Planning a Moab trip, Spring 2023

[NoDoorsNoProblem]

Did I read that right? 2 rigs on 33s did Top of the world?! That’s awesome!

I was hesitant on doing TOTW in my Mojave on 35s. Was thinking of getting a small puck lift but sounds like it’s very doable.

Just did TOTW covered in snow with 37s over the holidays. You’d be fine in 35s, there aren’t any ledges that are too big for 35s. A 4Runner TRD Pro managed to follow me up the gatekeeper obstacle, but couldn’t get to the top-top because his MTs didn’t have traction in the snow.

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[NoDoorsNoProblem]

Definitely invest in a hitch skid. I did Hell’s Revenge first which wasn’t too bad, but this was my 41twentytwo skid after that trail. SO much dragging, the whole trail is steep approach and departure angles up and down steep fins. Even Fins and Things which is the easiest rated trail there has a ton of spots where I needed it.

 

[Fpolanco]

Just did TOTW covered in snow with 37s over the holidays. You’d be fine in 35s, there aren’t any ledges that are too big for 35s. A 4Runner TRD Pro managed to follow me up the gatekeeper obstacle, but couldn’t get to the top-top because his MTs didn’t have traction in the snow.

Sweet!! Thank you!!

 

[Gringo&Gun]

Was in Moab spring of last year. The place is unreal. High on my list for another visit soon as I finish seeing everything else.

Some pics and vids. Getting buzzed by plane was crazy experience. If you need some support for the shelf road I recommend Peabo Bryson.

 

[Gringo&Gun]

White Rim my bucket list return trail. Trip hitting White Rim and Rimrocker into CO would be killer.

More motivation..

 

[Mbryson]

I'm hoping to do RimRocker this fall. Haven't ever had a good vehicle and I believe the JT is a great fit for that trail

 

[Gringo&Gun]

Ok, help me plan a Moab trip.

April 2023.

Current plan is to arrive on a Saturday, bringing my trailer.

"Light" off roading till Tuesday, day trips. Day at Arches Wednesday then head out Thursday AM.

Do I need reservations on trails? Is there permits or anything I need prior to leaving?

What are some good "light" off road trails I can go on?

As much as I want to do every hard thing there is that's not in the cards. A my skill, B solo, C can't damage anything given the rest of the planed trip.

Never been! So walk me through the place.

Personally I would skip Arches and work in Capital Reef and/or Monument Valley.

 

[Jobofly]

We are looking to go the first week of November. Anything I should be aware of regarding weather and camping in tents at that time of year? Also can I make it to the top of the world in a stock Mojave?

 

[Mbryson]

We are looking to go the first week of November. Anything I should be aware of regarding weather and camping in tents at that time of year? Also can I make it to the top of the world in a stock Mojave?

Good time to try to go. Impossible to predict the weather then. Could be perfect or not. Not perfect would be rain or snow. "Slickrock" isn't horrible in snow but it definitely adds to the experience. On a lot of the trails, Fins and Things and Hells Revenge are great examples but most trails have sandstone climbs and descents, your tires can't hold the weight of the rig without sliding in dry conditions. Snow is worse but rain is surprisingly (usually) not that big of a difference. If it's raining hard enough to affect traction, find some high ground and watch the show. Nature is POWERFUL.



--- this is a 15 minute video from the Lockhart Basin area. This is a drainage area at about 4 minutes in. You DO NOT want to be there in inclement weather. Take particular note of the comments right at 4:35 in on this video. The debris stuck in the tree is from a flash flood. That looks to be 6'+ tall in that area. Definitely not somewhere to be with runoff happening. At 5:00 in the video, you can see that JK was sitting in water to at least the mid-door area long enough to get a bath tub ring. As you watch, you'll see all the debris in the engine compartment as they clean it out.

This is a great video to show what can happen in inclement weather down there. I haven't run top of the world in almost 20 years. I'm not much help unfortunately. You are mostly climbing (strange on "Top of the World" trail, eh?) but there will still be places to be wary of in rain or snow melt conditions. Moab only gets about 10" of water per year. Sometimes that might only be 4-5 storms. The soils can't absorb the water from the exposed slickrock and gravity takes over. It's AWESOME to watch but you do want to be cognizant of your group's and personal safety. Sometimes the best thing to do is just to find some high ground and watch nature. It's pretty cool.

Random pic from the internet.

If you see storm clouds like this. Be wary and be prepared.

For November, be prepared for potential 25*+ temperatures (still pretty early to be lower than that but it's SouthEastern Utah, BE PREPARED for anything) with possible significant wind. 30 minutes later, you might have 45*+ and sunshine.

Kind of how I remember the Top of the World trail.

 

[WILDHOBO]

We are looking to go the first week of November. Anything I should be aware of regarding weather and camping in tents at that time of year? Also can I make it to the top of the world in a stock Mojave?

November should be beautiful. I’ve run it with several gladiators, including s stock Willy’s and stock Mohave. Pick your lines, but you’ll absolutely make it. And you won’t have any damage. It’s a great trail. This information is as current as this October. Check with @darksidedesign for details. He’s the Mohave owner and can give his opinion.

 

[Jobofly]

Thank you so much guys. That is super helpful information. Would anyone like to join us? I’m driving there from NY.

 

[Mbryson]

Post up your dates. I'll catch a couple days with you if possible

 

[Josh00333]

Member registration is OPEN!

I’m set for the following;

Chicken Corners Sunday, April 2, 2023 EVENTTRAIL_2776 (vehicle: 2021 Jeep Gladiator 001PRV)	1​	00​
Secret Spire Monday, April 3, 2023 EVENTTRAIL_2807 (vehicle: 2021 Jeep Gladiator 001PRV)	1​	00​
3-D Tuesday, April 4, 2023 EVENTTRAIL_2811 (vehicle: 2021 Jeep Gladiator 001PRV)	1​	00​
Buttes and Towers Trail Wednesday, April 5, 2023 EVENTTRAIL_2926 (vehicle: 2021 Jeep Gladiator 001PRV)

 

[Mbryson]

Member registration is OPEN!

I’m set for the following;

Chicken Corners Sunday, April 2, 2023 EVENTTRAIL_2776 (vehicle: 2021 Jeep Gladiator 001PRV)	1​	00​
Secret Spire Monday, April 3, 2023 EVENTTRAIL_2807 (vehicle: 2021 Jeep Gladiator 001PRV)	1​	00​
3-D Tuesday, April 4, 2023 EVENTTRAIL_2811 (vehicle: 2021 Jeep Gladiator 001PRV)	1​	00​
Buttes and Towers Trail Wednesday, April 5, 2023 EVENTTRAIL_2926 (vehicle: 2021 Jeep Gladiator 001PRV)

NICE! First Timers for you eh? Roger Peck is a good friend of mine. He's an excellent trail leader. Few leaders hold a candle to how he runs a trail.

My schedule:
Hells Revenge on first Sat
Poison Spider on Sunday
10am Metal Masher on Monday
Steel Bender on Wednesday.
I'm gunning those days.

I'm on Black Dragon Canyon on Thursday as a participant, then headed for home.

 

[Josh00333]

Ya first trip down and no lockers or anything. I'm looking forward to it!

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