AdventureTaco - turbodb's build and adventures

Not far. Like a mile if that into the USFS line. Wasn't a ton where we turned around but was solid snow. The worse was it was super super slick and off camber the whole time. We walked it a few hundred yards and showed no signs of clearing up. Happened right around 7000' I believe.

Ton of snow. Ranger told us 187% snow pack while we were there haha

Probably both.

 

Pretty certain that route hits 8k' ASL. If you hit snow at 7 there would have been no chance.

 

our route was set to hit 8700 I think according to the GPS tracks.

So yeah..wasn't happening haha

 

Nice work, its cool to go back through it a day at a time. Looking forward to the rest, awesome photography.

 

Thanks man. Was a great trip for sure - this first day was just that too - only the first day. Not even the best. Sounded like the Rangers in the parking lot were a new thing since like 2014 or 2016 or something like that. With only 24 permits a day now, they really want to keep on top of it.

Really was a good route regardless of the snow. Even going back through Elephant Hill turned out to be fun since we... [oh wait, that would be a spoiler for the upcoming days ]

Now the second snow turnaround - that was a bummer.

Thank you sir. I may have finally shot too dark by default on this trip - or at least close to it. I found a lot of places where I actually increased the exposure quite a bit - unusual for me.

Can I reply the same way I did to the original invite for this trip? Interested.

As Monte mentioned, Beef Basin was totally clear - it was just Manti-Lasal where we hit snow. You'll see in a couple days anyway when I post the photos.

The whole track is there, I hit iGates the entire time apparently... just saying.

I think we'd get along well. You sound exactly like I did, when I was telling Monte there was no point in walking way up the road to see what the conditions were like... as if those 20 vertical feet would somehow solve the other 1480' we had to go!

Thanks man. Was great finally getting on a trip with you two - very much enjoyed both of your company.

 

Didn't word that too well, but I didn't get to Beef Basin through the park. Was via rd 107.

Sounds like Monte.

 

Hey! I'm just checking to make sure so we can have fun! Haha

 

Ahh, yeah - got it. Would have been great if we could have gotten there. Next time!

Yeah, and you know me - always complaining about getting out of the trucks. Hanging out in the back so I never have to get out for photos or anything.

I didn't mind at all, though I did think it was funny! hahahahaha

 

Yep, new rules - only 24 permits (rigs) per day for Elephant Hill.

Yes interested. As always it seems. I don't mind warm. Though I should really get the second battery installed before that happens.

And I think you'll see from the write-up that the track matches where we went almost exactly. Actually, the only thing missing are our hikes, and a short jaunt over to Natural Bridges (to a paved parking lot), since I forgot to turn APRS on that day.

 

You are very much misremembering that day haha we stopped to air down all right. We also got permits. Not that new of a thing for that trail to limit to 24 4wd vehicles.

 

Actually, I think the 24 is a good thing - it does two things: First, it protects from too many instalanders destroying the park - and really, means that you get a nicer experience when you're in there because there aren't as many people. Second, the permits allow the rangers at the visitor center to have a bit of a chat with you and check you out before you go...so they can warn you about the terrain and hopefully not have to rescue you.

(Edit: we saw a vehicle that clearly didn't belong as we were coming out... and yep, no permit. Luckily, they got turned around quick.)

I should mention, as I understand, there are an additional 24 people allowed to hike in over Elephant Hill every day.

 

The first time I did EH (2012) no permits were required and there were way more than 24 rigs on the trail. Was way crowded. The last time (2017 I think) permits and restrictions applied.

 

24/7. Oh, and I think they are $10/vehicle too. (which should make you even happier )

It doesn't keep everyone bad out, but I bet it helps more than it hurts. And yeah, makes it harder for us, but we can plan ahead and get them in advance. I don't see it as bad - I'd much prefer it (and the low person count in the park) to what we experienced in Anza-Borrego, where it was a free-for-all and way too crowded.

...but that's just me. I've got no problem if you feel differently. I'll still be seen with you. hahahahaha

 

Well you guys are a bunch of assholes then for not doing it right haha

I ran it with Mike when we all went to Moab in 2012. Still had permits. Weren't you on that run?

Ran it in 2016 and now 2019. Same rules.


That said, anyone can come in from the south without a permit...so yeah.

Daily all the time. 9-5 likely though. 7 days a week

 

Was free for use at least due to permit stuff changing.


So you're welcome

 

I definitely remember doing permits that run..

 

With Canada Joe and Batman? I don't.

 

Yeah that run. I remember because I was pissed I had to pay anything to drive somewhere being young dumb and from Wyoming the land of the free dirt roads far as the eye could see and beyond lol

 

I don't think there was a rig count restriction in place. IIRC, our group alone had 7 or 8 rigs.

 

That may be why I don't remember needing a permit or paying a fee.