Two maze trips in 2022 (Added plan idea for trip 1) (2nd trip canceled). 1s moved from 17th to 24th April

[Jeffrey]

 

[Ben Egbert]

Thanks Jeffrey. I am pretty sure you can do the Doll House.

Now you and Sonny are both good friends so it's putting pressure on me to make a choice. How about the first one to give a firm commitment say after Saturday so you can both see this reply.

@Jeffrey
@sweetgrass

 

[Jeffrey]

Wow, Ben, this looks like fun. I'll take trip #1 though I hope I have no conflicts then. Even though it's a year away, I got used to having major bucket list trips postponed for TWO years, so waiting is now a developed skill. I do have some international things going on around then so I do need to check now. Will report back.

 

[rfkiii]

Jeffrey's rig can make the Dollhouse. As for experience, there's only one way to get it.

 

[Jeffrey]

Jeffrey's rig can make the Dollhouse. As for experience, there's only one way to get it.

The main challenge for me is narrow passageways that only jeeps fit through. Other then that, I get any where..

 

[sweetgrass]

I can commit to Trip 1, but if Jeffery makes the cut I'm cool. I know he'll come back with come killer images and he has some mad drone skills!
I think the PW does suffer from some of the challenges Jeffery's rig suffers from. But I haven't had to turn back yet.

And Jeffery, your rig is so friggin awesome!

My rig.

 

[Jeffrey]

I'm looking good for the 17th of April so far. May is doubtful, as I'm leaving for Botswana on the 27th (if there are no restrictions).

 

[Ben Egbert]

I am not sure how we will figure this out. I was sort of making a contest, who would be the first responder on Saturday. Now I may have to flip a coin.

 

[rfkiii]

Here's my rig fresh out of the shop.

 

[sweetgrass]

So you're now running 35's? How high of a lift did you have to go with?

 

[Ben Egbert]

I think these are 37. He will need a step ladder to get into the FJ. I see a good place for a tent.

 

[AlanLichty]

If he goes any higher you could just pitch your tent underneath

 

[rfkiii]

So you're now running 35's? How high of a lift did you have to go with?

Those are 37s. I wasn't even in the market for 37s but the manager of my local 4WP talked me into the 37s and a 5 1/2" lift when the 35s I had originally ordered remained out of stock for two months (and still are 3 1/2 months later). Seems there is a rubber shortage.

I think these are 37. He will need a step ladder to get into the FJ. I see a good place for a tent.

I'm going back tomorrow and ordering the compressor and some side steps so Lisa can get into the FJ.

 

[Ben Egbert]

I see you have lock screws in the rims, you can air down to 14 pounds. You should ask the 4WD guy how far you can air down. Might take a while to get them re-inflated, but with two compressors at work it will help.

 

[JimFox]

Ben, did you already put in the permits for both trips? Is that why you can only take 1 more vehicle?

 

[rfkiii]

Jim, Permits for April and May will be available Nov 10. The three vehicle limit per group is a park restriction.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Rick is correct, In addition two permits does not work either because some places only have one campsite.

 

[Jeffrey]

When did this permit thing start? A few years ago I drove from Hite to the Flint trail and up to the plateau. Never saw any requirements or anyone else out there.

 

[Ben Egbert]

You probably would not see anything coming from Hite. If you go in via Hans Flat you see the Ranger station and signs saying permits required.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Ok, Rick and I came up with a plan that would allow 6 vehicles, at the expense of dropping Panorama Point from the itinerary. Pano point only has one camp site. In fact only two places have more than 1. That is Maze overlook with 2 and the Doll House with 3.

I will need to do a bit of mileage research to get a firm itinerary but it will probably go like this:

Sunday and Monday at the Maze overlook.
Tuesday and Wednesday at the Doll house.
Thursday we will split into two groups with one at the Wall and the other at maybe Chimney Rock. These are not far apart and break up the drive from the Doll House to hans flat..
Friday we meet up and drive back to Hanksville via Hand Flat

This will be tricky to get two permits for exact dates and places.

Those who are interested chime in and let us know if you like this plan.

@Jeffrey @JimFox @sweetgrass