Utah Adventure

[TPatt88]

Hi Guys~

I am in the early stages of planning a Utah expedition to see all the national parks they have to offer (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands) for hopefully some time in the spring of 2014. I am thinking I will buzz through the parks that lead up to Moab and focus my efforts on the Moab area (Canyonlands and Arches).

I am wondering if you guys have any favorite trails that would be good for semi primitive camping. Preferrably ones that end/loop at some sort of landmark or great thing "you have to see," not just off roading for the sake of off roading.

I am hoping to make this a caravan kind of thing, 2 or 3 trucks heading out for a week to ten days. I live in SoCal so it is an all day drive there and back but I am okay with that.

I have a stock (for now) 5th Gen SR5 4WD and would probably have my buddies Tacoma (2wd but with Rear Locker, Toytec spacer lift and BFG AT's) be at least one of the accompanying vehicles, so I am looking for the kinds of trails that we could both get through (I'll bring my tow strap to pull him out though if need be :lol.
Any input anyone who has gone would be much appreciated.

PS- I plan to have real tires by then (not the crappy OE Bridgestones) and maybe a Bajarack and Sliders (to add difficulty to the variety of trails).

THANKS Fellas!

 

[KidVermicious]

Get the Charles Wells guidebook to Moab trails (any of the green and half the blue trails will be just your speed), and the Utah Trails Southwest and Southeast editions (almost everything in these books is stock-friendly). Check out TrailDamage.com (be very careful about any trail they rate a 5 or higher in difficulty if you're new to wheeling).

Zions, Bryce, and most of Arches are hiker-oriented parks, plan on burning some boot leather to see the good stuff. There's oodles of incredible hiking in Canyonlands and Capitol Reef too, but lots of it requires at least a capable high-clearance 2wd to get to, and in bad weather I wouldn't even think about venturing off pavement without four wheel drive and good tires. Some of those dirt roads are impassable after a heavy rain. Remember that even in these national parks, it's not hard at all to get really remote - pack recovery gear and tools/spare parts, a gallon of water per person per day, and be prepared to spend the night with your vehicle.

Lots of the more popular routes and camping areas require reservations, and they can be hard to get in the spring, which is peak season around Moab. For example, if you want to do the White Rim (which I recommend highly), call for a campground reservation now...

If you're planning on hitting most/all of the national parks, 10 days will not be enough for anything more than the barest highlights. If you don't mind me saying, I'd pick an area and stay around there - Zions/Bryce/North Rim, Capitol Reef/Escalante/Canyonlands Maze district, or Arches/Canyonlands Needles and Island In The Sky districts.

Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails: Charles A. Wells, Shelley Mayer: 9781934838068: Amazon.com: Books

Utah Trails Southwest Region: Peter Massey Jeanne Wilson: 9781930193109: Amazon.com: Books

4WD Trails: Southeast Utah: Peter Massey, Jeanne Wilson: 9780966567564: Amazon.com: Books

TrailDamage.com

 

[TPatt88]

Kid~

Thanks for the knowledge and links. Love the help available at every turn in the 4Runner community!

Thanks,
Tim

Get the Charles Wells guidebook to Moab trails (any of the green and half the blue trails will be just your speed), and the Utah Trails Southwest and Southeast editions (almost everything in these books is stock-friendly). Check out TrailDamage.com (be very careful about any trail they rate a 5 or higher in difficulty if you're new to wheeling).

Zions, Bryce, and most of Arches are hiker-oriented parks, plan on burning some boot leather to see the good stuff. There's oodles of incredible hiking in Canyonlands and Capitol Reef too, but lots of it requires at least a capable high-clearance 2wd to get to, and in bad weather I wouldn't even think about venturing off pavement without four wheel drive and good tires. Some of those dirt roads are impassable after a heavy rain. Remember that even in these national parks, it's not hard at all to get really remote - pack recovery gear and tools/spare parts, a gallon of water per person per day, and be prepared to spend the night with your vehicle.

Lots of the more popular routes and camping areas require reservations, and they can be hard to get in the spring, which is peak season around Moab. For example, if you want to do the White Rim (which I recommend highly), call for a campground reservation now...

If you're planning on hitting most/all of the national parks, 10 days will not be enough for anything more than the barest highlights. If you don't mind me saying, I'd pick an area and stay around there - Zions/Bryce/North Rim, Capitol Reef/Escalante/Canyonlands Maze district, or Arches/Canyonlands Needles and Island In The Sky districts.

Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails: Charles A. Wells, Shelley Mayer: 9781934838068: Amazon.com: Books

Utah Trails Southwest Region: Peter Massey Jeanne Wilson: 9781930193109: Amazon.com: Books

4WD Trails: Southeast Utah: Peter Massey, Jeanne Wilson: 9780966567564: Amazon.com: Books

TrailDamage.com

 

[HOJeepster]

Check out Grande Escalante area too if you have time.

Also, Catherdral Valley is a fun more remote drive near Canyonlands.

 

[chmura]

I'm about to go to Utah after the Overland Expo in Flagstaff so I have been reading about the trails everyday now. leaving So Cal May 18th and returning 26th.

In Moab I am doing the White Rim Trail. Its a 100 mile loop of scenic not too hard 4x4 road. I am camping out at the mid point section called Potato Bottom Camp. Everyone that I talked to has this trail on top of their list.

Than I am doing Top of the World. There is a famous look out where everyone parks their trucks on a rocky ledge and snaps a picture. Lots of pictures of this photo spot on the internet.

These two trails should be one one of your To Do Lists!

Than going to do Fins 'N Things trail and see all the crazies attempt all the 4x4 obstacles that I would never try.

After Moab going to the Maze District and going to camp out at Doll house for 2 nights. Maze district is a more remote region of Canyon Lands and the roads a little harder to pass, definitely need 4x4. But beautiful area that is not too crowded. There is pictographs in this region called Harvest Scene that I will be hiking too.

I recommend you make camping reservations early.

You are going in 2014 maybe I can go again! Let me know what dates you plan and I can talk to my wife into going. This time I am going with some friends since I have a 11 month old and she does not want to bring him yet on such an adventure.

 

[KidVermicious]

I'm about to go to Utah after the Overland Expo in Flagstaff so I have been reading about the trails everyday now. leaving So Cal May 18th and returning 26th.

In Moab I am doing the White Rim Trail. Its a 100 mile loop of scenic not too hard 4x4 road. I am camping out at the mid point section called Potato Bottom Camp. Everyone that I talked to has this trail on top of their list.

Than I am doing Top of the World. There is a famous look out where everyone parks their trucks on a rocky ledge and snaps a picture. Lots of pictures of this photo spot on the internet.

These two trails should be one one of your To Do Lists!

Than going to do Fins 'N Things trail and see all the crazies attempt all the 4x4 obstacles that I would never try.

After Moab going to the Maze District and going to camp out at Doll house for 2 nights. Maze district is a more remote region of Canyon Lands and the roads a little harder to pass, definitely need 4x4. But beautiful area that is not too crowded. There is pictographs in this region called Harvest Scene that I will be hiking too.

I recommend you make camping reservations early.

You are going in 2014 maybe I can go again! Let me know what dates you plan and I can talk to my wife into going. This time I am going with some friends since I have a 11 month old and she does not want to bring him yet on such an adventure.

Everybody should drive Fins&Things. Even if you're not a "wheeler", you should drive Fins&Things just so you know what your truck can do. A stock 4Runner can complete the trail - you'll drag that hitch about 50 times, but you'll get through it. Dooo eeeet.

If you wanna see crazy bastards, go find Area BFE.

 

[chmura]

Everybody should drive Fins&Things. Even if you're not a "wheeler", you should drive Fins&Things just so you know what your truck can do.

A stock 4Runner can complete the trail - you'll drag that hitch about 50 times, but you'll get through it. Dooo eeeet.

Yeah definitely going to check it out. Crazies I mean people attempting to do Mickey's Hot tub and all of that! I think those are on this trail..

 

[smilycook]

White Rim is defiantly a must do when in Canyonlands. A couple years ago we rode the loop on bikes with my 4wd Tacoma running support. There is no way you could make this loop with a 2wd Tacoma. Book campsites early if you want to do this.

You could also simply go down the shaffer trail in Canyonlands and then bear left onto potash rd and this will lead you back to Moab for a fun loop. This might be doable in 2wd depending on the sand in the wash.

Arches has two fun backcountry roads that run down the Salt Flats Valley. There are some large sand washes to cross that might be challenging in 2wd. If the Tacoma has good tires are is liberal with the gas then he can probably make it. The biggest wash is about 1/4 mile wide.

 

[KidVermicious]

Yeah definitely going to check it out. Crazies I mean people attempting to do Mickey's Hot tub and all of that! I think those are on this trail..

That's on Hells Revenge. Same area, different trail.

 

[chmura]

That's on Hells Revenge. Same area, different trail.

Just reread your post, where and what is BFE?

 

[KidVermicious]

AreaBFE | Hardcore Recreation Park

It's south of town a couple miles, and then off the main road a ways. It's a privately owned non-profit terrain park with some fairly hard core trails, real buggy stuff. I don't spend much time there because my rig isn't up to it, but I love it because it gives the guys with serious rigs a place to challenge themselves and their trucks without making up new obstacles on the existing trails and getting them closed. It's win-win for everybody.

 

[STX4Runner]

You have to do Top of the World if you are considering it. It is awesome moderately technical rock crawling, but not so extreme you should damage anything. Just lots of fun, and the overlook at the end is amazing. No picture you have seen does it justice. I was there last month and it was incredible. Plus, like I said the trail to get there and back is fun, and was just hard enough for me and my mild lift and stock size tires to have a great time. It is not just off roading for the sake of off roading. Have another vehicle so you can spot each other over some of the harder rock gardens and ledges. You will love it.

 

[TPatt88]

Chmura,

You'll have to report back on your run when you get back from Utah, hope you have a great time and can further guide me in my future venture.

I am trying to coordinate this with my family to actually get everyone to go on a trip for once (someone always seems to not be able to go) so I am still a little ways away from having dates and such as it has to align with Spring Break from schools and such.

Also, my wife and I are having our first child this July, so my resources will not be solely focused on a Utah trip haha.

When I start to narrow things down though I will post here, the more the merrier!!!

Tim

I'm about to go to Utah after the Overland Expo in Flagstaff so I have been reading about the trails everyday now. leaving So Cal May 18th and returning 26th.

In Moab I am doing the White Rim Trail. Its a 100 mile loop of scenic not too hard 4x4 road. I am camping out at the mid point section called Potato Bottom Camp. Everyone that I talked to has this trail on top of their list.

Than I am doing Top of the World. There is a famous look out where everyone parks their trucks on a rocky ledge and snaps a picture. Lots of pictures of this photo spot on the internet.

These two trails should be one one of your To Do Lists!

Than going to do Fins 'N Things trail and see all the crazies attempt all the 4x4 obstacles that I would never try.

After Moab going to the Maze District and going to camp out at Doll house for 2 nights. Maze district is a more remote region of Canyon Lands and the roads a little harder to pass, definitely need 4x4. But beautiful area that is not too crowded. There is pictographs in this region called Harvest Scene that I will be hiking too.

I recommend you make camping reservations early.

You are going in 2014 maybe I can go again! Let me know what dates you plan and I can talk to my wife into going. This time I am going with some friends since I have a 11 month old and she does not want to bring him yet on such an adventure.

 

[TPatt88]

THANKS STX!!! I saw a video from another 5th 'Genner on here recently that got my juices flowing on the whole Moab thing and his was of Top of the World. I definitely plan on taking this one!

Tim

You have to do Top of the World if you are considering it. It is awesome moderately technical rock crawling, but not so extreme you should damage anything. Just lots of fun, and the overlook at the end is amazing. No picture you have seen does it justice. I was there last month and it was incredible. Plus, like I said the trail to get there and back is fun, and was just hard enough for me and my mild lift and stock size tires to have a great time. It is not just off roading for the sake of off roading. Have another vehicle so you can spot each other over some of the harder rock gardens and ledges. You will love it.

 

[STX4Runner]

You're welcome. Top of the World was the only trail I got to do in Moab when I went last month but it alone was worth the drive from San Antonio. The weather sucked the rest of the trip and we had planned to do some other things anyway, like mountain biking, hiking in Arches, etc. Look in the 5th Gen off road thread for some of my pictures and I think snooperstyle had some too. Look on pages 37 and 38 of that thread for our pictures.

 

[chmura]

Chmura,

You'll have to report back on your run when you get back from Utah, hope you have a great time and can further guide me in my future venture.

I am trying to coordinate this with my family to actually get everyone to go on a trip for once (someone always seems to not be able to go) so I am still a little ways away from having dates and such as it has to align with Spring Break from schools and such.

Also, my wife and I are having our first child this July, so my resources will not be solely focused on a Utah trip haha.

When I start to narrow things down though I will post here, the more the merrier!!!

Tim

For sure will report back and tell you how it went.

I have a 11.5 month old at home. My wife does not feel comfortable taking him on remote excursions yet so I am traveling with 2 other friends.

Hope your trip works out. I know how it is people changing their plans and things. What I have learned is to set a date in stone well in advance and tell everyone. If people start backing out still go on the adventure with your wife. Smaller groups the better for longer trips IMO.

 

[Dlak]

Chmura,

You'll have to report back on your run when you get back from Utah, hope you have a great time and can further guide me in my future venture.

I am trying to coordinate this with my family to actually get everyone to go on a trip for once (someone always seems to not be able to go) so I am still a little ways away from having dates and such as it has to align with Spring Break from schools and such.

Also, my wife and I are having our first child this July, so my resources will not be solely focused on a Utah trip haha.

When I start to narrow things down though I will post here, the more the merrier!!!

Tim

Sounds like a fun trip, I'm in the same boat as you guys (have a 2month old and a 2 year old) did moab 2 years ago with some friends but only got to do fins and things as the jeep rental was due back that day. If you guys decide to invite your t4r buddies count me in as being interested, I'm out of Diamond Bar ca...

 

[TPatt88]

That's right it was snooperstyle that put up the awesome videos.

You're welcome. Top of the World was the only trail I got to do in Moab when I went last month but it alone was worth the drive from San Antonio. The weather sucked the rest of the trip and we had planned to do some other things anyway, like mountain biking, hiking in Arches, etc. Look in the 5th Gen off road thread for some of my pictures and I think snooperstyle had some too. Look on pages 37 and 38 of that thread for our pictures.

 

[TPatt88]

Dlak it would be a great honor to have such an epic rig come along on any journey, though it may put my stock Runner to shame.

Just looked through your Moab album, sick pics, my dream T4R is what you have. Who makes that tire swing bumper?

Thanks,
Tim

Sounds like a fun trip, I'm in the same boat as you guys (have a 2month old and a 2 year old) did moab 2 years ago with some friends but only got to do fins and things as the jeep rental was due back that day. If you guys decide to invite your t4r buddies count me in as being interested, I'm out of Diamond Bar ca...