Hello Kokopelli team members!
Congratulations on being selected to join this incredible adventure. Cruise Moab 2017 is right around the corner and it's time to start planning for the only double-overnight run to Cruise Moab. I have just received the registration list for the 2017 Kokopelli Expedition and we're all in for a grand adventure with a great group! This is a long post, but should cover most stuff.
The overnight runs are always the first to fill to capacity for the Cruise Moab event. This is a FULL 3-day expedition style run that is really an event on its own. OutdoorX4 Magazine will once again be our trail sponsor and we're working hard to make this the best Kokopelli Expedition yet. (It will be hard to top the excitement from the last few years, but we'll try!) As of right now, we are a strong group of 15. That number is subject to change as we get closer, but it's a perfect size for this adventure. Anything over 17 and we start to get crowded at our stops and bottlenecked at the obstacles.
We have a good mix of capable vehicles and this is the first year in a while that we have all new (except one) participants. Our vehicle list is as follows:
4Runner - 6
80 Series - 3
100 Series - 2
60 Series - 2
FJ Cruiser - 1
Tacoma - 1
This is one of the most diverse vehicle groups that we've ever had. Six 4Runners! Usually, it's the 80 Series that dominates the numbers. This will be a great trip.
This thread will serve as our initial meeting place. We will coordinate our times, make cyber-introductions and generally just start the process of getting to know one another. After all, we're going to spend 3+ days together where we're going to work as a team, look out for each other, break bread together, camp together and laugh together. We'll also be doing that on one of the most beautiful and exciting trails in the country.
The Trip:
This is a true expedition experience that will have us covering nearly 150-miles between Mack, CO and Moab, UT. I don't want to spoil anything by explaining the trail too much, I'll just say get ready for an amazing route to an amazing town.
The Plan:
Monday Night: (Optional) Several people typically travel to the trailhead the day before and it is recommended, but not at all required. There are hotels available in Grand Junction if you'd like to take that last real shower before starting off Tuesday morning. We will plan on meeting/camping here:
39°10'33.6"N 109°01'19.9"W
This area is a first come first served dispersed camping area fairly near the interstate exit for Rabbit Valley (Exit 2 off I-70). From the exit, travel south, just over a half mile and turn right. My initial email will have my phone number. If that area happens to be full (that's' doubtful) then we can camp in any designated camp area. Phone service is perfect in that area.
Tuesday Morning: Meet at the site mentioned and mapped above off the Rabbit Valley exit (Exit 2 off Interstate 70)
Tech Inspection will run from 9:00-9:45. Drivers Meeting at 10:00ish and departure around 10:15 AM. Please ensure that you are totally fueled up (with extra) and 100% ready to go. Tuesday will actually be our shortest day on the trail. Barring any setbacks, we'll arrive in camp in the late afternoon and have time to set our camps and relax for what is always a great evening. Everyone is excited to be on the trail and the first night is always a late one around the campfire. Breakfast will be provided just prior to our drivers meeting. Delicious breakfast burritos from a local Grand Junction restaurant.
Tuesday night's camp will be at Fish Ford near the Colorado River. Dinner will be potluck style with everyone hopefully bringing something to share. We did this for the last few years and it's always a big hit. I will be bringing Pork Green Chile with all the fixin's (Chips, Cheese, Tortillas, Sour Cream etc.) Please bring something to share, but 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: Depart camp by 9:00 AM. This will be a long, but fun day. Day two is my favorite day. We'll travel through Cisco Wash and onto a portion of Dome Plateau. We will also make our way through Yellowjacket Canyon and see some 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 make a brief stop at our second night's camp at Roberts Bottom. We will drop off any trailers in the group and continue to the Top of the World. This out and back trail will take us a few hours to complete and I'm aiming to have us near the top as the sun is getting lower to the west. This is one of the most photogenic areas of the entire region. You can expect to hit your sliders and bumpers pretty often on this trail. The ledges have been getting dug out pretty bad and this trail is much harder now than it has been in the past. It's a driveshaft and u-joint eater, so stay vigilant. Our trip from a few year's ago was nicknamed "Brokeopelli Expedition" because of all the carnage we had along the way.
Thursday: Depart camp by 9:00 AM for another very full day. Day three will be our hardest day (obstacle wise) of the trip. Plan on being on the trail all day, getting into Moab in the early evening. We will cover some beautiful terrain throughout the day. We'll descend the infamous Rose Garden Hill which will be the hardest part of the trail. (Sliders and bumpers are required to avoid body damage.) You WILL hit your sliders and land hard on your bumpers. It will take our group a few hours to cover this small stretch. Then, we'll pass through Fisher Valley and Onion Creek and traverse the northern flank of the La Sal Mountains. We'll arrive into Moab via Sand Flats Road tired, dusty, dirty and hungry. It's a great way to kick off your Cruise Moab adventure. While everyone else is preparing for their first runs of the event, we're already 3 days into an amazing trip. There is a chance that we'll exit via Onion Creek (a great route with 20+ clean, shallow water crossings instead of entering the La Sal's). If there is a breakdown during the day or we hear of excessive snow in the La Sal's, we take the Onion Creek route. We've actually done that 3 out of the last 4 years.
Important Details:
Vehicle Inspection: This is a TLCA Sanctioned Event. All vehicles must pass the TLCA tech inspection. The time is now to ensure everything is in proper order. We are traveling in a remote area well away from civilization and there are very few bail-out areas.
Communications: Everyone must have a functioning CB. It's a Cruise Moab requirement but it's also vitally important for these long distance overnight runs. Having a HAM radio is even better. Having your HAM radio license is even better still. I will have both and am a licensed HAM radio operator. If you're wanting to become a HAM radio operator, let me know and I'll give you some clues that will help you to pass the test prior the event. We will communicate a lot along the route.
Fuel: 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. You know your offroad mileage better than anyone, so please plan accordingly. I average about 6-8 mpgs on this trail and I use 4-6 extra gallons.
Food: Plan to be self-sufficient, however, breakfast will be provided at least once, possibly twice. Please let me know if you have any allergies, food or otherwise.
Pets: Please feel free to bring your friendly and well behaved dogs. Mean dogs or 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 free range cattle, fox, coyote, skunks, turkeys, snakes and other desert critters in the area. There are also free grazing sheep (thousands and thousands) along a portion of the route. There will be sheep dogs with the herds and they are not friendly. Do not let your dog tangle with them. The sheep will also be birthing during this time, so please 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 a way to clean up after your dog.
Trailers: Off-road trailers have their place and you're welcome to bring one if it can handle the trail. 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.
Firewood: Please bring at least one bundle of fire wood. More is always better. Nights this time of year can be very cold and sitting around a warm campfire is pretty nice!
Water: 1 gallon per person per day for drinking is the rule of the desert. Bring more if you plan on doing dishes, showering etc. There is very little water to speak of and even the mighty Colorado runs pretty dirty that time of year. Filtering water would be a pain, but doable if needed.
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. Be responsible and keep your weapons safely secured.
Toilets: For number 1. Urinating in a disturbed or stable area (i.e. trail, rock, dry drainage) is preferred. Don't pee on the plants and flowers. Number 2: BLM mandates that all solid waste be removed. We will have portable/packable toilets available. Please visit Wal-Mart or another store of your choice to pick up a box of wag bags for about $11. The Wal-Mart brand is Ozark Trail. We will pack out what we pack in. We will also stop at vault toilets in a couple areas. There is a pit toilet somewhat near our camp on Tuesday night. The vault toilets near our second night’s camp are back at Dewey Bridge, about a 10-minute drive from camp. We will stop at those in the afternoon on Wednesday and we'll leave from there on Thursday morning.
Alcohol: Drinking on the trail is prohibited by drivers and passengers. Camp is the place for it and we will have plenty of time to share stories in the evening. FYI, alcohol is best purchased outside of Utah as you will typically get it cheaper and of higher quality. Fruita/Grand Junction is a great stock up point, but most stores don't open until 10am, so you'll need to have it prior to our meet-up on Tuesday morning.
Health Issues: If you have any health issues that may require emergency assistance, please let me know privately or share it with our group during our Driver's Meeting.
Medical: I am a former United States Marine. My medical training is consistent with my military training. I am CPR certified and will carry an Outer Limit Supply medical kit. I encourage everyone to carry a medical kit as well. Please let me know if you have medical training so we can best handle emergency situations. We are in remote areas and medical needs can become very serious very quickly. I'll also be carrying a SAT phone in case of emergencies.
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. Inspection Details
Trash: We will pack out what we pack in. This means all human waste and trash. This means no burning trash in the evening fires as well. (paper plates are obviously ok when the fire is raging.) Let's make camp and the trail look better than we found it. A Trasharoo is a great addition to your rig and doubles as a firewood carrier. Don’t hesitate to announce on the CB or HAM that you’re stopping to pick up a water bottle or beer can that you find on the trail. Let's do our part to make sure this trail stays beautiful and open for the next generation.
Camp: Please respect others in camp. Let’s have fun, but don’t disturb the folks who climb into their RTT’s at 10pm either. @bluecruiser usually stays up until the wee hours, so if you like to crash 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.
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!
Congratulations on being selected to join this incredible adventure. Cruise Moab 2017 is right around the corner and it's time to start planning for the only double-overnight run to Cruise Moab. I have just received the registration list for the 2017 Kokopelli Expedition and we're all in for a grand adventure with a great group! This is a long post, but should cover most stuff.
The overnight runs are always the first to fill to capacity for the Cruise Moab event. This is a FULL 3-day expedition style run that is really an event on its own. OutdoorX4 Magazine will once again be our trail sponsor and we're working hard to make this the best Kokopelli Expedition yet. (It will be hard to top the excitement from the last few years, but we'll try!) As of right now, we are a strong group of 15. That number is subject to change as we get closer, but it's a perfect size for this adventure. Anything over 17 and we start to get crowded at our stops and bottlenecked at the obstacles.
We have a good mix of capable vehicles and this is the first year in a while that we have all new (except one) participants. Our vehicle list is as follows:
4Runner - 6
80 Series - 3
100 Series - 2
60 Series - 2
FJ Cruiser - 1
Tacoma - 1
This is one of the most diverse vehicle groups that we've ever had. Six 4Runners! Usually, it's the 80 Series that dominates the numbers. This will be a great trip.
This thread will serve as our initial meeting place. We will coordinate our times, make cyber-introductions and generally just start the process of getting to know one another. After all, we're going to spend 3+ days together where we're going to work as a team, look out for each other, break bread together, camp together and laugh together. We'll also be doing that on one of the most beautiful and exciting trails in the country.
The Trip:
This is a true expedition experience that will have us covering nearly 150-miles between Mack, CO and Moab, UT. I don't want to spoil anything by explaining the trail too much, I'll just say get ready for an amazing route to an amazing town.
The Plan:
Monday Night: (Optional) Several people typically travel to the trailhead the day before and it is recommended, but not at all required. There are hotels available in Grand Junction if you'd like to take that last real shower before starting off Tuesday morning. We will plan on meeting/camping here:
39°10'33.6"N 109°01'19.9"W
This area is a first come first served dispersed camping area fairly near the interstate exit for Rabbit Valley (Exit 2 off I-70). From the exit, travel south, just over a half mile and turn right. My initial email will have my phone number. If that area happens to be full (that's' doubtful) then we can camp in any designated camp area. Phone service is perfect in that area.
Tuesday Morning: Meet at the site mentioned and mapped above off the Rabbit Valley exit (Exit 2 off Interstate 70)
Tech Inspection will run from 9:00-9:45. Drivers Meeting at 10:00ish and departure around 10:15 AM. Please ensure that you are totally fueled up (with extra) and 100% ready to go. Tuesday will actually be our shortest day on the trail. Barring any setbacks, we'll arrive in camp in the late afternoon and have time to set our camps and relax for what is always a great evening. Everyone is excited to be on the trail and the first night is always a late one around the campfire. Breakfast will be provided just prior to our drivers meeting. Delicious breakfast burritos from a local Grand Junction restaurant.
Tuesday night's camp will be at Fish Ford near the Colorado River. Dinner will be potluck style with everyone hopefully bringing something to share. We did this for the last few years and it's always a big hit. I will be bringing Pork Green Chile with all the fixin's (Chips, Cheese, Tortillas, Sour Cream etc.) Please bring something to share, but 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: Depart camp by 9:00 AM. This will be a long, but fun day. Day two is my favorite day. We'll travel through Cisco Wash and onto a portion of Dome Plateau. We will also make our way through Yellowjacket Canyon and see some 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 make a brief stop at our second night's camp at Roberts Bottom. We will drop off any trailers in the group and continue to the Top of the World. This out and back trail will take us a few hours to complete and I'm aiming to have us near the top as the sun is getting lower to the west. This is one of the most photogenic areas of the entire region. You can expect to hit your sliders and bumpers pretty often on this trail. The ledges have been getting dug out pretty bad and this trail is much harder now than it has been in the past. It's a driveshaft and u-joint eater, so stay vigilant. Our trip from a few year's ago was nicknamed "Brokeopelli Expedition" because of all the carnage we had along the way.
Thursday: Depart camp by 9:00 AM for another very full day. Day three will be our hardest day (obstacle wise) of the trip. Plan on being on the trail all day, getting into Moab in the early evening. We will cover some beautiful terrain throughout the day. We'll descend the infamous Rose Garden Hill which will be the hardest part of the trail. (Sliders and bumpers are required to avoid body damage.) You WILL hit your sliders and land hard on your bumpers. It will take our group a few hours to cover this small stretch. Then, we'll pass through Fisher Valley and Onion Creek and traverse the northern flank of the La Sal Mountains. We'll arrive into Moab via Sand Flats Road tired, dusty, dirty and hungry. It's a great way to kick off your Cruise Moab adventure. While everyone else is preparing for their first runs of the event, we're already 3 days into an amazing trip. There is a chance that we'll exit via Onion Creek (a great route with 20+ clean, shallow water crossings instead of entering the La Sal's). If there is a breakdown during the day or we hear of excessive snow in the La Sal's, we take the Onion Creek route. We've actually done that 3 out of the last 4 years.
Important Details:
Vehicle Inspection: This is a TLCA Sanctioned Event. All vehicles must pass the TLCA tech inspection. The time is now to ensure everything is in proper order. We are traveling in a remote area well away from civilization and there are very few bail-out areas.
Communications: Everyone must have a functioning CB. It's a Cruise Moab requirement but it's also vitally important for these long distance overnight runs. Having a HAM radio is even better. Having your HAM radio license is even better still. I will have both and am a licensed HAM radio operator. If you're wanting to become a HAM radio operator, let me know and I'll give you some clues that will help you to pass the test prior the event. We will communicate a lot along the route.
Fuel: 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. You know your offroad mileage better than anyone, so please plan accordingly. I average about 6-8 mpgs on this trail and I use 4-6 extra gallons.
Food: Plan to be self-sufficient, however, breakfast will be provided at least once, possibly twice. Please let me know if you have any allergies, food or otherwise.
Pets: Please feel free to bring your friendly and well behaved dogs. Mean dogs or 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 free range cattle, fox, coyote, skunks, turkeys, snakes and other desert critters in the area. There are also free grazing sheep (thousands and thousands) along a portion of the route. There will be sheep dogs with the herds and they are not friendly. Do not let your dog tangle with them. The sheep will also be birthing during this time, so please 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 a way to clean up after your dog.
Trailers: Off-road trailers have their place and you're welcome to bring one if it can handle the trail. 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.
Firewood: Please bring at least one bundle of fire wood. More is always better. Nights this time of year can be very cold and sitting around a warm campfire is pretty nice!
Water: 1 gallon per person per day for drinking is the rule of the desert. Bring more if you plan on doing dishes, showering etc. There is very little water to speak of and even the mighty Colorado runs pretty dirty that time of year. Filtering water would be a pain, but doable if needed.
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. Be responsible and keep your weapons safely secured.
Toilets: For number 1. Urinating in a disturbed or stable area (i.e. trail, rock, dry drainage) is preferred. Don't pee on the plants and flowers. Number 2: BLM mandates that all solid waste be removed. We will have portable/packable toilets available. Please visit Wal-Mart or another store of your choice to pick up a box of wag bags for about $11. The Wal-Mart brand is Ozark Trail. We will pack out what we pack in. We will also stop at vault toilets in a couple areas. There is a pit toilet somewhat near our camp on Tuesday night. The vault toilets near our second night’s camp are back at Dewey Bridge, about a 10-minute drive from camp. We will stop at those in the afternoon on Wednesday and we'll leave from there on Thursday morning.
Alcohol: Drinking on the trail is prohibited by drivers and passengers. Camp is the place for it and we will have plenty of time to share stories in the evening. FYI, alcohol is best purchased outside of Utah as you will typically get it cheaper and of higher quality. Fruita/Grand Junction is a great stock up point, but most stores don't open until 10am, so you'll need to have it prior to our meet-up on Tuesday morning.
Health Issues: If you have any health issues that may require emergency assistance, please let me know privately or share it with our group during our Driver's Meeting.
Medical: I am a former United States Marine. My medical training is consistent with my military training. I am CPR certified and will carry an Outer Limit Supply medical kit. I encourage everyone to carry a medical kit as well. Please let me know if you have medical training so we can best handle emergency situations. We are in remote areas and medical needs can become very serious very quickly. I'll also be carrying a SAT phone in case of emergencies.
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. Inspection Details
Trash: We will pack out what we pack in. This means all human waste and trash. This means no burning trash in the evening fires as well. (paper plates are obviously ok when the fire is raging.) Let's make camp and the trail look better than we found it. A Trasharoo is a great addition to your rig and doubles as a firewood carrier. Don’t hesitate to announce on the CB or HAM that you’re stopping to pick up a water bottle or beer can that you find on the trail. Let's do our part to make sure this trail stays beautiful and open for the next generation.
Camp: Please respect others in camp. Let’s have fun, but don’t disturb the folks who climb into their RTT’s at 10pm either. @bluecruiser usually stays up until the wee hours, so if you like to crash 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.
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!
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