checked the west forum to see how active it is and it isnt... So wanting some input relatively soon... I'll post here.

Heading out to Utah soon for a vacation... hitting up all of the National Parks in the south area. I am planning on hitting up Moab and want to hear from anyone who has been there what to expect.

I'll hit any trail that will offer a view and a low risk of dents or broken parts.

Any input is greatly appreciated... the plan is to head out of CA on the Friday before Memorial Day, attempt to make it to the Great Basin NP, explore, then head on to Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches and then Moab. If all goes well, I am hoping to have Saturday free to drive up to Salt Lake city to catch the motorcycle races at Miller Sports park (?? think that is what it's called). The World Superbike series is making a stop there and it would be nice to see them. Already have seen the AMA group and am hoping to hit up the MotoGP at Laguna Seca later this year

anyways... comments?

 

sounds like a good vacation. i've heard that if you want to tackle anything at moab you need lockers.

 

Moab has a ton of differnt trails from just driving around bone stock to things that you have to have an extrteme buggy. I havn't been on any of the trails. I always wanted to go but, never got a chance before I moved. Alot of my cousins still go. I will try and get ahold of them and see if they can give any input. Also you might try posting on pavmentsucks.com.

 

that would be great thanks. like I said, anything that wont get be stuck, broke or come back with a dent, I'm ok with. I've been stuck 2x, both on ice and of my own doing while trying to ram thru a snow field to get to the other side. Have the front end completely rebuilt and tossed on the 2nd set of Pro Comp Xtreme at's for good measure (old ones had 95k on them but still not down to the wear bars).

 

You should be able to cover a good deal of Moab with your truck and common sense is often as useful as lockers out there. But I would not go alone by any stretch of the imagination. Thats how you can get into trouble. Traveling on slickrock is a whole different deal than trying to bash through a snow drift.
The advice about checking in at PS is a great idea. Many West coast members go there on a semi regular basis. You should also see if there is a trail book avalible through Amazon.com. I believe theres one or two availible.
I always dreamed about going up to Moab when I lived in Arizona. I hope to get there before I die, or before they close the place down.

 

gotta watch that snow, you never know what might be hidden under it. that sounds like a hell of a tire for an all terrain, i think i know what my next tire purchase is gonna be

 

common sense always comes 1st when I'm on a trail alone... happens a tad bit too often though, would be nice to get a group outing again into the sierra's (did one back in '07)

The snow was covering the trail, straight shot to the other side. it was a tad bit too deep with the heavy truck I have... started plowing snow and could never get on top of it. Have a nice set of chains for next time though.

 

I've never been to MOAB but I have both of this author's books for my Home state trails (Colorado) they are extremely useful if you're not familiar with the trails or area. They give good trail descriptions, gps coords, detailed directions to the trail head, topo maps tips and etiquite for trail use etc.

I would higly recomend picking up one of these before you head out.

http://www.4x4books.com/mub.htm

Amazon has them for a better price:

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Backroad...2318123&sr=8-1

 

thanks for the links, it is a tad bit late to order I think. One of the sites also listed a National Geographic Map for north & south Moab... I will pick up those for sure as I should be able to find them at REI. My experience with them has been good and they indicate they show trail difficulty as well.

 

Wow I didnt realize how close Memorial day was. guess I should make some plans!

In lieu of the book you might check these sites for some Moab trail information. 4x4 trails will let you search by area and trail difficulty.

http://www.4x4trails.net/db_search.php

http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php (don't mind the name for more info read their "why this name" section)