Easter Jeep Safari 2015?

Comanche Scott

Expedition Leader
Hey guys,

I'm heading to Easter Jeep Safari this year. Just got approved for a week's plus vacation over Easter! :wings:
Having never been there, I would sure appreciate input from those who have, on what to do, see... not miss. :beer:
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I've never been to Moab, and am not a huge fan of crowds, so figured on going Saturday-Tuesday. Then bailing out Wednesday morning, and hitting the Shelby Museum in L.V. before heading over to the AVI Casino, as the start of the trip across the Mojave Rd Thursday - Saturday.
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Also am much more interested in enjoying the scenery, than having the seat cushion sucked up my rump trying to negotiate big obstacles. I figured to do some of the easier trails. Fins & Things, 3D, Chicken Corners, Copper Ridge.
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Thanks for your experienced input! Greatly appreciated. :victory:

Scott
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Moderators,
If this is the wrong place for this thread, please feel free to move it, with my apologies. :coffee:
 

njjeepthing

Explorer
Subscribed! I'm heading out too this year. In the same boat as you for trail choices, I have to drive the Jeep back to NJ!
 

cruiseroutfit

Supporting Sponsor: Cruiser Outfitters
Are you signing up to actually participate in EJS i.e. participating in Easter Jeep Safari which is a paid event for attendees or just bootlegging and going to Moab that week i.e. attending Easter Jeep week which is the unofficial name? Totally different answer if depending...
 

moabian

Active member
If you are not a fan of crowds, then EJS might not the best time to be in Moab...though the first few days of the Safari aren't that bad. Since I've done most of the trails and hate going in huge groups, my favorite part of EJS is checking out all the displays in town and the massive vendor display on Thursday and Friday at the arena. It makes no difference whether or not you are an actual paying participant in the safari. Trail recommendations would be the same.

Since you've never been to Moab, I'd pick trails that give you varied perspectives on the landscape. Chicken Corners has always been one of my favorites. You get mid-elevation and canyon-bottom perspectives...and the west side of Hurrah Pass is beyond stunning. Fins n Things will expose you to slickrocking...but since it is close to Moab and outrageously popular, it might be a busy place any day that week. I would also recommend the Shafer Trail from Island in the Sky to Moab, west to east. That will give you a perspective from atop the mesas. When friends and relatives come to visit, that trail is one of the first places I take them. Before beginning the descent, I'd highly recommend a quick run out to Green River Overlook in the park. It only adds an hour or so to the trip. Perhaps I've lived in Moab too long (over 40 years), but Copper Ridge just doesn't do it for me. Maybe I just expect more spectacularity. You might also check out either Spring Canyon Bottom, Spring Canyon Point (also a fav), or Deadman Point. They are all in the same area northwest of Moab. If I had just 3 days in Moab, I'd do Shafer Trail, Chicken Corners, and Fins n Things...and take a drive into Arches. Chicken Corners and Shafer Trail will each take most of a day at a relaxed pace with numerous photo stops. You could easily do Fins n Things and Arches in a single day.
 
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Comanche Scott

Expedition Leader
Awesome info! Thanks guys.

Subscribed! I'm heading out too this year. In the same boat as you for trail choices, I have to drive the Jeep back to NJ!

Hey that's awesome! Pictures of my Jeep are in the build (in signature below), with the exception the spare tire cover will be off. If you see me, and have time, it would be good to meet you in person.
That goes for anyone else, who recognizes me (i.e. the Jeep). Would be great to put some faces and names together.

Are you signing up to actually participate in EJS i.e. participating in Easter Jeep Safari which is a paid event for attendees or just bootlegging and going to Moab that week i.e. attending Easter Jeep week which is the unofficial name? Totally different answer if depending...

Definitely registering to participate, and signing up for trail runs. Which is why I'm looking for input now. Registration opens this month, and I'd like to get that done as quick as possible.
On the first Saturday the only trail I see "running" is The Pickle, But most trails are reserved through BLM for EJS usage. Figured since it's a long drive from California, I'd sleep in a bit, grab a good breakfast, and then go on one of the open trails for the day. Take some pictures and explore. But Sunday through Tuesday, I definitely want the fun of traveling as part of a group.

If you are not a fan of crowds, then EJS might not the best time to be in Moab...though the first few days of the Safari aren't that bad. Since I've done most of the trails and hate going in huge groups, my favorite part of EJS is checking out all the displays in town and the massive vendor display on Thursday and Friday at the arena. It makes no difference whether or not you are an actual paying participant in the safari. Trail recommendations would be the same.

Since you've never been to Moab, I'd pick trails that give you varied perspectives on the landscape. Chicken Corners has always been one of my favorites. You get mid-elevation and canyon-bottom perspectives...and the west side of Hurrah Pass is beyond stunning. Fins n Things will expose you to slickrocking...but since it is close to Moab and outrageously popular, it might be a busy place any day that week. I would also recommend the Shafer Trail from Island in the Sky to Moab, west to east. That will give you a perspective from atop the mesas. When friends and relatives come to visit, that trail is one of the first places I take them. Before beginning the descent, I'd highly recommend a quick run out to Green River Overlook in the park. It only adds an hour or so to the trip. Perhaps I've lived in Moab too long (over 40 years), but Copper Ridge just doesn't do it for me. Maybe I just expect more spectacularity. You might also check out either Spring Canyon Bottom, Spring Canyon Point (also a fav), or Deadman Point. They are all in the same area northwest of Moab. If I had just 3 days in Moab, I'd do Shafer Trail, Chicken Corners, and Fins n Things...and take a drive into Arches. Chicken Corners and Shafer Trail will each take most of a day at a relaxed pace with numerous photo stops. You could easily do Fins n Things and Arches in a single day.

That is awesome information! Will revise my list of trails. Thank you very much for sharing. :beer:
Really looking forward to this.
 

cruiseroutfit

Supporting Sponsor: Cruiser Outfitters
...It makes no difference whether or not you are an actual paying participant in the safari. Trail recommendations would be the same.

I disagree. Not only is it wise to avoid some trails being run by RR4W, it is also mandatory on others where they have been granted exclusive trail access during their use by the BLM i.e. you're simply not allowed to drive them and they have monitors posted at the trail head. It's my opinion that anyone not participating in the actual EJS event should avoid any trails they are using on the days they are using them, avoid trail congestion, improve the user experience for both parties and respect the overall impact of EJS.
 

unkamonkey

Explorer
I'm sort of on the fence about EJS. While I would like to see some of the vehicles that show up I wouldn't want to be in a line of Jeeps on a trail. I can handle about 3 other Jeeps on a trail ride. I can't deal with a pack of motorcycle riders either. I am always in a better mood if I ride by myself.
If I were to go to Moab, I would go the week before Easter. The organizers have checked the trails and they are in reasonable condition.
We usually get out there in late May or early June. (For about 40 years). It's sort of amazing how much some of the roads get chewed up from EJS.
Favorite camp sites are East of Dewey Bridge on 128. Or in the Indian Creek area just outside on the Needles. Some good trails near to both sites.
 
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Comanche Scott

Expedition Leader
I found the list of trails table, and I had one thing backwards. Fins and Things is not open to the public on Saturday. Based on Mobian's input, I'll look for something else.
Here is a link to the list of trails, and dates they are being run.
http://www.rr4w.com/trail-grid-example.cfm
There is a link to save as a pdf, which I did, being a map and compass kind of guy... ;)

I disagree. Not only is it wise to avoid some trails being run by RR4W, it is also mandatory on others where they have been granted exclusive trail access during their use by the BLM i.e. you're simply not allowed to drive them and they have monitors posted at the trail head. It's my opinion that anyone not participating in the actual EJS event should avoid any trails they are using on the days they are using them, avoid trail congestion, improve the user experience for both parties and respect the overall impact of EJS.

It read to me like Mobian was stating his favorite trails, especially for someone new to the area. That kind of information is greatly appreciated, and has helped me look at things differently then I was.
I definitely agree that registered participation at an event like this, is best for the club, and community.
Since I've stated that I'm going to be a registered participant, if you've been to EJS before and have some good information, I'd definitely appreciate any recommendations/suggestions you'd be willing to share.

I'm sort of on the fence about EJS. While I would like to see some of the vehicles that show up I wouldn't want to be in a line of Jeeps on a trail. I can handle about 3 other Jeeps on a trail ride. I can't deal with a pack of motorcycle riders either. I am always in a better mood if I ride by myself.
If I were to go to Moab, I would go the week before Easter. The organizers have checked the trails and they are in reasonable condition.
We usually get out there in late May or early June. (For about 40 years). It's sort of amazing how much some of the roads get chewed up from EJS.
Favorite camp sites are East of Dewey Bridge on 128. Or in the Indian Creek area just outside on the Needles. Some good trails near to both sites.

Thanks for the input on the camp sites. Yeah, big crowds are hard to deal with. I've thought the same thing about the Jeeper's Jamboree Rubicon, since it is local to me. But would do the Jeeper's Jamboree in Colorado.
I learned years ago when I was overseas, that jumping on a "tour" is a quick way to get some great info on the area, meet some awesome people and get a feel for future trip planning. So putting up with crowds, to me is worth it for the wealth of information, and new friendships made.
 

tweenerlj

Adventurer
Last EJS I went to was 25 years ago when I thought the crowds were too large then. It would be neat to see the vendor displays and all, but since I know my way around pretty good, I prefer to go out with a small group rather than as part of the event.
 

cruiseroutfit

Supporting Sponsor: Cruiser Outfitters
Fins & Things or better yet Hell's Revenge if you have the vehicle specs for it. On the west side of town I really enjoy Poison Spider Mesa and Chicken Corners is worth the view albeit a very tame route. Elephant Hill to the south is a fantastic route and I think Beef Basin is worth making the overnight journey out of Moab proper. Consider Gemini Bridges as well.
 

Comanche Scott

Expedition Leader
Last EJS I went to was 25 years ago when I thought the crowds were too large then. It would be neat to see the vendor displays and all, but since I know my way around pretty good, I prefer to go out with a small group rather than as part of the event.

If you were to take family or friends to view the area, what trails would you do?

Fins & Things or better yet Hell's Revenge if you have the vehicle specs for it. On the west side of town I really enjoy Poison Spider Mesa and Chicken Corners is worth the view albeit a very tame route. Elephant Hill to the south is a fantastic route and I think Beef Basin is worth making the overnight journey out of Moab proper. Consider Gemini Bridges as well.

Great info, Thank you Sir! :beer:
I'll check them out.
Is there anything in town (after the trail rides), I should see or do? Since I'm leaving Wednesday morning, I'll miss the vendor stuff.
But more interested in the area, and history.
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Really appreciate the input everyone! Many thanks.
_
Scott
 

Metcalf

Expedition Leader
I found the list of trails table, and I had one thing backwards. Fins and Things is not open to the public on Saturday. Based on Mobian's input, I'll look for something else.
Here is a link to the list of trails, and dates they are being run.
http://www.rr4w.com/trail-grid-example.cfm
There is a link to save as a pdf, which I did, being a map and compass kind of guy... ;)

There are only a few trails that the EJS event has exclusive use permits for....

They are marked with blue boxes on that chart. These are Behind the Rocks, Gold Bar Rim, Golden Spike, Moab Rim, Poison Spider Mesa, and Pritchett Canyon.
These trails are only closed to non-event use on the days marked.

That said. I go every year for at least a few days. I try and respect what trails are being used by the event. Generally if you can get on the trail before them in the mornings things will be ok. A small group can go about ten times faster than the big EJS group. They move SLOW! If you get trapped behind them on a trail be prepared for a LONG day watching the trail guides try and get everyone through every little thing. Personally, I have a really hard time running with the big groups like that. On the other hand, if you can get in ahead of the group and find some shade, the jeep watching can be pretty good.
 

moabian

Active member
I disagree. Not only is it wise to avoid some trails being run by RR4W, it is also mandatory on others where they have been granted exclusive trail access during their use by the BLM i.e. you're simply not allowed to drive them and they have monitors posted at the trail head. It's my opinion that anyone not participating in the actual EJS event should avoid any trails they are using on the days they are using them, avoid trail congestion, improve the user experience for both parties and respect the overall impact of EJS.

The EJS is granted exclusive use to only a few of the higher-rated, gonzo trails on certain days. The majority of those are rated 7-8. The OP is not interested in those trails. Early in the week, groups on the easier trails are usually not that huge...except for perhaps Fins n Things. Personally, I avoid all trails during the safari, unless we are on a rescue. Thankfully, we have multiple helicopters available to us during the latter part of that week for faster access on the more crowded trails.

Comanche Scott...Fins n Things is NOT a trail on which RR4W have exclusive use on ANY day. They are scheduled to do the trail once on Saturday, 3/28, and twice on the following Monday. But it is also open. However, due to the nature of that trail, I would expect it to be fairly crowded on every day of the safari.

And Metcalf is spot on. If you can get out ahead of the Safari group, it makes for a more enjoyable day...until you run into them on the return trip if it is not a loop trail. But since they have a few of the trails you are interested in scheduled for the days you will be here, you might opt for going with the group. If you go with the group, be prepared to inhale dust...unless we get one of our spring snowstorms during the safari. I can remember several Safaris during which Moab got significant snowfall. Be prepared for anything from the 30's to the 80's.

And I stand by my recommendation on the Shafer Trail. It's perhaps the only trail I would personally consider doing during the Safari. It will not be crowded...and the views are unsurpassed. In my opinion, it's a must-see in the Moab area...unless you are here mainly for the pucker factor or to test the capabilities of your rig.
 
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moabian

Active member
Fins & Things or better yet Hell's Revenge if you have the vehicle specs for it. On the west side of town I really enjoy Poison Spider Mesa and Chicken Corners is worth the view albeit a very tame route. Elephant Hill to the south is a fantastic route and I think Beef Basin is worth making the overnight journey out of Moab proper. Consider Gemini Bridges as well.

Elephant Hill and or Beef Basin are great trails, but quite a ways outside of Moab requiring an hour or two of highway driving each way. The ruins in Beef Basin are amazing, but it is a multi-day trip. Elephant Hill used to be a lot more fun. Somewhere around 30 years ago, the NPS filled in some of the rougher spots with pavement. I guess they got tired of so many vehicles breaking on the hill and completely blocking the trail for a hours at a time. On the other hand, Poison Spider has gotten significantly more difficult through the years. It used to be possible to make it all the way to The Waterfall in 2WD. Inexperienced drivers have chewed up the first part of the road so much that 4WD is now required not far above the parking lot. It is definitely a fun trail...but it's also a trail that we get called to quite a few times throughout the year to rescue people who get lost or who are just too scared to attempt the descent after reaching the top of the Mesa...usually people with rental jeeps.
 

Comanche Scott

Expedition Leader
There are only a few trails that the EJS event has exclusive use permits for....

They are marked with blue boxes on that chart. These are Behind the Rocks, Gold Bar Rim, Golden Spike, Moab Rim, Poison Spider Mesa, and Pritchett Canyon.
These trails are only closed to non-event use on the days marked.

That said. I go every year for at least a few days. I try and respect what trails are being used by the event. Generally if you can get on the trail before them in the mornings things will be ok. A small group can go about ten times faster than the big EJS group. They move SLOW! If you get trapped behind them on a trail be prepared for a LONG day watching the trail guides try and get everyone through every little thing. Personally, I have a really hard time running with the big groups like that. On the other hand, if you can get in ahead of the group and find some shade, the jeep watching can be pretty good.

Jeep watching sounds fun... lol


The EJS is granted exclusive use to only a few of the higher-rated, gonzo trails on certain days. The majority of those are rated 7-8. The OP is not interested in those trails. Early in the week, groups on the easier trails are usually not that huge...except for perhaps Fins n Things. Personally, I avoid all trails during the safari, unless we are on a rescue. Thankfully, we have multiple helicopters available to us during the latter part of that week for faster access on the more crowded trails.

Comanche Scott...Fins n Things is NOT a trail on which RR4W have exclusive use on ANY day. They are scheduled to do the trail once on Saturday, 3/28, and twice on the following Monday. But it is also open. However, due to the nature of that trail, I would expect it to be fairly crowded on every day of the safari.

I am leaning towards running Fins & Things with the group Monday (early run). Figuring they would push that run through, as they have another run 2 hours behind. Hoping to take your advice and after the run, go to Arches National Monument. Best photography opportunities are usually early morning, and late afternoon-evening, so if I can get there late afternoon, that would work out great.

I also noticed Schaefer Trail is not on the list of trails for EJS, so thinking I will run that trail Saturday, where I can take my time and enjoy the trail, and maybe even luck into a couple of nice pictures (I love photography, but am terrible at it).

Thanks again guys. Really appreciate you taking the time to post the excellent info on this. :beer:
 

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