MOAB questions... like everyone else. :-)
 

So I will be returning to MOAB in a few weeks. This will be my 3rd trip. First time was on 2 wheels, second time in my JKUR (totally stock). I stuck to mostly easy trails the first time in the Rubi. Now I have 33" MTs, leveling spacer lift, and a lot more experience and am wanting to try a few moderate - difficult trails.

So I am looking for trail advice: (got all the guide books)

1) Can I run Kane Creek South to North from 191? Gonna be coming up from Mexican Hat and always wanted to try it. Everyone seems to run it North to South.

2) Thinking about adding Sevenmile Rim or Top of the World to the mix this year. Maybe some Fins and Things.

Anyone else going to be around July 25-Aug 1?

Kane Creek is a great trail but I can't imagine running it without 35's and a full lift. I haven't run it backwards but even with 35's and a 3" lift there were a few obstacles that put the armor to the test. It has been one of the more challenging Moab trails that I have run and we go down a few times each year.

Seven mile, TOW, and Fins are all great trails.

We would be happy to come down and join you for some trail runs but we will be in the Ouray area that weekend.

We're going to Ouray after Moab.... :-)

We will be at the Ouray KOA until August 3rd so we will probably pass you on our way back to Utah.

If we stick to our schedule, we will arrive in Ouray on Aug 1st.

We are meeting a few other jeepers and are planning on hitting a few passes on Friday and Saturday so if you make it in and have time shoot me a message. Have you run any of the Ouray passes yet? This will be our second trip out there.

I've done almost all passes in San Juans, on 2 wheels and in Jeep. I have a few roads I hope to add this year that I missed before, but the basics I've done:
Engineer/ Cinnamon (Alpine Loop), Ophir, Imogene, Black Bear, Bolam, Hurricane, Yankee Boy, Last Dollar Road, Corkscrew, etc

We only got to Imogene, Engineer, and Yankee Boy last year so there are still several we need to run this year including Black Bear.

With 33s, lockers, rock sliders, a winch, and a spotter, you can run any BLM trail in Moab--even Pritchett Canyon.

Kane Creek can easily be done with a stock Rubi. There are a couple spots where you need a spotter who can see the correct lines.

Moab Rim, no problem. I've spotted a completely stock JKU Rubi through it without engaging the lockers.

You'll drag your belly in those trails a few times, scrape your bumpers, and use your sliders, but that's what they are for.

That sounds more like what I've heard others say, but wanted more opinions. Don't want to tear anything up, since I have to drive it home...

:cool:

With a good spotter, you won't tear up anything.

Just got back from moab a week ago, and i ran all the trails you were talking about running. I have a 2010 2 door jk with 2.5" lift and 35s and i didnt seem to have a problem at all. We talked to a guy that lives up in that area and he told us that top of the world has gotten worse in the past year. We ran it and it was slow going and really bumpy i guess i would say. And you will for sure drag your belly on that trail because i know i did. But it was all worth it when we got to the top.

We also did kane creek, and that one i would say probaby had me more on the edge of my seat then moab rim did. There are some spots that are pretty bad, being a tight area and all but with a 2door i was able to wiggle my self around pretty good. my buddy that was with me had a 06 tacoma with 35s (he did moab rim with out a problem) and it was really tight for him sense he has a long wheel base and he got a little bit of body damage, and drug his belly a lot. It was fun but i wouldnt say it was a trail that is a must to be run.

Attachment 564005 Attachment 564004

My spotter will be my daughter (22yr old) but she isn't the most observant or experienced off roader, but I am working on her! That's is sort of why I am asking. Being the 2 of us alone with no chase vehicle and no more experienced person to help spot, I will be erring on the side of safety and caution. :rock:

Oh, and here is an updated pic of the rig...

http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/y...psef90ec41.jpg

I wouldn't run any Moab trail alone, especially in the summer. Even with the most built rig, all it takes is some unexpected mechanical failure or driving mishap to leave you stranded. A slip and fall while you are hiking around to get a better view can result in physical injury that requires help from more than one person.

Instead, find someone or a group of people there to join.

People often meet at the City Market or the McDonalds in the morning before they head out.

Also, during the summer, some of the trails in Moab get infested with biting flies. Be sure to take bug repellant and Benadryl anti-itch cream.

I carry a SPOT satellite tracker, lots of safety gear, water, etc. I travel Semper Paratus "Always Prepared" like a good boy scout. I'm not saying I'm immune to mishaps or prepared for any possible disaster, but in previous years, I have run WRT, Chicken Corners, and others with just me and my daughters in the Jeep and on my first trip to Moab, ran a few trails solo on a motorcycle. If I run into others going the same way, then good, if not, I'm good either way.

Well, we made it to Moab. Took back roads across Elk Mtn to get here and got caught in a freak storm. Layers of pellet ice, temps dropped to 50s, and roads became mush... but we are here!!!

@backwoods Keep us all updated. We hope to hear about your journey along the way. Post pics.

Okay... I've started copying my trip report from out local Jeep Club over here. You can find it here:

LINKY TO LONG BORING REPORT WITH LOTS OF PICTURES!!!

Hey! Another JK'er is here! Didn't see the driver, just passed it parked near Main..

http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/y...psvbvv4h7t.jpg

the last time I went I was able to call somebody in the middle of kane creek trail and I had Sprint at that time. so I can imagine you will be able to get some service depending on what trail u will be on