Every time I consider a trip up the Sheep trail I go into the, “this trail is nice, but really easy” mode. Then we run the trail and it all comes back to me. What an amazing area, views off ledges and mountaintops that make you say “Really?” Overlooks that cover hundreds of miles, rocky meadows covered with flowers, the scent of Christmas whisking through the air from the majestic pines; I’m not helping my case am I. Did I mention that the trail had been washed out, and that the ruts were deep enough to swallow 38’s?  That the trail leader became wedged in a rut and rock stacking was required? Ya, that was a little embarrassing, not really the best line on that section, but it made for a good adventure. Sometimes taking the “Hard” line will bite you in the ____ (fill in your body part choice)

The trailhead is a few hundred yards outside of Manti, to the south. The climb from the highway is steep and long. It winds through trees and eventually pops out to some open areas with staggering views. The high altitude point of the trail was on Skyline drive where we reached 10950 feet. With that kind of altitude comes the accompanying bizarre weather. We took a hard hit for about 30 min. Hail, rain, and some very nice wind and then it was gone. Hellooo mud! Really it wasn’t too bad mud wise; it was only a $6 car wash.

The route we used this year was from Manti to skyline drive then to Ferrin reservoir, down 12mile/ Mayfield canyon on what the GPS calls E Canyon Rd., and finished up down town Mayfield. We had a small but varied group of Jeeps this year. Link Hebrew brought his scrambler and a box of maps. (Thank goodness) There were 3 JK’s and one TJ. We made good time and were back in the SL valley by about 5pm.

You know how I always say how great the trip was, don’t miss it next time blah blah blah?  Well it was, and you shouldn’t we all had a great time and escaped any and all damage, be it mechanical, sheet metal or mental.

Stay tune for our next adventure:

What about a nice night run out to the snakes, Rattlesnake then on to Black rock Canyon to Little Moab then home on Redwood Road. We can see what the time looks like after Rattlesnake and go from there. How about Sept 10^th Sat night? I’m thinking we leave around 6pm and go till we drop.

Next up will be our annual Moab trip Oct 14^th and 15^th. It looks like there is a 5k run or something in Moab that weekend so get a room ASAP. We will use the Portal RV Resort as our headquarters again. Give Doug or his highly qualified staff a call if you would like to stay at the park. Tell him you are with Teraflex and he will take care of you.

435-259-6108. “take care of you?” hummm!

Wood Out

But wait, all is not lost, lets hit Manti instead. Same bat time same bat station, only we will head the other way. The trail is very similar to Providence, not that hard at all, but very scenic. The area is one to behold, if you haven’t been there you owe it to yourself. We will wind up on Skyline Drive, then drop down another canyon to come out. (yes it has a name, I just can’t remember it right now, give me a break).

So lets review, August 27th, we leave Teraflex at, 6:30 AM. We then head for Manti the trail starts just outside of town. If you are meeting us in Manti, meet at the Top Stop at 8:30 AM. Bring your own food/lunches whatever you’ll need that day. We will be back in town, SLC, by 7 or 8pm.
Lets do this

Wood out

We headed west out of town for about 45 minutes. We traveled some highway, and a very ample quantity of dust road. I’m sure there was dirt involved with the road but I never saw it. The road ends at a parking area in the foot hills, that boarder a mountain range full of mines as well as 4wheeler and Jeep trails. The lower section was completely doable by JK’s or a locked up TJ. We didn’t however have any JK’s with us… what’s up with that? You guys would have had a ball on it. There is always next year.

The upper section is pretty much, no it is, buggy or really built jeep country. It consisted of ledge after waterfall after rock field and log jam. It was so much fun. In an effort to preserve their rigs, Scott and Joe walked the upper section,( as in did not drive) and helped spot and throw the occasional  rock. It took us another 3-4 hours, after completing the lower section, to claw our way up to the top of the trail. There was one waterfall that we were unable to dominate. Yes, we were forced to break out the winch and drag everyone up it. The trail continues up and out the top, where the view is amazing.

We drove back around to the trucks loaded up and hit the dust. We were all dirt balls, (not bags) by the time we got back into town, but happy dirt balls. Many thanks to Craig and Mike Stump for taking time to show us what Delta has to offer, truly the undiscovered country. (That would make a great movie title).

Next up is Moab. Get a room now it’s getting full down there. If it’s full now, some will free up as the time gets closer. I posted up most of the details for the trip, and will let you know of any other details.
Oct 15-16, start getting excited, its MOAB!!

Wood out

Due to a lack of snow on the Blackrock Trail, we decided to make a slight change in plans and head over to the Rattlesnake and Constrictor trailheads. The decision paid off! We found plenty of mud and snow, enough to break everyone’s rigs in for the season! We had a great turn out and got some great pictures of the run, hit the link to see them!

12►