Moab Meetup Day 1 Journal: Elephant Hill Rd 4-29-24

[Felix808]

LINKS TO ENTIRE MOAB MEET UP TRIP REPORT SERIES:

Moab Meet up Day 2: Gold Bar Rim 4-30-24
Moab Meet Up Day 3: Flat Iron Mesa 5-1-24
Moab Meet Up Day 4: Onion Creek 5-2-24
Moab Meet Up Day 5: Cliff Hanger 5-3-24


Elephant Hill Rd. 4-29-24 rated 5

Along for the ride:

Felix808 & Wife JJ

@El Diablo & Camera man Kenny

@F150rubyred & Wife Carolyn

@NORCALGXP

We got our permits the day before & left Moab at 7:15 for the long drive out. The first discovery was at our stop at newspaper rock. this like a natural stone amphitheater that had natural stone benches and countless petroglyphs along the walls. This was something to see for sure. We continued and stopped at various ruin sites.

When we made it to the Ranger Station, it was closed, so it was a free day for everyone which was nice. We finally made it to the trail head at 9:36

The trail starts off from the parking lot and you climb up. Some parts of the climb are narrow & off camber cliff sides. On one switch back you pull into the clearing then back down. Mistakes were made on the way out but more on that later.

The scenery is "Awesome!!! Totally Awesome!!!" (Jeff Spicoli)

There are some ledges along the way with a number of climbs throughout the trail.

We had a Navtec tour Landcruiser that was apparently in a hurry to get their client to wherever they were off to as they blew by all of us.

Shortly after we found ourselves at the Devils pocket. This is one narrow passage and you are not going to fit a Bronco straight through there without painting the rock walls. The trick for us was to ride up the passenger’s side wall some at the narrowest point. We were able to get everyone through unscathed.

After we all made it through the Devil’s Pocket, we ran into someone who was looking for a lost hiker. We saw no one unfortunately. Hopefully all turned out well.

Later we stopped at the Devil’s Kitchen (the only campground area) and had lunch while discussing just how beautiful the area was.

Then we were off to SOB Hill.
SOB Hill wasn’t too bad going down and got everyone through without too much trouble, but there was a good bit of multipoint turns for the 4 doors, but everyone got through the first time once we got the lined up. @F150rubyred 's wife Carolyn did a fantastic job spotting throughout the week.

The return trip @F150rubyred had a little bit of trouble as he fell off the line a couple times then got hooked on a big rock in the middle of his skid plate. But made through fine after a coupe resets.

We then encountered another narrow corridor that led out to the Silver Stairs obstacle. This had a few tippy drops along the way.


Coming back up the end, the backup hill sign was nowhere to be found and a I ended up Backing up where no one ever should. We went back down the hill and got it sorted.

@NORCALGXP took a hard sharp right before where you need to back in and nailed the wall damaging his bumper so yeah there was some speed involved there.

Once up the hill before going down and out there was a climb that the tires just wouldn’t grabe. both lockers were needed along with momentum due to spinning.

At the end of the day, we proved a 2 door has the range to drive from the last gas station out of Moab and back. We did drive conservative on the way out but NorcalGXP had plenty of fuel for the trip

Epic scenery in every direction. This was an Awesome day with a great group! This was a long day but so worth doing!!!

Damage report:

NorCal scuffed a rim & flattened a spot on his bumper near the winch opening.
More pics & videos(if I can figure out how to post the vids) coming.
Please add photos and comments
(Sorry Pics are out of sequence)

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[jbellousux]

Elephant Hill is big fun. My daughter and I did it last June and I can’t wait to go back.

It’s sounds like you did not make it to the confluence overlook of the Green & Colorado Rivers. It is definitely worth checking out. There is a well-known rock obstacle along the way that will definitely get your attention.

The Needles district of Canyonlands is some of my favorite scenery anywhere.

 

[Felix808]

We went both ends of the route, but apparently didn't go to the overlook

Edit: This was our route.

 

[Elmer Walker]

Really nice pictures so thanks.

 

[Felix808]

Really nice pictures so thanks.

Thanks. We should have a lot more coming once everyone gets back & recovers

 

[jzweedyk]

Elephant Hill is one of my favorite trails. If it was closer to Moab, I would run it every couple of weeks. Did it a few weeks ago, no damage, just fun. The 2 door has plenty of range to get there and back. Great pictures.

 

[Spooled]

For any Raptor owners reading this, they don't really fit through the Devil's Pocket

Beautiful trail, though. Canyonlands is awesome.

 

[Scott M]

Great write-up. Looking forward to reading about the rest of the trip. Love the scenery out there. Going to be taking notes as my wife and I plan on driving down to Moab sometime in the fall.

 

[NORCALGXP]

Running Tail Gunner photos from the back of the line. What an amazing adventure.

 

[Jonny way]

How did you know which trails need a permit and where do you get them?

 

[Felix808]

How did you know which trails need a permit and where do you get them?

You can go to:
https://www.recreation.gov/

 

[jbellousux]

We went both ends of the route, but apparently didn't go to the overlook

Edit: This was our route.

At 27 on the map, you had to continue straight (north), instead of going right (east). It adds several more hours onto a long, but wonderfully memorable day.
At the end of the road, you have to hike about a half mile to get to the overlook.

You all have a good reason to return.

 

[Felix808]

Thanks @jbellousux It was already a long day. I think we got back like at 7:30 PM. Well worth it

 

[BadBabyBronco]

Moab always attracts me

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