Driving to Moab

[bizzle2005]

I drove out to moab from atlanta with my brother a few weeks ago. We only got to spend a day doing fins and things in moab. We wanted to see colorado springs and denver. Left on a tuesday and was back home the following monday at 6am. I cant wait to go back. I also have to mention that colorado is amazing. Been there a few times, and everytime I go, I fall more in love with that state.

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[bfoster]

I'm in the beginning phase of planning a trip out there next year, probably in May. We're in N. Florida as well and it's going to be a haul but that's just part of the adventure. We are taking two weeks and planning to do as much sight seeing along the way as possible too. Some wheeling obviously but nothing crazy, I'm not that experienced yet.

Will be driving the Southern route out and then returning via Colorado.

 

[LincolnSixAlpha]

I'd much rather drive my vehicle vs a rented one. Anyhow, I'm rolling with 35's and a bit more weight these days. The wind seems to be the biggest killer of MPG in this sail. However, I'm finding I'm driving slower these days around 65 mostly, maybe 70 when I'm on a highway that's listed as 75. Short of that, the poor MPG is part of the package, so I just deal with it.

I have a 2-week trip planned to the Canadian Rockies here in a few weeks, looking forward to it and simply just taking my time up.

 

[mgroeger]

Hey, I’d like to know how many of you drove your rig to Moab this year wheeled it and drove home. How’d it do, gas mileage, how far of trip was it for you, and whatever else I’m forgetting ?
Would you do it the same way next time you go or trailer it?
Where did you stay, hotel, tent, rv, etc...
I’d love to go next year , but it’s a haul from Florida. So I’d like to hear how you did it.
My apologies if there’s already a thread on this.
Thanks!

6/28 we head out from NC and will return to NC on 7/20. AirBnBs on the way there and back. Combination of AirBnBs and camping while in AZ then Moab then CO.
Driving the Jeep with a roof rack for camping gear. Designed a shelf for the rear to get the most storage out of it.
Gas mileage? ROTFLMAO... it's a Jeep loaded down with even more wind drag than stock... gas mileage will suck.

 

[Sorbs]

Hey, I’d like to know how many of you drove your rig to Moab this year wheeled it and drove home. How’d it do, gas mileage, how far of trip was it for you, and whatever else I’m forgetting ?
Would you do it the same way next time you go or trailer it?
Where did you stay, hotel, tent, rv, etc...
I’d love to go next year , but it’s a haul from Florida. So I’d like to hear how you did it.
My apologies if there’s already a thread on this.
Thanks!

Colorado Springs to Moab and back avg. 17MPG. No issues conquering Hell's Revenge. Didn't even air down. Did great in the snow on the way back. Very comfortable and looking forward to our next trip.

 

[Jeepgirl78]

I went to Moab in my stock JL about two weeks ago from Denver. From here it's an easy 6 hour trip and it was incredible. We rented a super nice VRBO that I would totally stay at again. We ran two easy trails and one moderate while we were there and we also did lots of touring and hiking as we were with family. There are endless opportunities out there for Jeeps, it's amazing.

There are TONS of atv's and jeeps for rent around town. So many that the Jeep wave is pretty much nonexistent in that town. It's not quite the same if you're not in your own vehicle, but it might be easier to fly in and rent something. The atv's looked super fun too. One way or another you should get there, I cannot wait to go back!

 

[pokey02]

I don't have my JL yet, but I did drive my JKUR out there for the Moab Jeep Jamboree 3 years ago. Was living in Richmond, VA at the time - took me 3 days to get there and 3 days to get home. It was a great trip!

I made an adventure out of it and went sightseeing along the way. Saw Monument Valley, drove the Moki Dugway, Bridges National Park, Moab (of course), went to Arches National Park, drove the million dollar highway, went to Ouray and SIlverton. I took a southerly route going and went home through the middle of the country. Even saw Jeep Road in Kansas!

I prefer to drive my own jeep on trails, so I take a lot of road trips. The Moab trip was a long haul, but worth the experience. The 4 door (JK) drove great on the highway (was regeared and running 35s at the time). It wasn't tiring to drive.

I am going next year too but in my 2 door JLR and will be driving from S. Florida (well, I might take the 4 door JK again, will see how the 2 door is on long drives).

 

[Hip2u77]

We've been driving our JKs / JL from Kansas City to Moab once or twice a year since '06. ('07, '12, '14 JKURs & '18 JLUR) The town & crowd have changed a whole lot over those years. It's definitely a lot more touristy nowadays and the UTVs make it even worse. (I have a RZR1000 myself and tow it to Moab also.) With that said, there's nothing like it anywhere else. Wheel smart and you won't have any problems. I.E. You can tiptoe through Hells Revenge, hardly spin a tire and have a blast. Or, try every bad line and hope you don't break an axle on every hop.

We use VRBO and rent a house south of the KOA with a few people to make it cheaper. Having a garage, kitchen, grill, etc., is worth the extra money vs a hotel or tent camping.

We go in August when it's hot since there are less people and a better chance of the passes in CO being open. 100 degrees in Moab is refreshing compared to 100 degrees in Florida. The low humidity really does make it easy to tolerate. Also, for a change of scenery, you can drive from Moab to Telluride and do Imogene Pass and come back over Black Bear. Makes for a long day but we've done it numerous times.

 

[sheram]

Hey, I’d like to know how many of you drove your rig to Moab this year wheeled it and drove home. How’d it do, gas mileage, how far of trip was it for you, and whatever else I’m forgetting ?
Would you do it the same way next time you go or trailer it?
Where did you stay, hotel, tent, rv, etc...
I’d love to go next year , but it’s a haul from Florida. So I’d like to hear how you did it.
My apologies if there’s already a thread on this.
Thanks!

Remember why you bought it. You didn’t buy it so you could ship it or rent someone else’s. I’ve driven from Georgia 30+ times all over Utah and Colorado in a TJ JKand I’m in New Mexico tonight headed to Moab for the first time in my Jl. There are enough easy and moderate trails that are loads of fun that you can drive a stock Jeep on without tearing it up to keep you busy for years. I know. I’m doing 5 new trails this year. I’ve been out so many times I’ve run out of new ways to go. Even so it’s sill it’s always unique. Don’t limit yourself to just Moab. There are lots of places to go in Utah and Colorado and Arizona. I occasionally camp as well. I’m good for a couple of nights camping then I’m ready for a motel and shower. Either way it’s fun. The JL is quieter and a dream to drive but I never regretted taking the TJ or JK. Bluff,Blanding and Montecrllo are often $100 a night cheaper on motels than Moab and still close to more trails than you can drive in a lifetime. You don’t have to risk your life or your Jeep to have a great time.

 

[Midwest22]

I went from Huntington Beach, CA to Key West, FL in January then drove to Moab for EJS and I averaged 7 MPG. Granted I flat towed my JLUR behind my diesel pusher motorhome. Since I flat tow, I'm no better off than if I were to have driven it since if it breaks I can't toss it on the back of a trailer. I wouldn't hesitate in driving your Jeep from FL to Moab, just be safe on the trails and don't do dumb $hit. Basically know your limits. Moab has a way of testing your skills or exposing the lack-there-of.

If you do break it, don't worry, you can get what ever you need up there, even a Hemi swap from Dixie Off Road if you blow your engine - all you need is your credit card.

BTW, if you are even thinking of going to EJS next year, you better start calling for hotel rooms, RV spaces, etc... NOW! That event usually sells out a year before!

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