Goin to Moab.

porcupine rim and slickrock are the most traveled and used trails i think. and very doable. even for a novice who's with someone more experienced, as long as theyre in good shape. porcupine rim took several hrs iirc so it would be an early morning start and i suggest using the shuttle to save a 1/2 hr+ climb to start the trail. and thats after ya start the climb, its maybe another 1/2 hr from town to get that far. best thing to do is go to the various shops in town and talk to em. see what they suggest.

as 333rm suggested maybe a tarp. ive never been there in the dead of summer. there was little to no shade that i recall. maybe from the large rocks...contact numbers in yr cell phones. just in case....
 
Hey Jake, I'll gather some thoughts and get back with you soon-I'm sure I can come up with a tip or two;)
 
sadiejane said:
porcupine rim and slickrock are the most traveled and used trails i think. and very doable. even for a novice who's with someone more experienced, as long as theyre in good shape.
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Yeah, +1, Slickrock and PR are probably the most traveled and popular. There is even a short loop at the beginning of slickrock to test your skills.

And just as importantly, for the inexperienced riders, hopefully they will understand their limitations and keep the ego in check... Even on Slickrock, there are places that if you make a mistake, it will not end well. No shame in walking a section.

Single speeds, that is hardcore! There are some big steeps out there. Thing is, as long as it is dry, you will stick like a fly on a wall.
 
A good trail is "Behind the Rocks" which is the course the Moab 24hr race uses. It's easy to find and about 15 miles south of town.

I'd suggest taking twice as much water as you think you need.
 
FLIP EVERY LOG. and bring the camera. If you can smuggle a Hay Bail, take it. you can find scorpions, lizards, and snakes under everything. What good is the desert if you don't see what is hiding in it. At about 11 PM at night, many snakes come out on the asphalt there. Not only can you see a pillow case full of kangaroo rats, but the wildlife crossing roads at night is DIVINE
 
It is called a desert but once you start noticing the plants and their possible uses, you'll find that it is a vast garden!


Look out for Sotol, yucca leaves and dry Yucca wood/stalks!
 
333rm said:
It's a beautiful place and a lot of fun! I can't even begin to get it through to you just how hot it can get there, 120 + in the shade, and much more hot in the sun!!! One product to look into taking is Gookinaid ( Vitalyte ), it comes in 3 different size packets and is one of the best rehydraters I've used. We would use it out at 29 Palms in Mojave while training in the Marine Corps where is can get even more hot than Moab. It has Sodium, Potassium, Sugar, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Protein, and Calcium in it. One 1.8 oz pack makes a quarts worth. Otherwise just make sure you bring a tarp (for shade and shelter) and a darn good pair of sunglasses (a must). I've been 4wheeling out there a few times and it's amazing. You'll have a great time and won't be dissapointed at all. Just make sure you bring us back plenty of pictures!!!
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Ill totally look into some of that stuff....Thanks!:thumbup:
 
I will take loads of pics, and definatlyt gonna go out for some night drives to check out wildlife... You guys got me jonesin! :o

Thank god Im goin to Cali next month so that should tide me over nicely. That, and we might be goin to Arkansas in June to the Buffalo River for some camping.:thumbup:

Im really tryin to keep to my put up or shut up promise to spend the $$ travelin, and not on gear this year.

Im soooo sick of this winter already. The thought of the warm and hot days to come make me drive on though....:)

Thanks for all the tips!!
 
read a book called Desert Solitare. it was written by a ranger living/working in Arches National Monument (near Moab) and has loads of real info on the desert, specifically where you are going. its also a pretty good read.
 
You suck, bro. Take me with you!!!! I've been wanting to hit Moab ever since I bought my first real Mountain bike.

Have a blast and take a bunch of pics for us. Get your ass home safe.
 
I have only spent a day in Moab (hiking Arches Nat'l Park), but it is AMAZING!

I have actually just interviewed for a job at Outward Bound based in Moab... I'm supposed to hear back at the end of the month as to whether I get the position. If so, I'll be moving there at the end of May. I'll let you know if I get it, and if so you should give me a shout when you come out!
 
333rm said:
I can't even begin to get it through to you just how hot it can get there, 120 + in the shade, and much more hot in the sun!!!
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Not even close. It's not Death Valley. It's at about 4500 ft of elevation, so it never gets really hot. I grew up south of Fresno, and Moab isn't nearly as hot, and the humidity is lower to boot.

The one big thing is: Don't get lost! I've had to give water and directions to mountain bikers twice in the behind the rocks area. Both groups were in real trouble. One was out of water and lost on a hot day at noon and the other was lost at dusk, miles from the road. Just stupid.

The best months for riding are April and October. Cooler than Fresno doesn't really set the bar very high ...

Gordon
 
All good advice so far.

July?

two things.

If your thirsty ... you're already dehydrated.

Drinking until you're NOT thirsty does NOT mean you're Re-hydrated.
(older you get the truer it is, by 55 you cant trust it at all, need to drink by the clock)

Second sign of dehydration is not falling over, it's starting to behave stupidly.

Temps much over 95-100 and if you're active you'd best figure three gallons (total) of water per person per day.

You'll sweat but it'll evaporate instantly, can't go by that for re-hydration.

Do leave your itinerary with someone and expected ETA, and stick with it. If you think that's foolish, you can drive over here to REI and have a chat with the genius that had to chew his arm off a couple years ago, you probably read about that. Think he still works here.

No joke about the deaths there, sometimes takes months to find the remains.

Truly beautiful but Deadly for the ill prepared or ill advised. Deserts are just like the mountains in that respect.

Only about an hours drive and we still don't get out there often enough to get bored or tired of it.

Be safe and you'll have a Great and memorable experience!

Don't forget the pictures! :)

Regards,
:) ...
 
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I knew a kid that got separated and lost out there and died of exposure and dehydration. He never was on a forum like this though. It is a really neat place, I think you should enjoy it!
 
Im pretty well versed in preparedness, and my partner and I have been working ambulance for a long time so I know we will be OK. Plus being an former cav scout, Im do ok with a map.... A tarp is an excelant Idea. Sil Poncho time. :cool: Poncho will help with the sudden storms that like to pop up in the desert. :thumbup:

Another thing Ive read about is the Cryptobiotic Soil Crust.....Neato. :)

Weve made plans to log a bunch of Miles this spring to prepare. Not as hot here, but the humidity in the midwest sucks the fluids right out of you. Hydration is a big thing.

I really appriciate the tips guys, sometimes when you are excited about something, its easy to overlook things....:thumbup:
 
absolutindian said:
I have only spent a day in Moab (hiking Arches Nat'l Park), but it is AMAZING!

I have actually just interviewed for a job at Outward Bound based in Moab... I'm supposed to hear back at the end of the month as to whether I get the position. If so, I'll be moving there at the end of May. I'll let you know if I get it, and if so you should give me a shout when you come out!
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Good luck with the job....Ill definatly give ya a shout if you get it.......
 
dunno if its been said but check out moab brewery...veggie burrito is the bomb...ales are tasty too...have fun in cairn land!
 
Just got back yesterday from Moab, we were on motorcycles. We camped and rode all around the "Behind the Rocks" area. Sandy and Technical. MOAB IS HOT! despite the altitude... and Shade is a premium (Bring your own).

as you head through Moab and start heading out of town. the turn off is 12.2 miles from the McDonalds (No we did not eat at McD's... LOL) on the right, it is away from the famous trails, but also away from all the crowds. you can take pretty much any 4wd vehicle to "Lone Rock" where there are some good camp sites. you have to bring your own Porta-potty and pack it out (5 Gal. Bucket with lid and bag liners works fine) the desert doesn't get enough rain to process or wash away any Urine or feces (Yuck). Drop me a message if you have any specific questions, I may be able to help you out. Have fun!
 
Hey Jay, when in July are you planning on going to Moab? Want some company?

Back in 2002 I went down there a couple times. We'd camp along the colorado river a few miles east of the 191/128 just north of town. Pretty much if you are not in town or in the parks, you're in BLM land and for the most part it's open camping. Especially if you are off the highways on state/county roads.

If you have time, why not drove over to Goblin Valley State park and Little Wild Horse Canyon which is under 2 hours west of there. Between the canyon and the park is BLM land, we camp all over the place, just need to stay on the roads.

Let me know if you wouldn't mind some extra company, cause I'd love to come if I can.

Heber
 
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