Trip to Moab advice

[WOLFBOX CAR LIFE]

We are heading out first thing in the morning. They are having a flash flood warning today for Moab and the San Juan mountain range, from Silverton to Gunnison, the exact area we plan on wheeling all day Sunday into Monday. With the possibility of wash outs along our route from Lake City to HWY 550, on those trail roads, is there a sight we can check for possible route problems before we roll up on them?
Or are we going to be the Christopher Columbus of those roads? I do have OnX Off Road app so if it's blocked or washed out I will be posting it.

Thank you to all who have offered help, tips, and advice. We are excited to get to go and now that I have my new @WOLFBOX CAR LIFE camera installed, I will try to upload some shots.

Pleasure to help! Wish you a happy and safe adventure. I bet those photos are fairly attractive.

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[73TAWM]

You've got to just roll the dice. We spent last weekend around Moab and had flash flood warnings most of the time. Zeus and Thor only smacked us around once, but it was one hell of a smacking. Just watch the weather while you're there.

Hopefully you're prepared to deal with hwy 50. If you insist on going to Gunnison it looks like it'll add somewhere between an hour and a half to three hours to your route. Note that it'll all be beautiful, so maybe that's ok.

If you're doing trails around Ouray then try to add Silver Basin Trail to your list. It's gorgeous.

50 is closed west of our route so can't imagine how it's a bad idea. We aren't going that far west on 50.

 

[Ratbert]

50 is closed west of our route so can't imagine how it's a bad idea. We aren't going that far west on 50.

Most people that are going that direction are heading to stuff around Ouray. I must have misunderstood where you're going.

 

[73TAWM]

Most people that are going that direction are heading to stuff around Ouray. I must have misunderstood where you're going.

We are taking the dirt way into Ironton then down pavement to Silverton.

 

[oldmannewjeep]

We were in CO and Moab in May; awesome trip. We drove the Million Dollar Highway Durango to Ouray; stayed in Ouray. Great place, but were constantly warned by the locals that summer was very crowded, with full, pricey hotels and long lines at the restaurants. Silverton was nice enough, but don't remember seeing any large hotels. If you haven't booked reservations yet (haven't read the whole thread), you may have a tough time finding lodging. Same for Moab; Arches NP requires reservations to get in 9:00am-4:00pm. Both Arches and Canyonlands worth visiting. Onion Creek not a bad trail for a skittish mom.

 

[Ratbert]

Arches NP requires reservations to get in 9:00am-4:00pm.

Do people with Wranglers actually make reservations and wait in line at Arches? If you take the western side entrance there are awesome dinosaur footprints along the way.

 

[Murphydog]

Do people with Wranglers actually make reservations and wait in line at Arches? If you take the western side entrance there are awesome dinosaur footprints along the way.

I have done both. Truthfully the reservation was simple and I got my preferred time slot. Keeps the entry line short. I also used the side entrance, dinosaur tracks were pretty neat, but honestly I loved that the road was a tad rougher than I expecte. Felt like it would keep the cars and many of the sporty CUVs out, kind of like a members only entrance.

I did notice that the ranger put different color dots on the brochure map at the official entrance each day. I’m guessing that was to identify what day you officially entered, no idea if they would give you any grief for using the back door without a timed reservation

 

[73TAWM]

Trip was a success (sort of). Pictures as soon as I get caught up from being gone 9 days.
And for anyone reading in the future, the Arches Park requires a line reservation from 7am to 4pm at $2. Plus the $30 entrance fee if you do not have a pass. If you go before 7am you can skip the $2 line reservation. Unless you're my dad who is a pretty cheap guy. He tried paying with his debit card because he didn't have a credit card and it would not work. The ranger would not take cash either so when my dad told him the debit card was all he had, he let him in without paying.

 

[Ratbert]

Trip was a success (sort of). Pictures as soon as I get caught up from being gone 9 days.
And for anyone reading in the future, the Arches Park requires a line reservation from 7am to 4pm at $2. Plus the $30 entrance fee if you do not have a pass. If you go before 7am you can skip the $2 line reservation. Unless you're my dad who is a pretty cheap guy. He tried paying with his debit card because he didn't have a credit card and it would not work. The ranger would not take cash either so when my dad told him the debit card was all he had, he let him in without paying.

I had mentioned taking the side entrance. No reservations, fees, or lines. Plus there are awesome dinosaur tracks just before you get in the park.

 

[Opus]

I had mentioned taking the side entrance. No reservations, fees, or lines. Plus there are awesome dinosaur tracks just before you get in the park.

When we went we bought a pass online and then took the back/side way in. That way we got a fun trail drive and avoided the lines but supported the NPS along the way.

 

[SadRobot]

When we went we bought a pass online and then took the back/side way in. That way we got a fun trail drive and avoided the lines but supported the NPS along the way.

The annual NPS pass is also a great deal. I believe it's $80 for the pass so you only have to visit 3 parks a year to make it worth it.

 

[Ratbert]

When we went we bought a pass online and then took the back/side way in. That way we got a fun trail drive and avoided the lines but supported the NPS along the way.

Absolutely. We've bought our NP passes for many, many years. I tried to help @73TAWM by mentioning the alternate route before their trip, but oh well.

Colorado started doing a thing where you can get your state park pass with your registration. It's discounted and pretty slick that you'll (theoretically) never be in a situation where you can't find it.

 

[73TAWM]

Absolutely. We've bought our NP passes for many, many years. I tried to help @73TAWM by mentioning the alternate route before their trip, but oh well.

Colorado started doing a thing where you can get your state park pass with your registration. It's discounted and pretty slick that you'll (theoretically) never be in a situation where you can't find it.

I appreciate the help but that Thursday evening I was finishing packing and didn't get a chance to get back online until much later. I would have taken the side entrance for sure.

 

[Ratbert]

My research showed that we could take the detour around the hwy 50 bridge closure, but when we got here the guy said that's closed too. Sitting here until 4:30 when it opens again. Oh well, at least we're not stuck on I-70.

 

[stephanadams]

no way it will be open might want to check to check all Colorado trails to see if even open this early

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