The M~U~D Trip Report: 1000 Miles of Utah Dirt

crazy joker · Feb 21, 2017

Blackdawg[OP] said: ↑

The M~D~U Report: 1000 Miles of Dirt in Utah

Chapter 2: Kokopelli at Last!

After about 2 hours of windy driving, we made it to Rock Springs. Before taking off down the interstate to meet Mike at off ramp 99 on I80 to hwy 191. I made a pit stop at Sportsman’s warehouse as for some stupid reason I had forgotten my Axe and I thought I'd forgotten to transfer my flashlights over from Frankenstein.

With a quick shop done. We setup off and finally met up with Mike for the second time this year. A new experience for both of us. We had chosen to go down 191 so we could experience Flaming Gorge as this was all new territory for Mike and I.

M~D~U-43.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The views did not disappoint. Even if it was a bit chilly.

M~D~U-44.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1473 by mike digirat, on Flickr

A running theme of this trip would be Water. The power it had to shape the land, life, and how it could just never be there. These canyons where all cut from water, the mighty Green River would be the main river for Flaming Gorge and wouldn't be the last time we would see it a whole state away.

It was a bit drizzly and Mike was not amused.

“Damn its cold! This is your fault, we should have left two week ago!”

M~D~U-45.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

He was kind of right..I had asked for two more weeks for working reasons..

“it'll get warm! We still have along ways to go south.”

Still we didn't linger at the pull outs long.

M~D~U-46.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-47.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Some of them though, were very much worth the drizzle.

M~D~U-48.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1479 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-50.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-52.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1481 by mike digirat, on Flickr

We spotted this pull off last minute as it practically dives off the other side of the highway. Was glad we caught it.

IMG_1482 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_1489 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-54.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

We had a very long ways to go though with our destination of Loma, CO a ways south. And hit the road enjoying the amazing landscape.

Finally we got to the massive Dam at Flaming Gorge. I was very very sad the visitor center was closed as they have walk ways on the damn to get the full view of the 502' damn wall. You do get to drive over the dam which is pretty cool. Have to go back to be able to stand on it..

IMG_1492 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_1493 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-55.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

There where other cool features here though that the low traffic allowed us to play on. This interesting bridge for example.

M~D~U-56.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-57.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Flaming Gorge is a major summer hub and I can see why. There are endless nooks and crannies to explore on a boat.

We continued south though with Mike still hoping we would make it in the day light. Slightly forgetting the days are much shorter in October. Couldn't pass up some of the views of some of the small passes we drove over on the route down though.

M~D~U-58.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1504 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-59.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

After this, it was dark and we drove and drove till we got to Loma. Topped off our gas tanks and found our destination, The Kokopelli.

M~D~U-60.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-61.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Mike and I had wanted to run this road since doing a tiny section of it by Top of The World trail in 2012. 4 years later. We had finally made it!

We found a spot off the side of the road to bunk up for night and cooked dinner under the stars. The excitement was exploding inside of us now. Nothing but 136 miles a dirt lay before us. Finally, dirt. The real reason we where here.

Settled in for the night ready for the day to start tomorrow.

M~D~U-62.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-64.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

daylight reveled our camp, always a nice thing to see when you get there in the dark.

M~D~U-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

As Mike finished packing, I went back to the “official” trail head so Devin could use the restroom. Plus I needed a photo of it

M~D~U-4.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The Kokopelli is a pretty well known trail but one of the largest uses of it is biking.

M~D~U-5.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

There were a lot of people prepping to bike the trail or at least a portion of it. We saw people on and off all day with bikes. But not much after the first day. That said, the main trail is a bike trail, technically you can't drive 100% of the trail. But the stretches of asphalt we had to hit to get to the trail were less then a mile.

For instance we were aired down and where very excited...to get back on the pavement haha

But only again for a very short distance to get to Rabbit Valley.

M~D~U-6.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Then we got to drive under the interstate! Pretty much seemed like a drain more then a road. But still, pretty cool this is here and we can use it.

M~D~U-7.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Not often you get to stop in the middle of the Interstate Median.

M~D~U-8.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-9.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1507 by mike digirat, on Flickr

It wasn't long after this stop to before we where in the thick of it. We stopped at all signs to read if there where any regulation changes for where we were. They can vary by state, county, park, whatever. Always worth the stop.

IMG_1513 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_1514 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Then we started following the trail down what most of these trails are made from. Dried up creeks or washouts.

M~D~U-10.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-11.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-12.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

It was hard to not stop a lot. The formations are just always so different and cool out this way.

IMG_1523 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-13.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-14.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-15.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

After weaving our way we hit a section that was big and open...aka..fast! We hit speeds of 55-65mph here floating over the road on our suspension. I would quickly come to love my new Tundra brakes as the rear was lacking in up travel pretty badly. Had to slam on the brakes many times on this trip. Made me miss the travel Frankenstein puts down..oh well.

IMG_1533 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-16.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1536 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Really this isn't a hard trail. Quite easy to keep your speed up but still enjoy the area.

IMG_1540 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-17.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Now with a good chunk of miles under our tires, we got our first glimpse of the mighty Colorado River.

IMG_1541c by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-18.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1543 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Rigs are still clean and everything.

M~D~U-19.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Mike getting that perfect shot.

M~D~U-20.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

So far, the trail has been fairly tame in terms of terrain. But we didn't mind. Was still fun and we where there mostly for the views.

M~D~U-21.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

This ledge almost appeared from the driver seat to want to take the tent off. But really we had ample room. Larger full size rigs may have a bigger squeeze at this spot.

IMG_1548 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-22.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

I will say, I think the bikers get the cooler paths on the trail. Made me want to bike it, some of the single tracks get to go to some great spots we don't get to.

M~D~U-23.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1552 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-25.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

We still were having a ball. I mean, look at this place. We weren't even 50 miles in yet.

IMG_1554 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_1556 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-26.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

As you can tell...we took a lot of photos.

M~D~U-27.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

We stopped at a small overlook to look down into the valley.

IMG_1562 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-28.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Couldn't decide if the rocks were trying to run downhill or up hill

M~D~U-29.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Again, check out that single track down there...if only it was bigger..

M~D~U-31.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1567 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Our road was still cool though.

M~D~U-32.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1564 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Our road took us down hill towards the valley.

IMG_1573 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_1579 by mike digirat, on Flickr

But not before snaking around and up again

IMG_1581 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_1582 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Can see the road far off from where we had come. We would do this a lot during the trip as we could often see the places we had come from.

IMG_1583 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The road dives down into a larger flat and we come up on our first “obstacle” of the trip.

M~D~U-34.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Cisco Wash.

A lot of people bypass this and it shows as the road is not near as traveled.

“We can go around if you want” said Mike laughing as he already knew my response.

“Are your freaking kidding me??” I said, “as if that was on option.”

And with that. I got in Igor, slapped in 4Lo and went down.

IMG_1586 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-35.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-36.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-37.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1589 by mike digirat, on Flickr

I'll admit...sucker is STEEP!

IMG_1591 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_1592 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-39.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1593 by mike digirat, on Flickr

No problem though. Lucky for us, there hadn't been any rain in the last week or so. The wash was dry as can be.

So we watched Mike do it.

M~D~U-40.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-41.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-42.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-44.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Easy money! Was fun. I've read about people having serious issues here when it is wet. So keep that in mind if you decide to do this yourself. Otherwise, simple 4wd is all you need here.

We continued on down the track till we hit our second very short spurt of asphalt. Was so short and the turn off is so well hidden in the dirt we drove right past the turn off.

Gotta love the pink TC Sticker

M~D~U-45.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

We also finally got on our first big “patch” of slick rock.

M~D~U-46.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Slick rock, the true treasure of Utah offroading.

Looking ahead was the La Sal Mountains we would be crossing as well later plus the face that Top of The World climbs too is there.

IMG_1601 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-48.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

We now knew we wanted to find a spot to camp for the night. We had seen many campsites earlier in the day. But now they seemed to have all disappeared. Even Mikes CampSite Radar wasn't finding much. All we could do was drive on.

M~D~U-47.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-49.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1604 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The rock formations to our left started drawing our attention in the fading sunset light.

IMG_1613 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-51.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Still we could not find a place.

M~D~U-53.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Finally there was a few roads that split off. We each took one and mine turned out to be the winner.

M~D~U-54.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1614 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_1616 by mike digirat, on Flickr

While not a true campsite, there was lots and lots of evidence this place was used as such. We were sure to be very careful and pack everything out after using it.

IMG_1617 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Was one hell of a spot though.

M~D~U-55.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Devin and I went hiking around the formations to get a good view of the area.

IMG_1631 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-56.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_1633 by mike digirat, on Flickr

M~D~U-57.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-58.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

This is the back side of the hill. How awesome is this?

M~D~U-59.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Not often you get this view of your camp

M~D~U-60.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Even had a tub up on top!

M~D~U-63.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

It was a photographers paradise. And we took advantage of it.

IMG_1621 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_1622 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_1627 by mike digirat, on Flickr

After our little adventure we returned to camp and made dinner and watched the fading sun go down.

M~D~U-64.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

And then watched the moon promptly rise at full blast. Was insanely bright!

M~D~U-65.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

I couldn't resist the opportunity and stayed up late to try and get some nice photos. The wind wasn't having it though.

M~D~U-66.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

M~D~U-67.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Still. What a day. And it was only the first day of Dirt.

To be Continued..

Chapter 3: Well....that was..fun.
Click to expand...

Quoting in hopes that all the pictures will load for me if this chapter is on another page.

Blackdawg · Feb 21, 2017

crazy joker said: ↑

Quoting in hopes that all the pictures will load for me if this chapter is on another page.
Click to expand...

aw shit..damn. Sorry man.

Digiratus · Feb 21, 2017

Rule #1, one chapter per page/more photographs per chapter, please.

Blackdawg · Feb 21, 2017

Digiratus said: ↑

Rule #1, one chapter per page/more photographs per chapter, please.
Click to expand...

More pictures per page??? Shit. Well okay

Digiratus · Feb 21, 2017

Blackdawg · Feb 21, 2017

Digiratus said: ↑

Click to expand...

Okiedokie

wat0023 · Feb 21, 2017

Love these trip reports! Gives me more places to add to the long list of places I want to go to...

LOLLY · Feb 22, 2017

Man, I really enjoy reading your write ups. Every time I see a new report pop up I can feel myself automatically getting comfortable in my chair. Who needs VR glasses when these stories already put you there!

Blackdawg · Feb 22, 2017

wat0023 said: ↑

Love these trip reports! Gives me more places to add to the long list of places I want to go to...
Click to expand...

LOLLY said: ↑

Man, I really enjoy reading your write ups. Every time I see a new report pop up I can feel myself automatically getting comfortable in my chair. Who needs VR glasses when these stories already put you there!
Click to expand...

Thanks guys! Appreciate it.

RogueTRD · Feb 25, 2017

Anxiously awaiting chapter 3. Great photos and trip report. I want to do the same trip. I've done the ToTW part, but the rest of it looks really cool as well.

Digiratus · Feb 28, 2017

Bump to get to the next page

LOLLY · Feb 28, 2017

page 3...

ramonortiz55 · Feb 28, 2017

@Digiratus looks like you guys had some fun man!

Digiratus · Feb 28, 2017

ramonortiz55 said: ↑

@Digiratus looks like you guys had some fun man!
Click to expand...

Hell yeah. A good time was definitely had.

Blackdawg · Feb 28, 2017

Obolsky1 said: ↑

Awesome trip
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yes it was!

Obolsky1 said: ↑

Thanks for sharing
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Thanks for reading!

Digiratus said: ↑

Bump to get to the next page
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Bump??? from you?? wow thats a first

LOLLY said: ↑

page 3...
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yea..should it go on page 3? i can move post ch2 to page two. Though its kinda here already.

LOLLY · Feb 28, 2017

Blackdawg[OP] said: ↑

yea..should it go on page 3? i can move post ch2 to page two. Though its kinda here already.
Click to expand...

I thought that was the rule you were trying to do. Doesn't bother me none since I get my reading done at work and these computers are pretty capable LOL. I'm just here on the edge of my seat waiting for the next chapter.

92shawman · Feb 28, 2017

Why the hell didn't you call it "MUD?" 1000 miles of Utah Dirt? So much easier to say than emm dee eff you

Waiting for dollhouse...

Blackdawg · Feb 28, 2017

92shawman said: ↑

Why the hell didn't you call it "MUD?" 1000 miles of Utah Dirt? So much easier to say than emm dee eff you

Waiting for dollhouse...
Click to expand...

HA! i like that. Shoulda done that!

Digiratus · Feb 28, 2017

92shawman said: ↑

Why the hell didn't you call it "MUD?" 1000 miles of Utah Dirt? So much easier to say than emm dee eff you

Waiting for dollhouse...
Click to expand...

The doll house was cool....

David K · Feb 28, 2017

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