Joint trail is great.I believe it is in Canyonlands National Park(needles district) looks just like your picture.It will be in any hiking pamplets.Stop by the info centerQuote:
Originally Posted by nfpgasmask
Printable View
Joint trail is great.I believe it is in Canyonlands National Park(needles district) looks just like your picture.It will be in any hiking pamplets.Stop by the info centerQuote:
Originally Posted by nfpgasmask
Biju,
I sent you a pm.
Peace.
Tom
Excerpt from my guide:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...EL_Hill_p1.jpg
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...EL_Hill_p2.jpg
Probably should have blacked out some text so as not to scare anyone.. ;) :p
Just pick the right line. :)
Ummm, yeah, like you should have blacked out the bit about "body damage", and the bit about "high ground clearance, skid plates, and rocker panel protection", all of which I do not have.... :eek:
I'm not saying I'm scared, but their ain't no way I am putting my VX into a hazardous position that it is not suited for...
So is this guide exagerating a tad or should I start getting worried? :)
The only non-stock mod I have that might help are my BFG A/Ts. No lift, no skid plates, nada.
:confused: Bart
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny
I would say most of those books OVERRATE the trails a bit. This trail has been done as the VX run before and had STOCK VX's with road tires do just fine. If you trust your spotter and pick the right line you'll have no problems. If you are unsure...I recomend you follow other vehicles set up like yours and watch the line they take. Elephant hill is rated a 3.5 which equates to intermediate. HERE is a great place for tril descriptions (including elephant hill) and ratings.
Keep in mind you can get damage on even the easiest of trails if you are not paying attention...but as long as you pay attention, pick the ears of those with experience, and have a little faith in your driving skills and your VX you will be just fine.
I got one word for ya buddy....
RELAX!
Chuck Wells errs on the WAY conservative side as to not get people in over their heads.
Most of these guys have done this trail before, and all you need to do is enjoy yourself, listen to the spotter and watch what the VX in front of you does and you will be fine.
Are there possibilities, YES absolutely, this is an assumed risk activity and things can and do happen. Does it happen frequently? No.
Ive been out there doing these runs for several years, this one makes seven. Often times twice a year in Moab (May/Novemeber). Through all that time, I dont recall more than a double handful of instances for damage through a standard trail run. Some of the more catastrophic failures are attributed to more hardcore trails, and taking more risk with some of the more nutty guys. I do not see that in this group.
Feel free to bounce questions off of me.
Cool, I am perfectly patient when it comes to negotiating tough spots, and I have no problem taking those spots slowly and carefully. I just don't want to hurt my baby (and my only means of transportation).
The trail sounds awesome and I cannot wait to take in some of the scenery. I need to get my spare and roof rack asap.
Other than that, I pretty much have all the gear I need!
Bart
Quote:
Originally Posted by Triathlete
It's probably a bit exagerated, but also is refering to other stock trucks with 20" wheels and low ground clearance. I don't really consider the stock VX in the same category as other stock trucks like Jeeps and Toyotas.Quote:
Originally Posted by nfpgasmask
Last year I was same as you, no armour - no lift, scared to death of body damage, and came out clean.
You'll be fine, the common advice is; listen to the trail lead, accept advice, follow another VX that is similarly equiped to you, and don't rush.
Last year's VX run included Gold Bar Rim, it has a similar diffuculty rating.
Take a scan through this post to see other trails from 2006...
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=8822
Thanks again fellas....im excited.
Bart :p
Kenny, kenny, kenny... don't scare folks! geesh. :p
Elephant hill is cake. bust out the wine and cheese, and put in a DVD of your choosing and let the VX do its thing!
-biju.
Elephant Hill is great! Many of us did that trail with stock tires and no lift. No problem!!
Now these are the kind of replies I was looking for!!!
;) Bart
I guess you can call me a realist of sorts.. would rather give you both sides of the coin to consider and let you make your choice and be relieved when you come through unscathed rather than sugar coating everything and giving a false sense of security and have you be upset should something minor happen. Either way, I don't expect that you will suffer catastrophic failure. Maybe some UT pin striping, scratched cladding, or a flat, but thats about it.
So, what time are you guys planning to hit the trailhead on Tue?
I had planned to run this trail on our way into Moab this year as well, and right now we are up in the air for either Mon or Tue. A lot depends upon whether we spend two or three days on Hole in The Rock.
We are leaving Friday and hitting Capital Reef (including the cathedral area loop), along with the northern section of Hole in the Rock to Lake Powell. Also want to hit Natural Bridges, that may be Mon evening after running the difficult southern portion of Hole in the Rock. If so, I wil loop around and probably intercept you guys at some point on Tue.
Reality has a place here. If you dont want to get a scratch, ding, bang on your VX, dont do it. But chances are that you will get through it all unscathed and have a blast. The reality is anything is possible.. scratched/gauged cladding from rough brush or rocks, a nip at your rims, etc, etc.... or NOTHING. I've gone twice to Moab and my VX suffered no permanent injuries. ;) ;)
I'll be in Moab Monday and Tuesday but I have to make the journey back west on Wednesday :(
Bart
I'm currently working with Tom (tomdietrying) to figure out meeting time/place.
stay tuned.
-biju.
Even with some of the trails I've been on in my 2 trips to ZuZoo I have come away with only a little cosmetic damage...a front parking light the first year (when an unseen rock jumped out from nowhere on an easy obstacle on Poison Spider) and a few scrapes on the cladding last year (see Hells Gate photos). Other than that everything else just buffed out!
Locomigo,
If you are going to be at Natural Bridges on Monday, you might want to 4x4 Hotel Rock Indian Ruins with a couple of us and drive to Canyonlands N.P. the next day (Tuesday) for Elephant Hill. Let me know if you might be interested.
Peace.
Tom
The 3 times I took my truck to Moab, no damage!
Tom, thanks for the offer.Quote:
Originally Posted by tomdietrying
Unfortunately, I think that I will not be able to meet up with you that day. Here is why: a group of us are meeting up Sunday morning to run Hole in the Rock, we will get to the end of the trail @ Gray Mesa overlooking Lake Powell that evening to set up camp and return out the next day (Monday).
It is my hope that I will have enough time on Monday afternoon/evening to explore Natural Bridges and set up camp. Those trails/areas seem really cool and I would love to meet up with that, but I just dont see that I wil have enough time.
Where are you departing from Tuesday morning and what time?
Ive got a couple buddies that will be in Moab during the weekend and are coming down to meet up with us on Tuesday to run the trail, so we could have a decent turn out there. At this time, I have potential of 7 rigs (2 from Moab, and 5 of us running Hole in the Rock).
Thanks for the info though, it is appreciated. If we can make it work out, I will let you know.
Slightly off topic, but does anyone have the vehicle inspection checklist for moab? I've been looking for it everywhere, it was sent to me in a packet for moab V... I'm probably not going this year, can't sign up anymore anyway, but please post it here if anyone can for info...
Last time I went, some of the things were
WATER
CB
Orange flag
full size spare...
etc...
Thanks!
Good idea.
Do we need to bring some sort of flag for Moab? I have a bunch of supplies I am bringing, but a good collective checklist would be helpful.
Bart
Quote:
Originally Posted by driver3
I didn't notice any offroad flags last year.
We had to have them for moab V... We also did a rallycross by some sand dunes south of moab that year, they may have been for that. When I did Moab V, we were sent packets after registration that had all the checklists...
It's official-NO OFFICIAL ZUZOO-We can still have fun anyway!!
No Official ZuZu is no big deal. We have plenty of capable people who can lead a trail.
With that said, I'll lead the VX Run on Tuesday (Elephant Hill @ Canyonlands N.P.). Biju will be helping with getting everyone from Moab to Canyonlands N.P. He's in charge of setting up the time and place for everyone to leave from in Moab. He will put up a post soon.
A few things to bring.
1) Tools
2) Jumper Cables
3) CB
4) Air Pump (plugs into lighter)
5) Tow Rope
6) Water
7) Lunch (We will stop and relax for lunch)
8) Remember to tie down your spare.
9) Extra quart of oil
10) Binoculars
11) Hat
12) Sun glasses
13) Sun screen
14) A camera
Peace.
Tom
p.s.
Locomigo where are you camping on Monday?
No flags are needed for trails in Moab. The past two years only the trail leader, shotgunner, and tailgunners ran flags on the trail but only to identify them as such (dunes are another story). If you do a search on here you will find many check lists of items to carry. ZuZoo is just like any other trip on the trail, carry the basic nessesities. And its a good idea to tie down EVERYTHINGthat can fly and hit you in the head or get lodged under a gas or break pedal! I tie everything down that moves including occupents (buckle up).
I havent determined that yet.
One option is around Natural Bridges...
Another is near the National Park (Canyonlands). There is a back road way to EH that intersects on the SW tail that comes off the loop.
And then there is another yet another to be determined option...
What time are you guys planning to start the trail on Tue? 9A, 10A?
lets plan to meet at the McDonalds at 8am. (For new folks, there's only one McDonalds in moab - hard to miss!
please indicate in the poll if you are attending the VX Run so we know who to wait for at the McD's.
Thanks Anita for adding the poll at the top!
We'll take off shortly after all arrive and meet tom and others at newspaper rock:
http://www.bijulab.com/images/VX_INFO/newspaper.jpg
http://www.bijulab.com/images/VX_INFO/elephant01.jpg
then, possibly head out to air down/bathroom break, etc at the visitor's center???
http://www.bijulab.com/images/VX_INFO/elephant02.jpg
if all goes well, we should be on the trail at 930am. tom, does this work??
-biju.
p.s. - don't forget there's a fee to enter the park. bring your pesos!!!
-biju.
don't have the inspection list, but here are some things i brought last couple meets in moab:Quote:
Originally Posted by driver3
- Garmin Rino GPS (& xtra batteries)
- CB Handheld (w/ car plug & batteries)
- Wrench Set
- Screw Driver
- Pliers
- Water Canteens
- Camelback
- Flashlight (& batteries)
- Blanket
- Cooler
- 1qt Royal Purple 10w30
- Digital Cam & Charger
- Blank CD’s
- Powerbook
- Visine
- Sunglasses
- Bungee Cords
- Rain Jacket
- Cell Phone (& charger)
- Camp Medical Kit
- Camp Knife
- Extra Rags
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Extra audio/blade Fuses
- Spare Tire
- Mallet
- Tire Gauge
- Tire Deflators
- Spare Skid Plate Bolts
- Nylon Tow Strap
...adjust accordingly to your situation.
-biju.
Here is a good link of stuff to bring.
VX Run poll added to the top of thread
Thanks Anita!
Attending the run? Please indicate so up top so we have a head count. Thanks all...
-beej.
Hi guys...apologies if this has been brought up before, but one important thing to remember about Elephant Hill is NO PETS in the backcountry. Not even in the vehicle, once you leave the pavement.
Having said that, it is definitely worth the trip! :_steering
Might even see you there, some of us MWIOR guys are planning an EH trip as well...
Yeah, I'm gonna have to leave poor CeCe in the hotel :(
http://www.nofuture.com/dailys/fisheye/cecefe1.jpg
:( :( :( Bart
Quote:
Originally Posted by BigSwede
Yep, I'll be leaving Cinder in the cabin, too... :sadg:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40...1-13-05006.jpg
We were going to bring Bandit this year, but with 5 extra days of exploring, some of those in areas where pets arent allowed, made it rough. Maybe Ill bring him out in November. He will see trails in CO throughout the summer though...
http://trailseeker.com/gallery/galle...serialNumber=1
*bump diddly bump*
Please indicate at the poll up top ^ if you're attending the VX Run on Tuesday.
Thanks.
-biju.
VX Run is almost here. I can't wait!
Here is an article about Elephant Hill written by Todd Addams. I thought I would share it with you. Enjoy.
http://www.4x4wire.com/trail/report/ut/elephanthill/
I promise if you do this run you will have so much fun. I hope to see you there.
Peace.
Tom