Gopher Flats
Moab, UT
October 2016
Sunday, October 23rd, was highway clean-up day for MFFW Club. With bags in hand, several members and visitors picked up 30+ bags of trash along the 3 mile stretch just north of Arches NP (on Hwy 191north) that club adopted.
With work done, it was time to go play and Metal Masher was the trail of choice.
This nearly 12 mile loop is rated difficult due to large boulder climbs (thank goodness for by-passes) with names like Rock Chucker and Widow Maker.
It was another clear October day with blue skies, white fluffy clouds, and spectacular views along the way.
Dee...
Susan...
...and Corky make the climb up Rock Chucker look easy !
The overlook, about 5 miles in, is a favorite stop for everyone even if you have done the trail many times.
Looking north...
...and looking south.
My favorite part of the trail is the section that comes just after the overlook. Its a narrow shelf road that heads west with views looking toward Hwy 313 that goes to Canyonlands NP.
Widow Maker is the last big...ummm, humongous...obsatcle on Metal Masher.
Only 3 rigs ( Dee, Susan and Glen) had a chance to make it up this 8 foot+ climb so the rest of us followed Carole on the bypass and parked at the top to watch.
Dee was first and made it up in Blanche with no worries.
Next up was Susan. After a few tries and an impressive wheel stand, she opted for a strap.
Last was Glen. Chris and Charlene look on as Glen gets lined up.
Glen makes everything look so easy. Such a treat to watch him rock crawl.
I can't believe October is coming to an end. Time sure flies !
Happy Halloween...
Until next time, let the good-times-roll !
HAPPY TRAILS !
Gopher Flats
Moab, UT
October 2016
Another very popular trail in Moab is Poison Spider. As the story goes, back in the 1870s a young girl named Mary was bitten by a poison spider and died on Poison Spider Mesa. Anyway, large awkward ledges with tippy spots give this highly traveled 10 mile trail a difficult rating. I like it because the of the varied terrain...a mesa with gorgeous scenery, scary fun obstacles like The Wedgy, and amazing slick rock fins.
The weather was perfect as we snaked our way along the trail with Dave and Lynn.
Aren't these machines just amazing? Check out the flex on Rokell as Dave climbs The Wedgy.
Another day, Dee joined us for a short version of Poison Spider.
It was late in the day and as we were heading out and we enjoyed beautiful reflections on the Colorado River.
Another day, Joe and I joined Red Rock 4 Wheelers (the other local club) on Strike Ravine.
Traversing through the ravine was quite colorful...
Strike Ravine is on the south side of town in a rugged area of craggy canyons and old mines. It's full of steep boulder fields and narrow shelf ledges.
No season is complete without a quick jaunt through Long Canyon. Over the past few years, Long Canyon has washed out and isn't quite as easy as it was when we first drove it 4+ years ago. But it is still a beauty !
We joined Dave and drove it from top to bottom enjoying every second as we squeezed through Pucker Pass...
...and hugged Giant Fallen Rock.
The Tan Clan girls say "Hello!"
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| Dover and Sally |
I thought I would get caught up, but nope ! We have done a couple more trails including one we have never done before so look for part 3 soon.
Until next time, take care and let the good times roll !
