moab reccomendations

[METAL MONKEY]

me and a friend are looking to go to moab in the next couple of weeks. neither of us have a lot of seat time, but still want to do some challenging trails, and of course some that may be a bit more scenic. i've got 4.5" of lift on 31's open front and rear. my friend is in a ranger with 6" of lift, 35s, and locked front and rear. any reccomendations?

thanks

 

[YELLAHEEP]

me and a friend are looking to go to moab in the next couple of weeks. neither of us have a lot of seat time, but still want to do some challenging trails, and of course some that may be a bit more scenic. i've got 4.5" of lift on 31's open front and rear. my friend is in a ranger with 6" of lift, 35s, and locked front and rear. any reccomendations?

thanks

Yeah, how about "Don't get in over yer head"? :laugh3:

Be sure to research the trails in the area before you try them, there's lots of resources available that describe the trails and equipment/lift/tire requirements to safely handle the trails.

Most importantly, go prepared. Tow points front and rear, tow strap, spare parts (U-joints, front axle shafts, steering linkage, ignition parts, sensors, water, oil, belt, spare tire) good flashlight, blankets, etc...

Having open diffs presents a bit of a challenge in itself - especially where Moab is concerned. Take your time, plan your line. The terrain out there doesn't require alot of tire speed to climb obstacles so stay off the stoopid pedal. Air down to around 12-15 psi.

Your buddy with the locked Ranger should have very little trouble out there and will likely be helping strap you over obstacles.

If you've never been to Moab before, It's always a good start to drive thru Arches National Park. You'll see lots of sights there.

A fun, gorgeous trail that I feel is a must do is "Steel Bender". Green valleys, stream crossings, rock obstacles, sandstone climbs and canyon overlooks. With a neat finish of a large creek crossing and steep climb up to see some "petroglyphs" on the canyon wall at the end of the trail.

 

[IH8RDS]

Get your feet wet at Gemini Bridges. Its just out of town.

 

[Danno]

buy the book on Moab trails by Charles Wells. It's the best $$ you'll ever spend. Even the gas stations are selling them by the counters. Start on the easy ones and work up. As a noob I liked Steelbender, Klondyke Bluffs, Hell's Revenge and Fins-n-Things.
Once you get comfortible then work up to the harder ones. We just got back from Moab where the family fleet of three XJs ran everything including Moab Rim and Pritchett Canyon. My youngest daughter's XJ is totally unlocked but with experience and a winch you can do most anything. Be prepared for damage with extra parts!! I've never gone thru Pritchett without somebody breaking, for instance. Have fun!!!

 

[fatwreck]

I highly recommend Poison Spider and Fins and Things. Both trails have optional fun (difficult) obstacles to play on.

And I agree with getting the Wells book. It is a GREAT resource.

 

[seanR]

Go down to the City Market in the A.M. I think they leave around 8:00 A.M.
Get hooked up with a group.
Talk to the people their and find out what they recomend.
DO NOT GO ON A TRAIL ALONE!
If you stay at Slickrock C.G. you may also find some one to wheel with.
again,
DO NOT GO ON A TRAIL ALONE!
Tusher Tunnel is a fun trail alot of neat stuff to look at.
Gemini Bridges has Wipe out Hill, That is a fun one.

 

[MMIXJ]

i'll echo the above... the best advice, even if your buddy has a capable rig, is to tag along w/
a group of folks who have some experience on the trail. you'll likely learn alot and have some
support in case you break or get stuck.

moab is a great destination though as you'll find trails of all levels, and frankly you'll be
surprised how capable your rig is even in it's current setup.

have fun, be safe.

terry

 

[XJhammer]

Poison spider watch out for the waterfall (ask badcop about that one...) stay close to the wall. Great run.

fins and things (get a book and a gps or someone who has done it before for this one it can be a little confusing.) one of my favorite trails, and you can do the porcupine rim hookup and that has a great view at the end.

Gemini Bridges is a great little run. great views.

Klondyke Bluffs is also a great run, and you get into the back side of arches.

I wouldn't do Steel Bender without someone who has done it before. The last ledge is a big one and can be intimidating.

And my favorite trail Hell’s Revenge great pucker factor, very easy to follow and the hardest parts can be by passed.

 

[Kittrell]

The trails I did in Moab my first time out, also my first time ever wheeling where: Fins and Things, Kane Creek, and Porcupine Rim.

Was at 5" and 31's, had NEVER wheeled before and had no problems at all............:cheers:

 

[MoabXJeeper]

The trails I did in Moab my first time out, also my first time ever wheeling where: Fins and Things, Kane Creek, and Porcupine Rim.

Was at 5" and 31's, had NEVER wheeled before and had no problems at all............:cheers:

Sounds like you are ready for Pritchett Canyon and Cliffhanger when the dirt they put down erodes away...

 

[MoabXJeeper]

I do not recommend doing trails alone either but here is a list of the ones I have done alone: Fins 'n Things, Porcupine Rim, Elephant Hill, Colorado River Overlook, Horse Canyon, Metal Masher, Steel Bender, Poison Spider, Klondike Bluffs, Cliffhanger, Gemini Bridges, Gold Bar Rim, Golden Spike from back side to Golden Crack and back, Moab Rim.
Of all these I would highly recommend NOT doing Moab Rim alone! You need somebody along who has done it before. I am still getting over my fear of lifting a rear tire higher than four feet on an off-camber with an 80 ft. cliff at the edge!

-Von

 

[METAL MONKEY]

thanks for the ideas guys. we've got all the safety gear and most of the spares. I didn't think about it, but i will surely try to tag along with another group that has experience on the trail. that is a good idea.

i was probably going to buy the book by charles wells for moab. i have both of his books for colorado, which are very informative.

btw, what is the quickest way. just glancing at the map i'd take 70 to 128 and then to 191 south to moab.

 

[Terry]

I will add one thing to these trail suggestions is bring lots of water. It is usually 100 degrees and up this time of year. Try to go early morning runs and be done by 1:00 or 2:00 if you can and head for the pool! TK

 

[MoabXJeeper]

me and a friend are looking to go to moab in the next couple of weeks. neither of us have a lot of seat time, but still want to do some challenging trails, and of course some that may be a bit more scenic. i've got 4.5" of lift on 31's open front and rear. my friend is in a ranger with 6" of lift, 35s, and locked front and rear. any reccomendations?

thanks

Seriously, with open diffs and 31's you can do Klondike Bluffs, Fins 'n Things, Porcupine Rim, and Gemini Bridges. You could also do Hells Revenge but would have to bypass a couple of the tougher obstacles. Good luck, have fun and take lots of water!

-Von

 

[METAL MONKEY]

taking a lot of water is the top on the list of things to take. i mountain bike and heard about a 15 yr old cali girl that died on porcupine rim a couple of weeks ago. very unfortunate.

 

[jmaxj]

I will add one thing to these trail suggestions is bring lots of water. It is usually 100 degrees and up this time of year. Try to go early morning runs and be done by 1:00 or 2:00 if you can and head for the pool! TK

1 or 2 is too late for me it's been 90 by 10 am. i would recomend staying away from the slickrock trails(i.e. hells revenge, fins n things etc)because the slickrock makes it even hotter.