpg

See you there :wave:
Tom

[xjblue]

The shaffer trail is fairly flat if you turn around at some point after the evaporation ponds and before Thelma & luise Point (where they jump a car off a cliff for the movie I think)

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/4631/1069743792043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1069743792043863621hMuQGx)

Show and shine on nice flat ground in town.
http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/35279/2184051580043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2184051580043863621EBLTeE)

Nice and flat going to get over to Fisher Towers.
http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/17503/2758974660043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2758974660043863621heatYT)

No cliffs to worry over along the Tower Arch trail in Arches
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/38716/2149847320043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2149847320043863621ckHJhu)

OK, all the trail head and parking lot photos are flat too, boring.
Can't resist
must post more photos of crazy hights




This is how some roll on Muscleman Arch
http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/22214/2818215900043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2818215900043863621loUfPO)

Pretty soon you'll be doing it like this!
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/41436/2365004580043863621S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2365004580043863621KXUKMn)

[Handlebars]

Heck, Jared can have casual conversations on top of those things as if he were on his couch!

http://www.fototime.com/702D1C9C98024D3/orig.jpg

[XJumpmaster]

Heck, Jared can have casual conversations on top of those things as if he were on his couch!

http://www.fototime.com/702D1C9C98024D3/orig.jpgYou won't catch me having a casual whatever on that thing! I would be like the other people in that one pic, crawling! LOL

[jeep4play2000]

Heck, Jared can have casual conversations on top of those things as if he were on his couch!

http://www.fototime.com/702D1C9C98024D3/orig.jpg

That is an awesome pic, especially with the Cherokee down in the bottom... Very cool. And yes, I would not be conversing on one of "those things"... As a matter of fact I can pretty much guarendamnte you, I won't even be close to that thing!! LOL