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Elephant Hill... Solo?

Discussion in 'Moab' started by Durango95, Dec 18, 2018.

  1. Dec 18, 2018 at 6:15 PM
    #1
    Durango95

    Durango95 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm looking into heading to Canyonlands in the spring and have had my eye on Elephant Hill for a while. Chances are, I'll be heading out there solo. So, I'm wondering if a spotter is really necessary or would I be ok on my own? Also, is SOB hill doable with a nearly stock TRD OR? I've got sliders and skids, but no winch.
     
  2. Dec 22, 2018 at 8:04 PM
    #2
    Squeaky Penguin

    Squeaky Penguin Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

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    Shouldn't be a problem as long as you're comfortable behind the wheel of your rig. There's a few sections where a spotter might be helpful, but shouldn't present a problem if you take your time. SOB isn't bad at all.

    Enjoy, I love that area.

    [​IMG]IMG_1408 by Brett Bjorgum, on Flickr
     
  3. Dec 29, 2018 at 12:27 PM
    #3
    erok81

    erok81 Well-Known Member

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    I did it a couple years ago with my wife. She did a little spotting but I mostly just got out and memorized my line and went for it. My truck had a 2” lift and 285’s.

    I did fine. Scratched my frame in one spot due to an obvious bad line. There was a bone stock 2nd gen Tacoma at devils kitchen campground or whatever it’s called.

    Bobby’s hole can be a bit iffy depending on its condition. But that only matters if you are going out beef basin (which if you camp I recommend leaving that way for another full day off easy off road.
     
    Durango95[OP] likes this.
  4. Feb 16, 2019 at 10:42 AM
    #4
    jrlin718

    jrlin718 Well-Known Member

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    I did it with one rig last april. My dad was there as a spotter. Definitely recommend a spotter for this trail. Epic views and only a few hairy spots. Enjoy
     
    BluefinTaco likes this.
  5. Apr 16, 2019 at 8:28 PM
    #5
    rideawalrus

    rideawalrus Well-Known Member

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    I've thought about doing that too sometime, are you in Durango as well, always looking for offroad partners.
     
  6. Apr 27, 2019 at 7:52 PM
    #6
    Durango95

    Durango95 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What a fun trail! No body damage, but the skids are now well seasoned. Only time I needed the rear locker was climbing the back side of Elephant Hill.
    IMG_0252.jpg IMG_0253.jpg
    You know it's steep when your pitch/roll screen turns red!
     
  7. Apr 27, 2019 at 9:57 PM
    #7
    erok81

    erok81 Well-Known Member

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    Nice work!!

    When I first read about it I was nervous about that part you have to reverse down because the switchbacks are so tight. But that part was easy.
     
  8. Apr 29, 2019 at 11:56 AM
    #8
    Niccas9

    Niccas9 Well-Known Member

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    Nice!! I’m headed out in a few weeks and can’t wait. What lift and tires do you have on your rig?
     
  9. Apr 29, 2019 at 12:48 PM
    #9
    Durango95

    Durango95 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Tires are 265/75 r16 Duratracks
    Suspension is Bilstein 6112/5160 w/aal.
     
    Niccas9 likes this.
  10. Apr 30, 2019 at 6:06 PM
    #10
    PoweredBySoy

    PoweredBySoy Well-Known Member

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    We're going to attempt this hill with a couple trailers in October. That should be........ interesting. I've seen a number of videos of guys doing it though, so I know it's within the realm of possibility.

    Nice pics!
     
    Durango95[OP] likes this.
  11. Apr 30, 2019 at 7:12 PM
    #11
    Durango95

    Durango95 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It was challenging, but very doable if you take your time. The joint trail was really cool too!
     
  12. May 1, 2019 at 4:28 AM
    #12
    PoweredBySoy

    PoweredBySoy Well-Known Member

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    Whats the 'joint trail'?

    Right now the plan is to take Elephant Hill over, camp, and then take Beef Basin south all the way out.
     
    Durango95[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  13. May 1, 2019 at 4:46 AM
    #13
    Durango95

    Durango95 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It's a hiking trail.
     
  14. May 1, 2019 at 5:13 AM
    #14
    Niccas9

    Niccas9 Well-Known Member

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    It’s a section of hiking trail that gets you from the 4wd to Chesler Park and is, in essence, a 2-3 foot wide crack in the rocks. Chesler Park and thenJoint trail are probably the two most “famous” features of the Needles district.
     
  15. May 1, 2019 at 5:30 AM
    #15
    PoweredBySoy

    PoweredBySoy Well-Known Member

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    Perfect! I was planning on looking for some hiking in the area. Thanks, boys.
     
    AWBurd likes this.
  16. May 2, 2019 at 12:27 AM
    #16
    erok81

    erok81 Well-Known Member

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    This is a great route! One of my favorites for sure. Hopefully Bobby’s Hole is okay for you on the way out.
     
  17. May 2, 2019 at 6:58 AM
    #17
    PoweredBySoy

    PoweredBySoy Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, it's tough to find much info on it, but as of 2017 it was "open", so we'll see.....
     
  18. May 2, 2019 at 4:33 PM
    #18
    Durango95

    Durango95 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    When I asked about Bobbys Hole, the rangers said Beef Basin was still snowed in.
     
  19. May 2, 2019 at 8:06 PM
    #19
    Squeaky Penguin

    Squeaky Penguin Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

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    Bobby's hole hasn't been bad at all last few times I've done it. @turbodb drove it like a month ago and has a good trip report, couldn't get out through the Bears Ears though due to snow. Should be fine in Oct, but a snowstorm could easily stop you in your tracks.
     
  20. May 2, 2019 at 9:14 PM
    #20
    turbodb

    turbodb AdventureTaco

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    Bobby's Hole isn't snowed in, nor is Beef Basin snowy. However, once the road enters Manti La Sal National Forrest and gets up over 7000', it's covered in snow and impassable. As of a month ago.

    Here's the trip report, part 3 has the bit we're talking about here, but part 1-4 cover Elephant Hill and The Needles in general.


    [​IMG]
     

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