Utah Trip in August

[GTXC4]

So, turns out I’m heading to Utah in August (so is the plan) to drive a family member out to visit with extended family in Brigham City. I have 5 days and so far planned an itinerary from Brigham City to Virgin, then to Zion, and Finally Moab. I have a I’m pretty stoked already and can’t wait. Just seeing if there are any locals in these areas to give suggestions and or come along if they wish. I’ll be on leave, which means I have all day, every day (in those 5 days).

I was thinking of tent camping and I have an off-road truck, so I can make it out to the remote areas fine from what I’ve researched so far. I’m Lonewolf type (usually due to schedule) but never mind the company.

Please feel free to drop your experience and or 2 cents. Thanks and take care!

[UtPreacher]

Depending on work schedule I could probably swing it to show you around Moab a little or if you get tired of the crowd I could show you some stuff up in the San Rafael swell that is a blast to ride. I travel from Price through Moab, Cortez Colorado, and Farmington New Mexico for work every other week and have ridden quite a bit along in those areas too.

[GTXC4]

"UtPreacher" wrote

Depending on work schedule I could probably swing it to show you around Moab a little or if you get tired of the crowd I could show you some stuff up in the San Rafael swell that is a blast to ride. I travel from Price through Moab, Cortez Colorado, and Farmington New Mexico for work every other week and have ridden quite a bit along in those areas too.

Absolutely and I appreciate the offer. We were discussing this last night matter of fact. My wife told me, that I should go even if her grandmother decides not to visit family. My wife is so awesome! 😆

[UtPreacher]

Well sounds like you ought to be planning a trip! If you make it you are sure to have a blast along the route you are thinking about taking. Keep us up to date on the plan.

[GTXC4]

Sure will, thanks so much. Going to check the schedule today to see when I can be away. Take care.

[GTXC4]

So, my dates are 21 Aug thru 31 Aug (this year). That is what I have to work with. As of now, I’m waiting on a possible assignment to drop, which I’m not sure how that will play into this. Depends on dates. Unfortunately, this is a "as it gets closer" type plan, as such is my life at this point. (frustrating at times) So, given this works, I’m still open to company if anyone cares. I’m usually Lonewolf, so I don’t mind. It would be cool to have someone who knows the way. I’ll keep the updates coming. Take care guys and thanks UtPreacher!
-GT

[abegold]

If a hot spell I’d suggest the Uintas, Park City and Cedar City. Perhaps Skyline Drive (to 10,900′) on the Wasatch Plateau if you love views. Moab and Virgin should be toasty then, but Zion NP is incredible. Bryce is around 8000′ and nearby Thunder Mountain has MTB in the hoodoos.

[GTXC4]

"abegold" wrote

If a hot spell I’d suggest the Uintas, Park City and Cedar City. Perhaps Skyline Drive (to 10,900′) on the Wasatch Plateau if you love views. Moab and Virgin should be toasty then, but Zion NP is incredible. Bryce is around 8000′ and nearby Thunder Mountain has MTB in the hoodoos.

Hey thanks! I’m always blessed with 100+ or 20 and less on my best trips it seems, but hey at the end of the day it’s worth it. Besides, this is on my time which makes it all the more worth it. I’ll look into those. Take care!
-GT

[GTXC4]

So, just an update. I’m still on for later this month. The only thing is if I’m doing Virgin or not. Definitely Moab though. My dates are Aug 21-31 and depending if one of my guys decides to come or not (he probably won’t), depends on those dates. Other than that, have some pads, rotors, another tire, etc parts coming in mail.

Moab desires are The Whole Enchilada, Slickrock (just checking the box, I know people say it’s boring) and Portal. I may want to do The Whole Enchilada again, the pics and videos seem worth it. I may end up messing around on other trails as well. Going to take the truck on Hell’s Revenge too. I plan on stopping in Fruita either on the way or after. I already have a place that I am stopping in to check out on the way back in Nebraska. I have 10 days slotted, so why not?

Guy at the bike store here is trying to convince me to just go to Colorado and hit up the Keystone and such. Is he on drugs? 😆 He’s a cool nice guy, but why pass up Moab?!?! Anyway, just an update. UTPreacher, if you’ll be available, just let me know.

Take care,
-GT

[GTXC4]

So because of some things that came up . Firm dates are Aug 24th – Sept 1st. Stopping in Denver to see family the 24th, then the 25th I’ll be in Moab. On my way back out, hitting Fruita and Grand Junction the last 2 or 3 days. So anyone up for a ride or tips and such, please let me know. Thanks so much for the feedback earlier. Take care,

-GT

[John Fisch]

Keystone is worth a stop if you’re into the whole armor clad/lift served thing. If that’s not your first love, then theres no real reason to stop there. There are other great rides very close to I-70 in Summit County which are at high altitude, so they’re worth a stop if you want some great scenery and a ride out of the summer heat. I wouldn’t drop a Moab destination in favor of Keystone, especially if you are heat tolerant.

As for Fruita/Grand Junction, that’s a must do if you’re passing by. Here’s the quick rundown on the major areas:
18 Road — fun and flowy for the most part, but IMO the least interesting in and least varied of the major destinations in the area–my last choice there.
Kokopelli — The other quintessential Fruita ride and loaded with variety and views. This is definitely a must do. If you like lots of gnarly, rocky tech, be sure to hit Moore Fun (east to west rides best). Horsethief Bench is the absolute must in that system and makes a nice add on with Mary’s Loop. Steves/Handcuffs has some great singletrack and the best scenery in the complex. Mack Ridge is also a lot of fun.
Lunch Loops — My personal favorite. Not so much scenery but the best singletrack, especially if you like trails that do a great job of including tech by incorporating natural features. The Ribbon is the most unique but requires a shuttle or 12 miles of continuous pavement climbing–doable but very tough in the summer heat. Holy Cross is an absolute must and Eagles Wing is way cool, unique, challenging, and has killer views of the Colorado National Monument. Free Lunch has legit downhill/freeride stuff if you really want to test your mettle (although each stunt can be walked if necessary. (multiple laps are good as each of the above should be ridden downhill. Pet-e-kes makes a great uphill leg to connect to any of the above).

If you want to hit the trail less traveled and still get killer scenery and great, techy singletrack, hit up the Palisade Rim just east of Grand Junction.

Here’s a thread from a couple years ago covering some of what you’ll have available along the way:
viewtopic.php?f=86&t=8901

This one specifically covers the Palisade Rim:
viewtopic.php?f=86&t=10512

And an actual article that will add some insight as to what’s along the way:
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-tr … p-edition/

Enjoy!!!

[GTXC4]

"John Fisch" wrote

Keystone is worth a stop if you’re into the whole armor clad/lift served thing. If that’s not your first love, then theres no real reason to stop there. There are other great rides very close to I-70 in Summit County which are at high altitude, so they’re worth a stop if you want some great scenery and a ride out of the summer heat. I wouldn’t drop a Moab destination in favor of Keystone, especially if you are heat tolerant.

As for Fruita/Grand Junction, that’s a must do if you’re passing by. Here’s the quick rundown on the major areas:
18 Road — fun and flowy for the most part, but IMO the least interesting in and least varied of the major destinations in the area–my last choice there.
Kokopelli — The other quintessential Fruita ride and loaded with variety and views. This is definitely a must do. If you like lots of gnarly, rocky tech, be sure to hit Moore Fun (east to west rides best). Horsethief Bench is the absolute must in that system and makes a nice add on with Mary’s Loop. Steves/Handcuffs has some great singletrack and the best scenery in the complex. Mack Ridge is also a lot of fun.
Lunch Loops — My personal favorite. Not so much scenery but the best singletrack, especially if you like trails that do a great job of including tech by incorporating natural features. The Ribbon is the most unique but requires a shuttle or 12 miles of continuous pavement climbing–doable but very tough in the summer heat. Holy Cross is an absolute must and Eagles Wing is way cool, unique, challenging, and has killer views of the Colorado National Monument. Free Lunch has legit downhill/freeride stuff if you really want to test your mettle (although each stunt can be walked if necessary. (multiple laps are good as each of the above should be ridden downhill. Pet-e-kes makes a great uphill leg to connect to any of the above).

If you want to hit the trail less traveled and still get killer scenery and great, techy singletrack, hit up the Palisade Rim just east of Grand Junction.

Here’s a thread from a couple years ago covering some of what you’ll have available along the way:
viewtopic.php?f=86&t=8901

This one specifically covers the Palisade Rim:
viewtopic.php?f=86&t=10512

And an actual article that will add some insight as to what’s along the way:
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-tr … p-edition/

Enjoy!!!

You rock man, thanks! to quote…" you like lots of gnarly, rocky tech, be sure to hit Moore Fun (east to west rides best). Horsethief Bench is the absolute must in that system and makes a nice add on with Mary’s Loop. " …I have recently read a blog that has attracted me to these. And Yes, I’m very heat tolerant. Also, Skibum’s recent post has my heart set out on Green River too. I might not have enough days lol. Is 7 enough? 😆 Just need to retire like Skibum and voila!! (Envious over here lol) Anyway, thanks so much for the help. Take care man.

-GT

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