Easter Jeep Safari 2015?

[jeep-N-montero]

If you are looking to explore easier/scenic stuff during EJS and want to avoid crowds then I would suggest Bull Canyon on over to Gemini Bridges, then up to Dead Horse Point and return by way of Long Canyon. 7 Mile Rim is not usually crowded. A nice break is Fisher Towers and Onion Creek, also Top of the World is a fun trail and the view is simply amazing. Grab the Wells guide and start reading, tons to explore down there besides just the popular trails.

 

[Comanche Scott]

If you are looking to explore easier/scenic stuff during EJS and want to avoid crowds then I would suggest Bull Canyon on over to Gemini Bridges, then up to Dead Horse Point and return by way of Long Canyon. 7 Mile Rim is not usually crowded. A nice break is Fisher Towers and Onion Creek, also Top of the World is a fun trail and the view is simply amazing. Grab the Wells guide and start reading, tons to explore down there besides just the popular trails.

Thanks for the trail info, and also the info on the guide book. :beer:
Just ordered it!

Scott

 

[moabian]

I also noticed Schaefer Trail is not on the list of trails for EJS, so thinking I will run that trail Saturday, where I can take my time and enjoy the trail, and maybe even luck into a couple of nice pictures (I love photography, but am terrible at it).

Google Shafer Trail. Nice pictures are guaranteed. It's not on the safari list because a good portion of it is in Canyonlands National Park, and because it is an extremely easy trail...about the same level of difficulty as Chicken Corners, if not easier. You will reach the trailhead by going up Highway 313 to Island in the Sky and turn left just after the entrance station. But if you want another mind-boggling view, take the paved park road a few miles farther out to Green River Overlook. Google that one too. That will also give you the opportunity to view the Shafer Switchbacks from above.

I'm surprised someone didn't recommend the Wells book earlier. GREAT book. However, his description of the Potash Road/Shafer Switchbacks trail goes from east to west, which is definitely NOT the way to do it. Start at ISKY and drop down the trail...returning to Moab via Hwy 279...and read Wells' description in reverse. One part of his trail description is right on: "non-stop breathtaking scenery."

Chicken Corners got substantially easier recently when San Juan County hauled gravel and graded the road all the way up the slope to Hurrah Pass. It's medium-clearance 2WD to that point now.

 

[Comanche Scott]

Google Shafer Trail. Nice pictures are guaranteed. It's not on the safari list because a good portion of it is in Canyonlands National Park, and because it is an extremely easy trail...about the same level of difficulty as Chicken Corners, if not easier. You will reach the trailhead by going up Highway 313 to Island in the Sky and turn left just after the entrance station. But if you want another mind-boggling view, take the paved park road a few miles farther out to Green River Overlook. Google that one too. That will also give you the opportunity to view the Shafer Switchbacks from above.

I'm surprised someone didn't recommend the Wells book earlier. GREAT book. However, his description of the Potash Road/Shafer Switchbacks trail goes from east to west, which is definitely NOT the way to do it. Start at ISKY and drop down the trail...returning to Moab via Hwy 279...and read Wells' description in reverse. One part of his trail description is right on: "non-stop breathtaking scenery."

Chicken Corners got substantially easier recently when San Juan County hauled gravel and graded the road all the way up the slope to Hurrah Pass. It's medium-clearance 2WD to that point now.

Last night after you suggested Shafer trail, I did a websearch, and found info on the trail along with pictures others have taken. Very stunning.
Will definitely follow your recommendation for travel direction, and also make the time to enjoy Green River Overlook.

I'm good with easy. The only reason I have the Rubicon is to make travel easier. If there isn't a need to go over big obstacles to get somewhere, so much the better. I've done plenty enough to challenge and scare myself over the years. Now I'm about enjoying the view, and someday if I'm lucky take a picture worthy of a frame.

Thanks again for the great input. Really helps to have an idea of what to do, and expect. :beer:

Scott

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Elephant Hill and or Beef Basin are great trails, but quite a ways outside of Moab requiring an hour or two of highway driving each way. The ruins in Beef Basin are amazing, but it is a multi-day trip. Elephant Hill used to be a lot more fun. Somewhere around 30 years ago, the NPS filled in some of the rougher spots with pavement. I guess they got tired of so many vehicles breaking on the hill and completely blocking the trail for a hours at a time. On the other hand, Poison Spider has gotten significantly more difficult through the years. It used to be possible to make it all the way to The Waterfall in 2WD. Inexperienced drivers have chewed up the first part of the road so much that 4WD is now required not far above the parking lot. It is definitely a fun trail...but it's also a trail that we get called to quite a few times throughout the year to rescue people who get lost or who are just too scared to attempt the descent after reaching the top of the Mesa...usually people with rental jeeps.

Agreed, it is a long drive but we've done Elephant Hill & Beef Basin in one-day trips (including last weekend). Is it better to have more time... of course, when is it not . I could spend a week in the Beef Basin loop along. BUT leave early in the morning and you can easily do the loop into Beef Basin and out Elephant Hill and be back in Moab for dinner. We did Blanding->Elk Ridge->Beef Basin->Elephant Hill last weekend in the snow and still made it back to the Branding Iron for prime rib dinner.

Better yet, do Elephant Hill or perhaps EH/BB on your way south to Vegas and then continue South?

That said, if your participating in Safari trails (which I applaud) I think you'll have no problem finding some fun routes to do in close proximity to Moab. As for things to do at night/afternoon. I enjoy the Moab Museum, you can make a quick run up to Arches or Canyonlands, visit rock-art around Moab, etc.

 

[wildo]

Subscribed! It's also my first EJS. Thanks for all the recommendations.

 

[moabian]

Agreed, it is a long drive but we've done Elephant Hill & Beef Basin in one-day trips (including last weekend). Is it better to have more time... of course, when is it not . I could spend a week in the Beef Basin loop along. BUT leave early in the morning and you can easily do the loop into Beef Basin and out Elephant Hill and be back in Moab for dinner. We did Blanding->Elk Ridge->Beef Basin->Elephant Hill last weekend in the snow and still made it back to the Branding Iron for prime rib dinner.

As for things to do at night/afternoon. I enjoy the Moab Museum, you can make a quick run up to Arches or Canyonlands, visit rock-art around Moab, etc.

Sorry, but doing the Beef Basin/Elephant Hill Loop in a single day doesn't sound like any fun at all to me...much less coming in over Elk Ridge clear from Blanding. It reminds me of a short video with my friend Ed Abbey in which he satirically rushes through Arches in an old red Cadillac Eldorado convertible. I like to see something other than the road. When you did it last weekend, what kind of shape was Bobby's Hole in?

Both Chicken Corners and the Shafer Trail will give the OP a chance to see some nice examples of Native American rock art...Birthing Rock (see Wells' Hurrah Pass Trail description) early in the Chicken Corners route and along Hwy 279 returning from the Shafer Trail (watch for the signs).

As for photos, the moon will be high and bright early in safari week and full on Easter weekend. Arches in the moonlight offers some unique views. Bring a tripod and know how to take long exposures with your camera. Moonrise is about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, 3/29...roughly an hour later each day after that. A very bright Jupiter will be right next to the moon Sunday night, much like it will be tonight.

 

[Comanche Scott]

I watched some YouTube videos on the big screen last night (got to love those Go-Pro people. ). Shafer Trail & side trip is definitely happening. WOW!
The other thing I'm pretty convinced of is, I'll be back many times. If something looks good on a YouTube video, it is usually pretty amazing in person.

You guys are awesome. Thank you very much for the input. :beer:
Got an email that the trail guide shipped shortly after I ordered it, and will be here in a couple of days. That is excellent service.
I ordered it here:
http://www.funtreks.com/
Looks like he has some videos on YouTube as well.

 

[KJP]

OP, I may have missed it but not sure on your experience. When I guide trips to Moab I often start off on Fins and Things to get people used to slickrock. But if you're alone and have never been to Moab and haven't wheeled much rock before, I recommend trying to get in on a group. I've been on Fins and Things and came across drivers terrified to go down some of the faces that a regular there would take in second gear. Everybody has different experiences, so I'd say find someone to go with who has been there before to get your feet wet on slickrock before you jump in too deep. I'm not saying Fins and Things is hard... far from it for an experienced driver... but then again any moderate trail in Moab will get your attention if you make a mistake or just don't see the line.

I just caught this thread and didn't check, but you used to be able to get the Wells book with the GPS chip for a combo price - and the GPS chip is very helpful for a new Moaber. I drove with Chuck (Charles Wells) when he was writing his first book - in fact I was punching buttons on his laptop when he was first recording Moab rim - I can tell you for sure his attention to detail was incredible and I haven't found a better book yet. You can also go to the info center (downtown Moab) and browse through the maps of the area - it's a good idea to get some of the overview maps of the trails. And the info center has some neat stuff about the area - well worth a short stop there.

For a great day I also recommend the run doing Shaeffer trail from the way Wells' book describes, then loop through Island in the Sky at the top for some fantastic views, and then come back to Moab down Long Canyon (don't forget to stop near the top of the canyon and walk out to the overlooks). I'd make one addition though... just before going up the switchbacks on Shaeffer I'd turn onto the White Rim trail and follow it for a couple of miles to musselman arch - it's pretty cool to see and walk over.

Hope to see your pics from your trip.

PS. and a short hijack but I've gotta get more info about beef basin from Moabian - I've been eyeing that trail for years and never explored in that area - I usually turn around there. I have a trip planned in May with another group of folks and I'm always interested in new trails. Also PM me if you know anything about the Peace Officer Memorial Trail - that one would have some personal significance for me LOL.

 

[Comanche Scott]

Thanks for the input KJP! Greatly appreciated. :beer:

Not sure if this is what you are looking for info on the trail itself, or the trail ride, but I found this:
http://www.upoa.org/fallen-trail-ride/
Hope it helps.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Sorry, but doing the Beef Basin/Elephant Hill Loop in a single day doesn't sound like any fun at all to me...much less coming in over Elk Ridge clear from Blanding. It reminds me of a short video with my friend Ed Abbey in which he satirically rushes through Arches in an old red Cadillac Eldorado convertible. I like to see something other than the road. When you did it last weekend, what kind of shape was Bobby's Hole in?

We checked out the ruins, had a nice lunch in the cold, and took in plenty of breath taking views. Again it's always nice to spend more time BUT I'd do it again in a single day before I sit at home and wait until I have two I'll be back in Beef Basin a few more times this year, perhaps again this weekend if you don't get too much more snow accumulation this week.

Bobby's Hole was covered in ice/snow but completely passable, better shape than I've seen in the past few years. The horrible washout was fixed by the county last Spring... all has been well since then to my knowledge.

This was Saturday

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...PS. and a short hijack but I've gotta get more info about beef basin from Moabian...

Not Moabian but I've been in BB a few dozen times, explored as many of the ruins as we could find in the area. We've compiled some great info here:
http://www.expeditionutah.com/featured-trails/beef-basin-s-e-utah/

It's truly a special place and I'd personally blast right through Moab to spend time if BB all things considered.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...I recommend trying to get in on a group. I've been on Fins and Things and came across drivers terrified to go down some of the faces that a regular there would take in second gear. Everybody has different experiences, so I'd say find someone to go with who has been there before to get your feet wet on slickrock before you jump in too deep. I'm not saying Fins and Things is hard... far from it for an experienced driver... but then again any moderate trail in Moab will get your attention if you make a mistake or just don't see the line...

Great thought and I'll second finding a group to travel with. During Jeep week that will be entirely easy to do too. It's fun to run a trail in Moab but it's far funner to run it with friends new or old. One of my favorite reasons to sign up for EJS despite the long trail days is the fun group of folks and generally super knowledgeable trail leaders whom often know more about the trail than you'll get out of a book or website. That said the Well's book is the standard for Moab and literally will give you everything you need to run any trail in town... I've had the chance to share some trail time with him in Moab, class act gent for sure!

Oh, EJS newpaper in case you haven't seen it:
http://issuu.com/rr4w/docs/easter_jeep_safari_2015_web?e=6618542/10656754

Check out the first-timer packages they have put together...

 

[Comanche Scott]

Traveling with like minded people is great fun. A big part of why I'm registering, and signing up for trail runs at EJS. Kind of a "scouting" trip, to come back and spend more time.
I downloaded the paper, and put my name on the mailing list for a paper copy as well (I'm a map and compass type of guy ).
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I've been watching a lot of Youtube videos in the evenings, on the big screen. Just saw a couple last night of these "slot canyons". Holy awesome hiking Batman!
I'm beginning to understand how people can move to the Southwest, and spend the rest of their lives just exploring that area.
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BTW: for others new to this area, please feel free to post questions on here. This thread isn't meant to be just about me.
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Sincerely appreciate all the great input and recommendations. :beer:
.
Scott

 

[Metcalf]

On a cautionary note.....

EJS can be a mad house. It has been getting more manageable, but remember this is a HUGE event. Town is just about packed to capacity. Plan more time for everything accordingly. Also be aware of the party type people at campgrounds, hotels, and on the trails.

I have a hard time 'wheeling during the event because of all the silly people. I have a group of friends that show up every year so that takes the edge off. The jeep watching is epic. The vendors show is also a good time for gear nuts.