Moab 10/2 - 10/8 2022

[shellback91 1,836]

We are back from an amazing trip to Moab. There was a lot to do and see besides the wheeling.  This place is definitely worth a revisit in the future.  Trip reports and and photos are below. Moab Rim RV Park was our base-camp for the week.   The accommodations were agreeable, they did ask me when I checked in if I was using their bedding or if I brought my own which surprised me. Based on what I thought they did not have any, it may be worth asking about if I stay there again.  The weather was good all week which was a bonus. We also did not run into too many people all week.

 

I have a lot of pics, these are my favorites. None of the pictures do this area justice at all, you have to see it in person to get the full scope of the area. Everything may "look" the same but everywhere you turn there is an amazing view and many things to take in. Thanks again to everyone who joined my wife and I, we had a blast!  🙂

Edited October 10, 2022 by shellback91

[shellback91 1,836]

Tuesday 10-4

        We ran these trails, they were out and back trails:

1.   Hurrah Pass- TrailsOffroad  has this trail listed as easy. However, as with other trails the recent rains have changed this trail from recent reports. I would rate it as a Moderate trail with nothing too challenging. It has enough of of everything to keep you engaged.  Ruts, ledges, rocky sections and amazing views made this short trail fun in both directions.  Cowboys used to run livestock, (Sheep, Cows etc) down Shafer Trail , across the Colorado River  over Hurrah Pass and into Moab. A job I do not envy.
2. Chicken Corners- This trail was a strong Moderate trail, it too has been damaged in sections due to recent rains.  There was a good mix of ruts, small rock shelves and rocky sections to keep you from getting bored. There were some "smoother" sections mixed in for good measure.   The trail is hard to follow/find in some places due to erosion and washouts though so a good navigation app is a must.  This trail had some amazing views of the surrounding area on both sides of the Colorado River as well as the river itself.  The last section, aka Chicken Corners was definitely the best. The first section is narrow and the river is about 400 feet below you on the passenger side. The payoff is some amazing views at the end.

Those in attendance were @Murphy  and @OffroadFun.

 

The gang airing down in the morning.

 

Views from Hurrah Pass trail.

 

 

Views from the Chicken Corners trail.

 

 

Grogru enjoying the scenery.

 

Entrance to the last section of Chicken Corners trail.

 

View from  the end of the trail.

 

Random rock  formation.

 

We stopped by a formation named Catacomb Rocks on the way back out. This is a big pile of sandstone rocks that has caves and catacombs throughout, hence the name. This is a pretty cool formation and worth checking out.  We did not get a picture of it from the road unfortunately, the formation is huge and hard to miss though.

 

Looking out from inside.

Edited October 10, 2022 by shellback91

[shellback91 1,836]

Thursday 10-6- Part 1

 

We ran three & half trails today, this write up covers the first 1 1/2.

1.  Gemini Bridges -  This was a an overall easy trail. The climb up and over was a bit rutted and narrow but there were no real challenges. The section past Bull Canyon was also relatively easy as was the section to the end. The hike to the Gemini Bridges  from the trail was easy and well worth it.
2. Bull Canyon -  We tried to run this 3 miles in but only made it about 2.  This was rated easy but it has seen a lot of damage from the rains in my best estimation. There was a "Sandy Wash" at the bottom that has turned into a rock garden of sorts. The trail was torn up at the section to the bottom of Gemini Bridges and we decided not to chance it and turned around and headed back up. 

 

Those in attendance were @Murphy @Dennis Szymanski @OffroadFun

 

Airing down

 

Looking down on US 191 back towards Moab.

 

Gooney Bird rock, the tradition is to run over the base to ward off bad luck on on the trail. The group did just that. 

 

The group just past Gooney Bird Rock.

 

Bull Canyon rough section.

 

Where we turned around.

 

Gemini Bridges

 

 

Looking out to Bull Canyon from the Gemini Bridges.

 

Edited October 10, 2022 by shellback91

[shellback91 1,836]

Thursday 10-6- Part 2

 

The third trail we completed was Long Canyon. This trail is about 2.5 miles south from of the end of Gemini Bridges off of Hwy 313. This trail has no signs indicating it is there so following a navigation app is a good idea.  This trail is listed as Easy but it is in pretty bad shape from Pucker Pass(We had lunch at the top of Pucker Pass) into the canyon.  Slow and steady is the best way to get down, especially through the rock tunnel.  The trail is washed out on both sides in various places in the tunnel so careful tire placement is a must. Through and out of  the tunnel the trail is just wide enough for Jeeps and washed out on both sides, careful tire placement through here is also a must. The rock ledge coming out of the tunnel is also tricky, slow and steady was the name of the game again.  Awesome trail overall.  We did see a grader as we came down so I think they were starting to clean up the trail up to the tunnel.

Looking out to the La Salle mountain range before we drop down towards Pucker Pass.

 

On top at Pucker Pass.

Looking down at the start of the trail down.

Grogru hanging out with us.

 

Looking down  into the canyon where we were heading from the outlook at Pucker Pass.

 

The rock tunnel.

 

Me coming out of the tunnel.

 

@Dennis Szymanski coming out of the tunnel.

 

@OffroadFun 's turn through.

 

@Murphy on the tail gun position coming through.

 

End of the trail looking up at Jug Handle Arch.

Edited October 10, 2022 by shellback91

[shellback91 1,836]

Friday 10-7

The Trails we ran today were easy end of the week scenic run.  The trails were:

1. Shafer Trail-  This was an easy trail that starts just inside Canyon Lands National Park.  If you have an "America The Beautiful" pass or some other park pass , I heard the phrase "Geezer Pass" from someone in the group 🙂 , you do not have to pay to get into the park. The switchbacks on the way down are not bad at all. There are a few spots to pull over and let uphill traffic pass if you can. We had the place almost to ourselves again and had no problems going down. Epic trail and a must do in my humble opinion.
2. Potash Road-  Easy to low moderate trail.Nothing to challenging here, some bumpy sections and small rock shelf's. Nothing this group could not handle. We had to rescue another driver where we turned off for Thelma & Louise point. He was driving a duely and drove into a washed out section of the road and got all boogered up. His drivers side wheels went into a hole which caused his trailer hitch to hit the trail and stop him dead because those wheels where not making contact with the road. We got him winched out and back on his way. Towards the end of this trail you run along side the Potash mine and ponds.

 

Grogru saying hi to the park ranger at Canyonlands National Park.

 

A look at where we were heading.

 

Looking down at the valley below.

 

 

Down below you can see where the White Rim trail goes straight, Potash Rd. goes off to the left.

 

Stopping to catch our breath at the bottom of the switchbacks before heading off to Potash Road.

 

Views from Shafer campsite on Potash Road.

 

 

Group Poser shot looking out to Thelma & Louise Point. This was about as far forward as we wanted to get to the edge. This where they filmed the Grand Canyon scene for "Thelma & Louise".

 

This is balanced rock that is  towards the end of Potash Rd. It looks like it could fall over at at any moment.

 

 

Edited October 11, 2022 by shellback91

[OffroadFun 136]

Here is some pics I took the last trip

[shellback91 1,836]

29 minutes ago, OffroadFun said:

Here is some pics I took the last trip

 

My wife going full on Lion King with Grogru at Thelma & Louise point cracked me up in the moment, seeing that picture made me laugh out loud! Epic!

[4x4tographer 2,847]

16 hours ago, shellback91 said:

My wife going full on Lion King with Grogru at Thelma & Louise point cracked me up in the moment, seeing that picture made me laugh out loud! Epic!

 

COWWWWWWW-A-BUNNNNGGAAAAAAH! WAGYU-BEEF-IN-STEWWWWWWWWW UGH-A-noooooooooo, RUINED-THAT-BEEEEEEEEEEEEF

[shellback91 1,836]

1 hour ago, 4x4tographer said:

 

COWWWWWWW-A-BUNNNNGGAAAAAAH! WAGYU-BEEF-IN-STEWWWWWWWWW UGH-A-noooooooooo, RUINED-THAT-BEEEEEEEEEEEEF

That was about the sound of it!  🤣

[dzJeepChic 2,517]

Awesome pictures and trail report!!! You guys did some really awesome trails, many of which I've never done before but have on my 'next time' list! Thanks for sharing the fun!!