Hello Kokopelli team members!
Congratulations on selecting this adventure. Cruise Moab 2018 is here! The double-overnight Kokopelli Trail run to Cruise Moab departs May 1. We are all in for a grand adventure with a great group! This is a long post, but should cover most stuff.
We have 15 vehicles, newbies and veterans. Our vehicle list is as follows:
4Runner – 3
80 Series – 3
LX450 – 1
100 Series – 1
200 Series – 1
1989 Pickup – 1
FJ Cruiser – 2
Tacoma – 3
This thread will serve as our initial meeting place. We will coordinate our times, make cyber-introductions and start the process of getting to know each other. For 3 days we are going to work as a team, look out for each other, break bread, camp and laugh. We'll be doing that over one of the most beautiful and exciting trails in the world!
The Trip:
We will cover around 150-miles with no gas stations, no stores, limited cell service, and little traffic.
The Plan:
Monday Night: (Optional) Many people camp at the trailhead. There are also hotels available nearby to the East in Grand Junction and Fruita, CO, and farther to the West in Green River, UT. Camping in Rabbit Valley (Rabbit Valley Motorized Area | BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT) is at the Jouflas Campground (BLM dedicates Jouflas Campground in honor of local ranching family): 39°10'33.6"N 109°01'19.9"W (or 39.175903, -109.022320)
The Jouflas Campground is a first come first served primitive camping area From Exit 2 off I-70, travel south just over a half mile and turn right. If that area happens to be full (that's' doubtful) you can camp in any designated camp area. There is good cell service in that area.
Tuesday Morning: Meet at the Rabbit Valley Jouflas Campground described above.
Tech Inspection will run from 8:00 till we finish – hopefully by 9:30. Tech requirements may be viewed HERE and HERE. The sooner we are there and ready, the sooner we hit the trail. Drivers Meeting 9:30ish and departure at 10:00 AM.
Please ensure that you are fueled up with at least 5 extra gallons in a safe, leakproof container stored outside your vehicle. Your closest last fuel is 20 miles East in Fruita, CO. Green River is 75 miles to the West, so unless you have a lot of extra fuel capacity, you want to fill at Fruita.
Tuesday night's camp will be at Fish Ford near the Colorado River ( 38°55'22.0"N 109°14'50.2"W 38.922763, -109.247287 ). We'll arrive in camp in the late afternoon with plenty of daylight to set our first remote camp and relax for what is always a great evening. Dinner will be potluck. Its great if you can bring something to share, and we understand if that is not for you. Remember that if we all bring food for 30, we'll have way too many leftovers. This is primitive camping so we will not have a place to dump trash until late on day two.
Wednesday: Wheels up 8:30 AM. We'll travel through Cisco Wash and onto a portion of Dome Plateau. We will make our way through Yellowjacket Canyon and see amazing views. Our lunch stop is a great place to hike around and take amazing photos of the La Sal Mountains and some small arches. We'll exit the trail near the famous Dewey Bridge and set up at our second night's camp: Roberts Bottom.
Wednesday Top Of the World Option: Top of the World is an out and back trail. It typically will take a few hours to complete and we are making it optional because we’ll already have had two days on the trail. Some may choose an overland-style relaxing evening at camp. On the other hand, TOtW ends at one of the most photogenic spots in the region. We try to get to the top as the sun is low in the sky. The group usually does not get back to camp until after dark. It will be challenging driving, especially after two full days on the trail. You can expect to hit your sliders and bumpers. The ledges have been getting dug out and this trail is harder now than it has been in the past. It's a driveshaft and u-joint eater, so you must stay vigilant. One trip a few year's ago was nicknamed "Brokeopelli Expedition" because of all the damage they had along the way. Remember: this is just the start of your Cruise Moab and you don’t want to break down.
Thursday: Wheels up 8:30 AM for another full day. Day three will be our hardest day (obstacle wise). The day includes a descent of the infamous Rose Garden Hill, the hardest part of the trail. Sliders and bumpers are required to avoid body damage. You WILL hit your sliders and bumpers. It will take our group a few hours to cover this small stretch. There, we’ll make a game-time routing decision to traverse the northern flank of the La Sal Mountains and arrive into Moab via Sand Flats Road OR exit via Onion Creek. Either way, we will arrive to Moab just in time to go to the Kane Springs Campground, Cruise Moab Headquarters for vendor night.
General Information:
Vehicle Inspection: This is a TLCA Sanctioned Event. All vehicles must pass the TLCA tech inspection Tuesday Morning at the Rabbit Valley Jouflas Campground. Get there early to get teched-in and meet your team. Inspection is required but also make sure your vehicle is really in tip top shape.. We are traveling in a remote area well away from civilization and there are very few bail-out areas. Even if you bail to pavement you are still 50+ miles from “civilization”. More information HERE
Communications: Everyone must have a well-functioning CB, and HAM is recommended. CB is a Cruise Moab requirement and simply vitally important for these long distance overnight runs. Having a HAM radio is even better. If you are not licensed, you can still listen - bring a borrowed or buy an inexpensive unit (learn basic operation and how to charge/replace batteries). I will have both (KØFZJ). We will talk a lot along the route. Unless Cruise Moab assigns us a different frequency we will be on CB 4 and HAM 146.460.
Fuel: Your closest last fuel at start is 20 miles East in Fruita, CO. Green River is 75 miles to the West, so unless you have a lot of extra fuel capacity, you want to fill at Fruita. Once we leave the pavement at Rabbit Valley, there will not be an opportunity to get fuel until Moab. I recommend everyone bring at least 5 extra gallons in a safe, leakproof container stored outside your vehicle, unless you think you need more. Carrying gas is dangerous so don’t overload.
Food: Plan to be self-sufficient and remember the potluck. Please let me know if you have any allergies, food or otherwise.
Water: 1 gallon per person per day for drinking is the minimum rule of the desert. Bring more if you plan on doing dishes, showering etc. There is no drinking water available on the trail. The mighty Colorado runs muddy and we are only close a few times. Filtering water would be a pain, but doable if needed. Have more than one container so if one leaks you don't lose all your water.
Toilets: For number 1: Urinating in a disturbed or stable area (i.e. trail, rock, dry drainage) is preferred. Don't pee on plants and flowers. For number 2: BLM mandates that all solid waste be removed. We will have one portable/packable toilets available (you keep the used bags!) but I recommend you bring your own system. Most outdoor stores and online shops have “wag bags.” Any bag works reall, but that powder removes the smells like magic! You will pack out all solid waste. I like to store trash in a tub on my roof. We will stop at vault toilets where they appear. There is a vault toilet about a 10-minute drive from camp on Wednesday night, and we will stop at those in the afternoon on Wednesday.
Pets: Please feel free to bring your friendly and well behaved dogs. Dogs that could possibly bite are better left at home. We are a long way from medical facilities and a dog-bite could be hard to deal with. Both camp locations are primitive and there are cattle, sheep, fox, coyote, skunks, turkeys, snakes, scorpions, and other desert critters in the area. There will be sheep dogs with the herds and they are not friendly. Do not let your dog tangle with them. Do not approach them. They are working. The sheep may also be birthing during this time, so keep your dog away from the sheep. There's a good chance we'll see ewe's giving birth right alongside the trail. Be sure to bring a leash and clean up after your dog.
Trailers: Off-road trailers are welcome if it can handle the trail and you can handle it. The terrain is tough in several spots and your trailer should not be the limiting factor. Please let me know if you're thinking of bringing a trailer so we can discuss it. Plan B is to drop your trailer in Moab before the trip. You cannot bring your trailer up to Top of The World or down Rose Garden Hill. You will need to leave it at Roberts Bottom camp or over by Dewey bridge and take Onion Creek Road out Thursday to get it.
Firewood: Please bring at least one bundle of fire wood. More is better. Nights this time of year can be very cold and sitting around a warm campfire is pretty nice!
Firearms: Abide by applicable laws. We are traveling in Colorado and Utah. Keep in mind this is a TLCA Sanctioned 4x4 event. There will be no recreational shooting at any time during this run. Be responsible and keep your weapons safely secured.
Alcohol, Marijuana, Drugs: Consuming alcohol, any illegal drugs, and any drugs or other products that impair your abilities is strictly prohibited before and while on the trail, as is being under the influence in any way while on the trail. This applies to drivers and passengers. Camp after the day is done is the place to responsibly and lawfully enjoy an adult beverage if you choose. Violation of this rule on trail will see you immediately removed from the group.
Behavior: Intoxicated, rude, offensive, disrespectful, or otherwise inappropriate behavior, or a violation of any applicable rules or laws, as determined in the in the sole and subjective discretion of the Trail Leader, is grounds for immediate removal from the group. There may be no warnings or second chances. If you don't like this rule, we'll gladly switch or refund you now.
Health Issues: If you have any health issues that may require emergency assistance, please let your Trail Leader know privately or share it with our group during our Driver's Meeting. Bring extras of any needed medicatin. By registering for this trip, you are acknowledging and agreeing that you will be far from any medical services, even by helicopter.
Colorado and Utah both have “Search and Rescue Cards” which can help to reduce or eliminate SAR charges. Please see Utah Unveils 'Search And Rescue Card' ($25 for an individual) and Search and Rescue Fund | Colorado Department of Local Affairs (The CORSAR card is available for $3 for a one-year card and $12 for five-year card) for information and to purchase
Medical/First Aid: I have some first aid training and I carry an Outer Limit Supply first aid kit (If you want one before the trip, talk to Travis at OLS and if he can deliver to me (he's local), I'll bring it to you). I encourage everyone to carry a first aid kit. If you feel comfortable about it, please let us know if you have medical training so we know our available resources should a situation arise. We are in remote areas and medical needs can become very serious very quickly and backcountry response times are long. Your Trail leader will be carrying a satellite phone in case of emergencies but they do not always work. SAFETY FIRST!
Your Vehicle: We are traveling in a remote area. Please ensure that your vehicle is in top running condition. If you cannot pass Tech Inspection on Tuesday morning, you will be asked not to participate.
Please review the vehicle minimum requirements and forms at Cruise Moab - Vehicle Requirements
Trash: You will pack out what you pack in. This includes all human waste and all trash, all food scraps. There will be no burning trash. (paper plates and other paper is ok in the campfire). We always leave camp and the trail better than we found it. Don’t hesitate to announce on the radio that you’re stopping to pick up a bottle or beer can. Let's do our part to make sure this trail stays beautiful and open for the next generation.
Camp: Respect others in camp. Have fun, but don’t disturb the folks who climb turn in early. If you like to sleep early, don't park near the main campfire.
Have Fun: This expedition is a once in a lifetime trip for some folks. We will stop for photos at all the best places. Bring your camera and smile.
Please post up and make an introduction. Feel free to ask questions, tell a little about yourself and your vehicle, or just say hello. This is a trip of a lifetime!
Some reading on our Route: Kokopelli's Trail | BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Congratulations on selecting this adventure. Cruise Moab 2018 is here! The double-overnight Kokopelli Trail run to Cruise Moab departs May 1. We are all in for a grand adventure with a great group! This is a long post, but should cover most stuff.
We have 15 vehicles, newbies and veterans. Our vehicle list is as follows:
4Runner – 3
80 Series – 3
LX450 – 1
100 Series – 1
200 Series – 1
1989 Pickup – 1
FJ Cruiser – 2
Tacoma – 3
This thread will serve as our initial meeting place. We will coordinate our times, make cyber-introductions and start the process of getting to know each other. For 3 days we are going to work as a team, look out for each other, break bread, camp and laugh. We'll be doing that over one of the most beautiful and exciting trails in the world!
The Trip:
We will cover around 150-miles with no gas stations, no stores, limited cell service, and little traffic.
The Plan:
Monday Night: (Optional) Many people camp at the trailhead. There are also hotels available nearby to the East in Grand Junction and Fruita, CO, and farther to the West in Green River, UT. Camping in Rabbit Valley (Rabbit Valley Motorized Area | BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT) is at the Jouflas Campground (BLM dedicates Jouflas Campground in honor of local ranching family): 39°10'33.6"N 109°01'19.9"W (or 39.175903, -109.022320)
The Jouflas Campground is a first come first served primitive camping area From Exit 2 off I-70, travel south just over a half mile and turn right. If that area happens to be full (that's' doubtful) you can camp in any designated camp area. There is good cell service in that area.
Tuesday Morning: Meet at the Rabbit Valley Jouflas Campground described above.
Tech Inspection will run from 8:00 till we finish – hopefully by 9:30. Tech requirements may be viewed HERE and HERE. The sooner we are there and ready, the sooner we hit the trail. Drivers Meeting 9:30ish and departure at 10:00 AM.
Please ensure that you are fueled up with at least 5 extra gallons in a safe, leakproof container stored outside your vehicle. Your closest last fuel is 20 miles East in Fruita, CO. Green River is 75 miles to the West, so unless you have a lot of extra fuel capacity, you want to fill at Fruita.
Tuesday night's camp will be at Fish Ford near the Colorado River ( 38°55'22.0"N 109°14'50.2"W 38.922763, -109.247287 ). We'll arrive in camp in the late afternoon with plenty of daylight to set our first remote camp and relax for what is always a great evening. Dinner will be potluck. Its great if you can bring something to share, and we understand if that is not for you. Remember that if we all bring food for 30, we'll have way too many leftovers. This is primitive camping so we will not have a place to dump trash until late on day two.
Wednesday: Wheels up 8:30 AM. We'll travel through Cisco Wash and onto a portion of Dome Plateau. We will make our way through Yellowjacket Canyon and see amazing views. Our lunch stop is a great place to hike around and take amazing photos of the La Sal Mountains and some small arches. We'll exit the trail near the famous Dewey Bridge and set up at our second night's camp: Roberts Bottom.
Wednesday Top Of the World Option: Top of the World is an out and back trail. It typically will take a few hours to complete and we are making it optional because we’ll already have had two days on the trail. Some may choose an overland-style relaxing evening at camp. On the other hand, TOtW ends at one of the most photogenic spots in the region. We try to get to the top as the sun is low in the sky. The group usually does not get back to camp until after dark. It will be challenging driving, especially after two full days on the trail. You can expect to hit your sliders and bumpers. The ledges have been getting dug out and this trail is harder now than it has been in the past. It's a driveshaft and u-joint eater, so you must stay vigilant. One trip a few year's ago was nicknamed "Brokeopelli Expedition" because of all the damage they had along the way. Remember: this is just the start of your Cruise Moab and you don’t want to break down.
Thursday: Wheels up 8:30 AM for another full day. Day three will be our hardest day (obstacle wise). The day includes a descent of the infamous Rose Garden Hill, the hardest part of the trail. Sliders and bumpers are required to avoid body damage. You WILL hit your sliders and bumpers. It will take our group a few hours to cover this small stretch. There, we’ll make a game-time routing decision to traverse the northern flank of the La Sal Mountains and arrive into Moab via Sand Flats Road OR exit via Onion Creek. Either way, we will arrive to Moab just in time to go to the Kane Springs Campground, Cruise Moab Headquarters for vendor night.
General Information:
Vehicle Inspection: This is a TLCA Sanctioned Event. All vehicles must pass the TLCA tech inspection Tuesday Morning at the Rabbit Valley Jouflas Campground. Get there early to get teched-in and meet your team. Inspection is required but also make sure your vehicle is really in tip top shape.. We are traveling in a remote area well away from civilization and there are very few bail-out areas. Even if you bail to pavement you are still 50+ miles from “civilization”. More information HERE
Communications: Everyone must have a well-functioning CB, and HAM is recommended. CB is a Cruise Moab requirement and simply vitally important for these long distance overnight runs. Having a HAM radio is even better. If you are not licensed, you can still listen - bring a borrowed or buy an inexpensive unit (learn basic operation and how to charge/replace batteries). I will have both (KØFZJ). We will talk a lot along the route. Unless Cruise Moab assigns us a different frequency we will be on CB 4 and HAM 146.460.
Fuel: Your closest last fuel at start is 20 miles East in Fruita, CO. Green River is 75 miles to the West, so unless you have a lot of extra fuel capacity, you want to fill at Fruita. Once we leave the pavement at Rabbit Valley, there will not be an opportunity to get fuel until Moab. I recommend everyone bring at least 5 extra gallons in a safe, leakproof container stored outside your vehicle, unless you think you need more. Carrying gas is dangerous so don’t overload.
Food: Plan to be self-sufficient and remember the potluck. Please let me know if you have any allergies, food or otherwise.
Water: 1 gallon per person per day for drinking is the minimum rule of the desert. Bring more if you plan on doing dishes, showering etc. There is no drinking water available on the trail. The mighty Colorado runs muddy and we are only close a few times. Filtering water would be a pain, but doable if needed. Have more than one container so if one leaks you don't lose all your water.
Toilets: For number 1: Urinating in a disturbed or stable area (i.e. trail, rock, dry drainage) is preferred. Don't pee on plants and flowers. For number 2: BLM mandates that all solid waste be removed. We will have one portable/packable toilets available (you keep the used bags!) but I recommend you bring your own system. Most outdoor stores and online shops have “wag bags.” Any bag works reall, but that powder removes the smells like magic! You will pack out all solid waste. I like to store trash in a tub on my roof. We will stop at vault toilets where they appear. There is a vault toilet about a 10-minute drive from camp on Wednesday night, and we will stop at those in the afternoon on Wednesday.
Pets: Please feel free to bring your friendly and well behaved dogs. Dogs that could possibly bite are better left at home. We are a long way from medical facilities and a dog-bite could be hard to deal with. Both camp locations are primitive and there are cattle, sheep, fox, coyote, skunks, turkeys, snakes, scorpions, and other desert critters in the area. There will be sheep dogs with the herds and they are not friendly. Do not let your dog tangle with them. Do not approach them. They are working. The sheep may also be birthing during this time, so keep your dog away from the sheep. There's a good chance we'll see ewe's giving birth right alongside the trail. Be sure to bring a leash and clean up after your dog.
Trailers: Off-road trailers are welcome if it can handle the trail and you can handle it. The terrain is tough in several spots and your trailer should not be the limiting factor. Please let me know if you're thinking of bringing a trailer so we can discuss it. Plan B is to drop your trailer in Moab before the trip. You cannot bring your trailer up to Top of The World or down Rose Garden Hill. You will need to leave it at Roberts Bottom camp or over by Dewey bridge and take Onion Creek Road out Thursday to get it.
Firewood: Please bring at least one bundle of fire wood. More is better. Nights this time of year can be very cold and sitting around a warm campfire is pretty nice!
Firearms: Abide by applicable laws. We are traveling in Colorado and Utah. Keep in mind this is a TLCA Sanctioned 4x4 event. There will be no recreational shooting at any time during this run. Be responsible and keep your weapons safely secured.
Alcohol, Marijuana, Drugs: Consuming alcohol, any illegal drugs, and any drugs or other products that impair your abilities is strictly prohibited before and while on the trail, as is being under the influence in any way while on the trail. This applies to drivers and passengers. Camp after the day is done is the place to responsibly and lawfully enjoy an adult beverage if you choose. Violation of this rule on trail will see you immediately removed from the group.
Behavior: Intoxicated, rude, offensive, disrespectful, or otherwise inappropriate behavior, or a violation of any applicable rules or laws, as determined in the in the sole and subjective discretion of the Trail Leader, is grounds for immediate removal from the group. There may be no warnings or second chances. If you don't like this rule, we'll gladly switch or refund you now.
Health Issues: If you have any health issues that may require emergency assistance, please let your Trail Leader know privately or share it with our group during our Driver's Meeting. Bring extras of any needed medicatin. By registering for this trip, you are acknowledging and agreeing that you will be far from any medical services, even by helicopter.
Colorado and Utah both have “Search and Rescue Cards” which can help to reduce or eliminate SAR charges. Please see Utah Unveils 'Search And Rescue Card' ($25 for an individual) and Search and Rescue Fund | Colorado Department of Local Affairs (The CORSAR card is available for $3 for a one-year card and $12 for five-year card) for information and to purchase
Medical/First Aid: I have some first aid training and I carry an Outer Limit Supply first aid kit (If you want one before the trip, talk to Travis at OLS and if he can deliver to me (he's local), I'll bring it to you). I encourage everyone to carry a first aid kit. If you feel comfortable about it, please let us know if you have medical training so we know our available resources should a situation arise. We are in remote areas and medical needs can become very serious very quickly and backcountry response times are long. Your Trail leader will be carrying a satellite phone in case of emergencies but they do not always work. SAFETY FIRST!
Your Vehicle: We are traveling in a remote area. Please ensure that your vehicle is in top running condition. If you cannot pass Tech Inspection on Tuesday morning, you will be asked not to participate.
Please review the vehicle minimum requirements and forms at Cruise Moab - Vehicle Requirements
Trash: You will pack out what you pack in. This includes all human waste and all trash, all food scraps. There will be no burning trash. (paper plates and other paper is ok in the campfire). We always leave camp and the trail better than we found it. Don’t hesitate to announce on the radio that you’re stopping to pick up a bottle or beer can. Let's do our part to make sure this trail stays beautiful and open for the next generation.
Camp: Respect others in camp. Have fun, but don’t disturb the folks who climb turn in early. If you like to sleep early, don't park near the main campfire.
Have Fun: This expedition is a once in a lifetime trip for some folks. We will stop for photos at all the best places. Bring your camera and smile.
Please post up and make an introduction. Feel free to ask questions, tell a little about yourself and your vehicle, or just say hello. This is a trip of a lifetime!
Some reading on our Route: Kokopelli's Trail | BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
