Jax Trax...Part 2

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
May 25, 2015

A much smaller group of only 4 jeeps returned to finish Jax Trax on Memorial Day. 

But before the fun started, there was work that needed to be done. The trail was overgrown and needed to be cut back. 

I love the top of this jeep!

It started to rain about the time we were finishing the trail.

HAPPY TRAILS !

When we got home the sun was shining! Four happy pups greeted us at the door and it was off to the doggie park.

Jack is all go! He is hurrying back for another turn.

Sally is watching her daddy and waiting for her turn.

We are so happy because she has lost several pounds and actually runs to get the ball now.

Wrecks has his eye on the ball.

Ummm...shade or another turn?

And Dover has a good roll in the grass.

Until next time...

Jax Trax...Part 1

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
May 23, 2014


Saturday morning a group from Portal headed south on Hwy 191 to take in some views and climb some rocks on Jax Trax. We had 9 vehicles eager to traverse the 16 miles that were once old mineral exploration roads.

The trail is named after Jack Bickers (1923-2011), a giant among 4 wheelers in Moab as he explored the backcountry to find enjoyment in it's vistas, remoteness, hikes, and jeep challenges.

Such was Jax Trax which was only added to Easter Jeep Safari this year. A 5 rating hints there are no difficult obstacles, but don't get too comfortable. We found Top Notch and El Diablo to be beautiful vistas and there were ledges and slickrock to climb that kept reminding us we had better pay attention...

The trail starts out in a Sandstone Draw...





...before a ledgy climb to a flat that offers views of the LaSals and Cameo Mesa.   

From that point it's a twisty, bumpy, wandering tour of the area...sometimes down, sometimes up, but all with sweeping vistas.

When we reached this point, we stopped to enjoy the view and discuss our options. The trail divides and rejoins on the other side of the dome.  We were all set with a plan and then OOPS! One of our vehicles didn't start. What the picture does not show is the wind and cold, but we all rallied together and believe it or not, we all turned around on top of the fin to head back...

We orchestrated a beautiful retreat which involved the Samurai being strapped out. As it turned out, the rains were on the way so all was good! Another real good reason not to go out alone...

Dave and Joe...umm, probably Jeep talk, but I hope it's dinner plans!

Our day was quite an adventure with an awesome group of folks willing to help. 

We took a shorter trail out to Hwy 191. See the rock dome below with the rock on top just under the rain squall? There is a road that goes between that rock and the flat rock on the right. We found out that the rock dome is a home. A rancher lives there. We never saw the cows, but we heard them. 

Up next, part 2 of Jax Trax. Until then, happy days and...

HAPPY  TRAILS!