Midwest -> Moab March 24- April 2 2023

I watched a vid of The Trifecta. Poison Spider looks challenging. I'd give it a go.

Golden Spike and Gold Bar Rim. Not so much. Alf ain't set up for those. There is no way I could cross the Golden Crack.

 

I made a potty stand and use WAG bags. No smell and just deposit in your trash... Relatively cheap and very easy.

 

Camping doesn't matter to me-we will be in the desert and that is what matters most. Views are nice and a lack of neighbors even better; however, I am only really looking for a place to cook a meal, debrief and sleep. I tend to dispersed camp when on my own, but just to be clear I don't have an issue/care what we as a group choose to do. I do like the idea of having a home base... less stress.

 

I can give you a gentle tug with the winch if you can't make it through lol. But I'm good if you guys aren't comfortable doing that trail. Plenty of other options!

There is a mini Crack on the 7 mile rim trail, which I agree we should do.

I'd be fine using the BLM campsites, I'm not set up for pooping in a bag, nore am I investing in material to do it this trip.

Camp sites are $20 a night, first come first serve. Have pit toilets and no water. Unfortunately there would be other people around. But when we camped didn't really seem like others were around. Everyone kind just came in after wheeling and disappeared in the morning.

We could move sites maybe once in the week to keep close to the trails we plan on doing the following days

Here is the website https://www.discovermoab.com/blm-campgrounds/

And map https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1M3kM86440mU-R_9AXaOn4XysG80&usp=sharing


We stayed at the Horsethief Campground off of hyw 313. Had awesome sunset views

 

Perfect!

 

I've following this closely.
I have to find out if I can get off work. I already have to change the last week in April to first week in May. Plan was to go to Texas, but Logan and Helen broke up and Logan is kinda homeless. So now I guess we're going to Lutsen Minnesota, on the north shore of Lake Superior. Not my idea.

 

Hey, if you come through Ashland stop and say "hi"!

 

I hope you can make it work. I know you were all geared up for September. I still feel bad for having to change it.

Nice thing is by the time you know if you can go most of the details should be worked out. So you don't even have to think just show up!

 

That was my plan.
I thought our wives could meet. They might get a better understanding of who we all are and what we do.

 

My 'puter is almost dead and the charger is not working. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Probably a week. I am ordering a new charger.

 

I left the computer plugged in overnight and it's currently fully charged!!

I think with the Jeep Jamboree happening the week after we are in Moab, we should set a base camp and stay put. People will start trickling in during the week so they can find a campsite for the Jamboree, and I think we may have an issue finding a spot later in the week.
What are your plans for breakfast? Make it at camp or head to town for a restaurant? We found it was quicker to eat at camp and clean up than to go to town. One day the wait was over an hour.

The to-do list, based on both your comments, in this order:
1) Baby Lionsback
2) Fins and Things
3) Hell's Revenge
4) Top-of-the-World
5) 7 Mile Rim
6) Poison Spider

This is the order I did the first four trails. They got progressively more difficult and gave us the much needed experience. This a suggestion only. I am simply tagging along. You guys have the final trail decisions.

I have Poison Spider last as the guide book has that trail listed as the most difficult on the above list. I think Poison Spider is as difficult a trail as Alf can handle.

But I'll follow you guys to my death, as long as my 4R stays intact.

 

I think a base camp makes sense. Any suggestions on an area that will work centrally for what we have planned? I will eat at camp-I'm a diabetic, so hard to find food eating out that works for me. I have no problem cooking for the crew as well. I will have a full kitchen and a considerable skill set. Just let me know what you guys like to eat. We can put together a menu and shop for the week. I will be bringing in a frozen state lots of venison: steaks and burger. My tacos are getting a reputation, and I can do some amazing Thai and Indian specialties on trail as well.

Those are what I had on my list as well. Thinking we might want to consider:
Poison Spider Mesa
Metal Masher
Steel Bender
Flat Iron Mesa
Elephant Hill
Flint Trail
White rim
Last two aren't real difficult but are iconic. Since you have been recently any that you wanted to do other than repeats?

 

Only trail I didn't do on my suggested list, and would want to try, is Poison Spider. On your list, Metal Masher and Steel Bender are a definite no go for me. Flat Iron is a probable no, also. The others, no problem.

My 4R is lifted and armored, etc. but is still considered a "stock" 4R.

I would avoid the Hwy 128 corridor for camping, unless absolutely nessessary. Most sites are right off of the hwy. I stayed at the Ledges "E" campground. It's 25 mins from town, and a cool drive out to camp.

There is a Hunter Campground a few miles beyond "The Ledges". This would be my 1st choice. Near the river, lots of shade. The caveat is I didn't drive out to Hunters when I was there, so the info I have is off of the 'net.

https://www.grandcanyontrust.org/camp/cpe-hunter-canyon-campground

Mmm...Venison, and I haven't had Thai or Indian food in years. If you are willing play Chef-Boy-R-Dee, I am willing to eat it.

 

So my eyes are always a bit bigger than my tire size so to speak. I do need to get home, and I also am essentially a stock rig-armor, lift and 33's. No lockers or Atrac... Doesn't slow me down much, as my winch is a helping hand and a bit of common sense seems to go a long way. I will look through the FunTreks a bit deeper-didn't seem that these were out of line given the others. I am not wed to anything, I just want to play.

Campsite seems great!

 

Doesn't look like the individual sites can be reserved, only the group site. I don't mind cooking at all-Jason?

 

No Sites Can't be reserved they are first come first serve. I agree with Dave on not camping along 128 as they are close to the highway with the exception on the Fisher Tower's Campground (Which I wouldn't mind staying at but there's only 5 sites there).

I started a loose schedule on Post 2 which I'll keep updating as we go. If there's any suggestions or disagreements let me know.

I haven't had a chance to look at trail relationship to campsites I'll do that some tonight/tomorrow.

Pat if you would like to cook I'm all for it and I'll help buy supplies and clean up. I'm fine eating all meals at camp/on the trails. As Dave said restaurants are good but take up too much time.

@pearing and @Stoney Ranger I'll let you guys fill out the trail list as my truck is probably a little more capable and I want stuff we all feel comfortable doing.





*cough*cough...... Trifecta

 

If you wanna do that, I won't object. My truck won't/can't/isn't capable. Can I call "Shotgun"? I'll do a ride along.

 

Dang, pure pressure didn't work lol

 

This looks perfect. After Poison Spider, if you want to do some harder stuff, I can park my 4R and ride with one of you.

 

Adding this here for reference purposes:

Loose Schedule
March 23- Travel

March 24- Travel: Depart From Des Moines, IA (Location and Departure Time TBD) To Denver, CO area

March 25 - Travel: Depart Denver, CO area (Location and Departure Time TBD) to Moab and set up camp (Camping location TBD)

March 26 - Trails: Fins & Things and Hells Revenge

March 27 - Trails: Top Of The World

March 28 - Trails: 7 Mile Rim

March 29 - Poison Spider Mesa and ?

March 30 -

March 31 -

April 1 -Travel Home

April 2 - Travel Home

I think I will be heading out on Friday, but that is a maybe...

The trifecta is fine with me; however, you will have to help me up some of the stuff. Poison Spider we have discussed doing and I am confident i can do it from the descriptions in FunTreks. I am spooked about Golden Spike, but I am game. You are going to have to be a winch point is my guess. Same for getting up the waterfall on Gold Bar Rim (which I have more confidence in.)

Food:
You guys solid mid-west spice or is spice okay? Need to know beforehand. So, here is a possible menu/schedule:

Sat 25: Tacos-venison based and delicious!
Sun 26: Pad Thai with Kung Pow Chicken-Spicy delicious!
Mon 27: Kerlian Chicken with Chana Masala (spicy chick peas)-You guys won't believe it was made in the field!
Tue 28: Steak with veggies-I can bring enough venison steaks for all of us. Penokee harvested this fall.
Wed 29: Burgers because we will be tired...
Thursday 30: Stir fry with chicken and rice
Friday 31: ????