Skull Valley? Any trip reports?

[sawtooth4x4]

Anyone been out there and have a trip report for the area? I'm looking for somewhere to take a quick outing for Friday night and then come home Saturday afternoon. I live in Layton, so I don't want to go too far south.

I've been thinking about a quick overnighter to try out my RTT and M101 trailer build.

 

[DAA]

Whiterock is good for a quick overnighter. ~ 40.3212 112.9016. If you have some time to kill next day, go north on dirt then west over the Cedar's via Rydalch pass, north along the west side of the range then back east over Hastings pass and pick up I-80 at Delle.

- DAA

 

[sawtooth4x4]

Thanks. I'll look into it.

Any good camping spots?

This is my setup. still needs a lot of work. but with 2 adults and 4 kids, I had to do something to contain all the crap I have to carry.

 

[DAA]

Whiterock is a play/camping area. Lots of camp spots right there but if it's too crowded - which it sometimes is - just keep going on any of the dirt roads leading away from it and it won't take long to find a spot without neighbors for your outfit.

- DAA

 

[Troop92]

There are a lot of options out there. As you head out the main road from I-80 (Hwy 196/Skull Valley Rd) you have "Lone Rock" on your right. Fun to hike to the top for the 360° views, and places to camp all around the base.

Keep heading west and you'll hit the Horseshoe Springs camping area on your left - with the actual Horseshoe Springs on the right. You can fish the springs, big fish too. I like this option (can find on a Google map as "skull valley off-road camping area") as there is room to spread out, and usually less crowded due to trail conditions where cars don't go.

Way far out (nearly to Dugway) on the right, as previously mentioned by DAA, White Rock. Reminiscent of Little Moab in looks, if you've ever been there. Also a fun spot, can climb about.

 

[CobraNutt]

I try to avoid Lone Rock due to all the shooters out there...they make me nervous having seen some of them handle their weapons... But still an easy access area, for sure! I've been eyeing the Whiterock area for awhile now...I may have to head out there one of these weekends soon!

There are always plenty of places out along the PET if you want to drive a little further south.

 

[Kevin B.]

I don't like Lone Rock either, it's trashed out.

Anywhere to avoid down there? Are roads on the Skull Valley reservation open?

 

[DAA]

Rez roads that they don't want you on are well signed to KTFO. Lone Rock is a literal garbage dump.

- DAA

 

[sawtooth4x4]

I am also considering the Newfoundland Mountains. It doesn't seem like many people head out there.

 

[Troop92]

I am also considering the Newfoundland Mountains. It doesn't seem like many people head out there.

True, though a bit more of a drive to get there.

Wherever you go, keep in mind they're forecasting potential storms/rain late late Friday and Saturday. Roads out there get slick fast.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

Crap, I'm tired of rain. And I hate camping in rain.

 

[Troop92]

Crap, I'm tired of rain. And I hate camping in rain.

Yeah.. I'm an assistant scoutmaster, and when we go camping we average a 74.4% chance of precipitation. No joke. But hey, were not camping this weekend.

 

[xjtony]

I work out on Dugway in skull valley. There are hundreds of miles of dirt roads out here. If you head south out of the valley you can hop on the pony express trail. Simpson springs has some camp grounds west of it.

 

[Kevin B.]

But hey, were not camping this weekend.

But I am.

I don't care. I've bagged two trips in the last six months for weather, I'm not skipping a third. West desert mud, here I come!

 

[Tonkaman]

Crap, I'm tired of rain. And I hate camping in rain.

That's one of the biggest advantages of the RTT! Since your off the ground and inside a high quality tent you should not even worry. The rain will make it an adventure! Think about how different the landscape looks during rain, it's beautiful! Your fortunate enough to have the proper equipment so go for it.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

I shall go. I have a Land Rover, Center Diff Lock and a Rear Locker. Mud can't stop me, right? LOL

 

[sawtooth4x4]

I'm going to need a fuel tanker though, pulling a trailer for that long. I'm hoping two 5 gallon cans will be sufficient with my 24 gallon tank.

 

[Tonkaman]

I shall go. I have a Land Rover, Center Diff Lock and a Rear Locker. Mud can't stop me, right? LOL

Even if it does stop you, we love a good recovery project!!

If you think need more fuel you are welcome to borrow my 2 jerry cans. I'm in Kearns

 

[Troop92]

Even if it does stop you, we love a good recovery project!!

If you think need more fuel you are welcome to borrow my 2 jerry cans. I'm in Kearns

This is true, even a "recovery project" that you don't really need help on, if you get my drift. "Sorry, honey, gotta go help a friend."

If you go Skull Valley, get gas at the Tooele interchange. I have a 5 gal Jerry can you're welcome to use as well, just down the road from you in Layton.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

I have 2 nato cans. i think 10 gallons of extra gas should hopefully get me back. Looks like I need to do some fab work tonight to mount my gas can holders. and maybe mount up my tool boxes to keep crap dry and dust free.