After an epic week in Zion NP, we broke down camp early to head to one of our old stomping grounds: Moab, UT! We set up camp on some BLM land just north of Moab and stayed there for 10 days.
This choice of campground ended up being perfect – it was free, and we ended up with some really nice neighbors! Also, the location was perfect, too.
Our first outing in the Moab area was to go mountain biking – but upon arriving at the trailhead, the wind was way too strong for an enjoyable day on two wheels. Instead, we changed plans and headed up to Canyonlands National Park for a bit of meandering for views. Naturally, we ended up at the place where I asked Andrea to marry me.
The next day we headed over to Arches National Park. We fit in a couple quick hikes – the national parks in the Moab area are so spectacular!
We also came for the mountain biking. In the past 7 years, we’ve ridden almost all the trails (at least, all the “major” ones). We hit some of our favorites, like Dead Horse Point & Klondike Bluffs.
And a new ride for Andrea, we hit up the “Magnificent 7” trails with the Portal Trail exit. This is actually considered one of the most dangerous mountain bike trails in the world – but as always, you can mitigate your risk by getting off your bike and walking a few sections. They even have signs telling you when to dismount.
All in all, I don’t really recommend the trail. The downhill section (maybe 10-12mi?) until you hit the jeep trails is an absolute blast, but then you have a hearty climb up slickrock jeep road followed by miles of up-and-down very technical riding (lots of black to double-black features) which would be fun if you weren’t worn out from a week riding in Moab, plus the 15+ miles you just did to get there. After you’ve been thoroughly whipped by this terrain, you hit the finish out Portal trail. This is exciting and terrifying – definitely a double-black. Unless you are very good and/or don’t value intact extremities, don’t expect to ride all of this.
In my opinion, the trail gains the reputation mostly for the danger, the macho-factor and being able to say “yeah I’ve rode mag 7” – but the views are really nice, too.
We also remembered to hike one of our favorite hikes, Grand Staff. If you are in Moab, this is a must-do. It’s around 4 miles total – out-and-back. Dogs are allowed, but expect them to get muddy if you are there in the spring! Lots of creek crossings, which Moz loved.
The rest of our trip in the Moab area consisted of hiding from dust storms, fighting 60+mph winds and having our new generator die from dust inhalation. Thankfully the warranty worked out and we had it replaced – but lesson learned, don’t set a generator straight on the ground in Moab and expect it to run during a dust storm!
After our time in Moab, we headed over the Rockies to see some friends, see a doctor and start our trip back to the midwest to see family. That will be our next post.
-Kyle