Need help Planning for a "Swell" Trip

[sawtooth4x4]

I've never been to the San Rafael Swell.

I'd like to go through Goblin Valley, explore the Swell and finish up going through Capitol Reef.

I need help. I'm getting overwhelmed. I don't know where to go and what to see. I've looked at about 10 different trips all with different things to see. I have 3 days and lots of gasoline.

 

[Kevin B.]

There's definitely a lot to see, it's hard to pick a direction. If you want a good trip without the guesswork, ExpUt has three "featured" trails in the Swell: http://www.expeditionutah.com/featured-trails/

 

[sixstringsteve]

Buy a benchmark atlas of utah. It'll have all you need.

 

[jeeper]

Each of your destinations is worthy of it's own trip.

We got bored pretty quick in Goblin Valley. Little wild horse is a good slot canyon hike very near by. it was a full day with kids.

Capitol Reef is a lot of fun. The lower half has good hikes, a store, visitors center, etc. We spent a full day there. The upper part is a 70ish mile dirt road drive that is a lot of fun, good views, etc. We spent a full day doing that as well.

 

[amp713]

Following for all the info shared

 

[DAA]

I'd like to go through Goblin Valley, explore the Swell and finish up going through Capitol Reef.

I have 3 days...

But it sounds like you only have one day for The Swell, since you're doing Goblin and Capitol Reef as well? And since both of those are on the southern end, I think I'd narrow the choices in The Swell down to things within easy striking distance of Goblin. Do whatever you decide on there, day one, day two, Goblin Valley and get started towards Capitol Reef if desired, day three Capitol Reef. Or, reverse that order, to be moving towards home?

- DAA

 

[sawtooth4x4]

How about i skip Goblin Valley and start somewhere more north and work my way home towards the north.

 

[jeeper]

How about i skip Goblin Valley and start somewhere more north and work my way home towards the north.

We will be doing a 'Northern Swell' trip in the near future. 3 days. Only 1 or 2 of them spent 'exploring' The other hanging at camp. Kid friendly driving and site seeing. We are always open for friends. PM me if you are interested in tagging along.

 

[Rot Box]

For the Swell I'd recommend taking the 'Buckhorn draw road' from Castle Dale south to I-70 then across 70 then on down to temple mountain/goblin valley. It's a nice dirt road that sorta runs right through the center of the Swell. Plenty to see, plenty to look at and this route gives you a good idea of what the rest of the swell is like. If you're taking kids along I wouldn't skip Goblin Valley. Younger kids love that place and it helps get the wiggles out after being in the car all day. As an adult it is neat the first time.. but not worth the entrance fee to go back without kids or people that have never been imo.

 

[Maverick]

For the Swell I'd recommend taking the 'Buckhorn draw road' from Castle Dale south to I-70 then across 70 then on down to temple mountain/goblin valley. It's a nice dirt road that sorta runs right through the center of the Swell. Plenty to see, plenty to look at and this route gives you a good idea of what the rest of the swell is like. If you're taking kids along I wouldn't skip Goblin Valley. Younger kids love that place and it helps get the wiggles out after being in the car all day. As an adult it is neat the first time.. but not worth the entrance fee to go back without kids or people that have never been imo.

Good advice on the route. Goblin Valley is very popular with my kids and the scouts. Great place for capture the flag too.

Your Rover could likely do the Eva Conover - South Coal - North Coal - Devil's Racetrack - Eagle Canyon loop that we did last weekend. Maybe substitute Fix It Pass for Devil's Racetrack. (check your map)

 

[Maverick]

Here's a link:http://www.freeatvmaps.com/atv-trails/eva-conover-fix-it-pass-loop/

 

[Box Rocket]

I would suggest camping at the Lone Warrior campground, then run Jackass Flats past the sink hole and through Black Dragon Canyon. Super scenic drive in the north end of the Swell. From there you can take the Temple Mountain road down to Goblin Valley. If you've still got time, Wild Horse Canyon south past Factory Butte and come out at Hanksville. Or do it in reverse so you're closer to home when you're all done. Start just west of Hanksville and head north past Factory Butte and up Wild Horse Cyn to Goblin Valley. Then Temple Mountain road up to I-70. Cross over and hit Jackass Flats and Black Dragon.

Just an idea. There's tons to explore in the Swell and it's hard to go wrong. I agree with the suggestion to get the Benchmark Atlas and pick a road and go.

 

[Greg]

If you can tie in a drive over the Henry's between the Swell and Goblin Valley, you'd hit an amazing change in scenery between all the areas.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

I think I will just go and see what happens. My buddy and I are taking our Range Rover Classics. I will have traction control, a slight lift and AT tires. My buddy has no traction control, no lift and some mud tires. Should be fun. At least they have good articulation. If no one hears from us after the dates, please send a search party for two broken RRC's.

 

[sixstringsteve]

If no one hears from you by then, we'll all be saying "he should have bought a map."

 

[Tonkaman]

If no one hears from you by then, we'll all be saying "he should have bought a map."

.....and a Toyota...

 

[jeeper]

.....and a Toyota...

Toyota + Swell




But of course, you'll blame it on the guy that installed the control arm

 

[Tonkaman]

Yeah I need a new mechanic!

 

[sawtooth4x4]

No I have solid axles. That doesn't happen. The engine isn't exactly the strongest part. But owning a Rover is knowing how to fix problems.

 

[Troop92]

No I have solid axles. That doesn't happen. The engine isn't exactly the strongest part. But part of owning a (insert off-road vehicle) is knowing how to fix problems.

Here, I fixed it for you...