2024 Magical MOAB Meetup October 4 - 11

[NinetyFour]

Awesome!  Looking forward to meeting you!

[Cherry Lane]

I like their cancellation policy and just booked Deluxe Tent Site G1 for for full week of October 4-11 :)

Good!  Bring your earplugs for that site.  For any site, really, but that one gets extra vehicle noise being right on the corner.

[Dicey]

I like their cancellation policy and just booked Deluxe Tent Site G1 for for full week of October 4-11 :)

It was $340 bucks, and I think it can accommodate 2 cars and up to 6 people, so if someone is interested in splitting the site just PM me in the future.

G-1 is big, but closest to the dumpsters, which are emptied by a big truck very early nearly every morning. It's also more fun to camp near the group site. You can probably switch to a site you'll like better. @Chaplin and @ToTheMoon may be willing to speak from experience.

Glad you're coming!

[2Birds1Stone]

A kind mustachian texted me about the noise/dumpster issue with G1, I promptly called and had them move me to G11 (or another front site since I didn't pay a lock fee.

Thank you for the heads up!!

[Chaplin]

A kind mustachian texted me about the noise/dumpster issue with G1, I promptly called and had them move me to G11 (or another front site since I didn't pay a lock fee.

Thank you for the heads up!!

Yes, G1 wasn't as bad in 2023 as it was in 2022, but it's not ideal. It was the universe's sense of humor to put me back there in 2023; I had booked a site far away from the noise, but it was even worse for other reasons so I took swapped to G1 as it was the only one available. It is nice in that the roof is big enough to shelter a tent and picnic table at the same time. We definitely took advantage of that on the one day it rained, and it's great when the sun is blazing too.

[Dicey]

A kind mustachian texted me about the noise/dumpster issue with G1, I promptly called and had them move me to G11 (or another front site since I didn't pay a lock fee.

Thank you for the heads up!!

Yes, G1 wasn't as bad in 2023 as it was in 2022, but it's not ideal. It was the universe's sense of humor to put me back there in 2023; I had booked a site far away from the noise, but it was even worse for other reasons so I took swapped to G1 as it was the only one available. It is nice in that the roof is big enough to shelter a tent and picnic table at the same time. We definitely took advantage of that on the one day it rained, and it's great when the sun is blazing too.

[2Birds1Stone]

A kind mustachian texted me about the noise/dumpster issue with G1, I promptly called and had them move me to G11 (or another front site since I didn't pay a lock fee.

Thank you for the heads up!!

Yes, G1 wasn't as bad in 2023 as it was in 2022, but it's not ideal. It was the universe's sense of humor to put me back there in 2023; I had booked a site far away from the noise, but it was even worse for other reasons so I took swapped to G1 as it was the only one available. It is nice in that the roof is big enough to shelter a tent and picnic table at the same time. We definitely took advantage of that on the one day it rained, and it's great when the sun is blazing too.

Was the worse one G11? Lol

[Dicey]

Let's just say some sites are better suited for RV's. We actually had that site once, and it suited Miss Rigby just fine. Our kids had G15, right next to the playground. That arrangement worked fine, but for Chaplin's rig, it was too exposed. Not to mention too close to band practice and the football game.

BTW, if you have littles, G14 and G15 are great sites.

[Chaplin]

A kind mustachian texted me about the noise/dumpster issue with G1, I promptly called and had them move me to G11 (or another front site since I didn't pay a lock fee.

Thank you for the heads up!!

Yes, G1 wasn't as bad in 2023 as it was in 2022, but it's not ideal. It was the universe's sense of humor to put me back there in 2023; I had booked a site far away from the noise, but it was even worse for other reasons so I took swapped to G1 as it was the only one available. It is nice in that the roof is big enough to shelter a tent and picnic table at the same time. We definitely took advantage of that on the one day it rained, and it's great when the sun is blazing too.

Was the worse one G11? Lol

No, it was one of the 100 numbers like 118 perhaps. No privacy and no shade and very small (ToTheMoon and family were going to be joining me for a few days). Any of the G sites are better, it's just that G1 is less good than the rest of the G sites. I was sleeping in my car which provided a lot more sound proofing than a tent, so on my own G1 was fine, especially this year as the carwash had really toned it down.

[2Birds1Stone]

Glad we dodged the bullet.

[mm1970]

I posted this in the WhatsApp group, but I booked G5 from the 7th to the 12th.  But if I'm lucky maybe I can arrive earlier...depends on how I get there...

[NinetyFour]

I posted this in the WhatsApp group, but I booked G5 from the 7th to the 12th.  But if I'm lucky maybe I can arrive earlier...depends on how I get there...

YAY!!  :D

[NinetyFour]

Glad we dodged the bullet.

Just an FYI that G11 does not have electric, but our HQ site (G6) will, so folks can charge devices there.  :)

[314159]

  I don’t think we are going to come back to Moab next year.  At least that’s my expectation right now, so I won’t be renting the house.

Bummer, @meadow lark! We'll miss you and Stingray!

On that note:

  Probably going to rent the house at Lazy Lizard again.  It’s very basic and humble but comfortable house with all the normal house amenities and it’s about 1.5 miles from the campground.  The big advantages to it over a cabin at the campground were that it had 2 bathrooms, a living room, you don’t have to bring bed linens or towels, and a nice enough kitchen that we could make Thanksgiving dinner for 40!  We ate out a lot less this year than 2022!

    It worked out to be approx $300/night divided by the # of people staying.  Most nights that was 6 people.  Theoretically, there are beds for 19.  10-12 would probably be ideal.
   
   If you are interested, let me know.  It will help me decide if I want to do it again.

@meadow lark @Log @mm1970 @Chaplin @Tass y'all still in for house sharing? I am definitely going and definitely staying in the share house, if it is an option.

But if not, now is the best time to snag the camp sites, so it would be great to sort this out. Thanks all :)

Still interested and open for the dates we've decided! ETA: Bringing my DH, so count us as two!

My partner and I are also interesting in returning next year, and La Casa was a very convenient place to lodge! Count us in if someone else wants to rent the house (link). @meadow lark, last time, how far in advance did you book? i.e. do we have to figure this out asap or can it wait a few months?

There's a possibility I'd be willing to organize for the rental, but we're working stiffs and we don't plan to stay the whole week. Probably only ~4 nights (perhaps Friday 10/4-Tuesday 10/8) like we did this year, and I'm not eager to book it for when I'm not there. Does anyone who's planning to stay the whole week want to step up? Alternatively, would all the potential house-stayers also prefer a 4ish-night window, in which case we can coordinate what dates to book?

[Tasse]

We are interested in the house (2 people) and are flexible on dates--we are driving distance and we work remote.

[meadow lark]

I booked it very early, but they only asked for 1 night’s deposit.

[Ladychips]

Website says no more than six months in advance. I emailed about it but haven't heard back yet. I'd be willing to book the whole week...I'll let everyone know when I hear back.

[Longwaytogo]

In!

Slickrock, here we come!

Sorry, I just saw this!! Never heard of Slickrock, but if it's MTB stuff......I can't wait. Will have the full squish with me.

You are in for a treat.

Slickrock is like riding on Mars!! Absolutely nuts.

Fun fact after posing for this pic my helmet slipped out of my hand and I went to run for it and almost fell to my death, lol.

[mm1970]

In!

Slickrock, here we come!

Sorry, I just saw this!! Never heard of Slickrock, but if it's MTB stuff......I can't wait. Will have the full squish with me.

You are in for a treat.

Slickrock is like riding on Mars!! Absolutely nuts.

Fun fact after posing for this pic my helmet slipped out of my hand and I went to run for it and almost fell to my death, lol.

OMG don't do that.

[Longwaytogo]

In!

Slickrock, here we come!

Sorry, I just saw this!! Never heard of Slickrock, but if it's MTB stuff......I can't wait. Will have the full squish with me.

You are in for a treat.

Slickrock is like riding on Mars!! Absolutely nuts.

Fun fact after posing for this pic my helmet slipped out of my hand and I went to run for it and almost fell to my death, lol.

OMG don't do that.

As it was rolling towards the Colorado river I realized riding the remaining trail without my helmet was surely safer then running after the helmet.....

Lukily soon after I backed up it actually came to  a stop on its own and I gingerly went and grabbed it. Scary ass moment though considering I was'nt even riding SMH

[Longwaytogo]

@2Birds1Stone and other mountain bikers. A trail I enjoyed as much/more than Slickrock was "Captain Ahab" Probably one of the most difficult trails I've ridden in my life, and admittingly had to walk a bunch of it. (Hi-line in Sedona being the other) Some of the blue lines you see and you're like how is this a trail ???

2018 was probably pinnacle of my biking skill and endurance/fitness. I'd be tough sledding to ride it now. Youtube link of the ride:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-WxIah8uk4

Craziest thing about the West/Moab/Desert as an East coaster is the forever views. I'm used to being in the woods when hiking/biking and roiling terrain. Not like long climbs and long descents.  Jealous of everyone attending the meetup again this year :) We've got a big family trip to Hawaii in the Summer so probably not much Fall travel for me.

[Chaplin]

@2Birds1Stone and other mountain bikers. A trail I enjoyed as much/more than Slickrock was "Captain Ahab" Probably one of the most difficult trails I've ridden in my life, and admittingly had to walk a bunch of it. (Hi-line in Sedona being the other) Some of the blue lines you see and you're like how is this a trail ???

2018 was probably pinnacle of my biking skill and endurance/fitness. I'd be tough sledding to ride it now. Youtube link of the ride:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-WxIah8uk4

Craziest thing about the West/Moab/Desert as an East coaster is the forever views. I'm used to being in the woods when hiking/biking and roiling terrain. Not like long climbs and long descents.  Jealous of everyone attending the meetup again this year :) We've got a big family trip to Hawaii in the Summer so probably not much Fall travel for me.

I'm with you on that one - Captain Ahab is my favorite trail in Moab, not that I've scratched the surface of what's available, but it often shows up on lists of "The Best MTB Trails in the World." I rode it during the meetup in 2022 and in 2023, and it's the only must-do repeat for 2024 and any other time I visit. It's so, so fun.

[NinetyFour]

You're invited to the Magical Moab Meetup AFTER PARTY!!

Um.  I just booked the Juniper Basin Group Site in the Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park for Oct 13 - 17, 2024.  I just happened to be looking around on the recreation.gov website and saw that it was available, so I grabbed it!!  (If it turns out no one is interested in joining me there, I can cancel and I'll be out 10 bucks.). So, of course you do not have to commit now, but let me know if you are interested!

Things to know:  the site is meant for tents, although I plan to sleep in my truck/camper.  (I'm pretty sure no one will tell me that I have to be in a tent.)  Looks like 7 vehicles is the max allowed.  And we need a minimum of 11 people.  (Max of 55!!!)  I *think* there is a bit of room nearby for overflow parking, but I'm not sure--I will be at Arches this weekend, so I will inquire.

Also, very close to this site is drinking water, a place to clean dishes, and a real bathroom (flush toilets), but no shower.

I love the Devils Garden campground!  Right from this site, one can hike to four pretty sweet arches (Tapestry, Broken, Sand Dune, and Skyline).  And the really cool thing is that since you're right there in the campground, you can meander to these arches anytime--at sunrise, sunset, middle of the night, whatever!  Skyline Arch is really close by, so one can make a hot beverage in the early morning, and take it over to Skyline to watch the sun come up.  Pretty sweet!!

One can also walk (10 - 15 minutes) or drive (5 minutes) to the Devils Garden Trailhead.  On that trail, you can hike to 7 different arches.

Note that you will be ~20 miles from downtown Moab, and you might have little/no cell reception.

Yes, campfires are allowed, so we can continue to have evening campfires there!

Oh, and the stargazing there is pretty freaking amazing.

The cost is $100 per night, so you can pitch in whatever you want to.  If there aren't a lot of us, I might invite some of my friends to join us!


In other news, I was at the Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown campground last week and chatted with Jamie, who was working the front desk.  She said that the managers have been discussing possible discounts for groups!!  Yay!  She wasn't sure of the details yet, but it might be 10% and/or the site lock fee will be waived.

If you have already made a reservation*, I told Jamie that you are part of our group (MMM (Magical Moab Meetup)).  If you have not yet reserved a site, when you do so, you should see "Reservation Notes".  That is where you should state that you are part of the MMM group.

* more details about this in my next post...

[NinetyFour]

When I was at the campground (Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown) last week, Jamie and I looked at the sites that are already booked for the dates of our meetup.  Here is what she found on her computer:

Me:  site 78
MMM HQ:  site G6
@NinjaSue (Yearofsue) site 81
@Le Poisson @MrsProspector site 88
@Mr. Green cabin 89
@Cherry Lane cabin 90
@Dicey site 102
@MoseyingAlong site G2
@shadowmoss site G3
@elledub site G4
@mm1970 site G5

I told Jamie that all those sites are MMM sites, so she made that note in her computer.  That way, you should all see some sort of discount as soon as the managers decide what it will be.

A couple other sites have been booked for the same (ish) time frame, but I didn't recognize the names.  So, if you booked a site for the meetup and are not listed above, please let me know, and I will tell Jamie that you are part of our group!

If you have not yet booked a site, please say you are part of the MMM group when you do.

And let me know if you have questions!  :)

[Dicey]

Got your message. I'll reach out soon, when I have more signal.

[NinetyFour]

Last week, I hiked the trail from the campground to Tapestry Arch, Broken Arch, and Sand Dune Arch.  The beginning/end of this trail is literally just a few yards from the Juniper Basin group site.

Here are a few photos from that hike.  It was a bit chilly, as you can see in the photo of the iced pothole.  But it was great hiking weather.








These next two pics show a bit of the sweet campground:






Also, in those last two pics, if you look closely, you might see a hiker on one of those giant rock formations...

If you can't find him, I circled him in this next photo.  Also, the red arrow points to the location of the Juniper Basin group site, while the blue arrow points to the bathroom with flush toilets and drinking water.



Just wanted to give you an idea what the area is like.  :)

[Dicey]

WOW!

[NinetyFour]

It's official:  Moab is my antidepressant.  (Along with a few other places.)

Drove 3 hours from home this morning, went straight to a trailhead, and had a wonderful hike to an arch I had never been to.  The scenery during the hike was amazing.  I frequently gasped, or shook my head in amazement, or giggled with glee.

It's just 2 miles to the arch, and the trail goes right through it, which is always fun.  No water crossings or swimming necessary!  :)

When I have more time, I might post a couple pics of the scenery, but not of the arch, if case some of you want to discover it yourselves in October.  :)

Moab is a bit busier now than it was last week.  Guess there is some sort of holiday coming up...

[Le Poisson]

We love the penis-rocks at Moab too. So refreshing to see them featured in your photo reels too.

We booked into the campground, but hadn't posted about it yet because we are still a big maybe. Once we figure out our future we will either confirm or get refunded. Please don't assume we are a definite yes just yet. If anyone is planning their camp around wrecking a canoe, trashing a camper, bashing up a 4X4, or getting wrecked on a trail, please do not assume we will be there to show you how. :)

[Dicey]

We love the penis-rocks at Moab too. So refreshing to see them featured in your photo reels too.

We booked into the campground, but hadn't posted about it yet because we are still a big maybe. Once we figure out our future we will either confirm or get refunded. Please don't assume we are a definite yes just yet. If anyone is planning their camp around wrecking a canoe, trashing a camper, bashing up a 4X4, or getting wrecked on a trail, please do not assume we will be there to show you how. :)

Bummer.

[LifeHappens]

I somehow booked Cabin 96, which is the wheelchair accessible cabin. I will call and let them know we can change cabins if someone else needs it.

[Cherry Lane]

I somehow booked Cabin 96, which is the wheelchair accessible cabin. I will call and let them know we can change cabins if someone else needs it.

91 would be ideal if it is available. 

[mm1970]

We love the penis-rocks at Moab too. So refreshing to see them featured in your photo reels too.

We booked into the campground, but hadn't posted about it yet because we are still a big maybe. Once we figure out our future we will either confirm or get refunded. Please don't assume we are a definite yes just yet. If anyone is planning their camp around wrecking a canoe, trashing a camper, bashing up a 4X4, or getting wrecked on a trail, please do not assume we will be there to show you how. :)

Bummer.

Bummer, but I snorted

[NinetyFour]

We love the penis-rocks at Moab too. So refreshing to see them featured in your photo reels too.

We booked into the campground, but hadn't posted about it yet because we are still a big maybe. Once we figure out our future we will either confirm or get refunded. Please don't assume we are a definite yes just yet. If anyone is planning their camp around wrecking a canoe, trashing a camper, bashing up a 4X4, or getting wrecked on a trail, please do not assume we will be there to show you how. :)

It would be sad if you and Mrs. P. could not attend. 

Please do send the boys, though.

And a canoe or two.

[NinetyFour]

To those of you who already booked a site, you should now have the "MMM" group code on your reservation, and your lock site fee will be waived.  (If you already paid the lock site fee, you should see that your remaining balance is now less than it used to be.)

Only 259 days.....

[Dicey]

To those of you who already booked a site, you should now have the "MMM" group code on your reservation, and your lock site fee will be waived.  (If you already paid the lock site fee, you should see that your remaining balance is now less than it used to be.)

Only 259 days.....

Wow, that's hundred dollars back in our pockets! Go, 94, Go!

I read "lock site fee", but my brain skipped to "resort fee." So much for reading comprehension. Nevertheless, any savings are good savings.

[soobs]

I am interested in joining - going solo - wondering if there are other solos/small groups that would be willing to share a tent site? House/cabin-sharing would also be great. Will split costs if sharing is an option.
Also interested in attending the after party event if there is still availability?

[NinetyFour]

I am interested in joining - going solo - wondering if there are other solos/small groups that would be willing to share a tent site? House/cabin-sharing would also be great. Will split costs if sharing is an option.
Also interested in attending the after party event if there is still availability?

Cool!!

I am already sharing my site so I can't offer it to you, but others might have space.

Yes--lots of availability at the after party--so you can go ahead and plan on it!  :D

[Dicey]

When I saw this headline, I guessed it might be Moab, and it is! I haven't read the article yet, I'm sharing it here first:

https://www.fox13now.com/entertainment/utah-city-named-among-most-welcoming-places-on-earth

Nice as Moab is, it's the people that make the Magical Moab Meetup a-mazing.

@soobs - What 94 said. Something always works out. Reservations are easily cancelled, so you might grab a site. The likelihood of someone else wanting to share is high.

I think i saw an email from Sun Outdoors about a sale recently. If I can find it, I'll post it here.

[Purple_Crayon]

I'm in a tent site. I'm also going solo and my tent is pretty small. There's definitely room for multiple small tents and you're welcome to it. However, I believe the tent sites only allow a single vehicle, so that may be an issue as I'll have my car with me.

[Chaplin]

I'm in a tent site. I'm also going solo and my tent is pretty small. There's definitely room for multiple small tents and you're welcome to it. However, I believe the tent sites only allow a single vehicle, so that may be an issue as I'll have my car with me.

There's overflow parking that costs a bit extra I think, although we accidentally had two cars on a site two years in a row and didn't have any issues.

[NinetyFour]

I'm in a tent site. I'm also going solo and my tent is pretty small. There's definitely room for multiple small tents and you're welcome to it. However, I believe the tent sites only allow a single vehicle, so that may be an issue as I'll have my car with me.

There's overflow parking that costs a bit extra I think, although we accidentally had two cars on a site two years in a row and didn't have any issues.

I will be in Moab in a few weeks.  I will stop in at the campground and ask about this issue (and I will bring the campground staff some chocolate from my town...).  I suspect it wouldn't be a problem unless one of the cars is sticking out into the roadway.

[lhamo]

After a couple of years there I have gotten the distinct impression that Sun Outdoors is pretty laid back about enforcement of the parking rules, among other things.  As long as we are not creating a safety hazard or otherwise creating a nuisance, I am pretty sure they will work with us to accommodate an extra car or two between all the sites we have booked.  Our group is a great return customer/free marketing for them!

Oh, and if you DO need to skirt the rules for any reason, I highly recommend taking @Dicey along with you to the office.  She helped me sweet talk them into a one-night cabin rental, which normally is against the rules.

[Dicey]

After a couple of years there I have gotten the distinct impression that Sun Outdoors is pretty laid back about enforcement of the parking rules, among other things.  As long as we are not creating a safety hazard or otherwise creating a nuisance, I am pretty sure they will work with us to accommodate an extra car or two between all the sites we have booked.  Our group is a great return customer/free marketing for them!

Oh, and if you DO need to skirt the rules for any reason, I highly recommend taking @Dicey along with you to the office.  She helped me sweet talk them into a one-night cabin rental, which normally is against the rules.

Lol, I make it a habit to be not-a-dick to the staff there. As many of you know, I also do some other stuff to help us identify and keep track of our fellow mustachians. For 2024, we wanted to line up the sites to create a straight shot from the group site to the bath house. When 94 was in Moab, she went to the office, explained who we are (no mean feat, as everyone books their own reservations under their real names), and what we were trying to accomplish. The person at the desk exclaimed, "Oh, you're the mustache people!" and proceeded to be helpful to 94. It pays to be nice (94), and it doesn't hurt to have a background in sales either (me), I suppose.

Last year, one of our group, who was staying with local friends, pulled their van up every night across the front of the group site - technically, they were just parking in the road. I told the office we were having them park that way so the sound of our group didn't disturb other campers. They were happy to let the van park there without charge, because we were being "considerate of others".

There are other examples, but @lhamo is right, if you stay under the radar, they're pretty chill.

[Chaplin]

Last year, one of our group, who was staying with local friends, pulled their van up every night across the front of the group site - technically, they were just parking in the road. I told the office we were having them park that way so the sound of our group didn't disturb other campers. They were happy to let the van park there without charge, because we were being "considerate of others".

There are other examples, but @lhamo is right, if you stay under the radar, they're pretty chill.

Agreed! They have been very chill. Having the van create a fourth wall for the group site was great - it made it a more cozy, intimate environment.

I really enjoyed participating in 2022 and 2023, and really want to attend for 2024, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it. It will depend on a bit of luck and other factors. At the last minute I might need to reach out to the group for a corner in a site to the put up a one-person tent. If I make it, I won't be in a car.

[2Birds1Stone]

I'm in a tent site. I'm also going solo and my tent is pretty small. There's definitely room for multiple small tents and you're welcome to it. However, I believe the tent sites only allow a single vehicle, so that may be an issue as I'll have my car with me.

@soobs, I saw your message and ditto. We may be a camper van and a 4 person tent, so not sure how big the sites are, but we'll figure something out between all the sites the group will have.

[mm1970]

I'm in a tent site. I'm also going solo and my tent is pretty small. There's definitely room for multiple small tents and you're welcome to it. However, I believe the tent sites only allow a single vehicle, so that may be an issue as I'll have my car with me.

@soobs, I saw your message and ditto. We may be a camper van and a 4 person tent, so not sure how big the sites are, but we'll figure something out between all the sites the group will have.

I had extra space last year because we moved my picnic table next door to the group site.  I think I'm next to the group site again this year too.  If I'm solo (most likely - DH wants to come, but the DS12 will have school), then there will likely be extra space for another tent, especially if we move the table over.   I had no problem making my coffee and charging my phone at the group site!

[dangbe]

We're probably going to be rambling through that part of the country around this time so I'm going to snag one of these sites.  Hopefully you all are friendly to newbies!

[2Birds1Stone]

We're probably going to be rambling through that part of the country around this time so I'm going to snag one of these sites.  Hopefully you all are friendly to newbies!

Looking forward to meeting you!!

[Dicey]

We're probably going to be rambling through that part of the country around this time so I'm going to snag one of these sites.  Hopefully you all are friendly to newbies!

Hell, we were all newbies not so very long ago.