LJS Moab 2013
Well LJS Moab 2013 has come and gone and again I am home with a feeling that it just didn’t last long enough. I am sorry this has taken a while to get posted but I have been swamped with my 40 hour a week job. Anyway here is the trip report for Mab 2013.
Day One – For an icebreaker we did the Top of the World Trail. It was actually raining and cloudy when we started, so that made for interesting time on some of the steps. When we reached the top it was so cloudy you couldn’t see into the canyon below, nonetheless it was still pretty darn awesome! We finished that trail a little early so we also went and did the Onion Creek trail for an hour or two. This trail is very scenic with lots of creek crossings, seems like it could go on forever. We travelled in for about an hour and that headed back. I definitely want to do this again next year but drive the whole way.
Day Two – On this day we stepped it up a bit and did Seven Mile Rim. This trail is nothing short of incredible, with just the right mix of different terrain and obstacles from mild to wild. Dirt, rocks ledges, slick rock, and one off camber section where you have to drive across a big slab of slickrock at a very uncomfortable angle for a good 30 seconds to a minute, which feels like forever. Everyone made it through the day without incident and it was really a lot of fun.
Day Three – Again we stepped it up again for a little bit harder trail. Metal Masher is a very scenic trail mixed with some pretty good obstacles to get through. There were some large steps and some good off camber sections to get through. Everyone did great and had a great time. We by passed Widowmaker just because there is no sense of even trying it unless you have at least 37” tires. WE came across Mirror Gulch and Mother in Law Hill. We had a slight bit of damage on Mother in Law Hill when Jim Kinsey took the hardline and broke a sway bar link on his JK. A trip to Moab 4x4 outpost in the morning and he was up and running again, all an all a good by everyone.
Day 4 –This next trail was requested by a KJ owner. Flat Iron Mesa would no way be a choice for a Liberty owner unless you know someone who has done it before. This trail is rated difficult and there are plenty of spots, which will test every part of your jeep and your nerves also. Luckily there were a few of us that did the trail before and new the correct lines for everyone to get through safe. Right off the bat your in it climbing ledges, going up steep inclines, going down steep inclines. Then you get to off camber slick rock which dumps you into the “Chute” This was really fun and un-nerving at the same time, kind of like a “Hells Gate” but not quite as bad. Then you get to “Tilt a Whirl” an off camber turn that is steep at the same time woohoo! Lots of fun! The last two obstacles are “Easter Egg Hill” and “The Intimidator” ( The name has been changed from Pucker Point, but I think the latter describes it best ) Easter Egg Hill is an off camber down hill turn with a very large rock formation on your passenger side and a slab of rock the size of a Volkswagen slap dab in the middle you have to drive over. It took some work but everyone got over no problem, maybe a few scratches on some skid plates, but that’s what they are there for right? Next up was Pucker Pass, The hair raising off camber left turn which will test anyone’s nerves, I have done this 5 times now and I still get a little nervous. It wouldn’t be such a big deal except you are on the edge of an 800’ gorge and off camber in that direction! Sheesh. I think a tear or two were shed on this part. Again everyone made it through without incident and it was a great time. I uploaded a ton of pictures for this trail sorry about that.
Day 5 – This was our off day. A few people went out exploring and found Spring Canyon Bottom and Hey Joe Canyon. From what I was told this was awesome and needs to be on the future trail list. Done! I don’t have pics of this but I do have pics of Tami riding with Dorrica Brewer of Moab Power Sports going through Kane Creek on a Razor, looks like she had a lot of fun. Dorrica has offered to give a club discount if we wanted to go out on Razors any time we want. Something to think about for next year.
Day 6 – This day we did the Strike Ravine Trail which is inside Area BFE. This trail circles Area BFE and lets you see all of the other trails that connect. It’s a very scenic trail with some tough spots, but not that big a deal. You could however make it as tough as you want by trying out “Green Day” or “Drop Kick” ahhh one day.
Day 7 – On our last day we headed out to Sand Flats and did Fins and Things. This trail is mostly slick rock with steep climbs and lots of narrow fins to drive on. This is a great trail if you are looking for something moderate with lots of slickrock. Everyone went through with out incident and before we knew it the day was over.
Attached are the links for all of the pictures that Tami took, I’m sure everyone else that went also has pictures to post. This trip seemed too short and went by way to fast. It was great to wheel with old and new friends, and next year can’t get here soon enough. Plans are already in the works!
Thanks
Wally
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