Fall Expedition Trip: 11-19 Sept, 2021 - Elephant Hill to Moab Tour

rules and vehicle requirements are put in place by a trail leader for reasons like keeping all the vehicles in a similar class and for fairness to others in the group.

i have no idea your experience level as a driver, but your stock runner is more than adequate for the trail, so dont let that stop you from making a photography run if thats your interest.

 

@Nukeproof
Oh - cool - Stock is ok - even stock tires ? .. it's brand new ( 3 weeks ) and so far a pavement princess - wouldn't want to pinstripe it either tho...
As far as a 'driver' well I'm 63 and still around - would love to follow you guys out in the truck with my own camping/ cooking/ gear - etc

Would this require like dropping PSI - danger of busting up a tire ?.. what's the area / route I'll look at it and see if I feel ok about tagging along
that is if the Trail-Boss was ok with it - if not that's cool wouldn't be like devastated if the Trail Boss kicked sand in my face and told me to get lost LOL...

I've done 16-day travel-camp-with-teardrop kinda trips ( Phoenix to YellowStone and many points in between ) so to be 'out' is a good thing, coupled
with excellent photography opportunities, especially at night, would be great.

But alas - management ( the wife ) would have to give thumbs up LOL

 

@Nukeproof
Actually these trails don't look like something a noob should attempt - for sure -
Looks like most of them would require bigger tires / a bit of a lift / and a bit of experience -
Not a place for a first-timer -

 

I just wanted to point out the truck is capable.

Baby steps, enjoy it

 

Correct. While the White Rim trail is easily doable in a stock truck. We very well may complete it in 3 max 4 days. Which gives plenty of time for other exploration. Which may very well put us on a trail that a stock truck should NOT be on. For example, Poison Spider to get to the Arches.

Your stock truck would be fine on White Rim. Yes, you will want to air down. Running 30+ psi off road will not be comfortable. Plus raises your chances of puncturing a tire while were out there.
After White Rim, because we'll complete it with side quests probably easily in 3/4 days. I was thinking of taking everyone up Top of the World. Which is doable in a stock truck. But runs the high risk of damage on some of the water fall climbs and descents. Plus, if we can snag a back country permit for Needles/Elephant hill also, same risks.

Oh for sure. Actually, getting him out on Schneblily hill road, Broken Arrow I think are good starter trails to break people in!

 

Working on editing main post.
@Phessor is a go?
@chrslefty Your a go?
@PcBuilder14 ?

 

I’m a go as long as my work’s travel restrictions don’t change and keep me from going.

 

went to white rim about a year or so ago in the fall. did it in a stock truck with stock tires. its doable!

 

White Rim yes. But that will only take a few days, after that, well thats going to be another question...

What does everyone want to do with the extra time? Top of the World? For those never been to Moab any trails in particular? Poison spider to the arch? Moab Rim? (Well that one depends, I'll run it, but not for the faint of heart), Fins n Things & Hells Revenge?

I'll be working on a dates timeline/itinerary of sorts over the next few days. To have a better idea.

 

Phessor said he was a go.

Im pending approval from work.

 

I’d definitely like to do some Moab trails if time allows. I’ve never been and have no idea the difficulty of each trail.

 

I'm also down with some Moab action, but you know my truck better than most on here. I'll have front steel skid and 1" of lift by then, but I'll still be on 31.5's.

 

Since many want to do more in Moab. I'm looking at getting us sites in Sand Flats Recreation area. Which puts us right next to Fins n Things full&mini. Hells Revenge also. Plus its a short stint into downtown.
What day do you'all want to start the White Rim? The 12th or the 13?
If we start the 12th, it would look similar to this:

• 11th Camp in Southern Utah everyone can meet at. (I have some ideas for easy spots.)
  
• 12th Travel 3-4hrs, to Island in the Sky Visitor center, check in. Head to first camp site; Airport A/B or C/D. 19miles inside.
  
• 13th Travel/explore to second camp; Murphy's Hogback. 26.3miles
• 14th Travel/explore to third camp; HardScrabble or Potato Bottom. 24.8miles
• 15th Finish White Rim, explore and exit park. Travel to Sand Flats. 2hrs travel baring any hiccups.
  
• 15th Check in to Sand Flats. Relax maybe Fins n Things mini? (its really short) Or if early enough run full Fins n Things. Flexible here. Dinner in Town?
  
• 16th Early start, Hells Revenge. It gets busy, starting early being that were in the park is best. Trail will take full half day or more depending on traffic. Worth it!
  
• 17th Check out. Go to Top of the World. Camp where? Can try to get some sites right on the Colorado River!?!
  
• 18th ?? Start heading south ish? Ideas?
• 19th for sure sure heading home. =(

If you'all want to shift the dates, start White Rim the 13th, then we can try:

• 11th Camp in Southern Utah everyone can meet at. (I have some ideas for easy spots.)
• 12th Go to Top of the World. Camp where? Can try to get some sites right on the Colorado River!?!
  
• 13th, travel to Island in the Sky Visitor center, check in. Head to first camp site; Airport A/B or C/D. 19miles inside.
  
• 14th travel/explore to second camp; Murphy's Hogback. 26.3miles
• 15th finish White Rim, explore and exit park. Travel to Sand Flats. 2hrs travel baring any hiccups.
• 16th check in to Sand Flats. Relax maybe Fins n Things mini? (its really short) Or if early enough run full Fins n Things. Flexible here. Plus dinner at Moab Brewery?
• 17th Early start, Hells Revenge. It gets busy, starting early being that were in the park is best. Trail will take full half day or more depending on traffic. Worth it!
• 18th ?? Start heading south ish? Ideas?
• 19th for sure sure heading home. =(

 

Reservations filling quick already for Sand Flats and on the river. So asking NOW to get them reserved!!

 

Either one sounds good to me. I know that doesn’t help answer your question one bit

 

Chiming in late here. Cant really plan anything this far out but I would love to go along. Ive been going to Moab ~5 times a year since 2000 for wheeling and mountain biking. There are so many insanely rad remote/BLM camping sites, don't worry if actual campgrounds book up. I will gladly share some of my "secret spots" if necessary. The only issue is they are all outside of town so its 30 minutes or more getting back if you are looking for restaurants/bathrooms/showers etc.

 

I figured sand flats for easy access for hells revenge and fins n things. Since this will be first time for a few.
I know of a few the would put us closer for Top of the world. I’m just worried that with the timing they will be occupied being that we’d either be rolling in on a Sunday or Friday for that section. But I’m all open. Either doing white rim first then doing whatever works for me.
If you want to pm the spots to keep off open eyes that’s fine.
I just remember my trip last October. Our Bobby Jo camp permit was canceled by the park for COVID restrictions and shifted out timeline. Which made things a bit interesting finding a open spot.

 

Idk about everybody else, but I’m partial to dispersed sites away from any official campgrounds if that’s an option.

 

works for me too. the only definitive dates i need are when we want to start the white rim trail for the permits.

 

It also doesn't help, but either option sounds good to me.

I'm with @PcBuilder14 as well, please avoid official campgrounds if possible, get us out and away from crowds.