First trip to Moab, looking for advice

Hey everyone. After years of desperately trying to make it out to Moab with my own vehicle(s) I've resigned to the fact that with my work/life schedule the distance makes driving out there just undoable. For now, at least. And being that I sold my 4WD trucks it's out of the question regardless. Despite that, it's time to make it happen: I'm going to Moab this year. It will be my first time off-roading anywhere that isn't the Northeast. To say I'm excited is a drastic understatement.

My plan is to go sometime in May. Fly into a "nearby" city, rent a 4WD trail-capable vehicle, drive to Moab, and spend a few days on the trails. Then maybe drive down to Monument Valley to see some other of my bucket-list places. This is the makings of a trip I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember.

All of this in mind, I'm looking for some advice. As good as the internet is, all the research in the world can't help me with answers to everything. And nothing feels as good as one-on-one input/advice.

Questions that still remain:

• Is May a good time to be in Moab, and any problems with going the last weekend?
• Any specific companies to look for that rent 4x4s?
• As for where to hub out of, Park City is closer but Denver may afford more vehicle options. Anybody have experience flying into/out of either for a trip like this?
• Would anybody want to meet up and hit the trails with me? I'm very averse to wheeling alone so would love some TW buddies to show me around and such.

I'm sure more questions will come up as my plans become more concrete but I just wanted to throw this out there to get the ball rolling should anyone want to join. And, you know, for my own brain to get something in writing so it really feels "real."

 

Early May is nice there. It starts getting pretty hot by the end of May.

As for rentals - I'm not sure how much luck you'll have renting a capable vehicle from Denver or SLC, or how much you would want to push a standard rental. There's several companies right in Moab that rent out (cough) Jeeps. You can rent a rubicon with F&R lockers, 35s, and armor and then actually be able to hit most of the trails out there. So you might be better off just getting to Moab, then figuring out a rental by day there.

Actually - looks like Cliffhanger is renting out Tacos these days too, if you really want to stick with one.

There's also people willing to cruise out to Moab for a few days, post up when you get the details set and I'm sure you'll have no issue finding a few people to join.

 

Hertz, Thrifty, Enterprise and probably others will rent you a Jeep at Denver airport. I've seen rental Tacoma TRD OR and 4Runners in Colorado but not sure who's renting them. if I find out I'll update.

 

May in Moab is awesome. I was there last year and I’ll be there again this year in May. You can do trails like Gemini bridges with just about anything but obviously trails get MUCH harder from there. Another consideration would be to rent a SXS.... there’s a million of them out there. Either way you’re going to LOVE Moab.

 

Whatever you do, do NOT go the week before or after Easter. That’s the jamboree and it’s a nightmare. Have fun!

 

Thanks everyone. I'll look into some rental companies and report back with what I find.

In the meantime...if anyone wants to join let me know!

 

Actually, might be looking at the last weekend of April (24-26). Anyone around to show me around?

 

We’ve rented side by sides in Moab and had a blast. Cheaper option to a Jeep and way more capable. It’s like driving a go kart on the trails vs super slow crawling in the 4x4

 

That's part of our plan, for part of one day at least. My brother, who will be coming with me, has a Can Am Commander 1000 and experience with a RZR 800/1000 before that. He's big into the SxS world and wants to experience one on the slickrock. Fine by me...depending on how the plans shape up, I'll either rent one as well or drive whatever truck/SUV I have on the trails with him.

 

Flights booked. Will likely be in Moab Friday, 4/24.

 

Ah that's too bad.

We'll actually only be in Moab for one day. Running down to Monument Valley the next day then driving to Pikes Peak.

Still, if anyone is around Friday the 24th, we'll be in Moab and would love a trail guide / TW friends to wheel with.