Moab 5-17 to 5 20

[seriessearcher]

I am looking for recent information for anyone who has done these trails recently. There is a group of us in older land Rover Series Vehicles doing the following trip in a couple of weeks.

Day 1
Leave Denver in the early morning for Moab. Leave Moab via Hurrah Pass Road. Primitive camping in the Lockhart Basin area.

Day 2
Complete the Lockhart Basin Trail and enter Canyonlands National Park (possibly after the toll booth closes at 5pm!) It's May, so it will still be light out. Take the Elephant Hill trail to a campsite at Devil's Kitchen, where (in theory) we will have a site reserved. Pit toilet here, but no other amenities.

Day 3
Continue on Elephant Hill trail, hike .5 miles to the overlook of the confluence of the Colorado and the Green. Enter Beef Basin/Ruin Park via SOB hill. Camp at Big Pocket Overlook.

Day 4
The folks heading back to Denver exit via the Cottonwood Canyon Road, to 211, which is paved and about 70 miles or so to Moab. Anyone up for more can make plans at that point to explore the Dark Canyon Primitive Area and points beyond.


We already have our camping permits. WE have 2 vehicles which have done this section of trail for the most part, however any recent beta would be appreciated.

Also any thoughts or suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks in advance

 

[Explorer 1]

Lockhart Basin climb

Just retuned from driving the Lockhart Trail stating from the Hurrah Pass trail. Of all the trail I drove on this trip, the first few miles were probably the most challenging. Unlike much of the Moab area where there is the sticky Slide Rock, the climb over the mountain is loose rock and sand. It reminded me more of the mountains in Southern California, than what I had heard of Moab. There were a few places where the trail had deteriorated or become enough of a challenge that a group of ATV’s turned around. Depending on how your vehicle is equipped and your experience, the loose soil and off-camber sections can be more then you anticipated.

On the other size of the pass there is this nifty camo trailer available for your use if you are so inclined……jk

Once over the pass the trail would be rated as moderate and just long. Only took one picture on this trail while climbing, not sure if this helps but enjoy your journey.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[DaJudge]

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=949215

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=949210

These are nice write-ups from Alex on this board. I don't think you can download the .gpx files but if you PM Alex he may be able to send e-mail them to you.

 

[Creek]

goneMOAB (gathering of nissan enthusiasts) is going on during the time you'll be there. I'll be getting into town on Monday the 19th and staying through the end of that week. Don't know much about the trails out there though - but I'll find out soon enough. http://www.gonemoab.com

 

[durangodds]

I don't know what the capabilities are of the vehicles in your group, but SOB hill can be a bugger. It's really loose and experiences a lot of erosion so it's constantly changing. If you handle the difficult section of the Lockhart Basin road alright you should be fine though. The park service will make it sound much worse than it is.

 

[seriessearcher]

Thanks for the beta

We will mostly be in pretty stock 1960 to 1965 Land Rover Series SWB trucks. We have skid plates, winches, and a few have sliders.

We will have 2 trucks with locked rear ends who can operate as a winching point as they should be able to get to the top.

As for skills, I would say moderate on my side but traveling with expert drivers which are helping to show me the ropes.

We will post a trip report when we complete the run.

Thanks again.

 

[seriessearcher]

Be on the lookout

We will be on the road tomorrow from Denver to Moab if you see 3 Series Rigs on the road. If you see us on the side of the road stop by for a beer as we are obviously trying to fix my rig. Report and pictures to follow on Wed hopefully.

 

[Jacket]

Have a great trip Sean - your Rovers will effortlessly walk right over those trails (possibly leaving a drip or two of 90W in your wake:shakin: ).
I'll be anxiously awaiting your trip report.:1888fbbd:

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Ran that exact route, just opposite direction last fall:
http://www.cruiseroutfitters.com/PG_Canyonlands_Oct07.html
(I need to upload the actual pics)

 

[seriessearcher]

Well we made it

All the Rovers made it without any "Major" issues. The beta on the off camber sections was spot on. The steep rocky terrain made for some serious pucker factor driving.

I will post a trip report in the completed section as well as post some of the pictures we took.

For a collective age of 200 plus years for 5 vehicles it was a lot of fun!!