Moab Rim

Gopher Flats
Moab, UT
October 24, 2016

Joe and I have enjoyed several hikes on Moab Rim and Hidden Valley area during the past several years, but for a couple of years now, we have dodged Moab Rim 4X4 trail...every since we witnessed first hand a jeep in a "head stand" almost vertical coming down one of the obstacles known as the Z-turn.  We were passengers with Dee that day and to say it made a great impression on us is an understatement. (To check that post out, click on Featured Post in the right hand column.) Charles Wells describes this trail as "difficult and dangerous" and goes on to say "The first mile scares the wits out of most people."  Well, with Dee's help, we can now say we have done it.  Corky and Libby Yates (visiting from Arkansas) joined us...they were first timers on this trail too.

Moab Rim starts off with a bang.  Right from the get-go, the scary fun begins.  

With jeeps parked below the Z turn...

Corky watches as Dee describes the Z turn.

...we all get out and Dee shows us what we are going to do and why.

Her explanations are concise and thorough.    

  

Dee drives the obstacle first...we watch.

She always comes back to spot us.








Corky drives up the Z turn next as Joe watches his careful tire placement.  His front driver tire gets air as the passenger tire climbs the ledge.  









Notice how close the driver side front tire is to the rock that juts out...the closer the better.  Just a few inches can make a huge difference for a successful climb/descent.





 This nearly 8 mile (roundtrip) trail offers all my favorites !

A narrow shelf road to the top of the rim...

...humongous views...

Libby and Dee taking pictures of Moab below...

The Valley...

 ...and domes and slick rock.  As we crested this dome, we had a great view of Sleeping Buffalo (the rock formation in the center) and the trails that lead to Hidden Valley in the top right quadrant. 

 What goes up, must go down.  The Z turn and Devil's Crack can't be bypassed.  

Dee got great pictures of Joe and Corky as we head out. First the Z turn...

...then Devil's Crack. 
Joe and I watched from behind as Corky drove the crack like a pro while Libby took pictures.  You can't see Dee, but she is standing right in front of Corky if he needs help.

Potash Road and Poison Spider Mesa can be seen on the other side of the Colorado River.  The views coming down were spectacular.

  Dee shared her pictures of Joe lining up at the crack...

...crossing the crack...

...and headed for the exit.  WAHOO!

Yes, the crack is on the cliff edge and that is Kane Creek Road and the Colorado River directly below.

From there it was off to Zax for a brew (well maybe a few brews) and late lunch with lots of laughs and recaps of our adventure.  Thanks Dee...you are awesome ! We hope there is more wheeling with you in the future Corky and Libby...what a great day !

Until next time, let the good times roll...

 HAPPY TRAILS!

Metal Masher...October Fun Part 3

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 !