Moab ROCKS!

Leg 10 – Moab and The Bonneville Salt Flats

06/18/2023 – 06/30/2023

I am going to start this entry with a warning… This is a long read. We did a lot and I want to document as much of it as I can. 😊

The Journey West 2023 finale is here! We planned our week in Moab back in January and the excitement has continued to build each week as it has gotten closer and closer. We made the short 1-hour drive to the KOA and checked in right at 3PM. Since this was a vacation for us, we splurged and reserved one of their patio sites. We had a nice view of the mountains, a gas grill, patio table with four chairs and a rocker by the fire pit. Very nice indeed. Our son and his family reserved one of the camping cabins and were located just behind us.

The Moab KOA was GREAT! They had a very nice pool, playground, dog run, camp store and outdoor game area with cornhole and ladder-ball. Do you think I got pictures of any of it?? Nope! What’s the matter with me??? Oh well. At any rate, the KOA made a great home base for our week in Moab. After the rig was set up and we were settled, we put our suits on, grabbed a cocktail and headed to the pool to chill while we anxiously awaited the arrival of Jefferey, Jess and Weston. 😊

Here are a few pics I did manage to capture of our time at the Moab KOA.

Moab – The Town, The Trails and a Guidebook

As we were planning our trip to Moab, we did a lot of research and talked to as many people as possible. Based on these conversations and research, I thought the town of Moab would be very busy and overrun with tourist much like our trip into Gatlinburg TN last fall. I could not have been more wrong. The town was small, somewhat sleepy and charming. It has the right amount of restaurants and gift shops along with several outfitters offering float trips on the Colorado, mountain biking trips on the trails and side-by-side tours on some of the more popular off-road trails. I was pleasantly surprised and instantly loved this little town.

In preparation for our adventures out on the trails, we watched numerous YouTube videos and came across a couple who where out here for the first time (like us) and they recommended a guidebook called, “Guide to Moab UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails”. I immediately ordered it and began to study it.

The guidebook lists all the trails in the Moab area, categorizes them by areas and rates them by level of difficulty. It gives an overview of the trail, what type of vehicle can do the trail, the length of the trail and approximate time to complete it and also provides a mileage log. I loved the mileage log! When you begin a trail, the odometer is set to zero and the guidebook gives detailed information of what to expect along the way. It could be obstacles and go-arounds, directional instructions or scenic areas and photo ops. I highly recommend this guidebook. We would have been lost without it!

We picked out several trails to do during the week and tackled most of them. Continue reading to see which trails we explored…

The Trails

Gemini Bridges

Being Moab newbies, we want to start out with an easy trail to get our feet wet. We chose Gemini Bridges and Long Canyon for day one. Gemini Bridges is a 13-mile trail that starts with a shelf road that leads into a canyon. The road continues through the canyon and we continue to climb up to a plateau with beautiful views of the La Sal Mountains.

Bull Canyon Trail

At this point, we took the Bull Canyon trail through a high-walled canyon to what was supposed to be an easy ½ mile hike to see the bridges from below. I say “supposed to be” because while we were hiking out to the bridges, someone took a wrong turn. We ended up hiking an extra ½ mile, through an overgrown wash, over rocks and in thick dust, that was not part of the trail. Finally, I said, “This is not right. It is supposed to be an ‘easy ½ mile hike’ and we have gone much further than a ½ mile”. Did I mention it was also VERY hot!

We turned around, picked up the trail again and walked just a few hundred feet further. Lo and behold, there were the bridges! We found a nice little cave to stand in and cool off while we admired the bridges from below. Gemini Bridges are two natural bridges with a 6’ gap between them. Pretty cool. I was reading in the guidebook, that several people have lost their lives on the bridges after attempting to jump the gap from one bridge to the other. People, it’s at least a 200’ drop! Once we were cooled down, we made the short ½ mile walk back to the jeep and continued on our journey.

Heading back up to the Gemini Bridges trail we passed a rock that we named “Whale Rock”. We finished up Gemini Bridges and passed another hiking trail out to the top of the bridges but decided to continue on. I think we had a better view from below.

Long Canyon

Gemini Bridges took us west out of Moab and now we need to head east back to town. Long Canyon provided that route. The guidebook suggested driving it top to bottom (west to east) to enjoy the views as you descend into the canyon. I would like to add to drive it later in the day when the afternoon sun lights the canyon up and makes those beautiful reds and oranges shine!

Long Canyon is 7.5 miles long and took us about 2 hours to complete, only because we stopped to take pictures along the way. 😊 Running the trail top to bottom, we immediately descend through Pucker Pass. I know exactly how this area got its name too! Narrow switchbacks around big boulders and a steep decline and a narrow shelf road… you get the picture LOL

Once we got down the pass the canyon opened up and we were treated to a phenomenal view! The remainder of the drive through the canyon was easy and the views were beautiful. The trail ends at Jug Handle Arch and the Colorado River. The drive along the river back into Moab was a relaxing way to end the day.

Fins & Things

With two easy trails and one moderate trail under our belt, we decided to step it up and try out a difficult trail, Fins & Things. Fins & Things also happens to be a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail! The trail is located in the Sand Flats Recreation area, just 2 miles outside of downtown Moab.

As we were driving to the park we passed the famous Lions Back. If you are not familiar with Lions Back, click here for a short video of this CRAZY ride. It is a 350’ climb and decent with 65% grades and a dangerous 3-point turn at the top. HARD NO for me. It didn’t really matter because the rock has been closed since 2004. Phew…

South Loop

On to Fins & Things. There are two loops to this trail and a couple of short-cuts. The entire trail is 9.2 miles long and it took us about 5 hours to complete both loops. About ½ mile in, we are driving on our first fin and it is really cool! Then we got to our first decent and it was STEEP! The jeep handled it with no problems.

We continued on the trail, faced more obstacles and the jeep and Durango handled them very well. Jefferey and I both gained confidence in our vehicle’s abilities with each completed climb and decent. (Bill’s confidence level was already there)

After we finished the 2.9 mile South Loop, Jess and Weston decided to take the Durango and go back to the KOA for some pool time. Jefferey, Bill and myself continued on to tackle the North Loop in the jeep.

North Loop

The first 2.5 miles of the North Loop are ‘meh’ but the last 3.8 miles are incredible! The ride took us across multiple fins with awesome views of the mountains. At mile 4.7 the fun really begins and I believe what Fins & Things is all about, a 1 ½ mile ride on the dramatic slickrock fins. It could also be described as a 4×4 slow-motion roller coaster.

We got behind a group of jeeps and a Nissan Titan and had to do a double-take. We could not believe a pick-up truck could clear some of these angles. It did! However, he did leave a few marks on the rocks. LOL

We’re driving along, I’m enjoying the ride and we come upon a very steep shortcut called Kenny’s Climb. Bill was like, “Should I do it?” I was like, “NO! That is vertical!” Bill, “I’m doing it.” Me, “Let me out, I’ll record you.”

I kid you not, this part of the trail was straight up (well, maybe not straight, but pretty darn close). Bill and Jefferey were prepared to take off, but I could not even walk/climb up the incline to record them. Now I am forced to ride up in the jeep. Lord, please don’t let us tip over… Jefferey got a little bit of a running start and was able to get up to the top of the fin and recorded us coming up. We made it! (Again, with no problems at all) So at this point, I’m laughing and utterly amazed. My confidence level in the jeep continues to grow.

Fins & Things was a great trail and a lot of fun!

Hell’s Revenge

Next up on the list is Hell’s Revenge. Another difficult rated trail and Jeep Badge of Honor trail also located in the Sand Flats Recreation Area. This trail is a 7.8-mile loop, however, we did not do the entire loop since the exit route is listed as “rough and relentless”. Our route ended up being 7 miles and took us about 5 hours to complete.

I almost didn’t go on this ride after reading the trail book and watching a couple of videos. Jess and Weston were going to enjoy another pool day and I was tempted to stay behind with them. My curiosity got the better of me and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) kicked in. Off we go…

While Bill was airing the tires down, I went over to check out the posted signs and warnings. It is rated 6 of 10 on the Moab difficulty scale and only experienced 4×4 drivers should attempt it. My nerves are increasing… again… I look at Jefferey and say, “Dad is considered an experienced driver, right? You can have the front seat. I’ll set in the back.” LOL

Part 1 – Trail to the Colorado Overlook

Right out of the gate we climbed a steep, narrow fin. There is no wiggle room on either side and it is impossible to see the trail in front of you. I was saying some prayers… and thinking “What did I get myself into?”

Once we got to the first overlook, I began to feel a little better. There were several tour groups in side-by-sides on their way out. If these in-experienced drivers can do this, then we will have no problems at all. 😉 We got out and looked out over the top of Lions Back. From this vantage point, the rock didn’t look too bad. We also saw several dinosaur footprints in the rocks. Pretty awesome!

Back on the trail, we climbed several steep slickrocks and descended several steep slickrocks. We were either looking up at the sky or down to the bottom of the rock. To see where you were actually driving was impossible. After 3 miles we were at the Colorado River Overlook and it was beautiful!

There were several other groups at the overlook and we spent some time talking with everyone and sharing stories of our Moab adventures. This is where I think Jefferey decided he wanted to tackle “Top of the World”. Several drivers said his Durango would have no trouble if he took it slow.

We took a short walk over to the extreme obstacle, “Hells Gate”, and watched one of the people we just met run it in his side-by-side. He made it look easy and it was fun to see someone actually do one of these crazy obstacles.

Part 2 – Potholes & Mickey’s Hot Tub

We continued on down the trail and drove by the Black Hole and came upon some potholes before reaching Mickey’s Hot Tub (another extreme obstacle). In all honesty, we actually thought we were at Mickey’s Hot Tub but later realized it was just the potholes.

Again, we met up with some other groups gawking at these huge holes and wondering who in their right mind would drive in and out of them? Then it turned into, “Are you going to do it?” “I’ll do it if you do it.” “You’re not doing that!” “It wouldn’t really be that hard.” And the next thing we know, a jeep is doing the smaller of the potholes. Then a kid (young adult) is going in his rented side-by-side. Then Bill is walking back over to the jeep… “You’re doing this???” Okay, let me get my camera ready…

Once again, the jeep was a champ!

Part 3 – Dragon’s Tail

Our last challenge before heading to the exit was driving the Dragon’s Tail. And you MUST drive the Dragon’s Tail to get to the exit. Oh. My. Word! If I thought the first fin at the start of this trail was skinny, this fin was anorexic! There were yellow lines painted on the fin and if you didn’t keep your vehicle between these lines, you were in danger of dropping off the edge. I am very happy I was in the backseat. I could look out either side of this steep descent and see the lines and kept saying to Bill, “Stay between the lines! You are too far over.” There is a lot to keep eyes on from the driver’s seat and with team work we made it to the bottom safe and sound.

We took the cut-across route, on the left, which took us back to the trail we entered on and will now use for our exit. We had one last short narrow fin to navigate before exiting the trail.

Overall, this trail was a lot of fun and I am very happy that I went. It increased my confidence in the jeep and my husband’s driving abilities. 😊

Potash Road/Shafer Switchbacks

The Potash Road/Shafer Switchbacks trail is an easy 18.2-mile trail that leads from Canyonlands to Moab (or vice versa, depending on which way you are headed) This was not a planned route for us. We were visiting Canyonlands National Park and the first overlook were the Shafer Switchbacks and a stunning view of Shafer Canyon. It was decided this would be our route back to camp. Why go the way you came when other options are available?

The Switchbacks

OMG, driving 1 ½ miles down the narrow switchbacks was incredible and a little nerve wracking. We were all in Jefferey’s Durango and he was in control. “Both hands on the wheel, Jefferey. Keep your eyes on the road. If you want to take in the view, make sure you stop first.” LOL

Thelma and Louise Point

The road continues through the canyon then passes by a gooseneck curve in the Colorado River and Thelma and Louise Point. Do you remember the iconic scene at the end of the movie where Thelma and Louise hold hands and send their 1966 Thunderbird into the air? Did you think it was filmed in the Grand Canyon? Nope, it was filmed right here in Moab at Fossil Point. I never would have known this if it hadn’t for a little note in the 4×4 trail guidebook. Now I need to go back and watch the movie again.

Potash Evaporation Ponds

As we were coming down out of the canyon, we saw this brilliant blue pool off in the distance. Several miles later we discovered these pools were part of the Intrepid Potash, Inc evaporation pools. Intrepid Potash is a fertilizer manufacturer and the largest producer of potassium chloride. The ponds appear blue due to the presence of copper sulfate, which is added to the water to speed up evaporation. Interesting.

Balanced Rock

The last sight on this trail was a huge balanced rock. We couldn’t figure out how this huge rock was balancing on its small pedestal. A small freak of nature, I guess. We had some fun with this photo op and Jess and Weston discovered a little cave up above.

This trail was a lot of fun and offered several places to stop, explore and soak up the beautiful scenery.

Top of the World

We saved the best and hardest for our last trail. Top of the World. Jefferey was going back and forth all week as to whether we should do this trail. It is 19.2 miles round trip, rated difficult and is another Badge of Honor trail. The guidebook says to allow 3-5 hours to complete. HA!

Jess and Weston knew this would be a long day and decided to stay back once again. Jefferey, Bill and I got up early and were on the road at 8AM thinking we would get the trail done and be back at camp by 3PM and enjoy some pool time ourselves. Again HA!

The drive from Moab out to the trailhead was a gorgeous drive. GORGEOUS! The road followed the Colorado River through another phenomenal canyon. I cannot believe all the beautiful areas out here. Everywhere you go is another canyon and they are all different.

We got to the trailhead, aired down and started our journey. As we were airing down, a gentleman came along with his Bronco II and we talked to him a bit. He didn’t think Jefferey would have any trouble with his Durango and asked what CB channel we were on. He was headed up with a group of friends and said they would stay on the same channel and if we got into any trouble to give them a holler. Such nice folks in the 4×4 community.

Off We Go

Bill was in the jeep and I rode with Jefferey. The first 5 miles of trail were a piece of cake. Then the road became a little more difficult but still fairly easy to navigate. Then we came to our first big… HUGE obstacle.

A large ledge loomed ahead of us. Bill tried and tried to get the jeep up it. Even with the lockers engaged, it was a no-go. He tried and tried from different angles and lines and it wasn’t working out. He saw a little trail off to the side and went to explore it and see if this was a go-around or an easier way up. It was not…

We came back around to the ledge and tried again, taking several smaller rocks and stacking them at the base of the ledge for a “boost”. Still, no success. We were about to give up and turn around when a group of 4 came up in their new stock jeep. They got out and were excited to see how real “jeepers” got it done. This is all Bill needed. Ego took over and we gave it another go. Jefferey and I spotted a new line, restacked rocks and guided Bill up and IT WORKED! The jeep was up! Now it was time for Jefferey to attempt it in the Durango and he made it with little issue.

The Last 1.3 Miles

After that first difficult ledge, it was another grueling 1.3 miles to the end of the trail. It was a continuous up-hill climb over more ledges and large rocks, some easy to navigate and some not so easy. We had to stop a couple of times to let the Durango cool down but we persevered and were rewarded when we reached the top.

End of the Trail

We finally reached the end of the trail and found a collection of jeeps and a couple who just got engaged! What a fabulous place to ask that special someone to marry you! Great planning on that guy’s part. Jefferey, Bill and I walked out to the edge and soaked in the AMAZING view!! Top of the World adequately describes how you feel standing on the cliff edge and looking out over Castle Valley.

Then came the time to snap the iconic photo of your vehicle on the cliff’s edge. This required someone standing about 10’ from the edge to guide the driver to the prime photo spot. NO WAY was I doing this! Thirty minutes later after everyone before us snapped their pics, I was walking out to the edge (slowly and carefully) and directed Bill into that spot. We snapped our pics and I quickly walked back down.

Returning The Way We Came

It’s time to start heading back down the way we came and it was just as slow going down as it was coming up. Everything was going good until Jefferey took the wrong line off of a ledge. We heard a loud bang and memories flashed back of his unfortunate experience at LaDee Flats when he busted his front diff. Pulling off the trail a little bit, he got out his tool bag and checked things out. Fortunately, it was just a bent bracket for his skid plate. Disaster averted!

It took us a total of 7 hours to complete this trail and we all felt like we had conquered the impossible. Jefferey learned what his Durango is capable of and to trust his spotter. I learned that I can find lines and became more confident in my abilities to be a spotter. Bill and I were both happy we were able to share this experience with Jefferey. It was a GREAT day and one I will not forget!

Driving Back to Moab

I drove us back into Moab, through the canyon, along the river with the Eagles blasting on the radio. The afternoon sun made the canyon walls shine in brilliant oranges and reds. I had a feeling of peace, happiness and pure joy. As we came around a corner and I looked out over the valley floor, I realized this was the same valley floor we were looking down on just a few hours ago. I looked up and saw the ledge where we were standing and where we parked the jeep for the iconic photo and just thought WOW!

It was 8PM by the time we got back to the KOA. Jess and Weston had a fun day swimming, doing Tie-Dye and getting root-beer floats. They were both exhausted from their day of fun. I wish they had been able to share this day with us, but I believe they were both happy with their choice to stay back.

Tusher Tunnel

Our last day in Moab, while we were waiting for a special person’s flight to arrive, we did one last trail, Tusher Tunnel. This easy 4.9-mile trail led us out to a tunnel entrance. A short walk from the parking area leads you to the tunnel. I was a little apprehensive about walking through this dark, cool tunnel. (Think snakes!) But I let everyone go first and I followed. The view on the other side was worth it. We hung out and had a little fun taking some pictures. This was a good way of killing some time while waiting for Chris’s plane to land.

Two National Parks

Not only does Moab have all these fabulous trails it is also home to two National Parks; Canyonlands and Arches. I mean is this place the bomb or what?

Arches National Park

A timed entry permit is required for Arches National Park. Our permit allowed us entry between noon and 1PM. This allowed us to have a “lazy” morning, go into town and have breakfast at the Jailhouse Café and do a little shopping.

12:30 came and we headed to the park, which is only 5 miles north of town! We stopped at the visitor center to get Weston signed up for the Junior Ranger program. He has his book and we are off to explore the park.

Our first stop is the LaSal Mountains Viewpoint with views of the Courthouse Towers. Next was Balanced Rock where we walked 3/10 mile out to the rock. Then it was out to the Windows Section where we had our first interaction with the famous arches.

The Windows Section

The Windows Section is home to some of the park’s largest arches; Double Arch, Turret Arch and the North and South Windows. Even though it was in the heat of the day, we slapped on sunscreen, donned our hats and sunglasses, grabbed our water bottles and walked to each of the arches.

Double Arch was my favorite. A short 3/10-mile walk led to the base of the arch. It was jaw-dropping sitting in the shade beneath these two massive arch spans and admire their contrast with the vivid blue sky between them.

Across the parking lot from Double Arch was a 1-mile loop trail that led to the North and South Windows and Turret Arch. This walk was a little more strenuous than the walk out to Double Arch but just as rewarding. We were treated to a fabulous view through the North Window.

The Lonely Little Arch (aka Delicate Arch)

The next stop was the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint. I will admit, I did not fully do my homework on this park. I did not realize it was a 1 ½-mile hike to get to the arch and figured we’d be able to drive and walk a short distance to get there. Nope. It’s now late afternoon, still very warm and we are tired. The lower viewpoint is our only option. I was very surprised at how far away the arch is from the viewpoint. It is so small and underwhelming. Weston said it right, he called it the lonely little arch. That’s exactly what it looked like… lonely and little.

A New Junior Ranger

We finished driving the rest of the park and did not stop at any of the other arches. They all required a walk/hike to get to and we were all hot and tired AND we needed to get back to the Visitor Center before they closed so Weston could collect his Junior Ranger Badge. With his mom’s help, he completed the pages in his book and learned how to be a good steward of the park. He pointed out, several times, people who were destroying the Cyanobacteria by leaving the trail to take their pictures. Good job, Weston!

We are proud of Weston and his love of nature and hope he carries this love through his life.

Canyonlands – Island In the Sky District

Last week we explored the Needles District, today we are exploring Island in the Sky. Island in the Sky is a broad mesa sandwiched between the Colorado and Green Rivers. Inside the park there is a 17-mile (34-mile round trip) paved road that leads to numerous overlooks and several hikes. From the overlooks we saw a back-country 4×4 trail called the White Rim Road that travels around all the canyons below. I believe there was some chatter between Jefferey and Bill that this might be a fun trip in the future.

The day was young and the temps were still cool so we decided to get the short hike out to Mesa Arch done. This easy 6/10-mile hike led us to a cliff-edge arch with stunning views of the LaSal Mountains.

We drove out to the Green River Overlook, Grand View Point Overlook and Buck Canyon Overlook. The views in every direction were incredible; canyons inside canyons, mesas, buttes and spires! Weston even named one of the canyons “Chicken Foot Canyon”. I see it, do you?

Weston earned another Junior Ranger badge and now has a fancy vest to display them on! Way to go, Weston. I hope you continue to visit the National Parks and collect your badges! 😊

A Surprise Visitor

Chris was able to join us for our last day in Moab. We picked him up at the Canyonlands Regional Airport. I cracked up when we drove in, there was a wooden sign with arrivals/departures painted on it and spray-painted arrows on the gravel parking lot.

Mill Canyon Dinosaur Track Site

After collecting the newest addition to our group, we headed over to the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Track site. The Moab area is rich with fossilized dinosaur tracks. It is mindboggling to think about all the dinosaurs that once called this area home 112 million years ago. The Mill Canyon site contains about 10 different kinds of tracks.

There is a boardwalk that leads over the tracks with several signs explaining how the tracks were made and the dinosaurs that made them. Facinating.

Arches Part 2

Chris wanted to see Arches and Jefferey, Jess and Weston wanted to go do a little more shopping. An entry permit is not needed to enter Arches after 4PM and we gave Chris the “short” tour. We stopped at the Double Arch and Windows again, as well as Delicate Arch. We also pulled into Park Avenue, which we did not get to see on our visit earlier in the week. Then we all met up for a delicious Italian dinner at Papa Jay’s.

Hell’s Revenge Part 2

I cannot remember whose idea it was to go back out to Hell’s Revenge. I think Bill wanted to show Chris what some of the Moab trails were like. Jess and Weston were not interested 😉 That meant, the four of us, loaded up in the jeep and headed out to Sand Flats again, with me behind the wheel. (someone had a few drinks with dinner and did not need to be behind the wheel, especially on some skinny fins. Plus, I think I wanted to prove to the boys and myself, that their mom is cool and can do this stuff too LOL)

Well… at the base of the fin I was wondering what in the world I got myself into. I started up the skinny fin and could not see ANYTHING in front of me. Where is the rock? How do I know where I am supposed to drive? Where do the wheels need to be? I received a lot of encouragement from Jefferey and Bill. Chris, however, was very quiet. He was as nervous (if not more) as me. The whole way up I kept saying, “I do not like this! I do not like this!” But I did it and no one died! I much prefer being in the passenger seat or even the backseat.

Our week in Moab is filled with TONS of incredible memories and we all are in agreement that we will be back!

Bonneville Salt Flats

It’s time for us all to head back to Portland and we have the perfect spot to stay for a night or two. The Bonneville Salt Flats. The flats are a 12×5 mile stretch of salt crust in Utah’s west desert. The salt crust ranges from a few inches to 5 feet thick and makes a perfectly flat and uniform white crust for as far as you can see. The salt flats are famous not only for the beautiful views but as a mecca for car racing. Several speed records have been set here.

Playing on The Flats

We found dispersed camping at the Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway and then headed to the flats. Chris and Weston took the jeep. Jefferey, Bill, Jess and I were in the Durango. Before I knew it, we were out on the flats making donuts. Jefferey and Chris raced and when we got out to see what this salt crust was all about, Weston’s slipper blew away! It was hilarious watching him chase his shoe across the flats, while Jess chased him and finally Jefferey chased and retrieved the slipper in the Durango. It was a great time and I laughed so hard!

Washing Layers and Layers of Salt Away

Once everyone got the donuts and racing out of their system, we headed over to Wendover NV to wash the salt off the cars. OMG you would not believe the amount of salt caked underneath. Bill drove the jeep through the car wash and ended up breaking it. The owner came and got him out, then had him and Jefferey pull around to the parking lot, where they hand washed both vehicles! But… that wash did not even come close to getting all the salt off. That is when we found a self-serve car wash. $40 in quarters and an hour later, I think the guys got most of the salt off.

I asked them, was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY was the resounding answer.

Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway

The next day, Jefferey and his crew headed home. We still had another day before we would head towards Portland. While Bill spent the day working, Chris and I went out exploring. We crossed briefly into Nevada and then drove about half-way around the byway. The byway is a 54-mile loop around the Silver Island Mountains. There are several 4×4 accessible trails that spur off the loop.

This concludes our time in Utah. We will make our way to the Portland area and the Pacific Northwest over the next three days. I highly, HIGHLY, recommend spending some time in Utah. From Salt Lake to Monument Valley to Moab, the state has so much to offer and we haven’t even visited Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef or the Grand Staircase!

What’s Next?

Summer in the PNW! We will be dropping Chris at the Boise airport so he can go back to work. Then we will make our way through the Columbia River Gorge and up to Castle Rock, WA where we will set up camp for the summer. What summertime shenanigans are in store? Stay tuned!