All of the individual GPX tracks for UtahSummary page from email updates:

General Map of Moab Area Campsites - On this map you can see where the Ledge site is and where Upper Onion Creek is. All of the sites closer to Moab are booked. Trust me I tried! Upper Onion Creek should be pretty private since we will be the only ones there. It is on a section of the BDR route. See this track for details. Here’s the waypoint information for Upper Onion Creek,

Upper Onion Creek Campsite Lat: 38.72096 Lon: -109.34385 Elevation: 1281 meters Hello all!

We are only 2 months away from the Utah Border to Border 2015 adventure!

Most of you should have your login to the information portal by now. If you don’t please make sure you have completed the registration form. https://www.4xoverlandadventures.com/participant-registration/ I think only 2 have not completed that.

Some quick updates:

Payment for food and campsites:

If you are participating in the group meals. I will ask for payment by May 10th. Worst case we can do it via PayPal. Cash would be preferred but I won’t see all of you in person before the trip. Camping for 4-5 nights has been reserved. I will give a cost breakdown on each site as the date gets closer. The fees are very reasonable. Somewhere between $10-$15 per person per night. I will also collect that money prior to the trip. All fees have been paid by me in advanced with the exception of the Nine Mile Ranch.

Here’s a rough idea for the group meals - Lots of people with trailers and I am working on a possible fun idea for one of the group meals.

Day 1 - dinner Day 2 - breakfast dinner or dinner in Moab Day 3 - dinner or no meals (Moab trail run day) Day 4 - breakfast and dinner Day 5 - breakfast and dinner Day 6 - breakfast (If needed)

Day 0 Camping -

We have to get to the start to start if you know what I mean. We are now planning on camping in open land (free) near Mexican Hat. If we can scout something definitively before the actual day we will post it. Otherwise we will plan on meeting at the local steakhouse in Mexican Hat and can share the location via GroupMe as soon as we receive it.

GPX Tracks -

For those of you that use GAIA or similar application there are tracks available on the web site. Always subject to change based on actual road conditions.

Maintenance - Pre and Post Inspections

I am working with a local Toyota repair shop who is interested in helping with pre-run and post run inspections. Final details are being worked out. If you need no services the inspections would cost $75. This is for 30 minutes pre-run and 30 minutes post run. You will be able to go over the vehicle with the mechanic when it is on the lift. Discounted services like oil changes and differential service will also be offered. If you think you would like to take advantage of this please let me know.

Shirts and Stickers -

If you want a shirt please let me know. I will post a picture of the design on the web site soon. They will be around $15 a piece. While I can front the money for the purchase I can’t give them away for free. Mens will be a tan color and womens pistachio Yeah don’t ask me why I can’t get women shaped shirts in tan! I am also working on some stickers.

Can’t get enough! Well we are also doing Oregon Border to Border in late June. We are leaving Phoenix on June 20th and are combining the run with a visit to the NW Overland Rally. If you are interested in joining us let me know.

Utah BDR Movie - If you want to see the Backcountry Discovery Route movie it can be rented on Amazon for $1.99 (7 day viewing period) and Vimeo. Map are available at GO AZ Motorcycles in Scottsdale. $14.95 plus tax.

Update #2 - First off I promise not to email all of you every time a thought pops into my head. With that said one significant change was made today. I moved our Moab area camp site to a better location. It is east of Moab vs west which may make Day 2 a bit longer. If we need to we can bypass a section of the backroads on day 2 to get to the camp site. Then we can loop back through it on day 3 when we experience the Moab area. The new site is called the Upper Onion Creek Campground. There are 2 groups sites and I have reserved both. That means it will only be US! The Ledge area had one group site, no shade and a bunch of single sites. It would have been pretty busy. There is also an active creek where we are and it is close to the Top of The World Trail. Here’ s a link to the area. https://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/moab/recreation/campgrounds/group_campgrounds/onion_creek_reservable.html

There was some confusion on the $75 pre/post maintenance inspection. The $75.00 covers both the pre run and post run inspections. So $75.00 total. While they are primarily a Toyota shop they also work on Jeeps. The owner is an active off roader.

Annette, my wife, has worked hard on several shirt designs. I posted one of them on the Utah trip page.

I will ask for verbal commitments to the trip by April 15th and will have the ability to pay for the group meals and camp sites by April 25th. I need a final head count by the 15th so I can pay for the camp sites. Most require the number of people in the group. All are less than $10 per day per person. Group meals are $50 per adult and $25 per kid over 5.

Weekly planning sessions are taking place from now until the start of this adventure so you can just show up and have fun!

Current campsites for the Utah BDR:

This is our campsite for Moab -

▶ Watch on YouTube

General Information and Links:

Day 0 meet up and Phoenix Caravan:

We have chosen open camping near Mexican Hat for Saturday. We plan on meeting at the steakhouse at 7pm, https://mexicanhat.net/ A group of us will be leaving Phoenix together. I have not set a time yet but likely by 9am. It’s a 6-7 hour drive up there with stops. I will send a message out the week prior for an official Phoenix caravan meet up spot on Saturday. Once we find a camping spot I will text the location to others worst case meet us at the Steakhouse.

Payment for food and camping fees:

If you want to pay via PayPal there is a fee of up to $5.00. Go to https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/send-money-online enter my email address krachtmeister@gmail.com and pay the appropriate amount. Select sending money to family and friends.

$50 per adult and $25 per child over 8. I have also calculated the cost per adult for camping. It is either $51.20 if you have 2 adults or $39.20 for single adult.

Based on the list I have and the few people that have paid me in person here are the totals owed:

Kevin - $29.20 (No Thursday camping) Dave M - Paid Eric Rogers - $89.20 David G - $51.20 Caleb - $151.20 (Two people only) Ed Parker - $89.20 Dave H - $151.20 Travis S - Paid Dan N - $89.20 Rachel B - $89.20 Aaron R - $69.20 (Through Tuesday only)

Most of the sites were per car fee. Upper Onion Creek was a per person fee including kids. I just divided the amount by the number of adults.

I will send another update out 2 weeks prior and a few days prior as required.

Shirts: If you are interested in a Utah Border to Border 2015 shirt let me know quantity and sizes. They will be $15 a piece. I have attached a few image samples

Ham Radio: I have a list of repeaters we are going to monitor. If anyone wants the list I can send you an .CSV file with all the frequencies.

Thanks and looking forward to Utah!

ChrisSection Notes: This is from the Backcountry Discovery Routes web site

Section 1:

Begin your epic ride in the idyllic setting of Mexican Hat. Fuel, food and lodging are available here, but we advise booking your room ahead due to the limited number of beds at this popular destination. The route officially starts just east of the town in the famed Valley of the Gods, site of legendary western movies and iconic sandstone towers-a dazzling display of pastel hues painted by the rising sun will surely motivate you to get up and out early. Once you rejoin the pavement, a brief ride up the Moki Dugway ushers you east onto Snow Flat Road and eventually north up Butler wash. Fuel up in Blanding to prepare for the Abajo Mountains stretch. WARNING! Stay tuned to the weather forecast and be prepared to spend the night if conditions sour-the road over the Abajos may become impassable in the rain and mud. HIGHLIGHTS: Valley of the Gods towers; swtichbacks up Moki Dugway; Native American artifacts in Butler Wash; views from the Abajo Mountains

Camping: https://www.utah.com/monument-valley-campgrounds

Section 2:

Fill your tank to the brim in Monticello before heading out on a nice paved ride over Harts Draw Road. At the intersection of Highway 211, you’ll have a choice to make. For novice riders, the decision should be to go east towards the La Sal Mountains-the scenery is similar to the Abajos with spectacular views in every direction. Turning left here will eventually take you to Lockhart Basin, an experts-only trail and a 70-mile trip from Indian creek to Moab. WARNING! Do not attempt this section if you are not comfortable in advanced off-road situations (refer to video for more info). Both fuel and supplies are available at the Needles Outpost, a short distance from the turn-off to Lockhart Basin Road. Rudimentary camping is available along both routes, as well as along Onion Creek further north of Moab. Make sure to replenish fuel and supplies in Moab. HIGHLIGHTS: Newspaper Rock; Canyonlands National Park; Colorado River views; Hurrah pass; Onion Creek; historic Dewey Bridge

Section 3:

As you heave the historic Dewey Bridge behind, the riding moves onto the flatter areas of Utah. Don’t be put off by the flat terrain. Old mining camps and abandoned uranium mines offer plenty to look at. The route will eventually pull you north of I-70 into the Book Cliffs, a 200-mile sedimentary rock outcropping. Get off your bike to check out the ghost town of Sego before dropping down into the town of Green River. Options are limited, but fuel for you and your bike are available here. Ray’s Diner downtown is a popular stop for travelers passing through. Just outside of town, the route heads north along Cottonwood Wash offering pleasant views of the San Rafael Swell to the west. Expect to make up some time along the Green River cut-off, which will take you west along the Cedar Mountain Recreation Area via a graded gravel road. If you do not plan on camping, consider riding a short distance to price, which has more food and lodging options than Wellington. HIGHLIGHTS: Yellowcat Mine; Book Cliffs; Sego ghost town; Sego cemetery; Ray’s Diner

Section 4:

Sec 4 Wellington to Currant Creek Hwy 40 Upon leaving Wellington, an old paved road ushers you to the mouth of Nine Mile Canyon, a beautiful 70-mile stretch of backcountry byway. While the canyon encompasses all types of archaeological sites, it is also home to the world’s largest concentration of Native American rock art, which dates back 8,000 years. Halfway through the canyon, turn onto Argyle Canyon and up to Highway 191, where you’ll cross onto Reservation Ridge. From here, the road rises to 9,000 feet offering gorgeous views that seem to stretch forever. WARNING! It is 240 miles from Wellington to Evanston. If your fuel range is less than that, take a quick detour to Soldier Summit for fuel. Continuing north, Timber Canyon offers a charming ride under a canopy of thick cottonwood trees along the Strawberry River. For those looking to camp, there are several campsites here, but please respect private property rights in this area! Section 4 officially ends at Highway 40 and Currant Creek Road. HIGHLIGHTS: Nine Mile Canyon; Reservation Ridge; Timber Canyon; Uinta National Forest

Section 5:

You’ll get high into Utah’s northern mountains on this stretch. After crossing Highway 35, follow a primitive road surrounded by evergreen and aspen trees. The road eventually tops out on a high alpine meadow with rewarding panoramas of the Uinta Wilderness. There is reasonable camping here though better sites can be found along the alpine lakes further ahead. For advanced riders, there are alternate trails up to the lakes—while challenging and rocky, they’re worth the trip if you and your machine are up to it. If you’re not, jump the highway and keep an eye out for signs labeled ‘Washington Lakes Trail’. The pavement of Highway 150 is unavoidable in the next section but it has been rated G2 and G3 by Butler Maps, and offers fun riding nonetheless. Turn onto Whitney Road to rejoin the dirt. The final section brings you to Evanston, Wyoming where you can fill up on fuel and food. HIGHLIGHTS: High meadows; alpine lakes; G2 pavements; miles of aspen-lined roads

Section 6:

Aside from staying in Wyoming and stitching together roads in the vast gas and oil fields, there is no way to avoid the paved section from Woodruff to Monte Cristo Ridge. Hang in there—once you arrive at Monte Cristo Ridge, the route winds through dense pine forests and offers a number of expansive vistas to the west and east. There are myriads of great camping sites the entire length of the road on the way to Garden City. At the end of the route, you will be rewarded with a view worth of the epic adventure you just experienced across the state of Utah. Head into Garden City for a cold pint or a cup of raspberry ice cream, the town’s specialty. HIGHLIGHTS: Outstanding views; tall pines; Bear Lake; raspberry ice creamWe are just a short 2.5 weeks away from Utah 2015!

Payment of camping fees and group meals: For those that have not paid please do so by Sunday May 10th. We are going to be really busy with the Overland Expo and getting ready for Utah and need to have your funds in advanced. If you need the instructions again just email me or check out the Utah Portal site.

Eric and I will be at the Overland Expo. I am sure some of you also plan on attending. So hopefully we can get together for a beer and discuss the final plans for Utah there.

Shirts: Shirts should be ready by the 12th of May and yes I will be bring plenty for folks to buy. A very reasonable $10 a piece. I was not able to secure a sticker vendor in time but if I come up with something I will mail at least one to everyone.

Pre-Trip Post Trip Inspections - Remember for $75 total you can have Conner at Acuna Automotive inspect your vehicle prior to Utah and after. If you need anything else done prior to Utah I suggest you get a hold of him soon. (480) 734-0339

Saturday Day 0 Phoenix Caravan - The plan is to meet at the QuikTip on Southern and the 101 freeway. It is on the SW corner. Everyone should plan to LEAVE by 9am. I will be there by 8:30. We will caravan up to Mexican Hat with a stop in Flagstaff for a quick lunch/fuel, etc. We can decide morning of if we want to go via Payson or I-17.

QuikTrip Store #460 SWC SOUTHERN AVE & PRICE RD 2195 E Southern Ave Tempe, AZ 85282

Packing List: A few of you have asked what type of clothing to bring. We are going to be in all kinds of temperature ranges. Some nights we will be up above 8000ft others in the desert. I recommend bringing lots of layers. Plans can change based on the weather as well.

Need something for the trip? Eric and I are looking for a very large cooler or to use fridge space if any of you have one of the larger ARB style refrigerators. I am hoping to have 2 fridges and my Canyon Cooler but with all the food for the group meals it is going to take extra space. Please let me know if you can contribute.

If anyone thinks they are missing something let me know or reply all to this email. Lots of us have extra gear and you just may be able to borrow something.

That’s it for now. I am still working on my trailer but Dave says it will be done in time for Utah. Eric and I have been helping at Turtleback Trailers on days off to help Dave Munsterman build a bunch of trailers for delivery at the Expo. Kevin has been working at Turtleback as well and doing a stellar job on all the electrical systems for Dave’s trailers and mine!

Thanks! ChrisWeek, 8 days, 192 hours, 11,520 minutes to go!

One or two more email updates will happen next week but since the final pre-weekend is upon us I thought it would be a good time to send one now.

Firewood - I would recommended for everyone to pick up a large bundle of firewood for the trip. I buy mine in the town of Guadalupe. There are many firewood places in the valley.

We are covered with an additional fridge and large cooler for all of our group meal food.

GroupMe App - We have used this app on previous trips. It’s a great way for me to send quick messages to the group. I can also share our location in Mexican Hat. Not required but if you want to join the conversation let me know. All you need to do is download the app for your smartphone and then give me your mobile #. I can then add you to the group.

Daily tasks - For everything to run smoothly in the mornings and evenings we all need to pitch in. So I will ask everyone to help each other out with setting up and tearing down. If you want to help with cooking great. We may end up splitting into 2 groups do to our large size. If that happens it will be even more important to help the early people get going and then help the 2nd group setup in the evenings.

Disclaimer form - I am going to ask everyone to sign a disclaimer form. It simply says you can’t sue me for anything. The usual standard and sadly necessary form. It is attached. Please print and sign one. For those that forget them I will bring extras. :)

Swag - Shirts are in but some of them were not printed properly. I should have a new batch in time for Utah. Stickers and decals will be here early next week.

Group meals - Remember most breakfasts will be on the simple side. You are responsible for lunch and we will be eating in Moab one of the nights we are there.

Weather - Who knows what we might get. We will adapt the plans as required. There are many alternate routes available.

Maps and tracks - All of the proposed tracks have been online for a while. Make sure you download you maps prior to the trip. For Gaia users it’s easy. There is good wifi access in Moab at the McDonalds and Visitor Center.

Thanks everyone! See you in 8 days!

Thanks, ChrisThis time next week we will be on the road to Moab!

Saturday Plan is still to leave “Phoenix” by 9am and be in Flagstaff by noon. We are going to meet at Cafe Rio in Flagstaff, 2710 S Woodlands Village Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Have a quick lunch and hit the road again. I will ask for Rachel’s advice on a good gas station and can always use the Gas Buddy app while we are sitting at lunch. The goal will be to make it up to Mexican Hat by 5pm. I think some of my family are going to join us for lunch. I apologize in advanced!

Sunday Depart Mexican Hat at 10am Mountain Time:

We will meet in Mexican Hat for fuel, quick photo and briefing, and the start of Utah Border to Border! End at Buckboard Campsite near Monticello, UT. 10:00AM Departure 9:45AM Briefing. Remember UT is an hour later than AZ if you are driving to Mexican Hat on Saturday

Boots! No forecast for rain so far but if it does it will get muddy. Any of you that went to the Overland Expo can attest to needing a good pair of mud boots. So add that to your packing list.

Cabins at Nine Mile Ranch - Cabin is $15 per vehicle but if you want a cabin they start at $50. Call Carla at (435) 650-5398 to make your own reservation. I was originally quoted $10 per vehicle and that’s what I charged everyone. We will see what happens when we get there. Showers are $3.00.

Links for Weather and Road Conditions in Utah:

Mexican Hat - https://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USUT0159:1:US Monticello - https://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USUT0170:1:US Moab - https://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/Moab+UT+USUT0165:1:US Green River - https://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USUT0094:1:US Price - https://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USUT0206:1:US Evanston, WY - https://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USWY0054:1:US

Utah State Road Conditions - https://www.udot.utah.gov/main/f?p=100:6:0::::V,T:,1

Utah Border to Border 2015 -

This page was last updated on 3/27/2015.

I know this page contains a lot of information. I will work on breaking it down into different sections as the content expands.

Discounted Maintenance from Acuna Automotive - Learn more

Itinerary:

Phoenix Caravan Meetup Spot:

The plan is to meet at the QuikTip on Southern and the 101 freeway. It is on the SW corner. 

Everyone should plan to LEAVE by 9am. I will be there by 8:30. We will caravan up to Mexican Hat with a stop in Flagstaff for a quick lunch/fuel, etc.

QuikTrip Store #460

SWC SOUTHERN AVE & PRICE RD

2195 E Southern Ave

Tempe, AZ 85282

Day 0 - Saturday the 23rd - Travel north. Some of us will be camping somewhere close to the day 1 starting point to ease the length of driving from Phoenix. We will be camping in Mexican Hat area.

Day 1 - Sunday the 24th - It begins! We will meet in Mexican Hat for fuel, briefing, and the start of Utah Border to Border! End at Buckboard Campsite near Monticello, UT. 10:00AM Departure 9:45AM Briefing. Remember UT is an hour later than AZ if you are driving to Mexican Hat on Saturday.

Day 2 - Monday - Canyon Lands to Moab - We will be taking the back way to Moab and end up at the Ledge Group site near Moab. It is about 15 minutes to town. This should be our shortest day of driving and a possible Moab loop run (Easy) may happen that afternoon/evening.

Day 3 - Tuesday - Free day in Moab area. We will plan 2-3 different runs based on skill level and time commitment.

Day 4 - Wednesday - It will be one of the longer days but the end result should be well worth it. Moab to Nine Mile Canyon.

Day 5 - Thursday - Details to follow

Day 6 - Friday - Start in (TBD) and finish in Garden City Utah with a short drive to the Idaho border. From here you are on your own. Some may head to Park City for the night. I am working on some discounted lodging there.

Current BLM Map Book for Moab - 21mb PDF file showing current maps for the Moab area. Not the easiest to use but they are current and could be used as a backup to other resources.

Benchmark Utah Road & Recreation Atlas, 6th Edition by Benchmark Maps Link: https://amzn.com/0929591739 This book is recommended by Backcountry Discovery Routes