MOAB Solo recommendations

eroy2

eroy2

New member
Hey there, planning a family trip this July (just after FJ Summit) in Moab and Colorado and looking for 4Runner recommendations for trails to do with a stock-ish rig solo. We will have our dog(6 months) with us so I know we are restricted away from the parks but I do have a list of options. Family is young (6 & 8 year olds) and very new to offroading.

I have done Moab 4 times but in an H1 with 37's, lockers and a bad ass driver(I was a passenger but drove enough) as well as with guides and a convoy. Also done some crazy crap in New Mexico with the same truck. My experience is mid level and my confidence is high but the family has never been before. I'm running a 16 Trail with CBI skid plates, rock sliders, full Bilstein suspension(2" lift), KDSS and the rear E-locker. I will have no winch and stock bumpers. And as I said before, we will be solo.

My intention is that I show them some of the scenery but also some of the offroading that Moab has to offer. My list of possible options, but not necessarily what we will do:
  • Fins & Things
  • Tusher Tunnel
  • Flat Iron Mesa (with many bypasses)
  • Gemini Bridges
  • Bull Canyon/Day Canyon
  • Long Canyon
  • Geyser Pass

I would love to do Seven Mile Rim but not sure if it is prudent solo.

We will be camping near Moab a few nights between trails and then heading to do some of the passes around Telluride/Ouray(which I have done before as well).

Any suggestions on whether a solo 4Runner could do these trails(I know some are just trails) is appreciated.

Thanks.

Eric.
 
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Most of those trails should be easily done in your rig. You may get a few scrapes on your bumpers on fins n' things, so beware of that. I would not recommend doing Flat Iron Mesa in your rig, especially solo. Not all of the obstacles have bypasses and you will inflict some sort of bumper damage no doubt. Could you make it through FIM? Of course you can! It's up to you if its worth the possibility of cracked/scraped bumpers. The other trails you mention should suit you just fine!
 
Also, you mentioned Colorado... Most of the higher elevations will be impassible, including all of the trails around Telluride/Ouray, due to remaining snow pack. I'd try to find some trails at lower elevations that might be open.
 
I did all of those solo minus Flat Iron Mesa, Bull Canyon, and Geyser Pass. That was in an 01 4Runner with 200k+ miles. I wouldn't worry about doing any of that alone. Gemini Bridges is easy, Long Canyon is easy, Tusher Tunnel is nothing but a gravel road for most of it, Fins n Things is the hardest thing on that list, but also the most populous. There's plenty of people who will help if something should happen.

00Spork said:
Also, you mentioned Colorado... Most of the higher elevations will be impassible, including all of the trails around Telluride/Ouray, due to remaining snow pack. I'd try to find some trails at lower elevations that might be open.
Click to expand...

Even so in July?
 
For some reason in my mind I was thinking June. My apologies. There is a slight chance that they may not be fully open yet, but depending on when you come, you'll likely have no issues with snow. Black Bear has been known to open around July 4th and that's because they take a tractor to the snow drifts. Every year is different.
 
Drive 30 mins to Canyonlands and do the White Rim Trail without all the hustle bustle and congestion of Moab...also some killer views!
 
wadle5 said:
Drive 30 mins to Canyonlands and do the White Rim Trail without all the hustle bustle and congestion of Moab...also some killer views!
Click to expand...


Unfortunately I can't have the dog with us in any of the parks. I've checked.
 
I assume from your build that you've got proper tires? If not this would be a perfect time to get some. Moab is such a destination that you're bound to see other folks out there, just to give you some peace of mind. In my experience most of the jeepers like to stop and watch the newer model 4Runner's in action.. probably waiting for them to get stuck lol. Either way my point is I'm sure there'll be someone out there that could give you a tug if you need it. Your hitch will take some hits on fins and things but you should get through relatively unscathed.. great trail!
 
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