Phoenix to Denver and back - 11 Days of Dirt - Planning

Truth be told we're doing this in a Tundra, but it seems like more Tacos get out there and wheel so I'm cross-posting here from Tundras.com.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/phoenix-to-denver-and-back-11-days-of-dirt-roads.13892/


Lisa and I are pretty comfortable going solo, and always stay within our own means to take care of ourselves - that said, we're also adventurous enough that we're looking forward to the Burr Trail switchbacks, and crossing Poison Springs, and doing Black Bear Pass in Colorado when we get there, and generally pushing limits at least a little bit.

As I've been planning our route, I've gotten ideas from other people and sources who have already been on most of the trails we're taking, so I'm confident in most of our planned route.


I have a specific question for anyone familiar with southern Utah though...

I need some feedback specific to the trail from Bullfrog to Poison Springs. I basically looked at google maps and grabbed some dirt roads to get from point A to point B, and I have no idea if there are obstacles along my chosen path.


Can someone take a look at this little piece of the route and give me feedback?

Bullfrog (gas) to Poison Springs 90 miles https://goo.gl/maps/PzpHFcGKeXE2


I'm also looking for a decent path from Green River to Moab - there are like a million options, and I just need one good one if you have any ideas.


Below is the general route so far. And no, we won't be using google maps to nav the trip - it's just for planning right now since it's easy to share. We have offline gps apps and paper maps for the trip.

Big Water (gas) to Escalante (gas) 71 miles https://goo.gl/maps/s57UDU2xxhn
Escalante (gas) to Bullfrog (gas) 130 miles https://goo.gl/maps/kymFMYfRL382
Bullfrog (gas) to Poison Springs 90 miles https://goo.gl/maps/PzpHFcGKeXE2
Poison Springs to Green River (gas) 114 miles https://goo.gl/maps/cNZaJ2Qrr5D2
Green River (gas) to Moab (gas) ?? miles - Need Input on Dirt Route
Moab (gas) to Buckeye Campground 40 miles https://goo.gl/maps/mooR7k5t4mF2
Buckeye Campground to Nucla (gas) 65 miles https://goo.gl/maps/zTw9XV5eZuQ2
Nucla (gas) to Montrose (gas) 60 miles https://goo.gl/maps/jWsUqsZHarF2




Thanks!

 

Some feedback:

The Burr switchbacks are just about a paved road, no issues there, plenty wide for your Tundra, passed Prius and Corvettes on the road. I have not gone from Bullfrog to the start of Poison Springs so no help there, I think @inv3ctiv3 just did that section though.

Poison Springs to Hans Flat should be pretty good for your truck, the Flint Trail switch backs there are much tighter, but I think you will be OK with some careful driving and Austin Powers maneuvers. You will need a permit for this as is it part of the Maze District in Canyonlands. I would suggest going out to the Maze Overlook and camping there, unreal scenery and a hike to the Harvest Scene if you are up for it. It is going to be HOT AF out there in the middle of July, so beware.

Here are my pics from the area: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...apy-photo-thread.435603/page-16#post-12754168

To get to Moab from Green River, going up the interstate a bit and taking the White Wash dunes back towards Canyonlands is a great route. White Wash Dunes>Ten Mile Wash>Crystal Geyser>(Bartlett Overlook or Wipeout Hill/Seven Mile Rim) is a great day or two depending on options.

I would suggest some sliders to your rig for this trip.

 

Also, be sure to check out Alstrom Point near Big Water, and the slot canyons near Escalante. Here is the report for a lot of that section.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hole-in-the-rock-all-around-powell-north-rim.494357/

 

Thanks @Wishbone Runner ! This is exactly the kind of info we're looking for! Someone else just recommended the White Wash Dunes too, so that's on the route now.

I'm gonna look at Ten Mile Wash. we also have Bartlett and Crystal Geyser on the route.

We don't have time or $ for sliders before we go, so we'll be picking our way through with some caution, luck and prayers. We've been fortunate so far that 37s have helped in most cases.

I also added Shafer switchbacks down to Potash and then up Long Canyon to Dead Horse. I put Poison Spider on from Dead Horse to the 279, but not sure that's a good idea solo.

What do you think of Poison Spider solo?

Thanks again!

 

No problem. From the interstate, White Wash, Ten Mile, Crystal Geyser and Bartlett are a half days worth of driving, all in the same area and can be done together. I personally would avoid Poison Spider without sliders, everything else you should be OK with some careful driving.

 

Thanks!

We plan to go back in October for the week after Rock Therapy, so I'm sure we'll hit all the more technical routes with our little band of Uberfahrts.

www.sgu.life for reference to our regular team of friends.