San Rafael Swell Feb 9-12th TRIP REPORT

[sixstringsteve]

I know exactly where you are referring, its definitely not full-size friendly particularly when moisture is involved. I've been watching that washout for the last 3-4 years as its one of the main routes into our Cruise Moab overnighter basecamp and we have 20+ vehicles coming in... needless to say its only another year or two before its an ATV only section of trail unless a fix is done.

I'd love to do a trail fix there, it's a cool area to pass through. There were two or three spots that were pretty close to a little 10 foot drop into a ravine, but there was one that would have been a bit much for anyone who didn't have a rear locker and at least a 35" tire. And even if you did have a great setup like that, it was do or die. No second chances. Not that damage would occur, but you'd end up winching quite a few guys out at that spot. The backtracking wasn't too bad though, it only cost us about 15 min.

Honestly, I think my expectations were so high that it would have been impossible to meet them. It was definitely an incredible trip though, I really enjoyed it. I just didn't quite know what to expect. There's no doubt I'll be going back. I'll have to study more about the history. I loved hearing Dave tell stories about the Swaseys. I'll also plan more hikes next time. I know not everyone loves the hikes, but I enjoy getting out and exploring on foot quite a bit. I'm looking forward to doing Eagle Canyon and Devil's racetrack next time, then I'll probably head over to the capitol reef side. It's sure nice to have been there though, now I know what everyone's talking about when they mention names of things out there.

 

[Kevin B.]

I just showed this to my wife, the kid will be in NY in a couple weeks and she says "we are going" I'm going to have to put up an up coming trip post to see if anyone can tag along.

In.

Thanks for the trip report, Steve, almost as good as being there.

 

[Cascadia]

Sweet video Steve. My wife and I just watched it at 530 am after feeding the baby. Looks like we sure missed out. Next time.

 

[DAA]

I'm not sure what this formation is called, but it's pretty cool looking.

That would be Family Butte.

- DAA

 

[sixstringsteve]

The video has been added to the first place.

 

[bobn]

Steve, this was a great trip. Thanks for putting it together. This is an area of Utah I had not been into. The scenery, history, and the roads were great. We stayed Saturday night and headed west from the Little Wild Horse trailhead. Very different scenery the further south you went. I will get some pic,s over to Stehen and he can post up. We hit pavement at Cainville and headed west and home.

 

[hedonist]

Great write up!! Jealous I missed yet another trip. Hope to be down that way again soon. Thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through the pics and vid.

 

[R0ckStar]

The video has been added to the first place.

Cool video Steve, I subbed you on youtube. Thanks for putting that together. I really like the soundtrack It was fun to play some music with you on this trip.

 

[mesha]

It was a great trip! Thanks to steve for putting it together, dave for letting my and little davy sleep in his tent 1st night, roger for driving, joseph for being gangster and letting little d absorb some of his coolness, stephen for making my amazing pie iron dinners, bob for being hardcore, and everyone else for something I can't remember.

This is without a doubt the moochiest I have ever been on a trip and it was a blast.

P.S. there were a few smallish earth quakes down that way while we were in the swell. Kind of interesting.

 

[TRD270]

I wish I didn't have military drill this weekend, I would have loved to have been on this trip, I've explored a good amount of the area on my dirt bike but, looks like you guys had a blast

 

[Stephen]

P.S. there were a few smallish earth quakes down that way while we were in the swell. Kind of interesting.

They were expo quakes because of the level 12 exponess that happened there.

 

[TooeleBronco]

I would love to join the group if another group goes down. I have explored a little bit of the area but don't really know where things are. I have seen a lot of mines, cabins, and petragliffs (Indian pictures however you spell it). I'll keep an eye on the up coming trips.

 

[MOODY]

Thanks for a great trip, I had a lot of fun. The late (arriving and staying) group had a lot of good times..

I've got a couple of pics I will put up here sometime this week.

 

[TJDukit]

I would love to join the group if another group goes down. I have explored a little bit of the area but don't really know where things are. I have seen a lot of mines, cabins, and petragliffs (Indian pictures however you spell it). I'll keep an eye on the up coming trips.

I'll probably be going down there the last weekend of this month. My wife really wants to check this area out. I still need to get some good maps figured out since I am not up with technology and have no GPS for it but once I figure out the specifics I'll post up in upcoming trips.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I would love to join the group if another group goes down. I have explored a little bit of the area but don't really know where things are. I have seen a lot of mines, cabins, and petragliffs (Indian pictures however you spell it). I'll keep an eye on the up coming trips.

Or you could just organize your own run. It isn't hard.

 

[redneckbronco]

Steve, I thought i had posted a reply but i dont think i did it right so if this is a repost im sorry. But id like to do one of these Expediton runs I think that the old cars, houses and mines are good learning points for the kids and them and the wife would love it. If womens are invited that is. Let me know after April for your next one and I will dig out the tent.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Cool, it's a very family-friendly environment. I can't wait to have kids to share all this with them. I plan on doing at least one trip a month. I'll let you know when I plan the next one.

 

[DAA]

Bunch-o-pics...

Wedge overlook Fri. morning

The crew at the dino print site

Swinging bridge

Bombing for Jackass benches

A little 10/22 goodness

Heading out for Swaseys Leap

More to follow...

- DAA

 

[DAA]

Uhhhh... Am I the only one that can't see my pictures? They are just showing up as text inside img tags. Wierdness...

- DAA

 

[Willman]

It was nice to meet everyone!

Here's some of my shots:

Moody Planking...

Pie Iron.....Going to have to pick one up Steven!

Brady'ing.....