From what I heard from a few here that went last year, they had signed up for a couple of trails but ended up doing their own thing because the trails were so crowded. Said they had a much better time. Lookin at you Bill
Yeah Dakota, Ted and I talked about that at Stan's yard sale this past Saturday. It was more fun away from the BIG group, but the problem is that you need to know where the trailheads are to run them by yourself. Dan knew a few and it worked out good, but yes we bailed out of the 3rd paid run because of the LONG wait....
There is also an Arch you can drive to that is only accessible by 4wd and we were basically the only ones there.
Overall it was a great trip and Moab is really beautiful place. I also saw more Jeeps of every different kind then you can imagine.... They will have fun at EJS!
Part of the fun is the crowds and the event itself
When one attends a jamboree of this type. Most folks like the spotters on obstical to assist and not forget event sponsor food and parties.
If you don't like crowds go a few weeks later.
I hate crowds, but can put up with them for a purpose - such as this event. We are staying in Moab for a full week with only four scheduled runs...we will head to Arches Nat'l park for a day trip on our own and just kinda hang out the rest of the time.
And really, can it be much worse than 25 jeeps on a Calico run? LOL
Crowds are one thing. At EJS the town is full of jeepers. That part is fun. My experience last year, I signed up for three runs, had a friend lead me on two runs, and I lead two runs. Signing up for runs makes things easy. You don't have to figure out the trail route, you have lots of help on the trail, trail guides will show you the lines, and they take care of the spotting. But it also make for a VERY LONG Day! It seemed every small obstacle had a spotter. They took every jeep thru one by one. This backed the long line of jeeps up big time. A trail that would normally take me 2 hours (at normal wheeling speed) took all day with the large group. That means a lot of time was spend waiting around in the jeep. Should you sign up for the runs? I would say if you like to plan out the trail route and deal with the challenge of following that route, have a good spotter in your group, can figure out lines on your own, and have well equipped jeeps that are well maintained, go the trails on your own. If you answered NO to any of the above, spend the $50 per run fee and join the group. For me, I will run the trails with my own group
One nice thing this year, apparently BLM and Red Rock 4wheelers got together and decided the trails were too congested. They put a hard limit on some and added A/B start times on others....I hope that helps.
That will help a lot, I am guessing they had feedback on the waits. We did Moab Rim (which had awesome views of the river) and I think we were stopping for lunch as the last jeep started on the trail...
Some of the trails are also open to the public when there isn't a run on them.
I think its worth it to experience the Safari, we had a great time!
We're going from 3/30 - 4/4. 1st timers and don't know what to expect, so I signed up for some trails: Backwards Bill, Fins & Things, Hells Revenge, Top of the World and 3-D. Too much? Too little? I don't know.
I want to take my motorhome and tow my jeep but all the campgrounds are full
(I started looking last fall) and I'm on a couple of waiting lists. So as backup I reserved a hotel room.
Hey Recycled, we are first timers to EJS also.. We have planned only four runs also to give us a rest and chance to wander on our own. From what others have told me, four of these mass runs are almost too much unless you like crowds on the trails....
We are running Behind the Rocks - tip toe w/hike on 3/30; Find and Things Charity Run on the 31st; Poison Spyder Mesa on the 2nd and Hells Revenge on the third.
Hey Recycled, we are first timers to EJS also.. We have planned only four runs also to give us a rest and chance to wander on our own. From what others have told me, four of these mass runs are almost too much unless you like crowds on the trails.... We are running Behind the Rocks - tip toe w/hike on 3/30; Find and Things Charity Run on the 31st; Poison Spyder Mesa on the 2nd and Hells Revenge on the third.
After I found out the campgrounds started taking reservations in Aug. and they fill up fast, I signed up for trails as soon as registration opened up. I meant to do some more trail research prior but never got around to it.
Word of advice for the new guys going out to EJS. Keep an eye out for free sponsored runs, Teraflex/ jk forum has one, superchips has a night run and I've heard of a few more. Just have to look and sign up for them.
also make sure you order your free tickets for the Quadratec BBQ held on the evening of March 31st. tickets can be ordered(max 4) from the RR4W.com website.
If you can still sign up for it I would strongly suggest checking out Kane Creek trail. It is a great run with spectacular views. This trail is like no other Moab trail..good times !
I mentioned this to Ted so I thought I'd post- Glamping in Moab - Luxury Accomodation In Moab
Just opened. No idea where it is in relation to EJS but since its new it won't be booked. (and isn't).
Trails are all over the place, but that Moab Under Canvas site is about 12.5 miles north of the city of Moab, and 18 miles north of where the vendor expo is.
Is anyone going to be there the weekend following? I have time off work and will be in Moab from 09-12APR.
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