Cost of Moab wheeling?

[ctracy5]

Hey guys, I am hoping to try and get to Moab some time next year and wondering on costs. If I did go it would be for like 4-5 days. What does it typically cost for you guys who go. I would guess there are good campsites to save money on lodging. Just want basic don't need any real specific. Also is Moab good during April, thinking maybe spring break if everything works out.

[JFjeld]

If you're tent camping, expect to pay $17-25/night for a commercial site that typically includes a shower house and possibly pool. But a lot of the campgrounds are like parking lots, so prepare to get dusty. I last went with a group of friends, and we rented condos and shared the expense so it was pretty reasonable. You can obviously figure out your gas cost based on the mileage.

Depending on when you go, you'll have to pay a park fee to get into many of the trails, such as Hell's Revenge, etc. I think for a week pass it was something like $25.

[ctracy5]

Cool, I think most people where saying to plan like $200 each way fuel cost or so. How much are cheap motels? Or are there not much that way, only need a place to to sleep and cook nothing fancy.

[RidgeRunner]

I like to stay at Moab Valley RV. They have cabins that run about $65/night and are pretty decent. The downside is that they book up early and don't allow any wrenching on rigs on the property. Last time I was there I stayed at the Slickrock Campground in one of their cabins. They were bare bones and the mattresses sucked, but they were cheap. I think my last trip ran about $650 total, including gas. I drove out Wednesday, wheeled 3 days and came back Sunday. A lot depends on where you stay and what you eat/where you eat.

It's roughly 365 miles from my house to Moab, @ ~18 MPG & $3.50/gal, that's about $145 in gas round trip plus gas wheeling.

You'll have to pay to get into Sand Flats Recreation area if you want to run Hells Revenge or Fin-n-things. I don't remember what that was but you can look that up online, I want to say it was $10/day. There is also Canyonlands and Arches National Parks if you want to sight see. They have entry fees as well.

[JFjeld]

I can only get 200 miles/tank in my TJ, so I figured about 5 tanks total for there, back, and wheeling. My gas was more in the neighborhood of $250-300, but I'm probably the exception. There are 2 grocery stores in Moab so you can keep cost down that way by packing lunches and reducing your restaurant costs. The Sand Flats fees were, I believe $10/day but you could just do the week pass for $25.

You could always go to hotels.com and see what average hotel prices are, but that's probably your most expensive lodging option.

[Jim]

I recall someone saying that Green River, about 50 miles north of Moab, was 1/2 the hotel cost (but then there's the gas cost and travel time for those 50 miles).

[Chris]

I think Tom stayed in the hostel in town, very cheap but really just a bed and communal facilities if it's like hostels I'm familiar with. Camping saves a lot, something to consider as an alternative to hotel costs.

[ctracy5]

Camping saves a lot, something to consider as an alternative to hotel costs.

That is what I was thinking, I am hoping this works out it may be my last chance to get there :frown: for a while.

[Tom]

Takes me 1 1/2 tanks of gas each way in my JK avg 20 mpg. As Chris mentioned I stayed at the hostel. Its a total dive but cheap $33 a night. Yes communal facilities. Next time I'll check into those $65 cabins.

I would never take/submit my wife or a girl friend to the hostel. No I don't have a gf, sa.

They do have cooking facilities.

[Squshiee1]

If you go to "behind the rocks" we found a decent camping spot, free, you can use a tent, i would have slept in the back of my rodeo, 0$ for camping. after everything was said and done, I spent about 400 in gas total, I averaged 20 mpg. and this was with wheeling! as long as you don't eat out every night you should have a fairly cheap trip.

[xaza]

How do they charge for campsites?(per tent or per space) Is there room to get multiple tents in the average space? Should he be reserving space early? I hope to finally make it next year too.

[Chris]

I know some people here used Area BFE to reduce costs, not sure about it as I haven't heard anything for quite a while.

[Squshiee1]

You could use area BFE, there weren't very many people over there when we went.

It is right across from behind the rocks.

[southpaws3]

If you hotel , book early get a group. Hey joe has "camp sites ". South side of town has
bfe area.
Don't eat out to much,restaurants are pricey. Have fun!

[GaryG]

As for your other question, April is great to go, not too hot. Easter jeep safari is Apr 13-20 next year so you'll want to avoid that, week after is always a good time to go, trails are well marked, and townsfolk are all happy. I plan on going Apr 21-26, try to do that kokapelli trail on the way

[southpaws3]

X2 w/ garyg

[ctracy5]

Well just check looks like Spring break is early then I remember, It is the week of March 17th - 21st. I'm guessing that this is still fine, maybe a little chilly but not bad. Otherwise I would have to wait till after graduation on May 17th. Not a bad thing but I will be dealing with getting ready to move.

Just checked out the BFE website and that looks like a great place, can't believe it is free. Looks like it is only a short drive out of Moab, anybody know how long its takes to get to town/most other trails from BFE.

Here is the site for anyone who wants to check it out, I had no idea what it was so I Googled it and found this.
http://www.areabfe.com/

[06HokieTJ]

It is the week of March 17th - 21st. I'm guessing that this is still fine, maybe a little chilly but not bad.

I suspect mid March would be beautiful.

We've stayed at BLM campgrounds the two times we've gone. But we like camping and like to get out of town for the nights.

[ctracy5]

I think camping will be the way to go, besides it is car camping and we have a air bed we would bring so not like we would be "roughing" it. Now the really hard part, trying to figure out what trails to do.

I am debating hells revenge just because it is so iconic but I don't want to over my trucks or my abilities.

two for sure are fins and things and top of the world.

[Chris]

Hell's Revenge is pretty much like F&T, not really any harder IMHO.

There are free camping spots between Moab and Dewey Bridge (Top of the World)

[Chris]

Just remembered the weather when we went in April, we had our camper and it got as low as 29° one night. We did have a bit of snow but it wasn't an issue. The weather, as we all know, can be unpredictable at that time of the year. We returned in terrible weather and the high passes were closed, took us 11 hours together home.

Not trying to discourage an early Spring trip, just a heads-up that the drive can be sketchy. Here's our trailer after we got home.

[Rick]

Hell's Revenge is pretty much like F&T, not really any harder IMHO. I agree except for the optional obstacles

[ctracy5]

does the elevator have a bypass, that is one that I would walk and potentially try, if I had the right spotter.

[Chris]

Yes, almost all obstacles on HR have bypasses. IIRC there's just the mandatory one towards the end that doesn't.

[ctracy5]

Cool I then I will add it to my list, alright well I think I have bugged everyone for now, and I got a lot to think about and figure out, thanks guys.

[Brad]

My take on Moab:

I have only camped there and in my opinion it is definately the cheaper way to go. I have gone twice so my advice is limited.

-Figure out your trucks mileage. Plot out the mileage between your house and Moab. Easy way to figure out travel cost. Depending on how far the trails are away from central moab you want to run plan on 1/4 to 1/2 a tank of fuel per day of trail running. That is based on my trucks consumption. Again. Good to know what your trucks mpg is on trail. ;)

-If you want to do sand flats and plan on camping. Camp at sand flats. It is $10 per night. There are a ton of sites except during Easter Jeep Safari. I recommend not going during that week if you want to camp. That is advice I got off other sites with a lot of jeep people. The camping fee also gives you full access to the trails in sand flats so you can explore where you camp. Great mountainbiking trail in sand flats as well in case anyone is interested in riding. Facilities are open top pit toilets. But you are a very short drive to town if you need flushing water or want to go out to dinner. We try to reserve at least 1 night to eat out. I also recommend driving a ways back in and trying to get the sites located on fins and things or at least one near the trail. It is a lot of fun hanging out and drinking beer watching people run the trail at the end of the day. :thumb:

-Area BFE, while it is great they are a donation camping location (which I recommend if you are going to stay there). They require you bring your own facilities. No going in the woods. The road into and out of Area BFE is heavy washboard and it is a good distance from downtown moab. Great if you want to do needles district. Crappy if you want to do the plethora of trails around downtown moab.

Hope this helps.

[ctracy5]

Great info, I'm thinking that I will switch each night from "free" non facility camping, to paid (with facility) camping. Being out there I don't care if I get a shower every night, but a whole week is another story lol. But my wife may disagree and want facilities every night meaning that is what would happen :lmao:.

So it looks like Sands flats road covers HR, F&T, Porcupine Rim correct.

I would love to the the "Trifecta" as traildamage calls them; Poison Spider, Golden Spike, and Gold Bar Rim.

As much as I would like to looks like Top of the World may be out, the trail Rose Garden Hill that you take to get to Top of the World is potentially more then I want to take on and they have said it is getting worse.

[Squshiee1]

Hells revenge was easier than the "trifecta". For my rodeo.

[ctracy5]

For now just to get things rolling I am thinking sand flats area aka HR and F&T, the trifecta, and then one or two easier/more scenic trails. It may have been on here but can't Remember but it was a trail that was in a very narrow canyon, or crack, that had really cool smooth walls that were pretty tall.

is HR and F&T doable In The same day?

[Chris]

The first sounds like Elephant Hill, HR & FT make a nice day.

[cfr]

My personal estimates (for my trip at Thanksgiving),

- $100 each way in gas -- use the trip planner on gasbuddy.com
- 1/2 tank of gas per day
- $100/day for food & other expenses
- $100/night for hotel

Most importantly... A credit card for emergencies.

[Brad]

If you do elephant hill you should do the joint hiking trail. Really cool area to explore.

[06HokieTJ]

If you do elephant hill you should do the joint hiking trail. Really cool area to explore.

x2

BTW: My avatar (and the pic below) is what happens when you're watching the drivers side on the narrow spot on Elephant Hill and your fiance neglects to do her part and tell you that you're driving up the sandstone wall. Lead to a great pic though!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/942055_10101692356840183_733198796_n.jpg

[06HokieTJ]

-If you want to do sand flats and plan on camping. Camp at sand flats. It is $10 per night. There are a ton of sites except during Easter Jeep Safari. I recommend not going during that week if you want to camp. That is advice I got off other sites with a lot of jeep people. The camping fee also gives you full access to the trails in sand flats so you can explore where you camp. Great mountainbiking trail in sand flats as well in case anyone is interested in riding. Facilities are open top pit toilets. But you are a very short drive to town if you need flushing water or want to go out to dinner. We try to reserve at least 1 night to eat out. I also recommend driving a ways back in and trying to get the sites located on fins and things or at least one near the trail. It is a lot of fun hanging out and drinking beer watching people run the trail at the end of the day.

x2

Brad nailed it again. He's on the ball today!

[ColoJeeper]

The first sounds like Elephant Hill, HR & FT make a nice day.

Nice pic there Chris!

[ctracy5]

Awesome, all I need to do now is add up all my cost of the trip and gear I need to get and see if this is doable for me. Next semester may be tight, but I think I can ask for some cash as a graduation present to help cover costs. I now have to get Health insurance to keep attending CSU, there plan is around $1500 for the semester (but is good through August) so I am going to price it out with the Colorado Connect plans and see which way I want to go. Anyways;

So right now I am looking at three days of wheeling and two days of travel:
Travel: Fuel - Fuel buddy says a total of $152 so I will plan on $200
two meals on the road - $50, so we can eat at decent restaurants instead of fast food if we choose

Wheeling: 1/2 (10 gals) tank per day rounded up (playing it safe again) - $40ish per day - $160ish
Sand flats fee:$25

Two nights paid camping: $10-$25 depending on local I hear, so plan on $50 again, just in case we need to pay for more nights.

Food: I have a decent cooler may get a bigger one, if we just so sandwiches should be able to keep cost down so lunches around $5 each so $10 a day and dinners lets say $15 per day with two nice dinners planned at $30 so
lunches: $15
Dinners: $60 + $30 = $90
Food: $115ish

So looking $575 total at the moment, anything I am leaving out, other then the gear I need to get for the trip?

Day one Drive in
Day two Sand Flats - HR + F&T
Day three Trifecta - Poison Spider + Golden Spike + Gold Bar Rim
Day Four Elephant hill area - EH + Devils lane + Beef Basin
Day five Drive home

Crazy awesome or just crazy

[Chris]

Nice pic there Chris!

I thought you'd like it Don!

[JFjeld]

Yes, almost all obstacles on HR have bypasses.
If you decide to do Hell's Gate and make the climb down, you have no choice but to do it. Choose wisely, my friend. I did it in May, but had a wheel in the air several times, and that was definitely the hugest pucker factor I've ever experienced. Oh, and whatever you do, don't watch rollover videos on YouTube for any of the trails you intend to do. That may have contributed to my pucker factor :thumb:

[ctracy5]

Sounds good, I think I am becoming to comfortable with a tires in the air lol. So is hells gate is a mandatory obstacle? I will have to look into that one. I am hoping to get some people there with me so if anyone wants to feel free to come out even if we only meet for a one day I would like to have some familiar faces around.

P.s. Potentially gonna be moved to May due to work. Walmart may be doing inventory in March and if so I can't get anytime off. I won't know until January when inventory is so can't set a solid date until then but for now I am planning on March leaving the 17th or 18th and getting back the 21st or 22nd of March.

[Chris]

Hell's Gate is not mandatory and Jason is right about the exit obstacle as being the one I mentioned doesn't have a bypass. My IFS with a couple inch lift did fine.

[Brad]

That's a pretty good estimate Chris. I would consider tossing on a additional $50 for incidentals. We seem to always find something we forgot or want to bring back. :thumb:

I am trying to talk my son into going back to Moab for his spring break in March. I will let you know if the dates match up.

[ctracy5]

Well you guys who have wheeled with me or seen my rig know that I will need a $100 budget for stickers! That would be great, like i said before it sucks but I can't request the time off until we know the dates for our inventory at work and if it is the same time I will have to move to May, most likely the week of the 25th.

But things are looking good I got the family onboard to donate to the cause as a graduation present, its cheaper then a trip to Europe right.

[Java]

It might be an anomaly based on the gov. shutdown, but when I was there in Oct. the Sand Flats camping was full from Friday morning through when we left on Sunday. There was a sign on Sand Flats road before Lions back saying all camping was full. We tried to find a site for a campfire at night but couldn't, even the overflows were full. The prior week all of the BLM camping was closed due to the shutdown, but it was all reopened wed or thurs before we arrived and most of the sites along 128 were pretty full already on Friday morning. I've never seen that before, the Juniper campground on Sand Flats is usually a great place for quiet camping away from the crowds, but it was packed as well. IDK if that is the new normal there or not, but you might want to have a plan B in place for camping. Check out www.discovermoab.com (http://www.discovermoab.com), they have great camping info including where to take a shower. :)

[JFjeld]

So is hells gate is a mandatory obstacle?
No, it's not mandatory. But to get to it, you go down a steep climb that's pretty much one way. So once you commit to the climb down, you're in it for the duration of the obstacle.

This is the climb down; Much, muchsteeper than it appears here:
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Moab/IMG_20130526_083439_445_zpsd7941cf7.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Moab/IMG_20130526_083439_445_zpsd7941cf7.jpg.html)

This is my climb up Hell's Gate, and gives a pretty good idea of the nerves involved. IFS would help keep you grounded better than a solid axle:
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z373/JFjeld/Moab/Day2-HellsRevenge-270_zpsede6cd1c.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/JFjeld/media/Moab/Day2-HellsRevenge-270_zpsede6cd1c.jpg.html)

[ctracy5]

That looks awesome just the type of stuff I want to do!!!

[Haku]

Hells Gate is all down to who is spotting you and how you can follow their direction. The level of build can make a big difference (not lifting wheels helps a lot), but this is the spot that vehicle manufacturers love to bring their completely stock vehicle to show how competent it is. If you look on Youtube, there are videos of all types of offroad vehicle going up it. That said, I'll put this up...

https://6wagdq.bay.livefilestore.com/y2pRZsc3P8FS5FCTqNPM6IUY6zPjk5VBupmfXDDREkMy5jivOq S1hfpYKOd65TZvxlbI8-Y43gbFce4KLULY45QOFMWhGxW7zDQKV8aD4znT-c4HFPVIUYWMKC-3s7iCxqD/38.jpg?psid=1

The only reason that this happened to this guy was because he thought he was too good for a spotter since "he had done twice before and knew what he was doing". With a good spotter it will feel easy and you'll want to do it three times in a row. Get off line and you can get in a fairly scary situation that leads to the carnage videos you see of this obstacle. Even if you don't do this obstacle its worth going down to look at, as there are some cool overlooks of the Colorado river there too.

Moab can be as cheap as the gas money to get there plus Ramen Noodle money for food. If you are willing to rough it, there are plenty of free camping opportunities if you are willing to drive a bit out of town (Area BFE, Behind the Rocks, and some other areas). Sometimes its nice to stay in a Hotel though, and there are all price levels there (check reviews to affirm the absence of Bed Bugs though...kind of a problem in Moab hotels) depending on time of year. I've never had any luck getting a spot in Sand Flats. Seems like it has the "Full" sign up every time I go, and I always end up at Area BFE. 15 minute drive from the main part of Moab, which isn't too bad. If you get a group together, I've heard a really nice way to go is renting a Condo. They aren't too expensive per person and provide a nice place to come back to. Some of them even have a garage attached with power and tools to use for those days where stuff breaks.

[Brad]

This is a good barometer of how busy Moab is when you want to go.

http://www.discovermoab.com/calendar.htm
Sand flats was easily half empty during our September trip last year.

[ctracy5]

I am getting pump, thanks Josh for the reminder. As I "feel" like I am getting better at wheeling I am finding myself being much more confident and attempting obstacles with out spotting more often. But Moab is defiantly not the place to be "over" confidant.

[Java]

Dan Mick drives it on this one, it's a good perspective from inside, if you can take all the screaming. The line to slap her forms behind me...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju20UvBgt-k

[ctracy5]

Well I guess the wifey does want to spend five days in a car with me so it will be a "guys" trip lol.

is the climb at 4:00 min mark hells gate?

[Beefy]

If you decide to do Hell's Gate, make sure you have another rig there that has the ability to go down and up as well (in case of a roll). I was pretty close...


http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/BeefyBeefo/DSC_0204_zps42892901.jpg


I couldn't tell it was near that bad from within the vehicle, since it's so steep anyway. I think the only thing that kept me from rolling backwards was that I didn't stop.

Don't forget to factor in the cost of breakage. My second time in Moab, I had to add $600-$700 due to axle damage.

[Backcountryislife]

FYI, that time of year the hostel is $34 a night for the cabins... I stayed there just a couple weeks ago with Abby & Tucker, more than comfortable.

There's a "yard" area that is pretty enclosed & private, and the cabin itself is private.

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1375138_10200806249420627_158522537_n.jpg

I've stayed a number of places there, and this was BY FAR the best bang for the buck I've had. You can cook like you're camping, or if you're low on space, run inside & use the stove.

For the three of us we average about $35 a day for non fuel expenses, aside from lodging. The city market is priced the same as around here, and if you want to save money, go back to the cabin or campsite & cook. I buy eggs, meat & rolls... and then dinner food... hard to waste too much money if you're cooking yourself. (I like to cook though)

I think you'll find that if you're hitting the classics, Moab is much easier than it appears. The rock is sticky as heck, and unlike here, the rocks aren't fighting you the whole time on your lines. Don't get me wrong, there are harder, nastier things there, but IMO a 6 there is NOT equal to a 6 here.

We'll be there next 4.18 - 4.22 or so. Got cabin 17 at the lazy lizard booked already :D

[Tom]

FYI, that time of year the hostel is $34 a night for the cabins... I stayed there just a couple weeks ago with Abby & Tucker, more than comfortable.

There's a "yard" area that is pretty enclosed & private, and the cabin itself is private.

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1375138_10200806249420627_158522537_n.jpg

I've stayed a number of places there, and this was BY FAR the best bang for the buck I've had. You can cook like you're camping, or if you're low on space, run inside & use the stove.

For the three of us we average about $35 a day for non fuel expenses, aside from lodging. The city market is priced the same as around here, and if you want to save money, go back to the cabin or campsite & cook. I buy eggs, meat & rolls... and then dinner food... hard to waste too much money if you're cooking yourself. (I like to cook though)

I think you'll find that if you're hitting the classics, Moab is much easier than it appears. The rock is sticky as heck, and unlike here, the rocks aren't fighting you the whole time on your lines. Don't get me wrong, there are harder, nastier things there, but IMO a 6 there is NOT equal to a 6 here.

We'll be there next 4.18 - 4.22 or so. Got cabin 17 at the lazy lizard booked already :D
I've tried twice to get a cabin without success. How far in advance are you reserving it.

[Backcountryislife]

This time they lost our original reservation, and we re-reserved a week ahead of time... For spring obviously I'm WAY out, but it's EJS, so I knew I needed to be.

[88Toy]

It is a fun trip, you'll only want more...

[Java]

I think you'll find that if you're hitting the classics, Moab is much easier than it appears. The rock is sticky as heck, and unlike here, the rocks aren't fighting you the whole time on your lines. Don't get me wrong, there are harder, nastier things there, but IMO a 6 there is NOT equal to a 6 here.

We'll be there next 4.18 - 4.22 or so. Got cabin 17 at the lazy lizard booked already :D

fully agree, Moab intimidated me the first time, but I'm more comfortable soloing there than in CO. Also, City Market in Moab has the BEST salad bar, I eat it atleast once a day there.

[ctracy5]

Can't wait, it is looking like May but won't know till like January, got a line on some wheels chrome Toyota wheels for $50, but the add only said 15" rims with the right bolt pattern appear to have the older larger center bore that I need to clear my hubs, but don't know the width or anything else sent an email and will see what happens.

If the chrome is in decent shape could I just paint over it or if I wanted to paint the rims should I remove the chrome first?