Hole in the Rock! Planning here. (Sept 06)

[gjackson]

All right, due to popular demand I'll set this thread up for planning an expedition along the famed Hole in the Rock trail in Utah. The overview is this: We meet close to the head of the trail on the morning of Saturday September 23rd. I may camp at the meeting site if I can get there on Friday. Then we will run in to a highly recommended camp site. Set up camp there and relax or do some trail running. On Sunday drive in to the river. Then options are open. We can either drive all the way out, or go back to the same camp and spend another night in the bush. And BTW this is planned for the EAST section of the trail, not the west. That means we will NOT see the actual Hole in the Rock! But we will get the more spectacular and challanging part of the trail.

EDIT: The meeting point for Sat morning will be at waypoint N37°22.572 W110°32.513. There is a nice map and waypoints at http://www.webejeepin.com/Trails/Utah/Hole-in-the-Rock.htm

As far as a time, I'd like people to post up what sort of time they think they can make it there. I'll probably be camping Fri night at that waypoint, but I would like to have a target departure time on Sat morning.

Let's use CB channel 4.
/EDIT

I realize that's a bit vague, but I've never run the trail before, so my ability to plan is a bit shortsighted!

Right now I'm not limiting the car count, but if you want to make the run, please post up so I can add your name to the list.

1. Graham & Connie, D110
2. Josh LR Disco I
3. Neal Rubi-Khan Jeep
4. Richard Rgsii Toyota
5.
6.
7.
8.

Tentative:
1. Scott (pskhaat) Awesome Yota Cruiser
2. Outback Dodge PW

Initial discussion of this trip has been here:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=621

cheers!!

[Scott Brady]

Can't make this one. I will be raging to Rob Zombie and Shinedown that day :smilies27

Have a blast!

[bh4rnnr]

In a couple of the last issues of Off Roader, Larry Heck has some good write up of the Hole in the Rock trail(also is in his guid books). Might have some good pointers?? Should be a fun trip. Whish I could go:beer:

[Ursidae69]

Can't make this one. I will be raging to Rob Zombie and Shinedown that day :smilies27

Have a blast!


That's funny, I'll be raging to the same concert in ABQ on the 22nd! :victory:

This aught to be a fun trip, I need to go review that linked thread. Not sure I can make it, but I'll see if you have open slots later on. :wavey:

[gjackson]

Sorry we'll miss of of you guys! But I know the'll be other trips. Maybe we'll bring some Rob Zombie to play in the desert just for you!

cheers

[pskhaat]

Graham, please mark me down. :)

[BajaTaco]

Can't make this one. I will be raging to Rob Zombie and Shinedown that day :smilies27

Same here. (don't forget Godsmack too :hehe: )

Chuck - you rebel!

Graham, sorry I will miss it, that will be a really cool trip.

[datrupr]

Can't make this one. I will be raging to Rob Zombie and Shinedown that day :smilies27

That's funny, I'll be raging to the same concert in ABQ on the 22nd! :victory:

Same here. (don't forget Godsmack too :hehe: )


AWWWWWWWWW........... I wanna go. I WANNA GO!!!!!!!!!!!:(

But, I would also love to do Hole In The Rock. I don't think I will be able to make either one though.:(

[Outback]

Not familiar with the Hole in The Rock trail. But what the hell Count me in.

[gjackson]

I've added waypoint for the initial meeting place and request for times in the first post on this thread.

Thanks

Cheers

[pskhaat]

N37°22.572 W110°32.513
Graham,

My mapping software puts me at a T in two trails. Google says a little off the track here:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=N37%C2%B022.572+W110%C2%B032.513&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=37.375972,-110.540271&spn=0.008799,0.021586 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=N37%C2%B022.572+W110%C2%B032.513&ie=UTF8&ll=37.375755,-110.540931&spn=0.002063,0.005397&t=h&om=1)

At that junction, is that correct? I am currently planning on being there Friday night.

[gjackson]

Scott,

I took that waypoint from the website: http://www.webejeepin.com/Trails/Uta...n-the-Rock.htm

Since I've never run the trail I can't verify the accuracy. I know that Google Earth puts it a bit off the road. I think there is a half track there and the waypoint may be the half track not the junction.

Sorry I can't be more clear!

cheers

[pskhaat]

No prob, sorry for the confusing question. I'll just have my oldest boy with me after no doubt some serious screaming miles so want to know exactly where to go :) See you soon.

:camping:

[Rubi-Khan]

Hi guys,

I just joined this forum moments ago. While I'm new here, I've got a good bit of off-road experience. How do you guys feel about a newbie joining in?

Is this a weekend trip? I'm planning to be in Moab for the week and this would fit in nicely.

Thanks!

-neal

[gjackson]

Neal,

No problem on joining in. It will be a weekend trip. Check the first post in the thread for details. We'll run the trail Sat and Sun and come out on Mon. Just let me know if you want to do it and I'll add you to the list.

Welcome to EP by the way!

cheers

[Rubi-Khan]

Thanks for the hospitality, Graham!

I've still got a few things to work out, but I'm going to shoot for it. I'll be running Moab several days prior so I'll try to take it expecially easy on the rig.

Put me down and I'll do my best to keep you posted on my situation.

I'm really looking forward to it. :jumping: Oh, and I'll plan to have my four-legged co-pilot. Let me know if that creates any problems.

Thanks!

[gjackson]

Put me down and I'll do my best to keep you posted on my situation.

I put you on the list. Just keep us posted. I don't think a 4-legged co-pilot will create any problems.

cheers

[clarkrw3]

Man...I really wanted to do this one but will be in Hawaii....guess maybe next time. have a blast!!

[Rubi-Khan]

A buddy who ran this a few years ago said there was fuel available at a small airport near the trail head.

Does anyone know if this is still the case?

I've only got a 19 gallon tank and haven't got a jerry can mount yet. Any idea how much low range is required on this trip?

[gjackson]

From Halls Crossing it looks like it is about 45 miles one way, so 90 miles for the trip. Add some sort of a safety margin to that though. I've not run the trail, so I'm not sure. I was planning on bringing an extra jerry can of gas for those guys running gas. I can carry 3 cans if needed.

cheers

[rgsiii]

Here are some other links to the trail. Could you list me as a definite maybe for the trip?:D

http://www.utah.com/offroad/hole_rock.htm

http://www.4x4now.com/mthitr.htm

http://www.4x4now.com/hole.htm

http://www.4x4now.com/ppmay96.htm

http://www.redrockadventure.com/adventure/backroads/hole-in-the-rock-trail.htm

[rgsiii]

I guess that last link is really more correct in its naming, calling the west route the Hole in the rock and the east the Mormon trail.

Do you want to do the west after the east? :smiley_drive:

From the last link, it sounds like the west route would be a day trip. I guess it would mean trying to figure out how long it would take to go from one trail head to the other and having the time. Going to some of the online mapping sites, it looks like a 4-5 hour drive to the differrent starting points. One option would be to just make rafts.:smileeek:

[gjackson]

From the people I've talkeed to who have done the west side, it is just a REALLY long dirt road. The east side is a 4x4 trail, and I believe while it can be done in one day makes a LONG day. I'm planning on doing the east side. If you guys want to do the west side, be my guest. . . but start a new thread on it to allay confusion. . .:luxhello:

cheers

[gjackson]

I'd like to find out what sort of time people think they will make the trailhead? please post up so if you are late we can wait!

cheers

[Rubi-Khan]

I'd like to find out what sort of time people think they will make the trailhead? please post up so if you are late we can wait!

cheers


I'm still planning to be there. My arrival time depends on a number of things. For one, I'm going to wait to see what time the group plans to depart. If it's very early I'll try to be there to camp on Friday evening. If it's on up in the morning I may just be there on Saturday. I'm staying with some Tennesee friends in a rented condo in Moab and we've paid through Saturday.

I will PM you my cell # as I don't know how much internet access I'll have the week just prior.

Is anyone else coming from the direction of Moab? Maybe we could hook up.

Thanks again for your hospitality!

-neal

[durango_60]

Graham, please put me down. We'll be driving my bright blue 60 series this time.

Jonathan and Simon(if pskhaat brings his little one):camping:

[gjackson]

Graham, please put me down

Done! Welcome to the group!

cheers

[Scott Brady]

I will be in Moab and Eastern Utah the 20th-27th of September if anyone would like to get together. As soon as I know the details of when I will be in Moab itself, I will let everyone know. Maybe we could coordinate a camp, or a few :friday:

[jeff@work]

Hey Graham!

Count me in on this one :jump: I'm not sure if i'll be doing a friday night arrival or a saturday morning arrival but i'll let you know once i've got it figured out.

Scott,

Mark (Scenic WonderRunner) had mentioned hitting a few trails in moab with me a few days before this hole in the rock trip and i'll be discussing that with him this weekend in the san juan's so i'll let you know what we come up with.

Jeff

[Ted]

Originally quoted by Expeditions West:

I will be in Moab and Eastern Utah the 20th-27th of September if anyone would like to get together. As soon as I know the details of when I will be in Moab itself, I will let everyone know. Maybe we could coordinate a camp, or a few

Hey Scott,
Marilyn and I will be in Moab from the 25th - 30th. Will be bringing the Series IIA and the Disco :D . Going to do some MTBing and then run some trails with the Solihull Rally. Also planning on meeting up with Bill and Rachel Burke. Let me know if you have some time in your schedule for a trail or just a few cold ones. We will be hotel dwellers on this particular trip.

I Envy all y'all doing the hole-in-the rock this time - should be a great trip! Any of you staying in Moab that week as well?



cheers,

Ted

[gjackson]

I Envy all y'all doing the hole-in-the rock this time - should be a great trip! Any of you staying in Moab that week as well?

One of the reasons I choose that weekend for HIR is that I'll be at the National rally the week after. Wanted to make a week of it. So I'll be in the Moab area from Tues through Sun.

cheers

[gjackson]

Count me in on this one

You are in. Let us know your arrival plans.

cheers

[Scott Brady]

I will be in Moab from the 25th-30th, so lets get together :)

I also started a thread on the Land Rover Rally.

[gjackson]

Sweet! Was thinking of doing White Rim mon or tues as a day trip. If we have a group it would make a nice overnighter, but it's probably too late to get a camping permit. Since we are involved in rally operation, we have a hotel booked for Wed through Sat, and I'm sure Connie wouldn't like it if I deserted her to go camping!!

cheers

[Rubi-Khan]

Sweet! Was thinking of doing White Rim mon or tues as a day trip. cheers

I've been itching to do White Rim, but they don't allow 4-legged friends.

[gjackson]

White Rim is a lot of fun. Not really tough, in fact with a little digging a car could probably do it, but senic as all get out! Too bad about the being-in-a-park thing for the dogs.

cheers

[gjackson]

Several people have expressed concern about meeting Sat morning and think that Sat evening at the trailhead would be better. For those in the Denver area it will take most (if not all) of Friday to get to the trailhead (which is my plan). It is about 150 to 190 miles past Moab.

For those planning on attending, please let me know what you would prefer: Sat morning meeting or Sat eve meeting at the trailhead.

Thanks

[Rubi-Khan]

What would be the new itinerary based on the proposed change?

[gjackson]

What would be the new itinerary based on the proposed change?

I think it would either mean one less day on the HIR trail, or we could extend the run into Tuesday. Honestly, if we push the meeting back to Sat afternoon I don't think we will loose that much. We can still run the trail to find a campsite for Sat eve. Then run to the river on Sun and take Mon as we feel. Depends on what people think about the two meeting options and what time works.

If people are already comitted to Sat morning (or Fri eve) for meeting, then we'll keep things as they are. Just want to find out what you all think.

cheers

[pskhaat]

Keep updating everyone. I will need to get back Monday morning at some point. But that's just me and my problems.

[durango_60]

I prefer Saturday Morning.

[Rubi-Khan]

If people are already comitted to Sat morning (or Fri eve) for meeting, then we'll keep things as they are. Just want to find out what you all think.

cheers

I'm okay either way.

[rgsiii]

In my definite maybe sort of way, I don't think it would matter. I have not firmed up my plans and will have to get my schedule organized.

[gjackson]

Well it sounds like we are all good for Sat morning, so let's keep it there. If people want to join Sat afternoon or eve, the'll just have to run in to our camp site on trail.

Thanks for the feedback everybody.

Now, what time on Sat deos everyone think the'll make it? We need some sort of a target departure time so we are not waiting for people who aren't showing up.

cheers

[Rubi-Khan]

Are we any closer to a meeting time?

Again, I'll be in UT already and since I'm a newb I'd rather plan around you guys instead of you planning around me.

[gjackson]

Seems no one is posting times. I know Scott is planning on camping Friday night as am I.

Anyone else got a planned arrival time sat morning?! :exclaim: I'll start PMing soom!

cheers

[gjackson]

Also, Rubi-Khan, do you want me to carry a jerry of gas for you?

cheers

[Rubi-Khan]

Seems no one is posting times. I know Scott is planning on camping Friday night as am I.

Anyone else got a planned arrival time sat morning?! :exclaim: I'll start PMing soom!

cheers

Are you guys planning to camp at the meeting coords? There's a high probability that I may do so too. Keep me in mind on your way through Moab. I'll try to give ya a shout by Thursday.

[Rubi-Khan]

Also, Rubi-Khan, do you want me to carry a jerry of gas for you?
cheers

Man, and I've got some good NATO cans I just haven't found a good place for a mount on my newer heap.

I guess it would be the smart thing to do in case we have trouble fueling at the marina or airstrip. I'm not used to someone having to take my slack. :(

Mighty nice of ya, stranger. Thanks!

[gjackson]

Are you guys planning to camp at the meeting coords? There's a high probability that I may do so too. Keep me in mind on your way through Moab.

Yes. Will be camping at the half track. I'll PM you my cell #.


I guess it would be the smart thing to do in case we have trouble fueling at the marina or airstrip.

No problem. Just one or more? I can carry 3 right now.


I'm not used to someone having to take my slack.

No worries. My truck is a hotel on wheels, so I can carry all kinds of junk! :jump:

cheers!

[Rubi-Khan]

I'm leaving for Moab in a few mins. See you guys next weekend!!

[gjackson]

SWEET :jump:

Drive safe, see you soon.

cheers

[rgsiii]

I am looking at being more definite than maybe. I leave for Colorado in the morning and with any luck will be there Sunday~22 hours driving. Barring problems, look to see you in a week.

I want to do Mosquito pass, redo some of the stuff aroung Ouray, go to Moab, do Hole in the Rock and see Monument Valley. It will be tight to do this in 2 weeks.

[durango_60]

Unfortunately I'm gonna have to bail.

[gjackson]

Rats!! :(

Maybe catch you some other time.

cheers

[jeff@work]

Sorry guys i have to back out of this trip. Came up with some unexpected problems that are going to keep me sidelined for a little bit. Hopefully i'll be back on the trails soon though! I hope you guys have fun on this trip.

[gjackson]

Sorry to hear that Jeff. Maybe next time.

cheers

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hello from Basecamp Flagstaff!

I'm out for this trip.

I've been gone about 20 days now......4 states and 2,000+++ miles!.......and 400 pictures!

I've seen more than I could have ever imagined in just 20 days!

Time to head for home.

Catch you guys on another trip.

Be Safe!

Have a Blast!!!!!!


~Mark

[pskhaat]

Ha!

I'm totally laughing at these responses in here. Why? Because I'm travelling and have no idea if I'll make it back in time for Saturday, much less Friday night! How many does this now leave?

durango_60, what happened man?

[gjackson]

Mark,

Sorry we missed you! Hope to catch you on another trail.

Scott,

That leaves 6 cars if you are still in. Only 3 confirmed, with two tentative including you and no word yet from Outback. May be a very small group!

Outback,

You still in?

cheers

[gjackson]

For anyone who might need it, I have converted the waypoints from the web site listed in the first post to a tab delimited text file. Works for importing into MacGPS Pro. Will take small mods to import into just about anything else. Was going to upload a pic of the topo with waypoint overlay, but get an error from the forum database.:smilies27

cheers!

[rgsiii]

I am currently in Silverton, CO and snow is expected with rain today and over the weekend. It will likely put a pinch on my efforts at 12,000 ft.:(

The forecast for Moab is isolated thunder storms Friday.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Hi Richard.........

Your window of opportunity for Engineer Pass, etc..... is after the morning thaw......and before 2pm or before the afternoon storms.

The trails are Very narrow with Long Drop slopes/cliffs! (1,000's of feet down!)

Be careful......go slow!

I won't be able to meet up with you......I have concluded my 2,000+++ mile adventure.

~Mark

[gjackson]

We are heading out in the morning. Will meet those still going at the trailhead either fri eve ot sat morning. Travel safe everyone.

cheers.

[BajaTaco]

Good luck and have a great time guys! We are rootin' for you :ylsmoke:

[gjackson]

Thanks Chris! Soon there will be :camping: and :beer: and of course :smiley_drive: :exclaim:

That is assuming that the tunnel is open. Big storm in the high country and Loveland Pass is now closed!


cheers

[BajaTaco]

Whoa! The tunnel! Well, good luck and be safe. Enjoy a :beer: for me when you get there.

[pskhaat]

Anyone have any contact information for anyone going? I've been trying my limited phone #s but obviously most are well out of cell range now.

[BajaTaco]

Scott, sorry I didn't see your post until today.

I am going to lock this up and a new post-trip thread can be started for trip report and pics.