Maze 2013

Caribou Sandstorm · Nov 23, 2013

Woodsman said:
I know but one way to find out. CHAIN UP and let's roll !

We have the gear, we could do a December or January run out there.... You could get a cheap plane ticket and I could pick you up at the airport!

Do a little Colorado skiing along the way.

Check out this link, backpacker.com says the maze is among the U.S. 10 most dangerous hikes!

http://www.backpacker.com/october_08_americas_10_most_dangerous_hikes_the_maze_ut/destinations/12616

Caribou Sandstorm · Nov 23, 2013

Ya'll come back now ya here!

nakman · Nov 23, 2013

Caribou Sandstorm said:
Check out this link, backpacker.com says the maze is among the U.S. 10 most dangerous hikes!

http://www.backpacker.com/october_08_americas_10_most_dangerous_hikes_the_maze_ut/destinations/12616

Sweet! where are the other 9? anything look good for next year?

Corbet · Nov 23, 2013

Woodsman said:
CHAIN UP and let's roll !

Problem is a roll could be very likely. Most chains don't offer much lateral stability. On a shelf road that could be a recipe for disaster. I would also expect a snow-covered road like that to multiply your travel time by many times. Might be hard to get from site to site in one day? I don't know the routes or distances

Not saying it could not be done. But you would want a VERY experience crew in recovery techniques. As I would expect it could turn into an entire day of recovery operations just to move forward. Leading truck better have a couple land anchors.

Basically like driving around my neighborhood today :lmao:

Wet heavy snow broke the welds on the loader's plow blade. It took both lockers to get out of my driveway and tool around a little.

Caribou Sandstorm · Nov 23, 2013

The nice thing about going into the Maze is you can skip the Flint and enter from the south near Hite or via Poison Springs Wash road. So we could do a winter trip in there.

I would be up for it.

I would leave the trailer at home.

I have a real quiet time at work between Christmas and New Years. Family would be in town. Wonder if I could peel off for say 3-4 days. Might be fun to just rollin via Hite. Roll out the same way or Poison Springs.

Corbet · Nov 23, 2013

I might be able to make that with the Boy. Marianne has been bugging me to take him winter camping and give her a weekend to herself.

baja1d · Nov 23, 2013

Been following this close & would love to join if it shakes out

Caribou Sandstorm · Nov 23, 2013

Ok let's check the weather, I could probably go if I took Ben also.

Corbet · Nov 24, 2013

Chris, why don't you start a new planing thread on this. I'm really liking the idea and timing is good for me.

Jacket · Nov 24, 2013

wesintl said:
10.6

It'd be cool to be stuck at the doll house for a few days in the snow

I bet Gary and his little Mrs. ranger are snuggled up in the back listening to Al Green.

cruiseroutfit · Nov 24, 2013

Winter trips into the Maze can be quite memorable, the place is already quiet, add a blanket of snow and zero traffic and it is almost eerie. As noted road in from Poison Springs is doable with a bit of snow, as is the Hans Flat Route. We tried to battle our way back up the Flint Trail switchbacks when they had 12-18" of snow... wasn't happening, not enough runway to get speed in the corners and while we were towards the top, the last little bit wasn't happening.

Caribou Sandstorm · Nov 25, 2013

Corbet said:
Chris, why don't you start a new planing thread on this. I'm really liking the idea and timing is good for me.

I am working the hall pass but so far she ain't buying it.

I would totally skip the Flint in snow, sketch city. Kurt how far did you have to back down before you could turn around?

cruiseroutfit · Nov 25, 2013

Caribou Sandstorm said:
I am working the hall pass but so far she ain't buying it.

I would totally skip the Flint in snow, sketch city. Kurt how far did you have to back down before you could turn around?

Pretty sure just the next switchback corner... don't recall the backing down being too bad.

Jacket · Nov 26, 2013

Caribou Sandstorm said:
I would totally skip the Flint in snow, sketch city. Kurt how far did you have to back down before you could turn around?

Yea - there's really no reason to try those switchbacks with snow and ice present - unless you enjoy bobsledding.... Plenty of fun to be had coming in from the south or via Poison Springs.

Corbet · Nov 26, 2013

Chris, if you can't get away what does it take to get the permits? Contact number or website? I have not petitioned for my pass yet but could help organize if need be. Looks like there are other takers.

I posted this for interest: http://www.risingsun4x4club.org/forum2/showthread.php?p=242685#post242685

Jacket · Nov 26, 2013

http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backcountrypermits.htm

It's $30 per site, and each site usually supports 3 vehicles. You can make the reservation and pay online, and then pick up the permit on your way in Moab at the central reservation office, or at Hans Flat when you enter the Maze.