Return to Moab (and the west) - itinerary suggestions?

[ChrisNLA]

Edit: 1/13, any opinions on a spring visit vs a fall visit?

What is the best time frame in the fall? We always traveled out west in April before but there is absolutely no reason why I still have to do so.

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So, back in 2019 and 2020 we went to Moab the week after EJS. At the time, I had my 2016 two door (MC 2.5" lift on 33s, and every bit of under armor you could buy), and I ran Elephant Hill, Poison Spider, Steel Bender, Top of the World, Fins & Things, Hells Revenge, Metal Masher, Long Canyon, and part of Chickens Corner.

Easter of 2021 we went to Arizona (Sedona, Jerome, Peach Springs). Did stuff like Crown King, Broken Arrow, Schnebly Hill, etc.

In 2022 I bought my Gladiator and we went to Merus (Palo Duro - west Texas) for Easter 2023.

Well, it's been a couple years, and I am starting to itch for a trip out west again. However, I'm not sure I can talk my old crew into this trip as I can't really afford / don't want to build this truck out to be as capable as their rigs, or even my old two door, was. So - this is going to be a more laid back trip, and I think I want to take my mom to see the area for the first time. She isn't getting younger. She saw some things in Colorado 20+ years ago, but as you guys know - Moab (Utah and AZ in general) is a different world from the Rockies.

So - thinking about the week after EJS 2026 as that seems to be tradition for me.

My tentative idea (no particular order).
- Moab to Potash Rd, to Shafer switch backs into Canyon Lands - if time allows come back via a visit to Dead Horse State Park and take Long Canyon back to Moab.
- Onion Creek (possibly all the way to / through La Sal pass and back into Moab)
- Fins & Things / easy day around town.
- Chickens Corner (but all the way down to Fielder Natural Arch / Lockhart Basin Rd). Last time we turned around just past Hurrah Pass.
- Gemini Bridges / Gemini Bridges Rd
- Arches NP (depart via Willow Springs Rd or whatever the trail was that leads in and out aside from main entrance) - though buying

I will have 5 to 6 full days in the area, plus the afternoon that I arrive, if I plan the same as I did 2019 and 2020.

Open to suggestions of things to see or do (doesn't have to be ALL off roading). That someone with wheeling experience can comfortably to in my truck - a Gladiator Sport/Max Tow with a 1.5" level and 33s. I may add diff covers and an engine/trans skid as I scraped the front axle and other items some at Merus. I have a hitch skid from my previous Jeep and I have bed corner sliders already.

Also open to suggestions in southern / southwestern CO from Walsenberg to Cortez along US 160, and if Monument Valley is worth the detour I am happy to go that direction to at some point.

My current ride as it sits:

My old ride at Top of the World, 2019.

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[Sweetums]

You won't have any problem with the trails you selected, but I would avoid EJS week unless you are coming to Moab specifically for that event. Everything is packed, the trails are a log-jam, and hotels are insanely expensive and you should already have reservations.

I recommend a hitch slider for Fins-n-Things.

 

[ChrisNLA]

You won't have any problem with the trails you selected, but I would avoid EJS week unless you are coming to Moab specifically for that event. Everything is packed, the trails are a log-jam, and hotels are insanely expensive and you should already have reservations.

I recommend a hitch slider for Fins-n-Things.

That's why we go the week after EJS. 2019/2020 it was pretty calm the week after. Just a handful of stragglers.

Still have my old hitch slider too

 

[RudeJeepin]

When you do Potash, you could make a quick run out to Thema and Luis Point. Then back to Shafer switchbacks.

When you do Fins you might look into doing all 3 trails in the area. Not sure about lift recommendations for the system, but others will.

Gemini is a neat area to explore. There are Dino tracks in the area. We did Long Canyon the same day.

Hole in the Rock house was interesting.

Have fun!!!

 

[ChrisNLA]

When you do Potash, you could make a quick run out to Thema and Luis Point. Then back to Shafer switchbacks.

When you do Fins you might look into doing all 3 trails in the area. Not sure about lift recommendations for the system, but others will.

Gemini is a neat area to explore. There are Dino tracks in the area. We did Long Canyon the same day.

Hole in the Rock house was interesting.

Have fun!!!

Thelma & Louise is on the list for the Shafer trip for sure - since I'd be there anyway.

I am considering Hell's Revenge, but going out through the main parking lot instead of taking the longer exit out the back. We did that both times and I thought the exit out the back was the worst part of the whole thing.

 

[MPMB]

Just stay off 161/41 in SE Utah. That road sucks.

I would take half a day or so and explore the plateau NW of Canyonlands. Spring Canyon road/Hey Joe area.

When you do Potash, you could make a quick run out to Thema and Louise Point. Then back to Shafer switchbacks.

On Potash to Shafer, you literally drive right by it. It's the first viewpoint you reach.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Just stay off 161/41 in SE Utah. That road sucks.

I would take half a day or so and explore the plateau NW of Canyonlands. Spring Canyon road/Hey Joe area.



On Potash to Shafer, you literally drive right by it. It's the first viewpoint you reach.

It's too bad Hey Joe Canyon Trail is closed. That looks really cool.

Noted the area though. Always down to explore.

 

[RudeJeepin]

On Potash to Shafer, you literally drive right by it. It's the first viewpoint you reach.

My mistake, it's been awhile since I've done that. I was thinking it was after the Potash/Shafer/White Rim intersection. Either way, it's well worth the view.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Kinda answering my own question here, but whatever.

I am reviewing this list and looking at anything a four and lower (playing on the safe side for if I don't have a second vehicle with me). A lot of them I haven't checked out on previous trips.

https://www.rr4w.com/trails.cfm

If you see anything from the list to recommend/avoid at a 4 or lower just chime in...

 

[HorsesRear]

I guess I will probably be scoffed at but we are going to Moab late October of this year. I plan on the Potash road trip with some minor side trips. My primary purpose for going is not for the off roading but more for photography and drone flying. I hope to get some spectacular shots. We will be in our slightly modified Gladiator.

 

[Sweetums]

I guess I will probably be scoffed at but we are going to Moab late October of this year. I plan on the Potash road trip with some minor side trips. My primary purpose for going is not for the off roading but more for photography and drone flying. I hope to get some spectacular shots. We will be in our slightly modified Gladiator.

Late October is a great time to be in Moab, but nights will be cold.

Make sure you are up on drone flight rules for BLM and National Park lands. I'm not a drone pilot, but there are areas in Moab where drones are prohibited.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I guess I will probably be scoffed at but we are going to Moab late October of this year. I plan on the Potash road trip with some minor side trips. My primary purpose for going is not for the off roading but more for photography and drone flying. I hope to get some spectacular shots. We will be in our slightly modified Gladiator.

Nothing wrong with October - our tradition was always the week after EJS because my traveling buddies had kids and they were off from school Easter week.

If I travel without them - well any cooler part of the year works for me.

Also - my next trip will be fairly light wheeling as well. Mostly stock Gladiator and I don't have thousands upon thousands to throw at it for the occasional wheeling trip.

 

[RudeJeepin]

I guess I will probably be scoffed at but we are going to Moab late October of this year. I plan on the Potash road trip with some minor side trips. My primary purpose for going is not for the off roading but more for photography and drone flying. I hope to get some spectacular shots. We will be in our slightly modified Gladiator.

My first trip to Moab was for the sight seeing. Drug my mom and the inlaws along. We did Arches and Canyonlands, Hole in the Rock, etc. It was enough for me to know I wanted to go back.
Second trip was my two boys and I on our motorcycles. Realized how much we missed and I'm ready to go back with the Jeep.

 

[ChrisNLA]

My first trip to Moab was for the sight seeing. Drug my mom and the inlaws along. We did Arches and Canyonlands, Hole in the Rock, etc. It was enough for me to know I wanted to go back.
Second trip was my two boys and I on our motorcycles. Realized how much we missed and I'm ready to go back with the Jeep.

Hardest part is deciding what to do!

Going back with a 'stock' Gladiator (and unsure of who if anyone may be coming in another rig) vs the two trips in my lifted two door and in a small group means picking WAY different trails - and since I haven't visited many of the new possibilities - narrowing it down sucks

 

[UTDieselRubi]

You mentioned Lockhart Basin, I recommend not attempting that trail, although its one of my favorites. The JT scrapes by on 37s on that one. Also, if you do fins and things on 33s, youll be OK on the first half (daylight side) but will scrape quite a bit with 33s on a JT on the second section. Its doable, just depends on the damage level you are ok with. Tails wash out and become worse regularly, you may find it different than it was 5 years ago. Hells Revenge is easier than FnT on the wheel base.

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