Any easy Moab trails?
- Thread starter GG5thGen
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PhotoRunner
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My favorite easy trail is also probably the longest: The White Rim. It's either a long day, or if you get a permit to camp, an over night trip. If you're a bookish type, I recommend Charles Wells: Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells: Good Paperback (2000) | HPB Inc.
MAST4R
New member
Yes, the Wells book is mandatory!
Any green or blue trail will be fine for the vehicle. Reds would depend; some are fine, others hardcore. They are better avoided on Trip 1.
The WRR is phenomenal. Best done in 2 days but I have done it on a short winter day in my Outback. I would go Mineral Bottom to Potash because if there is something going on, like a rock slide, or deep water (though nowadays there is no water anywhere!), it is much more likely to happen on the MB side so one can turn around quickly and not after 50-90 miles of offroading.
WrR requires day use permit, which is available online. Campsites are booked far in advance.
Any green or blue trail will be fine for the vehicle. Reds would depend; some are fine, others hardcore. They are better avoided on Trip 1.
The WRR is phenomenal. Best done in 2 days but I have done it on a short winter day in my Outback. I would go Mineral Bottom to Potash because if there is something going on, like a rock slide, or deep water (though nowadays there is no water anywhere!), it is much more likely to happen on the MB side so one can turn around quickly and not after 50-90 miles of offroading.
WrR requires day use permit, which is available online. Campsites are booked far in advance.
The White Rim trail is awesome, but for some routes a bit shorter, try: (all of these are no problem for your T4R ORP.)
- Long Canyon, on the way to Potash
- Gemini Bridges, west off of 191 7 or so miles north of Moab. Both of these first two trails end on the paved road on top of the mesa which leads to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands NP.
- Hurrah Pass, south on Kane Creek Boulevard out of Moab. Gets tougher on the west side of Hurrah Pass, but the view from the pass is awesome, so worth going that far and turning around.
- The Schafer switchbacks, between Potash and the top of Island in the Sky. Good road, but a lot of exposure. Awesome scenery. No permit required, just the park entrance fee.
- The Willow Springs "back door" entrance to Arches NP. Turn east on a BLM road off 191 about 5 miles north of Moab. Joins the paved Arches road at Balanced Rock. A great way to get into Arches when the RV's are lined up for a half mile at the main entrance. Just before you get to Balanced Rock you can take a short side trip to Eye of the Whale Arch. A little rougher, but no problem for a stock T4R.
Have fun! I second getting the Wells book.
- Long Canyon, on the way to Potash
- Gemini Bridges, west off of 191 7 or so miles north of Moab. Both of these first two trails end on the paved road on top of the mesa which leads to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands NP.
- Hurrah Pass, south on Kane Creek Boulevard out of Moab. Gets tougher on the west side of Hurrah Pass, but the view from the pass is awesome, so worth going that far and turning around.
- The Schafer switchbacks, between Potash and the top of Island in the Sky. Good road, but a lot of exposure. Awesome scenery. No permit required, just the park entrance fee.
- The Willow Springs "back door" entrance to Arches NP. Turn east on a BLM road off 191 about 5 miles north of Moab. Joins the paved Arches road at Balanced Rock. A great way to get into Arches when the RV's are lined up for a half mile at the main entrance. Just before you get to Balanced Rock you can take a short side trip to Eye of the Whale Arch. A little rougher, but no problem for a stock T4R.
Have fun! I second getting the Wells book.
U
USStrongman
Guest
I see this is old, but this is a terrific trail. Onion Creek.
Close to 3 dozen water crossings, but none that are deep or challenging. Have done this a few times and camped out toward the end. Wide enough for a friends Raptor, easy enough for a stock JKU Sport. Slot canyons take you to an amazing junction with terrific views. You can turn around and do it in reverse or junction to one of about 6 other trails with varying ratings. Stock rig will be more than fine.
Onion Creek - Utah Offroad Trail
Close to 3 dozen water crossings, but none that are deep or challenging. Have done this a few times and camped out toward the end. Wide enough for a friends Raptor, easy enough for a stock JKU Sport. Slot canyons take you to an amazing junction with terrific views. You can turn around and do it in reverse or junction to one of about 6 other trails with varying ratings. Stock rig will be more than fine.
Onion Creek - Utah Offroad Trail
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Oldmanb777
New member
May be an old thread, but always a good one. there is something for everyone in the area. From easy enjoyable outings, to hard core. The Red Rock Four Wheelers rates the popular trails pretty accurately. Lots of exploring isn't designated trails as such, but BLM or Forest service roads. But "STAY THE TRAIL"! AGAIN, I repeat STAY THE TRAIL!!!!!! It's fragile, and making a new route gets the trail closed. And stay off the "superman soil". Lots a really great scenery from easy roads. But you can have it as challenging as you desire.
Oldmanb777
New member
Something else i should mention. Go prepared. Probably the most important is water. Take more than you could possibly need, then take even more. Mountain bikers WILL need assistance, and they seem to always be short of water. I carry several gallons or more depending on the weather of what I think i will need. I always seem to give it out on the trails to people who under planned their water. If your alone, make sure you have told someone where you are going ane when to expect you back, and STICK to that plan, and let them know when you actually are back. Even carry an inreach or some other emergency device. It gets cold at night in the desert, so it may be 100F during the day, but a jacket will be needed if your stuck out all night.