Moab May 23-27 2014!!!

[ctracy5]

Alright time to get serious about this. So here are the plans currently.

May 23rd - Leave later in the day and just camp and hangout.

camp on sand flats road

May 24th - Hell's Revenge and Fins and Things.

Camp near trailhead of Posion Spider

May 25th - "Trifecta" Poison Spider, Golden Spike, and Gold Bar.

Need to find camping near end of gold bar or trailhead of Tenmile Wash or Crystal Geyser.

26th - Tenmile Wash or Crystal Geyser ( or one in and one out) and White Wash Sand Dunes.

camp close to 70

27th - Drive home.


I know this is a very ambitious plan but I will be moving back to Washington this summer so I will not be able to get to Utah for a while and want to make the most out of this trip.

Making a long Weekend out of it to make things easier on my buddy who is coming. I would love it if anyone would want to join for part or all of the trip. If different dates would help let me know, nothing in stone yet, but this are the trails I want to hit.

[ctracy5]

Posted on my break at work last night so here are the links to the trails info, ratings, and pics.

Day 1
Hell's Revenge : http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=26
Fins and Things : http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=25

Day 2
Poison Spider Mesa : http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=27
Golden Spike : http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=28
Gold Bar Rim : http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=29

Day Three
Tenmile Wash : http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=279
White Wash Sand Dunes : http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=287
Crystal Geyser : http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=288

[ILuvtheMountains]

I wish I could join you, I will be going the following week. Make sure you have a GOOD spotter for hells, or be ready to bypass the gate and escalator. I have heard that trifecta is extremely tough and a really long day but have never done those myself.
Danged school, our last day is 5/31 and I am leaving that day, right after school to go for 3-4 days then meeting the in laws for some hiking and non-4x4 tourism in Zion, Bryce Canyon and arches.

[ctracy5]

Probably just gonna bypass unless I get some more people coming or hook up with some good guys there. Honestly if I just hang out at HR and watch some cool rigs I would be happy.

[ILuvtheMountains]

Well I have heard that with a good spotter I could finish both of these trails, doing most all obstacles (other than the tubs) so I think you probably could too. But the experienced spotter is key. You will likely find someone.
Maybe check to see if there are any Moab forums or craigslist postings for wheeling partners. I have taken a backpacking trip with a person who was looking for "adventure partner". That first call was a leap of faith as far as making sure that the title wasn't a euphemism for experimental sex or something, but it worked out well in that the dude just wanted to do some extreme CO camping so we did an overnight at 11k feet in RMNP on January 2, 2012.

[ctracy5]

Never even wanted to do the tubs, not until I want to destroy a trunk. PlanetIsuzu is doing there trip the week before, but that is finals and graduation for CSU, but I posted there too.

[ctracy5]

Anybody know of good resources for locating campsites, enmities, etc for the Moab area. Traildamage is great for trails but not so much for camping, food, etc.

[Jackie]

This is a very simple web site, but it is pretty informative: http://moab-utah.com/

[ctracy5]

Thanks I will read up and see what I can find.

[ctracy5]

I think I have the camping figured out.

Friday 23rd : Sandy Flats Rd - appear to be first come first serve so I guess I show up and hope there is a spot open.
$10 for two days
$10 for one vehicle to camp

Saturday 24th : Kane Creek Campgrounds - According to discovermoab.com (http://www.discovermoab.com/campgrounds_blm.htm) there is free camping at the creek crossing. Does anyone know if this is the right campgrounds?

https://maps.google.com/?ll=38.547091,-109.591713&spn=0.079748,0.099735&t=m&z=13&iwloc=lyrftr:m,10356229392319954236,38.541452,-109.596777

Can't seem to insert the map?

Sunday 25th : Gold Bar Campsites - BLM campsites

$20 reg fee
$4 per person

Monday : ?Dripping Springs? - Again free camping but can't seem to find anything other then what the dicovermoab.com site says. It is near tenmile Wash and that is the only info.

potentially head home and be home late Monday/very early Tuesday.

[zukrider]

Tentatively, ill be in moab Sunday May 18th to Sat the 24th. i could make it push to the 25th.

Ill be joining the GoneMoab (http://gonemoab.com/) group if i get to go. All makes and such are welcome, if you wanted to make it out for that.

[ILuvtheMountains]

I am Heading to Moab on the 30th of May and will be staying until the 2nd or 3rd of June. Too bad I can't leave a bit earlier. Your plan looks awesome though. Make sure you have PLENTY of time for that Trifecta run. Heard it is an all-day excursion if there is no breakage, night wheeling is inevitable if you need to stop for anything.

[ctracy5]

Looks like the gonemoab guys are doing everything I wanted to even the sand dunes. The site seems pretty Nissan specific, you sure they wouldn't mind an Isuzu coming along. Also I can't seem to find out how much it cost. But looks really cool and I would love to be with a group of guys who really know the trails.

Edit: I sent them a message, had to go to registration to get that option and see how much it was. Still early reg and about $80 a person.

[ctracy5]

I am Heading to Moab on the 30th of May and will be staying until the 2nd or 3rd of June. Too bad I can't leave a bit earlier. Your plan looks awesome though. Make sure you have PLENTY of time for that Trifecta run. Heard it is an all-day excursion if there is no breakage, night wheeling is inevitable if you need to stop for anything.

Trail damage estimates it at like 12+ hours. That gonemoab group seems to do them separately, Poison Spider one day and Golden Spike and Gold bar a second day.

[ctracy5]

Waiting to hear back on a few things but most likely gonna go with the GoneMoab guys, they "require" a locker for a few of the trails I want to do so I am seeing how strict they are on that.

[zukrider]

Yup, $80 for a single. One of there trail leaders drives a rubicon. You will be ok. Also, you will get to be in the raffle, an they give away great prizes!

[ctracy5]

I am talking to a couple of the trail leaders at the moment, in the blogs for two of the runs I want to do (Golden spike/Gold Bar rim on Tuesday and then Poison Spider on Wednesday) they "require" at least one locker I am trying to see if I they will let me go anyways. Waiting to Reg until I get some responses so I can sign up for the right trails. Had to post some pics of the trooper describe my setup and such, man I hate doing that :lmao:.

[zukrider]

I hear ya. What if we find you a cheap Jyard axle and weld the spiders for that week, then swap it back out when ya get home? I'll do the welding if needed, and I'll help ya pull and install if we time it right. Also, we can do part of or all of both on our own as well. Options abound!

[ctracy5]

If it comes to something like that I may think about but I need to drive the whole way there and back, and on a welded axle that would be a nightmare on 70.

[zukrider]

Not at all. Have you ever driven a welded diff? Especially a fizzy lock? They are far more forgiving than you have been led to believe. I drove a stock geared and powered Sami with a welded rear for over a year. Sure it's not the most ideal setup, but compare to an "auto" locker, a welded diff is way more predictable in handling.

[ctracy5]

Really, because I was just debating on risking my life ordering a Aussie "ratcheting" locker and using my paypal bill me later account to keep it from my wife a few months lol. Indy 4x has 1, and I mean 1 in stock for $450 either front or rear.

[ctracy5]

I thought that a welded diff had no difference side to side like spooled diff??? and what is Frizzy lock can't find anything online?

[zukrider]

Don't get me wrong. They work. And well. But they "can" have weird handling traits. If its shimmed to loose, it will lock and unlock whenever it damn well feels like it. And at highway speed, those moments tend to put you in another lane. If shimmed to tight, they act like a welded diff anyway. I'm not trying to sway you at all. Cause they work well. But welding is free. I just assumed you'd want a separate axle for that. Or a third, I forget what style the trooper has. Isn't it like a Dana 44 like the passport? Of so, a fizzy locker is a bit more difficult to make happen, so a full weld may be better. But either way, FREE. WELL, it'll cost ya some beer! I've been torn whether or not to go at all this year, or go to Hone, or go in March with Brad. But if you get all committed, I'm down with May. May work better anyway, as I won't have the kids to keep track of.

[ctracy5]

I am going!!! haha, anyways, I have an Isuzu Corporate 12 bolt axle, they used the same one in the troopers up to 98 then used a modified 12 bolt until 2004. Most of the Rodeos have a Dana 44. I will look into how much I can get a decent axle at a junkyard for, but paypal is nice because it will give me until June to pay it off. I guess another other option is to just find a axle with LSD unit in it, many of the gen 2 troopers can stock with one.

[zukrider]

Oh sorry. Fozzy lock. You weld the spider gaps, instead of together. Prevents the unit spinning, but gives a Lil play. Off to bed. Let's know when you plan to register, maybe we can try to hit the same trails for most if not all the run. And a little late notice, but check your PM

[ctracy5]

:speechless: Just remembered that I have third members, I probably could set up the spooled third and drive out there with the open one in and change it to the spooled there and back to open for the drive home. It would be some work and only done if the spooled gears are a pain in the rear to drive with. :lmao: get it.

[Haku]

I'd consider a Moab trip during this time too, but might want to split off and do a harder trailer or two.

For what its worth, I welded the rear diff of my 1st Gen 4runner and I struggle to notice the difference at more then 20mph. It'll wear tires a bit faster perhaps, but otherwise you will hardly notice it driving at speed. You'll notice it the most in parking lots and driving slow since the tires will chirp a bit on tight turns, but its not gonna shoot you off the road.

Offroad, having it locked full time might effect your turning radius and ease of steering, but only a little bit. Much more noticeable on a locked front axle since the rig will want to drive straight when you turn sometimes, but for a rear axle you can't beat the price compared to what it will do for wheeling ability.

You are definitely good to go locked or not on Hells Revenge (minus Escalator and Hells Gate) and Fins n Things, and will do fine on Poison Spider I think. Might need a few tugs up stuff, but nothing too bad. Doing the Trio is a long day and there are a few obstacles you'll have to take a careful line through, but you should be allright I think. On my last trip out there I was in my "mostly stock" 4runner (just dual cases and a welded rear end and winch) and had a great time and did 99% of the obstacles unassisted.

I think the "lockers required" or "25's and up tires" rule on some organized runs is more to keep things moving and to make sure you are prepared rather then actually needing them. If there are 30 rigs all in a group and half of them have to get pulled up a few things, it can make for a VERY long day.

Things that would be high priority for me is a way to rescue myself aka Winch, and a stout rear bumper. Lots of ledges and things where you can do some REALLY hard hits on the rear end of a stock rig. Just having a rated trailer hitch is probably enough, but at the least I would have something like a stout piece of 2x3 tubing bolted to some strong mounting points if you still want your door to close after the first trail. I think I hit my rear bumper 100 times on the Poison Spider Trio (sure felt like it).

Like I said, I might be interested in doing Moab during that time if I'm not busy. If so, I'd be happy to lead some trails and make sure you get through them.

[Haku]

Trail damage estimates it at like 12+ hours. That gonemoab group seems to do them separately, Poison Spider one day and Golden Spike and Gold bar a second day.

FYI, you can't really split the Trio up since Golden Spike is in between Poison Spider and Gold Bar Rim. You can do an out and back on Gold Bar or do the full Poison Spider Trail (it has a longer loop the you can do but it adds 3 hours or so) by themselves, but if you want to do Golden Spike then you might as well just keep going and finish the third trail instead of back tracking. There are two spurs you can do instead, Rusty Nail and "Where Eagles Dare", but they are both harder trails and are more alternates then shortcuts.

On my Moab trip last time, I think we did it from Trailhead driving off the pavement at the Poison Spider to back onto the main highway into Moab in like 9 or 10 hours last time. That includes doing the full Poison Spider loop, getting out and sight seeing/lunch at "Little Arch" for 45 or an hour, and having to get out and winch up one section on Gold Bar Rim (I think its called Slide Rock). Oh, and the requisity picture taking at the Golden Crack. The rest of the time we didn't really dawdle or hang out too much though. If you cut out the upper loop of Poison Spider, its a lot less time (I would guess 3 hours or so, 2 at the very least). Its worth coming back though, as a lot of the stuff on that loop is fun and scenic. The drive up the chunky section to where the "Portal Mountain Bike Trail" starts is worth it for the overlook towards Moab (though you'll see similar views from similar spots on Golden Spike too).

Camping wise, I've never managed to get a spot in Sand Flats, and I think I have done the same thing you are planning every time (drive on Thursday). I've spent hours looking for camping on both Potash Road (the road that goes to Poison Spider) and Highway 128 (the more scenic route from I-70 that follows the river) and have usually had to fall back on staying at Area BFE the last few times. You might get lucky, but it may be better to leave on Wednesday if you can. You can always find it space, but it may not be as convenient or close to town as you were hoping.

[ctracy5]

They are doing gold rim and golden spike in and back out on Tuesday then the same with poison spider on Wednesday I would rather run then straight but I didn't organize it.

[ctracy5]

Oh sorry the new days are Monday to Friday with the gone Moab group, same week different days. Seems to be a cool group and this way I know I will be with a group on all the trails. There is a link in an earlier post for Gonemoab.

[Haku]

They are doing gold rim and golden spike in and back out on Tuesday then the same with poison spider on Wednesday I would rather run then straight but I didn't organize it.

I suspect they will probably only run Golden Spike up to the Golden Crack or a bit beyond it and then turn around. If you ran Golden Spike all the way through and then turned around and back tracked, then its literally the longest way to do that trail. Its about 4.5 miles to drive down Poison Spider, but its like 10-12 to backtrack. Only other way I can think of doing it is up Rusty Nail, some of Golden Spike, and down Gold Bar Rim (or the reverse). The website doesn't give much info, but I didn't search on their forum so I'm not sure. Defintely doable to backtrack, but its an odd choice in my opinion.

I noticed that it says you are responsible for lodging and such, so its good you are there earlier in the week. Other then private campsites in town like KOA and Slick Rock Campground, the closest stuff to town is probably in the Sand Flats area, and its relatively cheap. You could also look up Highway 128 or Potash Road, as there are lots of BLM campsites along the river on those roads. You shouldn't have any problems finding a spot on a Monday, but it depends on what else is going on that week too.

[zukrider]

Josh, im pretty sure your not wanting to join the Gone group. but if you did, they have Black level trail runs everyday as well for the buggy types. have a look. http://gonemoab.com/?page_id=2971



Chris, if we can make a couple rig group, im down to skip Gone. ive just never done a big event like this, and i really like there format. also, Bobby with Cascadia Vehicle Tents is bringing me a rental tent to try out and play with.


But, for me, in Gone, ill apply to 32" tires, skids, sliders, rear locker, and experience. the rest i dont. i agree that most of their rules are a little on the tight side, but for good measure to make things run smooth. i have to install a CB to be able to even go, which im not happy bout. also, sliders are on the list------Josh, we need to talk------and ill have a different rear bumper as well. but i dont think ill be able to make a winch happen. not that im deterred though. im down!!!!!!!!!!!




REALLY HOPING TO WIN THE CVT TENT IN THE RAFFLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Haku]

I can't make the commitment at this time due to work being more important than play at the moment, and I have no idea whether I'll be offered any work for that work at this point. These super organized runs aren't really my bag anyways.

To me, something to protect the rear end, and then a Winch are two priorities for me in Moab. I say that because its nice to be able to rescue yourself, and with a relatively stock rig there are trails where 99% of the trail is doable but a winch would make it 100%. Sliders don't seem to matter as much for the Moab since its not very chunky.

Joe, as far as me donating time or tools to your project, I have so many of my own going on at the moment that I will have to respectfully decline. I have a trailer to make reliable, a Tow rig that is having issues, my crawler needs at least 40-100 hours of work done to get ready for the trails, my 4runner needs a suspension revamp, I'm doing some home improvement and then I have work too. Oh, and I'm getting a push from my buddy Kirby to help with a Race Truck for the Baja 250 that they want to use to Pre-Run with at the end of February. I'm usually the first to offer help, but I think for the next 2 or 3 months I need to focus entirely on my own stuff and get it done.

Plus, for sliders, 4xinnovations (or TG if you have to) makes ones that will be nearly the same cost but a lot less work as custom ones.

[ctracy5]

Josh, I agree that organized stuff is not always fun, these rules are getting to me so I understand, and breaking up the trifecta doesn't make much sense to me either. But with it being my first time out here I think having a large group of experienced people around will help me get exposed to the area so that my next time out I can do a little more exploring on my own or in a small group. If you want to make it out for a few days like Thursday, Friday or even Saturday something just let me know and I could skip those days to run some stuff with ya.

I don't have a winch and one isn't gonna happen for me either, but I do have my high-lift and all the gear to winch with it so push comes to shove I can get myself out.

[ctracy5]

Hey Joe, I'm getting ready to Reg for this so so I thought I would post the runs I was planning on and see what you were thinking.

Monday - Offroading 101 Area BFE, Sound like a fun relaxed day and its run by the owner of BFE. I think a good intro to Moab and it will let me uses my recovery gear for the first time in a controlled setting.

Tuesday - Golden Spike + Gold Bar

Wednesday - Poison Spider or Fins and Things : If you want to run Fins and Things I would be done, beside I will probably be worn out from the day before and a more mello day might be nice and it still has a lot of cool stuff to

Thursday - Crystal Geyser + White Wash Sand dunes : If they give us a lot of "free" time out there I would like to run the lower part of Tenmile Wash and do the obstacle.

Friday - Hell's Revenge, great way to finish up the week!

[Haku]

Josh, I agree that organized stuff is not always fun, these rules are getting to me so I understand, and breaking up the trifecta doesn't make much sense to me either. But with it being my first time out here I think having a large group of experienced people around will help me get exposed to the area so that my next time out I can do a little more exploring on my own or in a small group. If you want to make it out for a few days like Thursday, Friday or even Saturday something just let me know and I could skip those days to run some stuff with ya.

I don't have a winch and one isn't gonna happen for me either, but I do have my high-lift and all the gear to winch with it so push comes to shove I can get myself out.

I understand, and it is definitely one good way to do it. I think it is a big help to have someone on the trip who knows the ins and outs of the area, and an organized run is one way to do it.

I guess my main two issues that turn me away from these is the large group size and liking to make my own schedule on what I view as a vacation. Large groups tend to move MUCH slower and can make for a very long day on the trail. They can be fun though too, and seeing a variety of rigs on the trail is kind of cool too. GoneMoab or CruiseMoab and other similar sized events are manageable, but Easter Jeep Safari takes it to level that I would never want to experience.

With all of those other vehicles on the trail with you, you'll be fine without a winch. The highlift winch method works, but takes a REALLY long time. Had to use that to get Scoutman's rig on a trailer once, and it took at least a half hour to get it up the ramp and secured on the trailer. It'll do in a pinch though.

[zukrider]

my trail list will be as follows. preferred/alternate

Monday: 101 / Dome Plateau

Tuesday: Top of the World / Seven Mile Rim

Wednesday: Fins and Things / Strike Ravine

Thursday: Crystal Geyser / Porcupine Rim

Friday: Hells Revenge / Tip Toe through Hell


thats the plan at least. i am for sure making this now though, as i have lined up a rental CVT RTT for the week. ITS ON!!!!!!

[ctracy5]

Looks like we will be on the same runs except Tuesday. This is gonna be awesome, with the trails nailed done I will reg later tonight.

[ctracy5]

Josh
yeah the hi lift as a winch is defiantly only gonna happen if it has to, but at least I have the option. I will be getting the off road kit that should speed things up a little.

[zukrider]

Chris, looks like some of the runs are stacking up a bit, lots of new registered recently. so get it in! im in, have my registration in.

[ctracy5]

All reg and ready to go!!!!!!!!! And my body lift is sitting in a box right next to me.

[alexb]

Found a video from 2011:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A45HpRQm9RI

Looks like a good time. It was in an old thread here. The author was deleted, but looks like whoever organizes this was at one point a FR4x4 member: http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?16049-goneMOAB-2011

[Haku]

Pretty sure that was Andrew, but not completely positive. He had a Grey Xterra with Red bumpers and sliders that I didn't see in that video, and was among the members who got deactivated due to inactivity and never came back.

[zukrider]

Believe your right Josh. But he is in it. Red exo cage. No doors.

[Haku]

Believe your right Josh. But he is in it. Red exo cage. No doors.

I don't remember him having a full exo, just red bumpers and sliders and under armor. I think that is a different rig in the vid.

This is the rig I am thinking of...
https://29gpvq.dm2302.livefilestore.com/y2p4OyiLacwrQX9k3m7AaXd3d-COV7G8b80KhOppkvBftcSwMJ1N5h0MZtkYgOuQ8bH0jltC3tw1 oOG17Sg-BKoM-g3mnNxbwtYNLVPWlN0mEU/2.jpg?psid=1

[zukrider]

Correct. I'm thinking alpine spirit. My bad.