Moab, Utah, USA meetup October 18 - 22, 2018

[Retire-Canada]

Man it would be nerveracking to be around a bunch of Mustachians in a way. I'd feel the need to explain how I had gotten everything I was wearing on sale and how I had brewed the ethanol to power the car to get to Moab myself.

I'll be there in my F150 clown truck riding a $7K mountain bike. Both bought new. So don't worry I'll draw away any Frugality Police. ;)

[Caoineag]

Man it would be nerveracking to be around a bunch of Mustachians in a way. I'd feel the need to explain how I had gotten everything I was wearing on sale and how I had brewed the ethanol to power the car to get to Moab myself.

I'll be there in my F150 clown truck riding a $7K mountain bike. Both bought new. So don't worry I'll draw away any Frugality Police. ;)

Oh good, I am pretty sure the frugality police would have a field day with me.

I personally am happy with either of the campsites so happy to leave it to whichever one will be available to book. :)

[NinetyFour]

I'm OK with making the reservation and then extorting money from folks at the campsite later.  ;-)

I'll be there with my clown car Tundra and a $15K camper, no there will be no face punches from me!  :)

[arebelspy]

I've done a LOT of Mustachian meetups.

There's no judgement. Everyone has some anti-Mustachian things.

Don't worry about it. :)

[Aegishjalmur]

I had never really looked at what the group sites cost as was never applicable to me. It definitely is a lot more affordable than the individual campsite at $25 per night.

Fees
 

Campground
Nightly Fee
 
Devils Garden $25

Canyon Wren Group Site 11-16 campers = $75
 17-22 campers = $100
 23-28 campers = $125
 29-35 campers = $160
Juniper Group Site 11-22 campers = $100
 23-33 campers = $150
 34-44 campers = $200
 45-55 campers = $250

[Foundapenny]

I'm just finding out about this thread. I'm tentatively interested in both a 2017 and 2018 gathering. There are quite a few of us who live in northern Utah who get together every 6-8 weeks already. I don't think any of them have seen this thread yet, so I'll put it out there for them, too.

If people do want to come to Utah for an Oct. 2017 gathering, there are certainly plenty of other parks, too. So the Arches construction doesn't need to kill that idea.

[Mr Griz]

Hard to commit this far out but this would be awesome for two reasons:  1) I also plan to FIRE about that time, and 2) when younger I did mountain biking all over Moab and Canyonlands.

FWIW, I still ride the same MTB...

[avrex]

Note: I refuse to let this thread fall to Page 2 on the Meetups subforum.  lol.  Therefore a 'bump' was in order.

The following have expressed their intention to attend the event,
"Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah"

- NinetyFour (100% chance--unless I am on crutches)
- Retire Canada
- Caoineag
- Financial Ascensionist
- avrex (60% probability)

[aperture]

Note: I refuse to let this thread fall to Page 2 on the Meetups subforum.  lol.  Therefore a 'bump' was in order.

The following have expressed their intention to attend the event,
"Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah"

- NinetyFour (100% chance--unless I am on crutches)
- Retire Canada
- Caoineag
- Financial Ascensionist
- avrex (60% probability)

I am at least 90% committed to joining.  I love the area. aperture.

[Foundapenny]

Same. I'll be there barring something unforeseen happening between now and then.

[Retire-Canada]

The following have expressed their intention to attend the event,
"Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah"

- NinetyFour
- Retire Canada
- Caoineag
- Financial Ascensionist
- Aperture
- Found A Penny

Updated list of 90%ers. A small, but elite group of MMMers who will come together and camp, bike and hike the shit out of Moab in Oct 2018!

I'll be Babu....someone else needs to be Homer. ;)

[CanuckExpat]

Add me to the list confirming with high probability for "Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah"

I checked with the remaining boss (wife), and she said go ahead. So no other commitments :)
Do I need to add +1/+2 info when I know it?

[Retire-Canada]

Add me to the list confirming with high probability for "Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah"

I checked with the remaining boss (wife), and she said go ahead. So no other commitments :)
Do I need to add +1/+2 info when I know it?

Given the current attendee list I don't think nailing down the exact numbers are important yet. When roll into the spring of 2018 maybe add some clarity on that.

[Retire-Canada]

The following have expressed their intention to attend the event,
"Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah"

- NinetyFour
- Retire Canada
- Caoineag
- Financial Ascensionist
- Aperture
- Found A Penny
- Canuck Expat [added]

Updated list of 90%ers. A small, but elite group of MMMers who will come together and camp, bike and hike the shit out of Moab in Oct 2018!

[FrugalZony]

We are only 50% ers right now, but we are still very interested.
Even would consider the 2017 one from what it looks like today.
Most group campgrounds usually don't have space for RVs though,
so we'd have to plan to be close enough within the same park or in nearby BLM / NF

[Stasher]

I enjoy dirtbag accommodations
I enjoy hikes
I enjoy mountain bikes
I will join @Frugalzony in the ranks of the 50% 'ers as who knows what life will be doing in 18 months. I will stick to @RC's rules on the list criteria for being listed.

As well here are a few teaser photos I took on a trip there in 2015...it is a beautiful place and I can't wait to experience the further reaches via a MTB. So hopefully this helps a few more consider joining in on the fun.

[FrugalZony]

Amazing pictures Stasher!! Thanks for sharing!

[FrugalZony]

So THIS year, Moab is out of the question for us, as I'll have to be elsewhere to tend to family matters. I had hoped I could join those of you doing a trial run.
I will still try VERY HARD to work the 2018 one into our itinerary.

[NinjaSue]

Posting to follow and interested.  I'm actually going to Zion in 2 weeks, hope it's not too crowded!

[Irishtache]

As well here are a few teaser photos I took on a trip there in 2015...it is a beautiful place and I can't wait to experience the further reaches via a MTB. So hopefully this helps a few more consider joining in on the fun.

Stunning photos Stasher! Thanks for posting, IT.

[MsSindy]

Not sure how I missed this thread, but add me to the list of definitely coming for Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah

I don't have a mountain bike, just good hiking legs.....

[Retire-Canada]

The following have expressed their intention to attend the event,
"Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah"

- NinetyFour
- Retire Canada
- Caoineag
- Financial Ascensionist
- Aperture
- Found A Penny
- Canuck Expat
- MsSindy [added]
- Stasher [added]
- Earthsurfer [added]


Updated list of 90%ers. A small, but elite group of MMMers who will come together and camp, bike and hike the shit out of Moab in Oct 2018!

[EarthSurfer]

EarthSurfer is highly probable to drift on by.

Be certain to understand parking restrictions at groups sites. At my favorite group site in Canyonlands NP, SplitTop Cave (insanely awesome), only 3 vehicles are allowed to park, although there is a large parking area about a 10 minute walk away.

Is anyone interested in an overnight backpack in the Needles district of Canyonlands either before or after? (One night because I hate carrying water...).  I would also be interested in venturing to the San Rafael Swell to explore a few slot canyon hikes (non-technical) for a few days.

I am a minimalist car camper -- essentially a backpacker with a cooler and a mini SUV.

[Stasher]

EarthSurfer is highly probably to drift on by.

Be certain to understand parking restrictions at groups sites. At my favorite group site in Canyonlands NP, SplitTop Cave (insanely awesome), only 3 vehicles are allowed to park, although there is a large parking area about a 10 minute walk away.

Is anyone interested in an overnight backpack in the Needles district of Canyonlands either before or after? (One night because I hate carrying water...).  I would also be interested in venturing to the San Rafael Swell to explore a few slot canyon hikes (non-technical) for a few days.

I am a minimalist car camper -- essentially a backpacker with a cooler and a mini SUV.

I am pretty sure I will be on this 90% list @RC
I am also keen on hiking routes for photography of unique spots.

[MsSindy]

EarthSurfer is highly probable to drift on by.

Be certain to understand parking restrictions at groups sites. At my favorite group site in Canyonlands NP, SplitTop Cave (insanely awesome), only 3 vehicles are allowed to park, although there is a large parking area about a 10 minute walk away.

Is anyone interested in an overnight backpack in the Needles district of Canyonlands either before or after? (One night because I hate carrying water...).  I would also be interested in venturing to the San Rafael Swell to explore a few slot canyon hikes (non-technical) for a few days.

I am a minimalist car camper -- essentially a backpacker with a cooler and a mini SUV.

I'll be flying in from the east coast with nothing more than what I take for backpacking, so I'm interested in making a longer trip out of it - so, count me in!

[NinetyFour]

EarthSurfer is highly probable to drift on by.

Be certain to understand parking restrictions at groups sites. At my favorite group site in Canyonlands NP, SplitTop Cave (insanely awesome), only 3 vehicles are allowed to park, although there is a large parking area about a 10 minute walk away.

Is anyone interested in an overnight backpack in the Needles district of Canyonlands either before or after? (One night because I hate carrying water...).  I would also be interested in venturing to the San Rafael Swell to explore a few slot canyon hikes (non-technical) for a few days.

I am a minimalist car camper -- essentially a backpacker with a cooler and a mini SUV.

Hi Earthsurfer---

I might be interested in joining you on that backpack trip.  Not sure whether before or after would work better for me, but we have some time to make that decision.  :)

94

[EarthSurfer]

For a Canyonlands Needles District overnight backpack, I am considering the Elephant Canyon - Big Spring Canyon Loop hike. It has some fun scrambling, and is relatively easy 11 miles. It can be done as a day hike, too.

http://bit.ly/2x9Mzpj

Check out the photos at the link above for a sense of the terrain. In the late 90s, this was the default Thanksgiving backpack with a crew of friends for 4 years.

I can easily be convinced to try something more ambitious, but a fun, chill overnight is plenty of adventure. I can still do big miles, but I hate, loathe, and distain carrying significant amounts of water, which is likely a requirement in October.

On Oct 19, 2018, sunrise will be approximately 7:30am, sunset at 6:34pm, with about 12 hours of usable outdoor light.

On Oct 19, 2018, the moon will be waxing, rising around 4:24pm, and setting around 3:20am. It will be ~80% illuminated.

- Surf On...

[NinetyFour]

For a Canyonlands Needles District overnight backpack, I am considering the Elephant Canyon - Big Spring Canyon Loop hike. It has some fun scrambling, and is relatively easy 11 miles. It can be done as a day hike, too.

http://bit.ly/2x9Mzpj

Check out the photos at the link above for a sense of the terrain. In the late 90s, this was the default Thanksgiving backpack with a crew of friends for 4 years.

I can easily be convinced to try something more ambitious, but a fun, chill overnight is plenty of adventure. I can still do big miles, but I hate, loathe, and distain carrying significant amounts of water, which is likely a requirement in October.

On Oct 19, 2018, sunrise will be approximately 7:30am, sunset at 6:34pm, with about 12 hours of usable outdoor light.

On Oct 19, 2018, the moon will be waxing, rising around 4:24pm, and setting around 3:20am. It will be ~80% illuminated.

- Surf On...

Any idea what the weather forecast is for that day?  ;-)

[RobRockley]

Hey just posting to follow.  I'd like to tag along to Moab in 2018.

[arebelspy]

When exactly is the 2017 trial run? We're likely to be in that area in October 2017.

[NinetyFour]

The only weekend that would work for me in October is the 7th.  Right now, the weekend of Nov 4 would also work.

[meadow lark]

The following have expressed their intention to attend the event,
"Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah"

- NinetyFour
- Retire Canada
- Caoineag
- Financial Ascensionist
- Aperture
- Found A Penny
- Canuck Expat
- MsSindy [added]
- Stasher [added]
- Earthsurfer [added]
- Meadow Lark!

[Retire-Canada]

The following have expressed their intention to attend the event,
"Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah"

- NinetyFour
- Retire Canada
- Caoineag
- Financial Ascensionist
- Aperture
- Found A Penny
- Canuck Expat
- MsSindy
- Stasher
- Earthsurfer
- Meadow Lark! [added]

Nice ML! We might actually fill up a group campsite. :)

If folks are bring others with them leave a comment and we'll up date the list with +1 or +3 as appropriate.

[CanuckExpat]

If folks are bring others with them leave a comment and we'll up date the list with +1 or +3 as appropriate.

Won't know this until much later

[Stasher]

If folks are bring others with them leave a comment and we'll up date the list with +1 or +3 as appropriate.

Won't know this until much later

You need to figure out a bike too :)

[Retire-Canada]

You need to figure out a bike too :)

If you want to do 1 or 2 rides rent a bike in Moab. You can taste the forbidden fruit without paying full pop for it.

[CanuckExpat]

If folks are bring others with them leave a comment and we'll up date the list with +1 or +3 as appropriate.

Won't know this until much later

You need to figure out a bike too :)

I'm glad you are keeping me on top of priorities ;)

[elledub]

I'm in for 2018

I'll be in Moab Oct 13-15th, 2017 too and would love to stop by a MMM Meetup.

Retire Canada - I live beside Gooseberry Mesa. PM me and I'll come out and ride a lap if I'm not in Moab! Check out the new Wire Mesa trail on the next mesa over too. It's on Trailforks.

[Retire-Canada]

The following have expressed their intention to attend the event,
"Oct 19-22, 2018 - Moab, Utah"

- NinetyFour
- Retire Canada
- Caoineag
- Financial Ascensionist
- Aperture
- Found A Penny
- Canuck Expat
- MsSindy
- Stasher
- Earthsurfer
- Meadow Lark!
- Plugging Away [added]

[Retire-Canada]

Retire Canada - I live beside Gooseberry Mesa. PM me and I'll come out and ride a lap if I'm not in Moab! Check out the new Wire Mesa trail on the next mesa over too. It's on Trailforks.

Awesome. We'll be there 9 & 10 Oct 2017. Probably just camping near the trailhead. I'll PM you my mobile # and email. It would be great to meet up for a ride. I've been wanting to ride GM for a long time.

[Retire-Canada]

Just as a FYI  I am planning on being in the general Moab area 1 week before and 2 weeks after the Oct 2018 meet up to camp and mountain bike if anyone else wants to hook up for some sportiness and beers. I may roam between Hurricane, UT, Moab, Fruita CO and Grand Junction, CO depending on how I feel, weather, etc... No need to make specific plans now, but I thought I would throw the idea out there in case other folks had extra time and wanted to explore the area more.

[NinetyFour]

As I will be retired (!!!!!!!) at that point, I will be able to hang out over/up there for a good while.  I hope to receive some lots of MTB riding and maintenance tips from you, RC!!

By the way, I am thinking of heading over to the Canyonlands Needles District tomorrow for the weekend.  Snow has hit the high country here in CO, so I must escape to find some warm weather and dry hiking trails!!

[Foundapenny]

I was just in Moab last weekend with family. We stayed at ACT Campground about 3 minutes south of the main drag. It was a great place, with spots for tents and RVs, plus "cabin style" rooms that have 2-3 futon beds and a refrigerator and microwave. It's got a big community outdoor kitchen area, and indoor kitchen, a nice fire pit, games and things for kids. It's quite reasonable as far as Moab's in-town accommodations go, and perfect for large groups. There's even a 30-foot yurt you can pack 'em into. If anyone is going to be in the area and doesn't want to rough it in the parks, I highly recommend. http://actcampground.com/campground-details/prices/

[NinetyFour]

OK--we're coming up on this meetup being just (!) a year away.  This means that I could try to reserve a group campsite at either Arches or Canyonlands soon.  (Has to be done online for some locations, and I can't make the reservation more than a year in advance.)

I need some guidance.  Should I go ahead and try to reserve a group camping site?  If we stay in one of these parks, we would be 20 - 80 miles away from Moab itself.  Or should I just wait and see what shakes out on this thread...?

Foundapenny--thanks for the info on ACT Campground.  Looks like that might be a nice option.  It would mean, though, driving into the parks from there.

Suggestions, anyone?

Thanks.

[avrex]

@NinetyFour you are the original poster of this thread.  We'll go with whatever you want to do. 

In your original post you discussed the two group campsites in Arches.  I'm perfectly fine with that choice.

We are just two days away from when it is possible to book those sites for the Fri Oct 19 - Mon Oct 22, 2018 event.

The Canyon Wren group campsite looks like it may already be taken for these upcoming dates by a group that is arriving earlier than the 18th.
The Juniper Basin group campsite looks like it is currently available for the dates leading up to Oct 18, 2018. 
In two more days, you can attempt to book the 4-day weekend.

@NinetyFour, are you ok with booking Juniper Basin on Oct 18?  Are you ok with taking the temporary hit of $400 (4 nights x $100/night) until everyone arrives to pay you in person?

[CanuckExpat]

With the choice of campgrounds, are there limitations on if they are RV friendly or tent only? I thought this was discussed but now can't remember

[avrex]

Others who are reading this thread and may be interested, need to be aware about the following for these group camping sites:
- this group site has no room for RVs (see the parking situation on the google maps photo below).  RVs may be able to book adjoining sites.
- there is no electricity (even adjoining RV sites have no electricity)
- There are vault toilets (not flush toilets) beside this group campsite.
- There is no cell/wifi signal.
- There is no camp store (The campsite is 46 minutes (23 miles) away from the city of Moab.)

In other words, we are roughing it. 

I'm good with this.  This is how I normally camp anyway.  (i.e. car camping with a cooler and a tent.)

[arebelspy]

I also would like the RV option.  We don't need hookups or electricity, just a spot of dirt to park on, but needs to be accessible by a truck sized vehicle basically.

[Stasher]

I would say you hold out for a few ore days until @RetireCanada gets back from his MTB trip. He has the camping hacks pretty dialed and stays down here pretty much every year. I would think we should be somewhere centrally located for hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Outside of Canyonlands and Arches parks would probably best as well.

[Caoineag]

I also would like the RV option.  We don't need hookups or electricity, just a spot of dirt to park on, but needs to be accessible by a truck sized vehicle basically.

+1 As long as we can park the van, we are set. If however that's not possible, I know there is tons of camping sites along the river just outside Arches for about $15 per night. So I can always make do with that if needed.