Magical MOAB Meetup 2023

[MrGreen]

What are others thinking of doing for the timed entry tickets? Are folks just trying to pick a day or two and get what they can? There are no group plans for the week correct? I'm not really an early bird but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be worth it just to drive in before the first morning time.

[Dicey]

What are others thinking of doing for the timed entry tickets? Are folks just trying to pick a day or two and get what they can? There are no group plans for the week correct? I'm not really an early bird but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be worth it just to drive in before the first morning time.

Dunno yet. We don't wanna get up early, but we might be persuaded to do it...once. I'm thinking we'll do something wasteful like buy tickets for a few days in an row and see which ones get used. There is also the option of going in later in the day, as there are still a few solid hours of daylight left when tickets aren't necessary. Happily, there is so much to do in the area that missing Arches wouldn't be the worst thing ever.

[the_fixer]

How does one go about researching jeep trails in Moab? Last night while watching youtubers do youtube things, we saw some pretty fun looking trails, but googling the trail names brought up things like hotels in Bangkok. I'd love to go to Bangkok, but it would mean missing Moab.

Does anyone know of a site that is a like a 4x4 trail guide to the area?

I have done the ones listed below in my defender with a 2” lift on 32’s and a discovery with a 2” lift and 32’s

Onion creek
Fins n things
Dome plateau
Gemini bridges
Hells revenge (skip hells gate and Mickey’s hot tub to keep it less spicy)
Poison spider mesa
Top of the world (kind of meh till the view)

Do your research and base it off skill and vehicle.


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[Dicey]

Hey Fishy, teh first link on this awesome list from 94 is Chicken Corners, which we did in a rented ORV. It was a blast, but maybe too much for Mr. Jones toward the end. On a previous trip, our kids joined us after the meetup. SIL's vehicle looks like a large SUV (eta: Suburban), but it has 4 WD with truck suspension. Z something or other (eta: Z71 off road package). We took that out on the ORV trails and it did great, but people looked at us as if we were nuts. There's definitely a happy medium out there.

Shoutout to Mr. Dicey for adding the info in the edits.

[NinetyFour]

What are others thinking of doing for the timed entry tickets? Are folks just trying to pick a day or two and get what they can? There are no group plans for the week correct? I'm not really an early bird but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be worth it just to drive in before the first morning time.

Dunno yet. We don't wanna get up early, but we might be persuaded to do it...once. I'm thinking we'll do something wasteful like buy tickets for a few days in an row and see which ones get used. There is also the option of going in later in the day, as there are still a few solid hours of daylight left when tickets aren't necessary. Happily, there is so much to do in the area that missing Arches wouldn't be the worst thing ever.

I highly recommend a hike up to Delicate Arch just before sunset.  Or sunrise, for the early birds.  :)

[Le Poisson]

How does one go about researching jeep trails in Moab? Last night while watching youtubers do youtube things, we saw some pretty fun looking trails, but googling the trail names brought up things like hotels in Bangkok. I'd love to go to Bangkok, but it would mean missing Moab.

Does anyone know of a site that is a like a 4x4 trail guide to the area?

I have done the ones listed below in my defender with a 2” lift on 32’s and a discovery with a 2” lift and 32’s

Onion creek
Fins n things
Dome plateau
Gemini bridges
Hells revenge (skip hells gate and Mickey’s hot tub to keep it less spicy)
Poison spider mesa
Top of the world (kind of meh till the view)

Do your research and base it off skill and vehicle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The bolded were all on my short list. Especially Gemini. We could drop off Momma at the trailhead to hike in, and I could drive it and meet her at the arch. Do you think the lift is needed? I'm stock height.

Another conversation we had the other night was whether to bring the paddleboard, canoe, or both. I'm thinking both, assuming someone in camp would be willing to run a vehicle shuttle.

[NinetyFour]

THE MOAB MEETUP IS LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS AWAY!!!!!!!!!

[Dicey]

THE MOAB MEETUP IS LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS AWAY!!!!!!!!!

And you have so many exciting things to do before then!

[314159]

I decided I might like to go on a bit of a whim. I asked my partner if she wanted to come and she took very little convincing. We now have tickets booked to Salt Lake! We'll drive all or most of the way to Moab on Friday (10/6) evening. Then we'll leave on the afternoon of Tuesday the 10th.

We currently own no camping gear, as given our storage limitations we have always been happy to pay the extra $ to rent a temp/sleeping bag/cooking gear. We can definitely do that (either rent here in SF and bring it on the plane, or rent in Utah), but if fellow Mustachians have spare gear, we could put it to use.

Similarly, we have no campsite booked, do we need one? Do we need cooking gear? Suddenly I realized I have a bunch of questions!

[shadowmoss]

@meadow lark and stingray have rented a cabin at the close by hostel that might be a good option.  I believe they may still have room for more folks.

[the_fixer]

How does one go about researching jeep trails in Moab? Last night while watching youtubers do youtube things, we saw some pretty fun looking trails, but googling the trail names brought up things like hotels in Bangkok. I'd love to go to Bangkok, but it would mean missing Moab.

Does anyone know of a site that is a like a 4x4 trail guide to the area?

I have done the ones listed below in my defender with a 2” lift on 32’s and a discovery with a 2” lift and 32’s

Onion creek
Fins n things
Dome plateau
Gemini bridges
Hells revenge (skip hells gate and Mickey’s hot tub to keep it less spicy)
Poison spider mesa
Top of the world (kind of meh till the view)

Do your research and base it off skill and vehicle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The bolded were all on my short list. Especially Gemini. We could drop off Momma at the trailhead to hike in, and I could drive it and meet her at the arch. Do you think the lift is needed? I'm stock height.

Another conversation we had the other night was whether to bring the paddleboard, canoe, or both. I'm thinking both, assuming someone in camp would be willing to run a vehicle shuttle.

Not sure what you drive? Larger tires / lift might be needed for most other than onion creek, chicken corners and Gemini bridges.

Some stock off-road vehicles (rubicon, cruiser, Bronco) could probably take on some of the others.

Search the web / YouTube + Moab and the type of vehicle you have and I am sure you will find trails people have done in that vehicle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NinetyFour]

I decided I might like to go on a bit of a whim. I asked my partner if she wanted to come and she took very little convincing. We now have tickets booked to Salt Lake! We'll drive all or most of the way to Moab on Friday (10/6) evening. Then we'll leave on the afternoon of Tuesday the 10th.

We currently own no camping gear, as given our storage limitations we have always been happy to pay the extra $ to rent a temp/sleeping bag/cooking gear. We can definitely do that (either rent here in SF and bring it on the plane, or rent in Utah), but if fellow Mustachians have spare gear, we could put it to use.

Similarly, we have no campsite booked, do we need one? Do we need cooking gear? Suddenly I realized I have a bunch of questions!

If you want to stay at the campground, you should probably try to book a site.  (Or ask in this thread if anyone thinks they would have room to share their site with you.)  The campground also has a few cabins.

I have some gear I can lend you.  When we get closer, maybe you can post a list here of what you think you'll need.  Of feel free to PM me.

So glad you and your partner will be joining us!

[meadow lark]

We still have room at La Casa, a house we are renting at Lazy Lizard.  6 bedrooms, 2 baths.

[Tasse]

I'm not going to make it this year due to some family health issues. Maybe next year!

[Le Poisson]

We still have room at La Casa, a house we are renting at Lazy Lizard.  6 bedrooms, 2 baths.

Can we just book time to have a shower and a poop in private?

[oldladystache]

We still have room at La Casa, a house we are renting at Lazy Lizard.  6 bedrooms, 2 baths.

Can we just book time to have a shower and a poop in private?

The campground has a good bathroom with showers. I haven't been in the men's room but the ladies has nice big shower stalls and toilet stalls.

[MrGreen]

We showered at the Lazy Lizard in 2019 when we were car camping just north of Moab in what is now Utahraptor State Park. They're nice showers for a hostel.

[Le Poisson]

Is anyone on here in the Sacramento area? If so would you be willing to store a (big, heavy) truck bumper until the meetup and deliver it to me?

[mm1970]

Ack, last year I said I'd go this year. Because: I can totally leave DH with the kids, and I have a lot of PTO. 

I came today to check dates and...DH is going to be out of town for his mom's 80th birthday, but only for the end part.  Maybe I can come for the first weekend?  Hmm...so many choices, including hotels and sleeping in the car (Matrix).  But it's a 2 day drive...huh.

Let me noodle on this.

[Le Poisson]

Woo hoo!! Just got our camper back from the shop with new brakes, greased hubs, beefier safety chains, the house battery hooked up to charge from the truck, rewired for the 4Runner, and a safety breakaway switch.

Now that all the mechanicals are done I think the camper is ready to go! Just need to settle on our schedule and travel plans, and we are all systems go!

[Dicey]

Ack, last year I said I'd go this year. Because: I can totally leave DH with the kids, and I have a lot of PTO. 

I came today to check dates and...DH is going to be out of town for his mom's 80th birthday, but only for the end part.  Maybe I can come for the first weekend?  Hmm...so many choices, including hotels and sleeping in the car (Matrix).  But it's a 2 day drive...huh.

Let me noodle on this.

We plan on arriving on the 4th. We may have to leave a few days early, so I added a few on the front end when I made the reservation.

[lhamo]

Ack, last year I said I'd go this year. Because: I can totally leave DH with the kids, and I have a lot of PTO. 

I came today to check dates and...DH is going to be out of town for his mom's 80th birthday, but only for the end part.  Maybe I can come for the first weekend?  Hmm...so many choices, including hotels and sleeping in the car (Matrix).  But it's a 2 day drive...huh.

Let me noodle on this.

I decided to drive 2 days from Seattle last year and only hit the last half of the week -- it was totally worth it!  Stayed at a cheap hotel in Twin Falls ID the first night.  On the way back (after a side trip to CO) I slept in the back of my Ford CMax one night using an Exped mattress I picked up at REI on the recommendation of folks at camp who had one -- they are expensive but FABULOUS.

https://www.rei.com/product/113719/exped-megamat-10-sleeping-pad?redirect-pup=false

[mm1970]

Ack, last year I said I'd go this year. Because: I can totally leave DH with the kids, and I have a lot of PTO. 

I came today to check dates and...DH is going to be out of town for his mom's 80th birthday, but only for the end part.  Maybe I can come for the first weekend?  Hmm...so many choices, including hotels and sleeping in the car (Matrix).  But it's a 2 day drive...huh.

Let me noodle on this.

I decided to drive 2 days from Seattle last year and only hit the last half of the week -- it was totally worth it!  Stayed at a cheap hotel in Twin Falls ID the first night.  On the way back (after a side trip to CO) I slept in the back of my Ford CMax one night using an Exped mattress I picked up at REI on the recommendation of folks at camp who had one -- they are expensive but FABULOUS.

https://www.rei.com/product/113719/exped-megamat-10-sleeping-pad?redirect-pup=false

Okay, so now I'm really seriously thinking about it, since I'm still thinking about it 3 days later.

So, Rustic tent site or front tent site? 

There are only 2 front tent sites left for the 3 days, and one is G9, which is confusing because isn't @Mr. Green in that site?  But maybe not 7-10th? 

And do I need hiking poles?

And timed entry what? 

Nevermind. 
Step 1.  Pick a campsite and book it.
Step 2.  Book a hotel for the trip out/back, thinking about Cedar City instead of Vegas.  So, 8hr +4h and 4hr + 8hr, instead of 6+6 hr each way.
Step 3.  Figure out the timed entry/ Arches hullaballoo...

[MrGreen]

I was in G9 until a couple days ago. We moved to a rustic site after talking to @lhamo. With an 18 month old along for the ride we decided it was going to be too close to the action. Didn't want to have problems trying to get her to sleep while everyone else is having fun.

[mm1970]

I was in G9 until a couple days ago. We moved to a rustic site after talking to @lhamo. With an 18 month old along for the ride we decided it was going to be too close to the action. Didn't want to have problems trying to get her to sleep while everyone else is having fun.

That totally makes sense. Thanks for releasing the spot.  I took it.  Whee!!  Step 1 done.

[GreenToTheCore]

Holy moley, we might actually be in Moab at the same time. I bought my dream bicycle (only thing mustachian about it is that it's a bike, but damn do I miss riding as our default transportation. The little dude plus a grocery haul just hasn't worked out) and the shop owner said he'd be amenable to meeting halfway in Moab once it gets delivered/assembled.
It would be lovely to meet you folks and Moab is always a great place to roll around. No concrete dates yet, but fingers crossed the timing works out!

[Dicey]

I was in G9 until a couple days ago. We moved to a rustic site after talking to @lhamo. With an 18 month old along for the ride we decided it was going to be too close to the action. Didn't want to have problems trying to get her to sleep while everyone else is having fun.

That totally makes sense. Thanks for releasing the spot.  I took it.  Whee!!  Step 1 done.

Hiking poles are a definite plus. I have an extra pair and will bring them along.

[Dicey]

Because I typed the words "hiking poles", Google fed me this:

https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/trekking-pole-research-2023/

[mm1970]

Because I typed the words "hiking poles", Google fed me this:

https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/trekking-pole-research-2023/

That was really fascinating!

I also booked a hotel for the way there, since it's an 11-13 hour drive.  Probably should download some podcasts or audio books.

[Le Poisson]

I think we have firmed up our plans...

Looks like Mr. Jones will be driving from Toronto to Colorado, then spending a week bumming around the great expanse west of Denver for a week. We'll pull into Moab on the 6th, stay until the 13th and then do the long drive home.

@GreenToTheCore - excited to meet a new face. I hope you have much fun this year as we had in our first time out there last year.

We'll be in the pop-up trailer in site 107, right next to the high school, just in case there's a football game to watch (we find American Football fascinating from a cultural perspective). Come over for a beer and to share lies sometime!

[Le Poisson]

Also, for folks thinking about doing the Colorado River, we are planning on bringing at least one Canoe (maybe 2) and an inflatable SUP (possibly a rigid SUP as well, but the jury is out on that ATM). If anyone wants to raise their hand to help with vehicle shuttles, we may be able to run our own river tours. If folks want to borrow the gear we just ask that you not sink the boats, and always wear lifejackets/carry the provided safety gear.

[mm1970]

So what is everyone thinking about Arches?  Canyonlands?  I'll be arriving on the 7th mid-day prob (can check in at 2 pm?).  I'll be wide open on 8th and 9th, leaving on the 10th - but still hoping to get some hiking in at least on the 7th and 10th, though it doesn't have to be anything special - even a walk through town!

[Cherry Lane]

Also, for folks thinking about doing the Colorado River, we are planning on bringing at least one Canoe (maybe 2) and an inflatable SUP (possibly a rigid SUP as well, but the jury is out on that ATM). If anyone wants to raise their hand to help with vehicle shuttles, we may be able to run our own river tours. If folks want to borrow the gear we just ask that you not sink the boats, and always wear lifejackets/carry the provided safety gear.

Someone (not me) is also planning to bring a mess of tubes for floating.  Lifejackets are required on this stretch of the Colorado River, so if anyone has spares they can bring that would help out the flying folks (like me).

[Le Poisson]

Someone (not me) is also planning to bring a mess of tubes for floating.  Lifejackets are required on this stretch of the Colorado River, so if anyone has spares they can bring that would help out the flying folks (like me).

We will have at least 4. One will be youth size though.

[Dicey]

Also, for folks thinking about doing the Colorado River, we are planning on bringing at least one Canoe (maybe 2) and an inflatable SUP (possibly a rigid SUP as well, but the jury is out on that ATM). If anyone wants to raise their hand to help with vehicle shuttles, we may be able to run our own river tours. If folks want to borrow the gear we just ask that you not sink the boats, and always wear lifejackets/carry the provided safety gear.

Someone (not me) is also planning to bring a mess of tubes for floating.  Lifejackets are required on this stretch of the Colorado River, so if anyone has spares they can bring that would help out the flying folks (like me).

I'll keep an eye out at my favorite thrift shop.

[lhamo]

Does anyone still need a campsite for Oct 6-13?  I have site G6 locked, but won't need it -- will be splurging and staying in a cabin instead.  PM me if you are interested.  It is a site with power, and is in the section where we had many of the informal gatherings last year.

[oldladystache]

I told you "probably" a while ago. let me change it to a yes, definitely.

I have a lovely space reserved at the campground Oct 6 - Oct 13, 2023 (7 nights) Front Tent Site G10.  I paid $352.73 for it, and if anyone wants it I'll let them have it for what I paid. If nobody wants it I'm pretty sure I can get my money back.

[Dicey]

I told you "probably" a while ago. let me change it to a yes, definitely.

I have a lovely space reserved at the campground Oct 6 - Oct 13, 2023 (7 nights) Front Tent Site G10.  I paid $352.73 for it, and if anyone wants it I'll let them have it for what I paid. If nobody wants it I'm pretty sure I can get my money back.

I'm confused. Are you coming (hope so), or are you giving up your site because you can't make it?

[Dicey]

Also, for folks thinking about doing the Colorado River, we are planning on bringing at least one Canoe (maybe 2) and an inflatable SUP (possibly a rigid SUP as well, but the jury is out on that ATM). If anyone wants to raise their hand to help with vehicle shuttles, we may be able to run our own river tours. If folks want to borrow the gear we just ask that you not sink the boats, and always wear lifejackets/carry the provided safety gear.

Someone (not me) is also planning to bring a mess of tubes for floating.  Lifejackets are required on this stretch of the Colorado River, so if anyone has spares they can bring that would help out the flying folks (like me).

One of the things I love about volunteering at a thrift shop is that if you put the word out, people will watch for things for you. I mentioned that I was looking for life jackets and someone offered to give me some that they don't use any longer. Squee! I'll snap photos once I get them and post them here.

Update: That person's husband decided he's not ready to let them go, but there's a happy ending to the story below. (Reply #260)

[oldladystache]

I told you "probably" a while ago. let me change it to a yes, definitely.

I have a lovely space reserved at the campground Oct 6 - Oct 13, 2023 (7 nights) Front Tent Site G10.  I paid $352.73 for it, and if anyone wants it I'll let them have it for what I paid. If nobody wants it I'm pretty sure I can get my money back.

I'm confused. Are you coming (hope so), or are you giving up your site because you can't make it?

Oops. I didn't make it clear I was replying to Meadowlark's request about who's staying at her house. I'm definitely coming, but not using my site. Now I don't see it. Did I make it up? Did it get deleted? Have I lost my mind? Was it in another thread?

[Dicey]

It's reply #252. Whew, glad you're coming!

[oldladystache]

It's reply #252. Whew, glad you're coming!

I'm afraid we're talking past each other. My reply was 252, right where I left it. But I was replying to Meadowlark's post, which seems to have vanished. I'm sure she posted that she wanted to know who was planning to stay in her house that she had reserved for the meetup. But now I don't see her post.

[mm1970]

Somehow I missed the lifejacket posts also.  Since I'm driving, and I live at the beach, I'll keep my eye out also.

@oldladystache did you end up getting into the cabin/ rental?  So many cabins.  I'm just curious because I'm in G9, right next to G10, so wondering who will be my neighbor. (I'm arriving on the 7th)

[oldladystache]

@oldladystache did you end up getting into the cabin/ rental?  So many cabins.  I'm just curious because I'm in G9, right next to G10, so wondering who will be my neighbor. (I'm arriving on the 7th)

I'm assuming I'll be staying at the place Meadowlark has reserved. I haven't heard back from her yet to absolutely verify it.  Meanwhile, I'm thinking about keeping my G10 space if nobody comes forward to take it, and offering it as a headquarters place for the group.

[Dicey]

This is TMI, so skip to the picture, if you wish.

I've been watching for vests at the Thrift Shop where I volunteer. The one on the right has been there for over a week, which is forever in Thrift Shop Time. It had a somewhat hefty price tag on it, so I was waiting for it to get marked down. The manager just announced a 40% off everything sale next Tuesday and Wednesday, except I will be out of town. I asked if I could come in at the end of the day Saturday (the last day we're open before the sale) and grab it at the sale price. She agreed, so I swung by at closing. To my delight, someone had just donated the one on the right, and she let me buy it at the sale price as well. So now I have an Adult Medium and Adult XL, in very condition, to bring to Moab for water fun use. They're from West Marine, so I think they'll fulfill their purpose for anyone who wants to play on the water.

I'll keep looking for more; one never knows what the Thrift Shop Gods will offer up.

[Sandi_k]

@Dicey - we have a whole set of PFDs - Personal Flotation Devices - in our deck box.

LMK if you want to borrow any! (We also have wet suits, water shoes, tents, foam futon trifold bed, tarps, camp stove, etc). Happy to loan out our equipment if you're in need.

[Exflyboy]

DW asked me where I was "staying" when I arrived.. Umm in the back of our Honda Passport, like we always do when we go backpacking. I think she thought as I was hanging out with "rich people" I might be stepping it up a notch.

If you count "buying poop bags off Amazon the week before" then I guess yes it is a step up..:)

[Le Poisson]

Are any of the Moab crowd coming in from Denver? If so can you advise us...

1. Where we should fill our water tanks before heading into the mountains?
2. Where there are some good dispersed campsites that Mr. Jones could reach while pulling a pop-up trailer.

If #2. is a top secret thing, please message us - I know a lot of folks don't like sharing their secret spots. I promise we'll only use it once.

We are hoping to find a dispersed camp that offers us fun day outings either hiking, sightseeing, or canoeing.

[lhamo]

Is anybody still interested in an enhanced tent campsite?   I locked one in for Oct 6-13 (G6, pretty much in the middle of where we had the MMM gathering areas last year -- has a power port) at the reduced Black Friday rate, but no longer need it (going to be staying in a cabin instead).  Total is $353 for the week, including the lock fee.  Let me know if anyone is interested in taking the spot over at the reduced rate. 

Alternatively, maybe there are others who would be interested in sharing the cost of the site to ensure we have a dedicated spot for hanging out and/or last minute arrivals? 

[Dicey]

Is anybody still interested in an enhanced tent campsite?   I locked one in for Oct 6-13 (G6, pretty much in the middle of where we had the MMM gathering areas last year -- has a power port) at the reduced Black Friday rate, but no longer need it (going to be staying in a cabin instead).  Total is $353 for the week, including the lock fee.  Let me know if anyone is interested in taking the spot over at the reduced rate. 

Alternatively, maybe there are others who would be interested in sharing the cost of the site to ensure we have a dedicated spot for hanging out and/or last minute arrivals?

I hope someone grabs it, as the current price is significantly higher. IIRC, 94 has secured a site to be our designated gathering space this year.