Absolute beginner - Moab off-road with family

[teethdood]

Hi, I apologize if it's been asked before.

I've never gone off-roading before. We're heading to Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef NPs soon. I want to try some easy off-roading trails in Moab with my family in tow, AWD with stock core wheel tires. I'm thinking about going on these trails as found below:
https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-utah/jeep-trails
Shafer Trail, Gemini Bridges Trail, Onion Creek and Fisher Towers, Klondike Bluffs, Geyser Pass, Monitor and Merrimac, Chicken Corners, Long Canyon Trail. (Skipping Fins and Things and Elephant Hill).

Do you think I'm in over my head tackling these trails as an absolute beginner with no help whatsoever? Thanks!

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[RoboTaxi]

I have zero info on the trails. Do you have a spare tire and a way to change it?

 

[JCERRN]

Ive heard always have a back up plan, including jack and way to repair a flat (including side wall damage) not a good idea to go alone with no experience. Make sure you batteries are charged. Tesla has an off road guide for the CT that would be a good place to start

 

[RM Rilke]

Having punctured two of the stock Pirellis (including a bad one on a simple dirt road in Moab PITA). I would be concerned they are not durable enough for that plan. I run KO3s now. Personally, I would upgrade the tires and/or take a spare. As always, have plugs and patches with accompanying tools including a 110v compressor of some kind and know how to use them. I seriously doubt anyone stocks a replacement tire within 200 miles. Also, maybe try some stuff before dipping a toe in Moab. Geyser Pass will be under snow. Some of the trails are impassable when wet. Stay on trail and don’t damage cryptobiotic soil. Sounds like you have plenty of spotters. It should be a blast.

 

[mjezzi]

I’m in the same boat as you. From my research, chickens corner sounds like a pretty easy trail, low risk, and beautiful. That’s what we’re planning on running end of march.

 

[Urander]

Shafer Trail is definitely beginner friendly, and the views are amazing.

 

[teethdood]

Thanks for the info everyone. I need to pick up a spare tire kit/bottle jack. Do you think a tire repair plug kit is sufficient if I stick to the easy trails?

Another question: how isolated are these trails? Do you encounter other vehicles every 30 min or so? Sorry for the 20 questions.

 

[syburtruck]

I have been thinking of the same thing....I wonder if there's any interest in a Cybertruck "New to offroading" beginner's meetup/day?

 

[CapheDa]

Don’t go alone. Air down your tires. Keep an eye on range and when you get to 50% head back. Bring a tow rope and a soft shackle. Bring a spare if you have one. The main thing is don’t go alone.

 

[SlegMD]

Keep your speed down. New timers go faster than they think they should. If youre in OEM AS tire treat them like balloons and watch the rocks. Bring the aforementioned gear and be prepared

 

[TexasDev]

You'll be fine. With good weather those beginner trails are just like driving backroads.
I'd watch a few youtube videos on them and get familiar. There's plenty of friendly people on the trails that will help if you need it.

 

[RM Rilke]

Moab is generally less crowded in March, but you should see plenty of people on those trails. You won’t get stranded, and there should be experienced folks to lend a hand. It will just be a royal pain if you get a flat. Call some tire shops in Moab and check to see how difficult it would be to get a replacement. You can always emergency plug a tire and get out. Driving home might be a different story. Be prepared.

 

[teethdood]

It sounds like a few folks in this thread are thinking about hitting Moab in late March (Springbreak week). Anyone up to making some new friends if the timing is right? Safety in numbers.

 

[CT_AZ_4x4]

Thanks for the info everyone. I need to pick up a spare tire kit/bottle jack. Do you think a tire repair plug kit is sufficient if I stick to the easy trails?

Another question: how isolated are these trails? Do you encounter other vehicles every 30 min or so? Sorry for the 20 questions.

Other vehicles out there can really be weather-dependent.

I think Shaffer would be easy and fine as suggested by the Urander dudes. The turn off to Shaffer continues south to Canyonlands and is paved. That is worth seeing…

I carry both plugs for punctures in the tread area and a sidewall repair kit. I also carry a spare tire.

The below link is to a good sidewall repair kit from Gluetread.

https://www.gluetread.com/products/...JxXlZkiOJC9OQgfm9Cz_JQhe1riEhCbIaAv7WEALw_wcB

This link is for a kit basically anywhere on the tire from Gluetread.

https://www.gluetread.com/products/...ckYuhAiUoNKN64vlnd63-vvKwPu716woaAiYMEALw_wcB

Over the years I’ve punctured a sidewall, punctured the tread area, and I’ve also jacked up a valve stem from compacted snow and ice: nothing sucks more than to be hundreds of miles from help without tools or the ability to help oneself.

In one instance I ended up with 3rd degree burns on my kneecaps from kneeling on hot rock.

Keep a camping blanket available to prevent that and to keep warm if needed.

Moab has 2 Supercharging locations.

You wouldn’t be too far from Monument Valley (paved all the way there and then the 16-17 mile loop owned by the Navajo Tribe is easy off-roading for the Cybertruck).

Even in winter make sure you have water.

Have fun!

 

[TheLastStarfighter]

Thanks for the info everyone. I need to pick up a spare tire kit/bottle jack. Do you think a tire repair plug kit is sufficient if I stick to the easy trails?

Another question: how isolated are these trails? Do you encounter other vehicles every 30 min or so? Sorry for the 20 questions.

Do not be sorry! This is literally the point of this forum!

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