I'm planning on taking the family to the Moab area over the Turkey day weekend. I'm picking up the Wells book tomorrow but was wondering what some of you guys would recommend as far as driving trails, camping spots and hiking trails. I'm not new to driving off road but haven't done any rock crawling and I still have my running boards on. Looking for some fun but I want some experience and company before I try anything stupid. So from the bit of reading I have done I'm guessing moderate trails. You can see my set up in the sig. Thanks in advance.
Moab trail advice for a newbie
- Thread starter CO_Hunter
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Im long down on the list of experts here but my wife and I have been to moab 2years in a row now. Assuming you have never been down,try arches and canyonlands national park. Both have some offroad trails and great hiking/camp spots. Keep in mind that the moderate trails might not be so moderate anymore. Some are pretty challenging and will eat your running boards up. Hope that helps a bit.
Try Hells revenge. I know it says its a 9 of 10 but I think that means if you do all the obsticles vs taking the alternate routs. I have a 97LX and would run it stock and when we were out in October we had a FJ cruiser following us throughout the trail. Good views and fun trail. I want to say it took us 5 ish hours but we like to mess around and play when we are out. Have fun and post pics on your return!
Fins and things is also a fun trail that is not too challenging. there are some hikes you can do on that trail too. So you can stretch your legs and see an arch or two.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
Do fins n things first for a good overview of what Moab is about. Then run Hell's the second day, since it's an advanced Fins and Things. Golden Spike is the best overall trail there-do that on your 3rd day and you've done the whole Moab course of study. Save Moab Rim, Prichart Canyon for the next visit.
If you have 2 days and the weather is great-The White Rim Trail is amazing and not to be missed.
If you have 2 days and the weather is great-The White Rim Trail is amazing and not to be missed.
Box Rocket
SILVER Star
if you still have running boards and aren't lifted (?) I wouldn't do Golden Spike. You'll eat your running boards and rockers for sure. I do like the suggestion of Fins and Things and Hell's Revenge.
Steel Bender should be doable as well. Kane Creek is a blast. It has a somewhat challenging climb up out of the canyon near the end but would be a nice contrast to the other trails. 70+ water crossings on Kane Creek.
Steel Bender should be doable as well. Kane Creek is a blast. It has a somewhat challenging climb up out of the canyon near the end but would be a nice contrast to the other trails. 70+ water crossings on Kane Creek.
Box Rocket
SILVER Star
Sorry, I just saw your truck specs in your sig line. I see that you are lifted and have bumpers etc. I still stand by my suggestions but if you felt like doing Golden Spike you would be ok but will still need to be careful on the many ledges. I still think you'll hit your runningboards/rockers.
Oh and for camping places, if you plan on staying in one of the formal campgrounds, Slickrock campground is the HQ for Cruise Moab. I prefer the Canyonlands campground near the City Market for camping in the more formal campgrounds.
Oh and for camping places, if you plan on staying in one of the formal campgrounds, Slickrock campground is the HQ for Cruise Moab. I prefer the Canyonlands campground near the City Market for camping in the more formal campgrounds.
Hurah pass is a great dirt road with awesome views also. and there used to be a cammel ranch on the other side of the pass. I am not sure if it is still there, but they were very invitinga and welcoming when last i rode through there.
also Gemini bridges is easy but very scenic as you can drive right to the top of the arches.
also Gemini bridges is easy but very scenic as you can drive right to the top of the arches.
I had fun on Fins 'N Things and go on Top of the World if you vehicle can handle it. Surely it can. I promise Top of the World is worth it.
And places to camp? We're thinking of going out there in May and will be camping the whole time. I'll need to charge my battery every now and then, get ice/water/beer --- can you wilderness camp and are there campgrounds for replenishing?
Green Day................
No really, Hells, Cliffhanger, Kane Creek are great trails, Spike is an adventure, love doing it every year.
Greenday pic.......
No really, Hells, Cliffhanger, Kane Creek are great trails, Spike is an adventure, love doing it every year.
Greenday pic.......
Top of the World had the best looking wilderness campground I've seen. You'll know why when you get there.
Anyone else been to Top of the World?
Well then, somebody come with us...
- Thread starter
- #15
Hey guys thanks for all the replies. I've been looking into the trail guide as you have been posting. What calstyl2 posted is exactly what I'm trying to avoid getting myself into and that goes to what Cruzrman stated about not going alone.
Fins and things sounds pretty cool and several guys posted about it, but Wells mentions a few obstacles don't have a bypass. Some of the other trails sound like they are a bit more than what I want to bite off as it will just be one rig and my lack of "difficult" experience. One thing is for sure we will have fun.
The weather is looking like it may be a bit wet. Not worried about the camping part but Wells discusses in the beginning of the book how slick some things can get so I'm a bit concerned about that. We don't have all the trails planned we're going to wing it and camp where it looks good and is allowed. I'll look for the Top of the World Campground and see if it fits in our plan. We'll likely be pulling in late Wed. night so we may just camp at Arches the first night.
Hilldweller...who are you and what's the us??
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Fins and things sounds pretty cool and several guys posted about it, but Wells mentions a few obstacles don't have a bypass. Some of the other trails sound like they are a bit more than what I want to bite off as it will just be one rig and my lack of "difficult" experience. One thing is for sure we will have fun.
The weather is looking like it may be a bit wet. Not worried about the camping part but Wells discusses in the beginning of the book how slick some things can get so I'm a bit concerned about that. We don't have all the trails planned we're going to wing it and camp where it looks good and is allowed. I'll look for the Top of the World Campground and see if it fits in our plan. We'll likely be pulling in late Wed. night so we may just camp at Arches the first night.
Hilldweller...who are you and what's the us??
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The wife, dog, & I are planning on heading to the North Rim and Moab during the last 2 weeks of May ---- dragging our Conqueror Compact from north Georgia.
I'm experimenting with my Jeep's gears right now before we commit to it though ---- hoping to find some company along the way.
Have a good time on your trip. You're right about the slick conditions in the wet; the dust layer on the rocks turns to donkey snot in the rain.
If you need help with just about anything, NAPA in Moab is very knowledgable and will help you out with almost anything, including working in their parking lot on your truck.
My pics from Fins 'N Things
MySpace.com - James Fins 'N Things
youtubes from Fins N Things
YouTube - MOAB 2008 Series and Freelander Up Rock
YouTube - MOAB 2008 Freelander wheel stand down rock
This was my first trail I'd ever been on, so I quickly learned, as you'll see here, to go slow. One of the guys on the trail said, "Go as slow as possible, but as fast as necessary." Best advice I heard. Only damage I got on the whole trip was right here where I damaged my exhaust. I rented a reciprocating saw from the NAPA in Moab for $5 and cut the last 3" off my exhaust so I wouldn't have too much backpressure and burn a valve.
YouTube - MOAB 2008 Freelander going uphill
My pics from Top of the World
MySpace.com - James Top of The World
My pics from Fins 'N Things
MySpace.com - James Fins 'N Things
youtubes from Fins N Things
YouTube - MOAB 2008 Series and Freelander Up Rock
YouTube - MOAB 2008 Freelander wheel stand down rock
This was my first trail I'd ever been on, so I quickly learned, as you'll see here, to go slow. One of the guys on the trail said, "Go as slow as possible, but as fast as necessary." Best advice I heard. Only damage I got on the whole trip was right here where I damaged my exhaust. I rented a reciprocating saw from the NAPA in Moab for $5 and cut the last 3" off my exhaust so I wouldn't have too much backpressure and burn a valve.
YouTube - MOAB 2008 Freelander going uphill
My pics from Top of the World
MySpace.com - James Top of The World
I think the Wells book builds up certain trails a bit much, Hells is not nearly as hard as he makes it out to be, Same for Cliffhanger, Rim and Prittchet are no joke and Kane Creek is getting worse at the ledge.
You will be fine on Hells, Flat Iron Mesa is fun too.
You will be fine on Hells, Flat Iron Mesa is fun too.
- Thread starter
- #19
Texfreelander-- Thanks for posting up the pic and video links. We'll see how it goes. I won't have an experienced spotter so will likely by-pass anything that can cause rocker damage, and no winching up ledges!
calstyl2- Thanks for the insight into Wells book. I'll re-read about those trails.
This trip is more of a family exploring type trip than really testing the rig for rock crawling. Not trying to be a total wuss. But I do want some driving fun though
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calstyl2- Thanks for the insight into Wells book. I'll re-read about those trails.
This trip is more of a family exploring type trip than really testing the rig for rock crawling. Not trying to be a total wuss. But I do want some driving fun though
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I have seen a bone stock 80 series with no running boards do everything on Hells but the optional stuff with no issues
