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Departing from Houston
in the early morning hours for a wheeling trip is always We headed out to Albuquerque, New Mexico for our first stop. Jay Albrecht and Karl Pretzer were in Las Cruces, NM the week prior and planned to join us in Moab later. On second day of traveling we awoke to a light snowfall but the roads were passable so we headed out. We made good time towing and the long haul went smoothly.
The first trail we ran was named Steelbender. The morning was cold with snow flurries but the beautiful scenery set the tone for what we could expect during the week ahead. In the afternoon we ran the Moab Rim. We headed up the trail ascending about one mile to an awesome view of the entire town of Moab. The obstacles weren’t particularly difficult but not suited for novices with stock rigs. You are forced to traverse some ledges that are very high and lockers are a must. The second day out we
were joined by Karl and Jay coming in from Las Cruces. We headed out to
Fins and Things and Hell’s Revenge. Both of these trails were scenic
with good obstacles along the way. Fins and Things resembled an ocean
of rolling rocks while Hell’s
We awoke the next day to
a cold and windy morning with a few snow flurries. We With the excitement of my surprise out of way I was finally able to breathe normally the first time on the trip. We headed to the Golden Crack. We all had a fun time crossing this famous obstacle. By the end of the day Jay had managed to blow out his rear ring and pinion. Karl and Jay decided to stay home the next day for some repairs and relaxation.
The next day Jay was up and running again so we all headed out to Flat Iron Mesa. It was filled with obstacles and not well traveled. Steve’s trusty GPS kept us from getting lost. Actually many of the trails were hard to follow at points. Having wheeled for 8 or more hours everyday we were all tired and headed home early to get some rest. The trip was winding down and it was decided to run some trails recommended by the locals. Our goal was Helldorado. We had a hand written mapped we used to take us there. We found a trail just after Steve decided to play and rolled over. “bye-bye”.
It so happened that the
final day my Jeep didn’t wouldn’t stay running and there wasn’t time to
diagnose, repair and still get some trail time in. I decided to ride
with Jay and video everyone. The trail we ran was extreme and turned
out to be a no name trail which was rarely wheeled. Only three rigs
braved this extreme trail. It took about 5 hours to traverse less than
a We headed back to the Moab Retreat for some eats and adult beverages! We loaded up and prepared for the long drive home the next morning. Moab is something every off road enthusiast should experience. The trails aren’t the some of hardest we’d experienced but make no mistake there are rated fairly. The scenery and elevation combined with the traction of the slickrock is awesome. We took pictures each day and each evening we’d view them at the house only to discover they don’t do it justice. The best way to describe it is by simply saying “MOAB”! Don’t miss out on a chance to experience it!
- Paul Hearn |
exciting. This time was no exception. A small group of us was loaded
up for a week long run in Moab, Utah. For most of us it was our first
time out to Moab and everyone was very excited to say the least. There
was the usual last minute wrenching and packing that goes along with
this hobby. We all met at a truck stop on highway 290 for the caravan
out. After helping some locals change a flat on their horse trailer we
headed out. Let me say that these locals were going hog hunting with
horses, dogs and their bare hands as weapons. I’m so glad my hobby is
wheeling. ;-)
We arrived
to the sleepy little town of Moab surrounded by scenic mountains. The
accommodations exceeded our expectations and were located central to the
area. We got settled and started planning our first day’s trail run.
Steve Snyder had recently purchased a GPS unit for his Jeep. It turned
out to be a priceless gadget. I wouldn’t recommend running the trails
at Moab without a GPS or an experienced trail guide. 
Revenge
tested you skills and nerve with steep climbs with some ledges that
would make anyone pucker. The Hot Tub is a famous obstacle along the way
and was a great place for a group photo.
headed out for Poison Spider and Golden Spike. Poison Spider was scenic
and challenging. Golden Spike proved to be a great trail with obstacles
like the Launch Pad and Skyline Drive. It so happened that this was the
trail I would surprise most everyone. During lunch, as the sun came out
to expose a beautiful blue sky, I took advantage of the moment and
kneeled down during a group photo and proposed to the love of my life,
Bobbie. She said “Yes” which is what I was hoping for. ;-) Thanks to
Steve for keeping my secret and taking the memorable photos.
The next day
out we ran Prichett Canyon and Behind the Rocks. Prichett proved to be
a very challenging trail with both the entry and exit being deceivingly
difficult. The scenery was awesome with the canyon trail winding deep
between the huge canyon walls. Jay and Karl caught up to us in the
“short bus” by mid afternoon. After the canyon we headed to Behind the
Rocks. It seemed we’d been “Behind the Rocks” all week so I couldn’t
figure out the origin of this trails name. White Knuckle Hill and
Hummer Hill made this otherwise slow trail worth the drive. Both
obstacles had a pucker factor and they were challenging for everyone.
mile.
What a blast!
