Southern Utah Traverse (S.U.T.) August 13th-19th, 2017

Southern Utah Traverse​

South Utah
August 13th - 19th, 2017












​

I am currently planning a 7 day trip to do the Southern Utah Traverse (S.U.T) this Summer in August. It starts in the St. George, Utah area and ends at the Utah/Colorado border near the Hovenweep National Monument. This is still in the early planning stages, but I just finished building the route, gas stops, suggested camping spots, and places to stop and check out referencing other's past runs through this.


I'm wanting to gauge other people's interest in going, what dates they would prefer, as well as any suggestions on places that are a must see that may be nearby or along this route.




Quick Info:
Dates: August 13th - 19th.

Vehicle Limit: 6

Meeting Location: Maverick Adventure’s First Stop in St. George, Utah.

Route Start: St. George, Utah.

Ending location: Near Mexican Hat, Utah overlooking the Valley of the Gods.

Route Difficulty: Easy to medium, depending on amount of rain lately for current
water levels and mud. Should be doable with 4wd and at least all terrain tires.

Vehicle Recommendations: Recovery points and all terrain tires.



Summary:
The Utah Traverse started on the Expedition Utah forum in 2008 by a member that often traveled throughout Utah (original planning thread HERE). This route has many variations, from 4 day trips to as long as a month. The average time seems to be anywhere from 6-10 days. I closely followed one overlander’s planned route with some small variations of my own.



Vehicle Limit (First come first serve):
01. @Metallikatz3
02. @samiam
03. @K_Matthews13
04. @Blue17
05. @Techoma
06.

Maybe:
01. @trekker
02.
03.
04.
05.



Meeting Point:
We will meet up at Maverick Adventure’s First Stop in St. George, Utah at a time TBD in the morning to get last minute gas before we hit the route.



Route:
The main route is about 760 miles and starts in St. George and ends near Mexican Hat, Utah.

Below is an image and link to the route that shows the route, suggested camping spots, gas stops, and other interesting things to go explore along the way. I will later be creating a GPX file that will be able to be used on Google Earth and most tracking apps.


https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewe...&ll=38.37441120000004,-110.70952709999995&z=8






Camping:
There are a total of 7 camping spots along the route, not including ones I may have missed. All are free. Most are primitive with no water, electricity, bathrooms, or showers. So come prepared with whatever amenities you require to be comfortable. I will have a solar shower and portable toilet myself.

We do not have to camp at any of the 7, we just have to find an open area that will fit all of the vehicles somewhere near the route.



Gear List:
First off, please check over your rig to make sure everything is in good order. Fluids, belts, nuts and bolts, etc...

Here is a great link on what you should consider bringing and what to take:https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/off-road-tips-and-gear-list.15254/

Minimum requirements:
- All terrain tires
- Spare tire
- Tow points
- Gas jug
- First aid kit
I HIGHLY recommend a CB radio, but it's not needed. Makes things a lot easier and fun when you're able to be in contact with everyone.

I will have just about every tool needed to work on my truck, so bring what tools you would use when working on yours so we have everything we need when combined.

I would like for at least one person coming to have an air compressor. I have a CO2 tank, but if for some reason that doesn't work I'd like somebody to have something to use.

Recommend bringing spare parts as well such as belts, radiator hoses, cv axles, tire plugs, fluids.



Video & Pics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Nl4Mr4qXM

The switchbacks of the Honeymoon Trail





The Coral Pink Sand Dunes





Elephant Gap





The Barracks Trail





Bull Valley Gorge





Grosvenor Arch





Alstrom Point





Left Hand Collet






Devil's Garden





Calf Creek Falls





Boulder Barn





Deer Creek Camp





Wild Horse Canyon





Strike Valley Overlook





Burr Trail Switchbacks





McMillan Springs Camp





Bull Creek Pass







Poison Springs





Hite Cross





Manti La Sal National Forest





Arch Canyon





Muley Point

 

Subbada hubbada

 

Looks fun, you should check out buckskin gulch while you're in the area.

 

Subbed! My vote would be late sept/early oct when it wont be crazy hot around there

 

Thanks! I'll check it out.

The average highs during the months of July and August are in the low 90's and at night it get's down to low 60's/high 50's. For me that isn't too hot, but if enough people feel that Sept or October works better then we might change it up. Just don't know if I want to wait that long haha

 

As long as it goes over a weekend.... I'm already out of vaca time so its always without pay now.

 

It should cover a weekend, but with a few days on one side or the other as well.

 

Depending on when this happens, I might be able to join...

 

Nice! May join for part of it depending on the dates.

Make sure to grab at bite at Hells Backbone Grill when you are near Boulder, great food.

 

Awesome, just let me know what dates work for you so I can get an idea for when everybody would like to do this. I'm leaning towards August.

Thanks! Let my know what dates you think work best for you.

And you're not the first to suggest that place. Sounds like an important pit stop to me haha

 

The more I think about this trip, the more I want to make this happen.

 

Interested and would vote for including 4-5-6 Aug or 18-19-20 Aug.

 

Go for it! I'm working on deciding how many vehicles we can have on this trip, then I'll be making a sign up list on the main post.

Cool. Right now I'm leaning towards it being around the weekend of the 14th, 15th, and 16th of August so my wife can come with. Think you can do that?

 

I may be interested if it's no more five trucks. If that can't happen I may use your map.

 

I get out of my Summer class on June 27th and then I start my Fall Semester on August 14th. Anytime during then would work for me.

My dad and I have been talking a lot about Moab as well. Depending on when Moab happens, I might be able to join this.

 

Yeah, I'm thinking only 5-6 trucks as well.

No worries, I'm not one of those people that like to hide their route. Makes it easier for the next guy.

Yeah, I think the closest I'd be able to get would be 5 days, August 8th-12th, and that's pushing it. Ideally I'd like 6 days. Any time before the 8th my wife can't make it.

 

I'll keep you posted. I should know within a month of the trip if I can make it.

 

Here's a video of somebody doing nearly the exact same route to give y'all an idea of some of the things we'll see.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Nl4Mr4qXM