There is a pretty decent trail in the needles district canyonlands NP of Moab right near the visitor center take that trail all the way out. ����

If you're going from the Springs to the 4 corners area ever thought about doing Medano Pass? Haven't done it myself but it's on my list... Doesn't sound technical, about a 3hr detour(or camp along the pass) and it dumps you out in Great Sand Dunes NP.

The Lake Powell recreation area is super easy roads with fantastic views over the lake. If your coming in on I-40 west its worth to stop in Page AZ; hit the Bird House in Page for the best fried chicken Ever in the history of fried chicken. Page AZ and the recreation area is on the Utah side of the lake but its all right in the same area, easy dirt roads, fantastic views, good food and nice hotels in Page if the wife wants a hot sower.

Fourmile area near Buena Vista is really cool as another option. Good place to camp for the night and the trail makes a great "warm up" on the way to the heavy stuff. Buena Vista is a great little town.

Totally agree about Buena Vista! Stayed there a few times to backpack in the Collegiate Peaks and for an overnight stay to ski Monarch and Breckenridge. It's a good midpoint between the two.

Sent from my moto g(7) using Tapatalk

On our recent road trip we used these collapsible instacrates from Costco. If I remember right I think they were $7 each. They're stackable and three fit perfectly across the back.

Didn't necessarily plan for a blowout but I feel like I got super lucky. Back passenger tire, doing 80ish on the interstate. I was in the right lane and it happened immediately before an offramp in rural South Dakota. By the time I got stopped at the bottom of the ramp it was pancake flat.


Sent from my moto g(7) using Tapatalk

I did this backwards on my last trip out. Went from the springs to Sand Dunes NP, then Madano pass to Hwy 69. Somewhat impromptu, but definitely worth it. We didn’t camp on the pass, but there were a ton of beautiful sites for it.

Was a good warmup before Black bear pass the next day. Definitely recommend this pass, or at least driving through Ouray. Absolutely beautiful drive.

OP, we did a few days in Moab too. Fins’n’Things wasn’t too bad in my Pro. My buddy rented a SXS the next day, so we did Hell’s in it. I would do it in my 4R, but it’d be a little slower going than Fins.

My biggest piece of advice going solo is take your time off road. Like all the time in the world. You’ll be in beautiful places with plenty to take in, and getting out and getting home is your main goal.

Weather that time of year is something for consideration in Colorado.

Wrapped up a six week road trip out west myself. Would definitely recommend hitting up the Alpine Loops or Imogene Pass in Ouray. Also second the recommendation for Medano Pass near Great Sand Dunes NP - it's an easy trail if you want a warm up to some more difficult stuff.

Obviously lots of trails in Moab, but I would recommend Shafer Trail if you're looking for something more scenic, rather than something technical.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

As a former wildlife biologist, I would recommend a can or two of bear spray.
Some rope to hang food in bear country.

We are leaving on a two week on-road trip in October. We will be going down the east side of the Cascades and Sierras, then cross the desert to Arizona, along and across the Rockies, back across the Rockies and back up the Cascades. Weather can be fickle, to say the least!

We have:
1. A large duffle for dirty laundry.
2 A first aid kit.
3. CB radio (as well as cell phones)
4. Wool blankets (we are staying in motels)
5. Sidearms (we have permits for Washington and Utah==also good for Idaho, Arizona & Nevada))
6. snakes and water/iced tea=in ice chest.
7. GOOD maps=GPS doesn't always work in "uncivilized areas".
8. "Snatch strap"
9. Gore-tex and wool clothing.
10. Extra prescription glasses.
11. G.I. gore-tex bivouac bags.
12. Kitty litter.

Seems like a lot but a wrong turn could be fatal!

Off-road, I would add (This is pretty much my standard list):
1. Hi Lift
2. Traction mats.
3. Small gas stove and propane.
4. Two G.I. -30 sleeping bags
5. Cookset
6. Small ax and shovel.
7. Five-gallon gas can.
8. Trash bag(s).

I second the traction mats and a real shovel!

Be prepared for unexpected cold weather, especially after you get soaked without rain gear, warm dry clothes are game changers 👍

Before mounting an awning to your rack, check out the Slumberjack ROADHOUSE TARP. It might be a better option for you, maybe not. It's worth checking out. I was set on getting an ARB awing or similar, but this worked better for me.

And I’ll add a safety tip all drivers should implement. If you are driving in conditions where you were suddenly outside the vehicle in the clothes you have on, would you freeze? Wear a coat in the car. Even if it’s to the store, which is where most accidents happen.

You don’t want broken windows or your body lying in snow and you’ve got shorts and flip flops on going to get a gallon of milk. And you’re unconscious.

Wear the clothes you want to be in if you are ejected or similar.

If you are fortunate and unwise enough to bring a needy, beautiful 22 year old blond w/ you, be sure to return her to her parents when done. If that is not your choice, then certainly don't drive her vehicle all the way back to FLA w/o her and then refuse to say anything to anyone about it as if it'll just go away like a pimple.

I got caught up in the "Youtube 4x4" blackhole, wondering if I had the right gear or wanting latest equipment, and it kept me from just going. Do your research and just go!

Water, Food, Sleeping Accommodations, Spare Tire/Tire Repair Kit/Tools, and First Aid... if you're off-road a set of "Faux Traxx" will be a good idea too. The rest are luxuries and you can add/subtract from your kit as you go.

When you start getting into serious wheeling start with sliders then add more armor as you need it. I know when I hit the alpine loop my high clearance bumper and sliders gave me extra confidence and peace of mind that I wasn't going to have major body damage.

As far as navigation I switch between Gaia and Google Maps.