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Summer 2007
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CANAAN MT SAWMILL ROAD LEGAL BATTLE
HOW TO PLAN A NPLD PROJECT
DEVILS RACETRACK REPAIR
U4WDA SPRING TRAIL RIDE
THE DEATH OF LION’S BACK
JACKASSERY ON YOUTUBE
WAYPOINT CROSSWORD
TENTS
Summer 2007
In case you haven’t heard, Utah 4 Wheel Drive
Association has a new President. Mr. Kurt Williams
stepped down in January after serving three years
as Association President. During that time, Kurt
revitalized U4WDA, presided over a 700% increase
in membership, and led the Association to the
highest annual income since U4WDA was founded in 1978. We
want to thank Kurt for his years of valued service, and we’re
looking forward to years more in a new position on the Board of
Directors.
In case you don’t know me, I’m Steve Jackson. I relocated to
Utah from Texas in 2004, and I’ve become addicted to the backroads and public land access available in the state. Since moving
here, I’ve been lucky enough to meet some great wheelers, and
explore some beautiful country. Unfortunately, I am amazed at
how much access motorized users have lost over recent years,
and I’m fearful that more massive closures are on the horizon.
If you haven’t heard by now, you need to be aware that the
motorized access community is facing the biggest challenge in
its history over the next few years. The federal government has
mandated that every Forest Service unit and BLM Field Office
must reevaluate and update their motorized travel management
plans. Utah has six National Forests and ten BLM Field Offices.
Some have already updated the travel plans, and the rest will
have plans completed within the next two years.
■
CANAAN MT SAWMILL ROAD LEGAL BATTLE
■
HOW TO PLAN A NPLD PROJECT
■
DEVILS RACETRACK REPAIR
■
U4WDA SPRING TRAIL RIDE
■
■
THE DEATH OF LION’S BACK
JACKASSERY ON YOUTUBE
■
WAYPOINT CROSSWORD
On The Cover: Eric Beard dropping into “The Maze” outside St George at the U4WDA Spring Trail
Ride. Photo: Seth Bowers
Canaan Mt Legal Battle.........4
House Bill 97..........................10
Death of Lion’s Back............11
NPLD Project Planning.......12
Devil’s Racetrack Repair...13
Don’t Know Jack...................16
Sponsor Spotlight...............20
Member Club and Rig..........21
Jackassery On Youtube.....25
Spring Trail Ride...................27
Questions, comments and theories for the editor to:
[email protected]
During this process,
we’ve already lost
some routes, and
there’s no doubt that
we will lose more.
How much we lose
fully depends on how
involved the members
of the motorized community become in the
fight to protect our
access.
It takes volunteers,
financial contributions, and informed members to organize an
effective defense against closures and the big-money forces
of enviro-groups. Whether you get involved with U4WDA or
another land use group, the time is now! Don’t wait for your
favorite road or trail to be closed. By then it’ll be too late!
What can you do? Start by supporting as many land use groups
as your financial situation will allow. Join groups like U4WDA,
USA-ALL, BRC, and UFWDA. Make additional donations to
these groups above the normal cost of membership. Become a
volunteer if you have the time. Volunteering for service projects
and activities is fun, rewarding, and an important way to protect
motorized access to public lands. For information on volunteer
opportunities, visit http://www.u4wda.org/volunteer.aspx.
We’ve got big plans for U4WDA over the next few years, but it
all depends on you! Get involved, and help protect motorized
recreation on public lands for future generations.
Steve Jackson
President, U4WDA
801-376-3332
[email protected]
STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION
Welcome Steve Jackson
U4WDA.ORG
3
Why a small town man is taking the access b
And how
Have Ticket,
Will Fight.
Article By Kurt WIlliams, Photos by Geno Ramsay
Dan Jessop and his family and friends have been
enjoying the Canaan Mountain Sawmill Road in
their Jeeps and 4x4 trucks since the late 1960’s.
Others in the area have been using the road
for motorized recreation since the early 1950’s,
and although the road was officially closed in
the mid-70’s thousands of people each year
enjoy the scenic views along this historic road
in Southern Utah. Washington County claims
the road as a vital County right-of-way, but the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) claims the
road never existed. The answer of who is right
will have a monumental impact on motorized
recreation in Utah and across the West.
The latest chapter in the Canaan Mountain
Sawmill Road story begins on Memorial Day
2006. Dan and a group of around twenty friends
and family members spent the day together on
a trip to the top of Canaan Mountain. As they
had done many times before, they followed the
old road from western Kane County, through
Elephant Cove, west to Broad Hollow, and up the
Vermillion Cliffs to the top of Canaan Mountain.
However, something out of the ordinary happened on the way down that has set in motion
a showdown between RS 2477 rights and the
BLM.
Canaan Mountain is an extraordinarily beautiful
place. It’s a tilted plateau that juts up above
the surrounding landscape just south of Zion
National Park. The 1,500 foot Vermillion Cliffs
mark the southern boundary of Canaan Mountain, and Smithsonian Butte is at the mountains
western edge.
4
COMPASSMAGAZINE
In the early 1900’s a sawmill was built at the top
of Canaan Mountain to harvest the fine stands of
Ponderosa Pine for the benefit of the surrounding communities. A steel cable and rigging was
stretched from the cliffs to the desert below
to facilitate the quick transport of the badly
needed timber for homes and other structures.
Today, some of the rigging and cable can still be
found on the mountain along with foundations
and other remnants of the once active sawmill.
Then in the early 1970’s the BLM began a push
to establish a Wilderness area including Canaan
Mountain and the surrounding land. Congress
had passed the Wilderness Act in 1964, and
it was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson later that year. The “Wilderness Craze” had
begun. Despite the fact that the mere existence
of the road excluded Canaan Mountain as a
qualifying Wilderness, the BLM moved forward
with its plans and made their intentions public
in 1973.
“Who are you calling?”
To which Dan replied,
“Everyone. If your’re
issuing tickets for driving
on this road, I know a few
hundred people who’d
like to get one.”
Immediately, there was an outcry from the
local population. The scores of users enjoying
Canaan Mountain and the surrounding area
banded together, and submitted a petition to
the BLM asking them to discard their plans to
recommend to Congress that the area be designated as Wilderness. The petition was signed
by thousands of local residents, but it had little
effect on the determination of the BLM.
Around 1925, the sawmill ceased operation, and
the road leading up to Canaan Mountain was
left unused except by the occasional rancher or
intrepid explorer. Then in the 1950’s, the road
was rediscovered by locals, now armed with
World War II era Army surplus Jeeps and other
4-wheel drive vehicles. The area quickly became
a popular destination for its outstanding scenic
beauty, and considerable recreational value.
Within a few years, the BLM used an Administrative Decision to declare Canaan Mountain as part of a Wilderness Study Area. Such
administrative actions are usually reserved for
emergency situations when there isn’t time to
employ the complete process involving public
and stakeholder input. However, these actions
are intended to be temporary, and the intent
of this method is to allow more permanent
solutions to be determined and enacted. This
was more than thirty years ago. Any determination about the area being a qualified Wilderness
should have been apparent a long time ago.
battle personal.
you can help.
Because of this administrative action,
the Canaan Mountain Sawmill Road has
been considered closed in the eyes of the
BLM for over thirty years. However, that
hasn’t stopped people from enjoying the
road through various forms of motorized
recreation. Washington County has always
claimed the road as a County right-of-way,
and used the recently validated RS 2477
as justification for their claim. The
route appears on Washington County
maps, and the locals have never
recognized the BLM as having the
authority to close the road.
All of this brings us back to Dan
Jessop and his group of family and
friends on Memorial Day 2006. As
Dan and his group were heading
down the
mountain, they
were greeted
by a BLM
Ranger
from the
Cedar
City
Field
Office. The BLM Ranger stopped the group, and
informed them that they were illegally operating
motorized vehicles in a closed area. A cordial
discussion began, and the Ranger indicated that
he would be issuing citations to the driver of
each vehicle in the group.
Dan immediately whipped out his cell phone,
and began dialing. The Ranger asked, “Who are
you calling?” To which Dan replied, “Everyone.
If you’re issuing tickets for driving on this road, I
know of a few hundred people who’d like to get
one. We’ve wanted to fight this closure for years,
and this is our chance!” After further discussion,
the Ranger decided to issue a single ticket to
Dan. The BLM Ranger politely handed over the
citation, and Dan’s group continued on their way
down the mountain.
At that moment, Dan became a central figure in
our fight to preserve motorized access to public
lands across the West.
This isn’t the first time that someone has been
issued a ticket for driving on Sawmill Road. BLM
Rangers have issued numerous citations to
motorized users on Canaan Mountain in recent
years. However, this was the first time that the
recipient of such a citation decided to fight it by
U4WDA.ORG
5
questioning the managing agencies supposed authority in the original
closure.
Unfortunately, these types of administrative closures happen far too often.
The BLM, Forest Service, and other land managers often use “temporary
closures” to circumvent the procedures put in place to guarantee that the
public has a voice in public land management. These “temporary closures”
are usually instituted in response to claims of resource damage caused
by irresponsible OHV users, or the discovery of a rare form of cactus in
an OHV area as in the case of Factory Butte. Sometimes, the “temporary
closures” are instituted at the request of anti-access groups like Southern
Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) or Sierra Club. These groups are able to
elicit “temporary closures” with as little as the threat of a lawsuit in some
instances.
The land managers and anti-access groups count on the “temporary closure” becoming permanent because they know that more often than not
the motorized community doesn’t have the resources or ability to fight the
closure. This method has become a favorite of renegade land managers
and anti-access groups who are trying to eliminate motorized access to
public lands.
In the weeks following the issuance of the citation, Dan Jessop retained
the services of the law firm Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough in St
George. They entered a plea of “Not Guilty,” and requested that the case be
sent to trial. Since then, the case has gone through several continuances
as Jones Waldo and Dan Jessop prepare for the legal battle ahead. They
have requested documents, maps, and other evidence from the Cedar City
BLM Field Office, but the BLM’s cooperation has been less than forthcoming.
The law is on Dan’s side in this case. There is clear evidence that a manmade road exists on Canaan Mountain. There is clear evidence that the
road has been in use by motorized vehicles since the 1950’s (a key fact in
using RS 2477 to defend the right-of-way claimed by Washington County).
But proving the case in court and outlasting the BLM’s legal defense tactics
and red-tape is another story.
The BLM is counting on Dan not being able to continue the fight due to
the enormous cost involved. They are hoping that the motorized community won’t wake up and realize the importance of this case. Their plan for
victory is to rely on the apathy of motorized recreation users, and to win
the case by attrition. They want to drag out the case for so long that Dan
will become unable to support the legal effort financially.
So far, the legal bills have totaled over $15,000, and it hasn’t even gone to
trial yet. Dan is not a man with financial wealth, and he has depended on
donations from clubs and individuals to help cover the mounting costs.
Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association has already made a $1,000 donation to the
effort, and we plan on continuing to provide as much support as possible.
Legal decisions are always based on precedence. If a judge can point to a
previous decision in support of a legal argument, future cases can be won
on the foundation built in the Canaan Mountain Sawmill Road case. But
only if Dan Jessop wins. If Dan wins the case, the motorized community
will have achieved a major victory. A victory in this case means that countless other “temporary closures” by the BLM and Forest Service can be challenged and possibly reversed. A victory in this case means that renegade
land managers across the West will no longer be able to use “temporary
closures” to lock the public out of the public lands process.
The motorized community needs to make sure that Dan Jessop wins this
case. The effects will be enormous. If Dan loses, it’ll be another victory for
anti-access groups, renegade land managers, and the bureaucracy of the
Federal Government. If Dan wins, we’ll see roads being re-opened, and a
brighter future for motorized access on public lands. As mentioned, the
law is on our side. The only question is whether or not we can provide the
finances required to ensure a victory.
Whether you’ve been actively involved in land use for years, or a new-comer looking for a way to help, this is the opportunity we’ve been looking for.
With your help and Dan Jessop’s determination, we can win a major battle
in the fight to protect motorized access to public lands.
There are a few ways to donate to the Canaan Mountain Sawmill Road
Legal Defense Fund.
To donate by credit card or Pay-Pal go to www.u4wda.org/donate, select
“Canaan Mountain Defense Fund” and enter your payment information
using our secure website.
To donate by check, make your check payable to “Jones Waldo” and mail it
to Dan Jessop, 6890 E Apple Valley Dr, Apple Valley, UT 84737.
Your financial contributions will determine whether or not Dan Jessop and
the motorized community will win or lose this case. Don’t look back in five
or ten years and wish you would have done something. Make a donation
today, and give motorized access a fighting chance! n
6
COMPASSMAGAZINE
UNITED FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ASSOCIATIONS:
Representation at the National Level
It takes many organizations working on multiple levels to protect your
right to access public lands. These groups work tirelessly on local, state,
and national issues that affect the motorized community. In the 4x4
community, the national organization fighting for our rights is
United Four Wheel Drive Associations.
United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA)
was founded in 1976 to assist and represent
member associations and individuals in the
goal of promoting and protecting motorized recreation on public lands. Today,
UFWDA has over 60 association and
club members, and its work at the
national level has lead to many local
and state policies that affect every
4x4 user across the country. UFWDA
is our national voice, leading the
way on issues affecting everyone
who enjoys using their four wheel
drive vehicle to explore our nation’s
backcountry areas.
Over the years, UFWDA has produced
valuable programs to benefit the 4x4
community. UFWDA has a Volunteer Trail
Patrol program that trains members in peer
enforcement, reporting of trail conditions, and
user education. The 4WD Awareness program
provides education curriculum in a clinic format for
teaching new 4x4 users the right and responsible way to
wheel. UFWDA also maintains a Land Action Fund to provide financial
resources to programs and activities intended to benefit 4x4 users across
the country.
UFWDA and other pro-motorized recreation groups recently
intervened in a lawsuit on behalf of the National
Park Service (NPS). The lawsuit was initiated by
a coalition of over 70 environmental groups
demanding that the NPS prohibit ORV use
in all National Parks. This would close
the scenic routes we enjoy in Arches
and Canyonlands National Parks, and
completely eliminate snowmobile use
in Yellowstone National Park. Thanks
to the intervention of UFWDA and
its partners, most of the demands
in the suit were dismissed by the
court. However, this battle is still
on-going, and UFWDA plans to stay
on the forefront of this issue.
UFWDA does a lot for the 4x4
community, and U4WDA is a proud
supporter of their mission to represent
us on a national level. If you’re not
already a member of UFWDA, join today!
Membership is only $30 per year, and it is
money well spent to provide a united, national
representation for the 4x4 community.
More information about UFWDA can be found on their website at http://www.ufwda.org. n
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supporting the
the U4
U4WDA
WDA
272 N. Broadway, Tooele UT 84074
272 N. Broadway, Tooele UT 84074
435.840.0679
435.840.0679
[email protected]
[email protected]
JOIN U4WDA!
Members of U4WDA can select from one of three membership packages.
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MOTORIZED COMMUNITY WORKS TOGETHER ON HB97
By Steve Jackson
We’ve all moaned and groaned about the funding imbalance between
anti-motorized groups and pro-motorized access organizations protecting our right to recreate on public lands. Thanks to Utah Shared Access
Alliance (USA-ALL), Representative Mike Noel, and assistance from the
motorized community, a new funding source will be available in 2008 in
the form of legislation passed in the last session, House Bill 97.
is one of the very few organizations that will be eligible to access this new
source of funding.
The motorized community played an important role in the passing of this
ground-breaking legislation. Your emails, phone calls, and support were
a big part of the success of this legislative effort. Lawmakers in Salt Lake
City heard you loud and clear! At a special rally held last February, atv’ers,
dirt-bikers, jeepers, and snowmobilers showed a united front in support of
this and other pro-motorized recreation legislation. The entire motorized
community worked together to get this bill passed, and we hope the spirit
of cooperation between these groups will continue to grow.
HB97 provides a voluntary $2 donation check-off box on all vehicle
registration forms in the state of Utah. The money collected from this
voluntary donation is reserved in a special account at the State Parks &
Recreation Department. Qualifying groups can apply for the money in the
form of grants to be used in defending motorized access to public lands or
educating motorized recreation users. The text of the legislation requires
that applying groups must be a certified non-profit public charity with at
least one full time staff employee. Because of these restrictions, USA-ALL
The new voluntary donation check-off box will be on vehicle registration
forms near the end of the year. Be sure to check the box and help the
cause with some badly needed financial support. n
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10
COMPASSMAGAZINE
Death of lions back
Two Moab Icons Closed Forever?
By Seth Bowers
Almost anyone who is familiar with Moab has heard of or seen the obstacles known as Lion’s Back and Dump Bump. Most of us have seen the
famous video of the full size Chevy Blazer barreling uncontrollably down
Lion’s Back, and almost every Moab regular has climbed (or attempted)
Dump Bump. Unfortunately, it appears that these two Moab icons are
now closed to the public forever.
Lion’s Back, Dump Bump, and portions of the Hell’s Revenge trail are situated on land previously owned by the state agency known as SITLA. The
State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA)
was founded in 1894 to manage the use and sale of over 7 million acres of
federal land granted to the state of Utah. The primary beneficiary of the
Trust is Utah’s public school system, and today SITLA manages over
3.5 million acres of land scattered around the state. Two public auctions are held each year to liquidate land for the Trust, and SITLA still
owns several additional parcels around Moab and a parcel containing
the popular Utah County wheeling spot called “Little Moab.”
The land has been under private lease for many years, but SITLA finally
sold it outright to a developer who plans on building condos on the
old Lion’s Back campground. Due to liability concerns, Lion’s Back and
Dump Bump were closed soon after the new owner took possession
of the property. While Hell’s Revenge appears safe for now, there is no
guarantee that the trail won’t require some protection in the future.
At this point, there isn’t much to be done about the closures of Lion’s Back
and Dump Bump. Representatives from Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association,
Red Rock 4-Wheelers, Moab Friends-For-Wheelin, and Utah Shared Access
Alliance are investigating possible action that could keep these obstacles
open, but legal action in this case would be very costly.
To assist U4WDA and our land use partners on this and other closures, get
involved today! Don’t wait until your favorite trail or area is closed, by then
it’ll be too late. Donate to the U4WDA Open Access Fund or the RR4W
Multiple Use Defense Fund (you can donate to either fund at u4wda.org
via credit card or Pay-Pal). Without more involvement from the motorized
recreation community, closures like this will become more instead of less
common. n
NPLD TRAIL CLEANUP PLANNING
One of the most common questions I get from
U4WDA members is, “What can I do to help?”
The easiest way short of donating a million
bucks, is to plan a trail clean-up activity.
September 29th, is National Public Lands Day
(NPLD). NPLD is the single largest day for service
projects nationwide. NPLD is used to help
promote the use and conservation of public
lands in America. Projects can range from OHV,
hiking, biking, and walking trail maintenance, to
park clean-ups and education in urban areas.
Last year, U4WDA had over 300 volunteers at 11
sites statewide. It was the largest clean-up and
trail maintenance activity ever held in the state.
This year we hope to crush those numbers. In
order to do that we need to see every member
of U4WDA help in some way on September
29th. We also need every 4x4 club in Utah, to
plan or participate in an activity.
Many don’t realize just how easy it is to plan,
organize, and follow through with a clean-up.
All you need to do is decide when, where, what,
and find the volunteers to help. There is no
sense in doing a service project if nobody knows
about it. So contact the BLM, Forest Service, or
your local law enforcement agency to make sure
you know who manages or controls the area
where you want to have your project.
Talk to your club or group of friends and decide
By Mike “Bear” Taylor, U4WDA Northern VP
what trail or area you think needs the work the
most. Then decide what kind of work you will
be able to do, whether it’s something as simple
as picking up garbage, or something bigger like
closing bypasses and placing signs.
After you have decided the where, when and
what, start spreading the word to your members
and friends to call for volunteers. The amount of
work that actually gets done greatly depends on
how many people are there.
Next, notify the agencies or parties of your
intent. Tell them who you are and what you’re
doing. When they ask “why”, make sure they
understand that you want to do your part to
help keep our public lands open.
Now you are ready to go. Have fun with your
project. Create games for the kids to help get
them involved. Have a lunch or bbq during
your event. Work doesn’t always have to being
boring and hard.
know what you’re doing. That way we can write
articles and highlight the events of the day.
Service is the greatest thing that we as off-road
enthusiast can do to show that we too care
about the environment and that we’re truly
not just a bunch of “rednecks” tearing up the
landscape.
If you are not part of a local club and still want to
help, please be sure to keep an eye out for what
projects U4WDA will be hosting. Or contact
your local 4x4 club; I know they will never turn
away volunteers. You can find out more about
projects in your area by visiting www.u4wda.
org/npld.
Also, always remember to help by picking up
trash every time you’re out on the trail. Every
little bit helps.
For More Information on trail clean-ups or NPLD
contact:
When you’ve completed your service project,
make sure to call the same agency you notified
and let them know how many volunteers you
had, and how successful the project was.
Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association
Steve Jackson, NPLD Coordinator, 801-376-3332
or [email protected]
www.u4wda.org
The U4WDA needs your help and support on
September 29th, National Public Lands Day. Plan
your event and notify the proper agencies. Also,
be sure that you contact U4WDA and let them
or
National Public Lands Day
www.publiclandsday.org n
G E T D O WN A ND D IRT Y FOR AM E R IC A .
One out of every three acres of America’s land – 600 million acres – is public land, your land. Lands where you can hike,
bike, climb, swim, explore, picnic or just plain relax. And when you get your hands dirty in programs like National Public
Lands Day, you help spruce up your beautiful lands. Last year on this day, nearly 80,000 volunteers built trails and bridges,
planted native trees and removed trash.
To find out how you can help, go to www.u4wda.org or call 1-800-VOL-TEER (800-865-8337).
H E L P I N G
H A N D S
© 2005 Muench Photography, Inc.
F O R
A M E R I C A ’ S
L A N D S
Article and Photos By Todd Adams
On Saturday February 10th 2007 at about 6 AM I
left my house in Salt Lake City to join a group of
concerned motorized recreationalists to repair
some recent trail abuse on Devil’s Racetrack
Trail. Devil’s Racetrack is a marked trail in the San
Rafael region of central Utah. I think a brief history of the trail is in order before an explanation
of why the repair was so necessary at such short
notice.
The first homesteaders moved to the Ferron
Utah region in the early 1870’s. Some of the
first were Joe, Sid, Charles and Rod Swasey.
The four brothers were cattle ranchers who
grazed their cattle to the west of Ferron on the
Wasatch Plateau in the summer months and in
the winter, southeast in the San Rafael Desert.
Devil’s Racetrack is the southern most portion
of the winter cattle drive trail from Ferron to a
Cabin the brothers had built near the head of
Eagle Canyon.
The Swasey’s fall cattle drive left Ferron southeast into Coal Wash. South in Coal Wash the trail
followed the North Fork of Coal Wash to what is
now the start of the Devil’s Racetrack Trail which
climbs out of the wash to a narrow hogback
which gives the trail its name. It was once told
to me by a local that “you would have to be a
devil to race across this hogback” and that is
how one of the Swasey’s put it once, that gave
it the name “Devil’s Racetrack”. This section is by
far the most difficult of the entire trail today in
a 4x4.
In the early 1980’s Congress created a number of Wilderness Study Areas in Utah. Devil’s
Racetrack being located within one of these
called the Sid’s Mountain WSA. In late 1999 the
Utah Bureau of Land Management issued an
emergency closing of many of the motorized
routes within the San Rafael.
Following is part of the press release from the
BLM at the time.
“Citing significant damage to soils, vegetation, and other resources which have resulted
in impairment to
wilderness values, the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced today that it
will restrict motorized
travel in wilderness
study areas (WSAs) in
the San Rafael Swell
region.
An emergency closure order, scheduled
to be published in the
Federal Register on
March 21, will restrict
motorized travel on
public lands in seven
WSAs with the exception of four identified vehicle ways located in the Sid’s Mountain
Wilderness Study Area that will remain open on
a conditional basis.
Price Field Office Manager Dick Manus traces
the majority of the problems to cross-country
travel and vehicle play by all-terrain vehicles.
“Hill climbing and tracking around popular
campsites and in the back-country is causing
soil erosion and the
trampling of vegetation to a degree that
natural values have
been compromised.”
“In our eyes, the
San Rafael Swell is a
treasure, a rare and
priceless gem–
like a magnificent
diamond in the
rough— and therefore it should be
managed as such.
This treasure is our
inheritance, to be placed in a trust, a legacy to
be passed on to our children and grandchildren.”
said Emery County Commissioner Randy Johnson. “We want to help the BLM protect these
resources, and we are pleased
they are working with us and the public by
maintaining OHV use on four important recreation routes in the Sid’s Mountain wilderness
study area. It is also important for us to work
together, to resolve resource protection issues
and develop a plan that prescribes appropriate
OHV use in this popular recreation area.””
After WWII, Jeeps were often used across this
cattle trail and in recent years the prospect of
adventure has lead to the recreational use of this
old cattle drive path. Until the summer of 2000 it
was often difficult to find the trail since not too
many knew the exact route and tracks were hard
to follow across the slick rock portions of the
trail. In 2000, local OHV user groups along with
the BLM marked the trail and also eradicated
many tracks created by previous explorers trying
to find the right way. The actions of the local
user groups was the only reason Dick Manus,
the Price Field Office Director, allowed Devil’s
Racetrack to remain open on a conditional basis.
Part of the original agreement with the user
groups was continual observation and maintenance within the Wilderness Study Areas. This
includes vehicles staying within the confines of
the narrow trails.
When reports came out of the area that there
had been a full sized “Rock Buggy” responsible
for damage along a two mile section of Devil’s
Racetrack on February 10th 2007, word spread
fast that a repair crew was needed to erase the
damage as soon as possible. Those of us that
understood the implications of noticeable abuse
to the area and that it could lead to closure of
this route changed our plans at the last minute
to help out.
U4WDA.ORG
13
some impromptu demonstrations on the most effective way to hide the
tracks but make it look as natural as possible in the process.
Some work was also done to eliminate trail braiding. Trail braiding is when
someone drives around a tree or what looks like an easier way around
an obstacle and before long it is hard to tell which one was the original
path. This braiding is a concern to the BLM as it eventually widens the trail
beyond its original confines and constitutes impairment to natural values
within the WSA. The area of braiding that we took care of was not the result of the previous week’s damage but is a continual problem on this trail.
It really did not take us very long to do our work. Most of the group,
including the BLM officials turned around and headed back home. A few
of us decided to take the long way out and finish the trail heading south.
Once we reached I-70 we took the underpass and continued west to
Swasey’s Cabin. Pit toilets had been built at the visitors parking area. Funny
I don’t remember a parking area at the cabin on my last visit.
We then proceeded down into Eagle Canyon and once past the bridges
of I-70 we took the road up and out of the canyon going west where we
came to another underpass. Once through it lead us to Justensen Flats and
a short drive to the start of Moore Road that lead back to Ferron.
There is no need to go into details who the responsible person was but I
will tell you that he turned himself in and he was among the repair crew.
There were so many volunteers that only a few of us were allowed on
Devil’s Racetrack to actually repair the damage. The rest of the volunteers
were sent out along South Coal Wash to Eva Conover Road and also up
North Coal Wash over Fix It Pass for a trash collection project.
The damage that we repaired consisted mostly of tire tracks that went a
few feet off the established trail and were eradicated by simply using the
backside of a rake or just using a “Boot Scuffing” technique. Earlier, we had
been given instruction by a Resource Manager with the BLM and then
Devil’s Racetrack is one of our “Jewels” so enjoy it but stay on the path. My
favorite way to do the trail is to start on the south end near I-70 and Dutchman Arch. Once over Devil’s Racetrack I take a right turn up North Coal
Wash over “Fix It Pass” named by Larry Heck of Pass Patrol fame. Seems
like every time Larry went over this pass he or one of the other Pass Patrol
members required a fix of some sort. Once over “Fix It Pass” the trail heads
back south towards I-70 making this way a loop of sorts.
For more information on this and other U4WDA projects please see our
website. www.u4wda.org n
By Jack Johnston
You’re never too young (or old) to learn. Just ask
me, I’m still learning something new just about
every day. There is a big wide world out there
just waiting to be discovered by every one of
us. I pray that things will never get boring and
there will always be something new on the
horizon.
Speaking of not being too OLD to learn, how
about being forgetful? I must apologize to
Ber (Burrito on the CB) who led the Behind The
Rocks run in Moab at the 2007 U4WDA Winter
Convention. As we all know, we are supposed
to be self-sustaining independent units (vehicles) within a group. Well, I forgot where my
air gauge and air-down tools were in my vehicle
(it’s an old age, habit thing) and had to borrow
from another (Dodge) 4X4. I left my hitch pin
at home and since I had to be towed out of a
snow filled ditch, I had to use a borrowed one.
Putting my new Dodge Pickup (only 500 miles)
in low range was a mystery that was solved by
reading the manual.The bottom line is KNOW
YOUR VEHICLE! I don’t care if you do have 40
years of four-wheeling experience you’re never
too old or young to learn.
14
COMPASSMAGAZINE
In the old days, a check off list was never
thought of or considered because everything
stayed in the old Scout. But there were still
some things that were forgotten until a checkoff list became a must have item. Now is the
time for every good man to think about having
a check off list. How about your Club? It should
be a standard item in every 4X4.
“Habits can either be a powerful servant or a
fearful master.”
When I stopped racing sports cars and started
playing around with four wheeling, it seemed
like there was a whole new world just waiting
to be discovered. When my boys were 13 and
11 and my daughter Susan was 2 years old, I
started taking them and teaching them how to
backpack, rock climb and camp. Susan had her
first rappelling lesson when she was 4 years old
at Joshua Tree National Park in 1971. I would
let all of my children drive my old Scout 800
by themselves up and down Grave Wash in
Anza Borrego. They knew how to use the CB
and would give me a shout whenever they got
stuck. The point is that with proper instruction
your children can learn something constructive
that will stay with them the rest of their lives.
My children will always remember those good
times we had together. I will never forget the
time we had four Scout II’s in the family and we
all went to Pismo Beach for a weekend outing
in the dunes with their children. What are you
teaching your children? Will they grow up with
a love of the outdoors and will they be able to
enjoy the sport of four wheeling? What are you
doing to ensure there will be places to go four
wheeling in the future? That’s why your local
club and the U4WDA are there. Join up, get
informed, and be active.
My dad was a salesman (some say I have some
of the salesman’s bull in me) and he used to
say “Don’t make an enemy out of anyone, you
might want to sell them something someday”.
Just remember: the greatest sales pitch you
will ever make is to sell yourself and it happens
every time you meet a new person.
I missed sending in a YAGGL (You Are Gonna
Get Lost) last Quarter so here is one to try on for
size this quarter. YAGHFIR
That’s it, Jack. n
15
16
King Crawlers Club Meeting
17
10
3
Unlimited 4x4 Meeting
Wasatch Outlaw Wheelers' Meeting
Wednesday
King Crawlers Work Party
WEROCK, So Carolina
18
11
4
27
20
Thursday
U4WDA Board Meeting
Friday
15
8
1
U4WDA Service Project
King Crawlers 4x4 Challenge Price
Uroc- SLC
Saturday
Southeastern VP
Bob Bandle
[email protected]
KaSouthwestern VP
naBlack
Don
b,
[email protected]
Ut
ah Director
Northern VP, Activities
9
2
14
19
12
5
28
21
W.E.ROCK, East #4
Friday
XXRA Eastern #3
WEROCK, CA
un
XRRA Colorado Springs
29
Uroc- Hazleton, PA
RROCK #2
20
13
6
MOROC #3
Saturday
WinRock
21
King Crawlers Trail Ride Spring Canyon
TeraFlex PLUS Logan Run
Uroc- Portland
Wasatch Outlaw W…Summer Expedition
U4WDA Service Project
Magazine Editor
Seth Bowers
[email protected]
Historian
Kurt Williams
[email protected]
Treasurer
Daynene Snyder
[email protected]
Administrative Secretary
Lisa Rasmussen
[email protected]
Land Use Director
Jason Goates
[email protected]
Central VP
Tim Rasmussen
[email protected]
UFWDA Delegate
Steve Edmunds
[email protected]
tlc
r
pte
a
BRC Delegate
h
hBrettcDavis
uta [email protected]
14
7
30
23
Northern VP
Matt “Big Sarge” Westrich
[email protected]
Northern VP
Mike “Bear” Taylor
[email protected]
r
e
h
t
c
t
tain s
p
a
a
h
C
a
w
22
16
Wasatch Outlaw W…rail Ride or Activity.
Larry Olsen
[email protected]
NA X
nax
ja.o J A
rg
o
7
31
9
9
99
W.E.ROCK, East #4
9
Tuesday
13
Thursday
U4WDA Board Meeting
9
1
19
d
d
e
e
h
h
lliiss
b
b
a
a
t
t
eess
Notch Peak Desert Dogs
Delta, Utah
Judy Killey
435-864-4910
MOROC #3
8
2
Unlimited 4x4 Meeting
6
30
ta
North American XJ Assocation (Intermountain Chapter)
Utah
Ryan Ward
[email protected]
www.naxja.org
Mountain Yoats 4x4
Utah
Jason Goates, President
[email protected]
www.mountainyoats.com
Monday
26
19
12
Wasatch Outlaw Wheelers' Meeting
Wednesday
o
1
King Crawlers Club Meeting
King Crawlers Work Party
5
29
y
Sunday
25
Tuesday
King Crawlers Work Party
4
President, Membership Director, Webmaster
Steve Jackson
[email protected]
o
WEROCK, CA
July 2007
24
18
11
4
28
A
4X
s
r
e
s
i
u
cr
t
MoabJeeper.com
Utah
George Pandoff
www.moabjeeper.com
Moab Friends-For-Wheelin
Moab, Utah
Jeff Stevens
435-259-6119
[email protected]
RROCK #2
Monday
h
m
r
e
t
n
Lost KJ’s
Utah
Troy Young
[email protected]
www.lostrockies.com
Lone Peak 4-Wheelers
American Fork, Utah
JB Washburn, President
801-319-4141
[email protected]
www.lonepeak4wheelers.com
17
10
Wasatch Outlaw W…rail Ride or Activity.
WEROCK, So Carolina
MOROC #2
3
27
Wasatch Outlaw W…razeez Konvention
Sunday
June 2007
I
Dirt Hedz
Orem, Utah
Mike Taylor, President
801-687-1703
www.dirthedz.com
Desert Trackers 4x4
Salt Lake City, Utah
Russ Fullmer, President
801-484-7661
[email protected]
Castle Country King Crawlers 4x4
Price, Utah
Scott Edwards, President
435-613-0204
[email protected]
www.kingcrawlers.com
Canyon Country 4x4
Kanab, Utah
Don Black, President
435-644-8258
[email protected]
www.canyoncountry4x4club.com
Big Horn 4X4 Club
Roy, Utah
Jeff Graves, President
801-475-6086
[email protected]
www.bighorn4x4club.com
No
r
t
J
o
s
s
tion
a
i
c
ZU’tah Wheelers
West Jordan, Utah
[email protected]
www.zutah.com
Wasatch Outlaw Wheelers
Ogden, Utah
Larry Olsen
801-791-8446
[email protected]
www.wasatchoutlawwheelers.com
Wasatch Cruisers 4x4
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dave Connors
www.wasatchcruisers.org
Utah Xterra Owners Club
Salt Lake City, Utah
Robert Pinon
[email protected]
www.uxoc.com
Utah Toyota Territory Off-Roaders Association
Utah
www.ut-ttora.com
UTAH Offroad and Outdoors Club
Utah
Steve Jackson
[email protected]
www.utahoffroad.com
Utah 4x4 Club
Utah
Josh Eldridge
[email protected]
www.utah4x4club.com
Unlimited 4x4 Club
Richfield, Utah
Nate Curtis
435-893-8655
[email protected]
SLC 4x4 Club
Salt Lake City, Utah
Brad Roennebeck
www.slc4x4.com
Rock ‘N Lock
Salt Lake City, Utah
Joe Mitchell
801-580-0114
Rockhoppers 4x4 Club
Salt Lake City, Utah
Daynene Snyder
801-942-3488
[email protected]
rockhoppers4x4.tripod.com
RockyMoutainExtreme.com
Utah
Greg Gardner
[email protected]
www.rockymountainextreme.com
Red Rock 4-Wheelers
Moab, Utah
Jeramey McElhaney
435-259-ROCK
www.rr4w.com
[email protected]
RROCK #3
Sunday
26
19
12
5
29
Monday
August 2007
29
22
27
20
13
6
30
30
23
King Crawlers Club Meeting
King Crawlers Work Party
Tuesday
28
21
14
7
31
31
24
Unlimited 4x4 Meeting
Wasatch Outlaw Wheelers' Meeting
Wednesday
Wasatch Outlaw Wheelers' Meeting
29
22
15
8
1
1
25
U4WDA Board Meeting
Thursday
U4WDA Board Meeting
30
23
16
9
2
2
26
XRRA Esatern #4
XRRA New Mexico
Friday
XRRA New Mexico
King Crawlers RTI Show
31
24
17
10
3
3
27
RROCK #3
4
4
18
11
1
25
King Crawlers Trail Ride Judgement Day
Summer Convention
King Crawlers R/C Comp
Uroc- Jellico, TN
Saturday
Uroc- Jellico, TN
28
BOD Member
Tacoma White
[email protected]
BOD Member
Christinne Westrich
[email protected]
BOD Member
Kiel Renwick
[email protected]
BOD Member
Chris “EZ” Perri
[email protected]
BOD Member
Ian Parish
[email protected]
BOD Member
Bill & Margaret Murphy
[email protected]
BOD Member
Tom Hill
[email protected]
BOD Member
Russ Fullmer
[email protected]
BOD Member
Kurt Deissenberger
[email protected]
Trail Patrol Coordinator
Todd Adams
[email protected]
USA-ALL Delegate
Jack Johnston
[email protected]
18
COMPASSMAGAZINE
U4WDA SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsors
4 Wheel Parts
www.4wheelparts.com
Red Rock 4x4
www.redrock4x4.com
Rocklogic 4x4
www.rocklogic4x4.com
Teraflex
www.teraflex.biz
Teraflex Plus
www.teraflexplus.com
Tom Woods Custom Drive Shafts
www.4xshaft.com
Gold Sponsors
Novak Conversions
www.novakconversions.com
Slickrock Cafe, Moab
www.slickrockcafe.com
Business Members
AllJeep.com
www.alljeep.com
Amos Rents
www.amosrents.com
Boyce Equipment Company
www.boyceequipment.com
Cruiser Outfitters
www.cruiseroutfitters.com
Equipt Expedition Outfitters
www.equipt1.com
Fast Movers
www.fastmovers.biz
Hem 4x4 Products
www.hem4x4.com
Midnight 4x4
www.midnight4x4.com
Mount Logan
435-752-4272
Nanoseal
www.thenanoseal.com
801-266-NANO
RockAuto.com
www.rockauto.com
Red Jeep Club
www.redjeepclub.com
ScoutAbout PC & Web Works
www.scoutaboutpc.com
Sexton Off-Road
www.sextonoffroad.com
The Parts Store, Moab Carquest
Moab, Utah
Triple Stop Chevron
Layton, Utah
WinRock Racing
www.winrock.us
Additional Sponsors
Advanced Four Wheel Drive Systems
www.afwd.com
Allied Racing Wheels
www.alliedracingwheels.com
Arave Precision Frame
Eden, Utah
ASFIR 4x4
www.asfir.com
Bestop
www.bestop.com
BF Goodrich/JD Motorsports
www.jdmotorsports.com
Big O Tires
Kaysville, Utah
Car Concepts
www.carconceptsslc.com
ClearBra
801-486-7668
Doug Smith Autoplex
www.dougsmithautoplex.com
Dan Mick Tours
www.danmick.com
Fab Fours
www.fabfours.com
Gorilla GPS
www.gorillagps.com
Hanson Enterprise Bumpers and Cargo
Systems
www.hansonenterprise.com
Hoodlift
www.hoodlift.com
Jack-It
www.jackit.com
Larry H. Miller Chrysler/Jeep in Sandy
www.lhmchryslerjeep.com
Skyjacker
www.skyjacker.com
Six States Distributors
www.sixstates.com
Superlift Suspension Systems
www.superlift.com
Tuff Country
www.tuffcountry.com
Warn Industries, Inc.
www.warn.com
Wildkat Video
www.wildkatvideo.com
Zombie Customs
www.zombiecustoms.com
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
TeraFlex
5251 s Commerce Dr.
Murray, UT 84107
801-288-2585
www.teraflex.biz
Vinson Pratt , marketing guru for TeraFlex sat
down and gave us the skinny about what is up
at TF these days.
Compass: When and how did you guys get your
start?
TeraFlex was formed in 1996. Direct retail
experience with the demand for the new to be
released 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ told us that the
Jeep market was ready to explode. There were
no suspension manufacturers that were planning on releasing any new products for the TJ
line-up. TeraFlex was formed to offer product to
that wanting crowd. We were the first suspension company to offer any type of aftermarket
suspension component for the TJ Wrangler.
In fact we were the only company to offer a
full solution with FlexArms that would allow
custom pinion and caster angles as well as allow
complete articulation off road. Our FlexArm
design revolutionized the off-road market and
brought new life into a market that was starting
to dwindle.
Compass: What is the focus of your company?
Late Model Jeep vehicles are the focus of TeraFlex. We are Jeep enthusiasts and cater specifically to that market. For the last 10 years the TJ
market has been very strong. This year (2007)
with the introduction of the new JK Wrangler
that line-up is the newest and most requested
product line that we currently offer. The TJ
market will continue to hold strong, as the price
drops they are more available to the youth market as 1st time vehicles. Our low range solutions
for the NV231 continue to be the only aftermarket solution for consumers looking for a low
range conversion in their existing 231 transfer
case. This conversion is extremely cost effective
and does not require any additional modifications that many other aftermarket transfer case
alternatives require.
Compass: Do you have any projects that are
new, special, interesting? Top-secret stuff?
We always have something cookin’ out back.
The newest stuff of course is going to be for the
new JK line-up. We are currently testing our
prototype 6” LCG long arm system, and should
have that ready to go by the summer of 2007.
Our new Dual Rate S/T sway bar system is also
something that we have been long-term testing
since 2002. It is ready to go and should be a
real big item for the daily-driver/weekend trail
rigs. It offers two rates of resistance – one for
the highway (it offers 10% more resistance than
stock) and a trail torsion that offers just enough
resistance to keep body roll to a minimum.
20
COMPASSMAGAZINE
Compass: Why was
U4WDA the organization you chose to
support?
TeraFlex is a Utah
company, and we do
90% of our testing
here. Anywhere from
Providence canyon, to
Moab, to St. George,
we are out there on the
trails, and do our fair
share of using them.
We feel that it is not only our duty to help put
back into the system, but also our responsibility
as a manufacturer to help out the organizations
that keep those trails open. U4WDA is the main
organization in Utah that helps keep these areas
open to fair use.
U4WDA is non-profit, and as such needs
financial support more than ever. Putting on
large scale events, conventions, and cleanups
requires not just elbow grease but money as
well. Hopefully our support helps to keep these
essential events going. Education is the key to
everything. The number of new 4-wheel drive
enthusiasts continues to grow every year, and
it is only through proper education that these
new enthusiasts will practice the ideals of Tread
Lightly, and other principles that promote
responsible off-roading.
Compass: Got any funny stories?
There is always something funny going on
around here, like the famous “parking garage
dukes of hazard-esque jump-off-the-ramp”
where the claim was “I swear the throttle stuck!”
That tag line is used a lot anytime something
in-advertent happens around here. My own
personal oops, was in Little Moab when I made
the famous last words of “well I went up it so I
can easily go back down it” (…yeah, I rolled it –
forward).
Our company is a really fun place to work. We
are all friends, and we all enjoy the outdoors
and the whole Jeeping experience. Because
of that, there is a lot of synergy that is created
here. We hang out with each other, and find
activities to do that involve everyone. In the
summer months we will have several barbeques
a month, and in August we have our annual
TeraFlex family campout. The campout is the
best because employees, spouses, and all the
kids get together and play games, sing campfire
songs, and run some trails. It is a great time.
Much of this is the reason that we have such low
turnover. Everyone loves their job, and likes to
work here.
Compass: What are your plans for the future?
The future looks really promising. With the new
Dennis’ YJ making the steps on Rattlesnake look small.
2007 line-up out, we are receiving more calls
than ever on our products. We are always looking at the market and studying it and listening
to our customers. There is always a demand for
a new product that will take them to the next
level, or provide them with something that
they need. Right now there are no specifics on
products, but trust us - we are always working
on the next big thing! Down the road we are
hoping to add more interactivity to our website
to provide our customers with more technical
information. Because all of our products are engineered with state of the art CAD software we
have 3D animated renderings of our products.
We are looking at making these files available
for customers to view so that they can view the
product at any angle, and see cutaways and
assembly views of the product before they make
the decision to purchase.
We also want to make the site more resource
friendly so that someone trying to rebuild
their transfer case on a Saturday afternoon can
still access in-depth technical help from their
computer. In-depth installation write-ups with
detailed photos and tech tips are all slated to be
added to the site.
Compass: Anything else?
TeraFlex wants to express our appreciation to
the Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association for all of
their individual and collective work that goes
into providing such a great service to the offroad community. Without this great organization, off-roading in Utah would not be where it
is today, and we would not have access to the
quality trail systems that Utah has become so
well known for. Thanks for all your hard work!
Compass: Thanks! Many thanks to you guys for
your support. n
MEMBER CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Club Name: Unlimited 4x4
COntact Name: Nathan Curtis
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: 435-893-8655
our area.
Compass: How
about service
projects?
Compass: Give me a little background on your club.
We started out as UNTITLED 4X4, mostly because we couldn’t decide what
to call ourselves. That evovlved into UNLIMITED 4X4. Several years ago
there was a local 4x4 club but it disbanded due to inactivity . There were
still several people in the area who continued to 4-wheel. This group was
invited to go wheelin’ in Moab and brought on a renewed interest for
4x4’ing.
The last service prooject
was cleaning up around the
small ponds and reservoirs in the Gooseberry
area. The project was a success and we even got a story in the local newspaper. Another project we have been asked to help with is part of
the RS2477 initiative. The Sevier County Road Depertment has asked us to
identify roads and sign the affidavits about the roads history and use.
Compass: What do you have on the schedule for activities?
Compass: How about some funny stuff that goes on?
We have two annual trips to Moab. One is the spring, one at Thanksgiving.
We also make an annual snow run up Cove Mountain the first weekend
in December to see how far we can get. One of the biggest things we
decided to do was put on a competition at the fair grounds. We invited the
locals to come watch. There were more than 30 competitors at the event.
In 2006 we also hosted the U4’s summer convention. We get the chance
to host the summer convention again this year and we are hoping to make
it better than last year for everybody. We are adding more trails. At least 2
of them will be rated 4 or more. We will also be having a driving and 4x4
school for those that are just getting into the sport and want to learn a few
basics.
A new activity for this year for us was getting involved with the National
Public Lands Day project. Forest Service officials were present and we’ve
been able to show there is more than just ATV’s wanting to hit the trails in
There are two sayings that we go by that either helps the situation or
makes it much, much worse: “Give ‘Er the Onion” and “Don’t drive mad”. Fair
warning to all who ride with us, make sure you are armed, with Airsoft that
is. Drive by shootings with the airsoft pistols and M-80’s going off with no
warning, just be prepared for anything.
Compass: What is next?
One of our club goals is to help the sport grow in anyway we can. We
invite everyone to come on trail rides with us. We make everything family
oriented. We welcome any and all who come along.
We are looking forward to making the off-road rodeo competition and
summer convention bigger and better. We are bringing the two events
together for 2007. n
MEMBER RIG SPOTLIGHT
Jeff Stevens of Moab Friends-For-Wheellin
1987 Suzuki Samurai
and of course yellow paint!
Compass: What is the best mod you have done?
Modifications: Sidekick 1.6 EFI 8-valve, Thorley header, K&N, Trans:
Stock. T-case: stock with 6.1:1 gear set Axles: Wagoneer D44’s, 4-wheel
discs, 1” spacers, modified for 5 on 5.5 bolt circle, 5.38 ring & pinions,
Detroit lockers. Suspension: Spring-over with Alcan YJ leafs, shackle
reversal, Rancho RS9000’s. Wheels & tires: 37” MTR’s on 15x10 aluminum wheels. Steering: Toyota FJ60 box, PSC pump & reservoir, Rocklogic hydro assist. Misc: 103” wheelbase, rear driveshaft disconnect,
home-fab tube fenders, bumpers, & cage, Quick-Air OBA, CJ-7 half
doors, Ramsey winch, custom dash, JC Whitney
seats, quick-disconnect mudflaps, etc.
It’s impossible to pick just one. It gets better with every round of modifications. Last year it got new axles, some more wheelbase, 37’s, and hydroassist, and I am very happy with all of these mods.
Compass: How long
have you had it?
Compass: What was your goal when you started?
To make a capable rig for exploring the tight woods of Washington State (I
lived in Seattle until I moved to Moab 9 years
ago), and still be able to use it as a daily
driver.
Compass: Have you modified it past that
point?
Just a bit! Actually it has gone through 4
major re-mods, including the original build.
I bought it in 1993.
Compass: What is next?
Compass: How did it start
out?
My first round of modifications right after I bought it
included the 1.6 motor, a
4.16:1 t-case, D44 rear with
ARB and 4.56 gears, stock
(open ) front axle with 4.56
gears, spring-over on stock
samurai springs, 32” tires,
It is simple, light-weight, relatively inexpensive, and 100% home-fab’d. Of course
it will never be “done”, but it works great
for the trails I like to run here in Moab. I
really could use some new drive shafts.
Down the road, maybe some alloy axle
shafts and stronger u-joints, and I’d like
to install a dual t-case set-up with a
Sidekick tranny and case I have laying
around. n
U4WDA.ORG
21
38º 46’ 28” N 111º 59’ 24” W
Z12 4292008N 414026E
38º 47’ 7” N 111º 59’ 24” W
Z12 4293213N 414016
Hwy Turnoff:
Trailhead:
Driving Directions
Take Highway 119 (300 N) east from Richfield. North of the
town of Glenwood turn north (right) on Black Knolls Road. The
turn is directly across from highway 263 which takes you south
to Glenwood. Travel north on Black Knolls Road, and the trail
starts near the old cemetery.
Trail Description
This trail does exactly what the name implies. It twists your
vehicle in every manner possible, and will test every part
of your suspension. It climbs up a dry wash where you will
practice your ability to drive straight, and straddle the bottom
of the wash. Then the trail winds through the hills, and past
the oil fields in the Kings Meadow area. From there it follows
the power lines, and that’s when “The Twist” really begins! No
doubt at some point you will have at least one tire in the air
during this part of the trail. The trail consists of mostly soft
clay dirt, and some shale and gypsum in a few areas. Because
of the way the trail causes your vehicle to articulate, 31’s and at
least one locker is recommended. Vehicles without high clearance can get high centered in some spots, and you will quickly
loose traction.
THE TWIST
38º 46’ 30” N 112º 5’ 47” W
Z12 4292181N 404771E
38º 46’ 45” N 112º 9’ 13” W
Z12 4292704N 399794E
Hwy Turnoff:
Trailhead:
Driving Directions
Take 500 N or 300 N heading west out of Richfield. Travel under
I-70. In a few hundred yards, the two roads merge heading west
towards the trail.
Trail Description
This trail is for the extremists looking for a trail to test their rigs
and driving skills. The trail is accessed via the old CCC road west
of Richfield, and heads into Little Valley where the real fun begins.
The hardcore part of this trail is less than half mile long, but it
feels like a long half mile. The trail crosses in and out of itself
going up and over ledges, down waterfalls, and generally takes
the hardest route following a dry wash. The last obstacle is a real
challenge that can require a winch if you are afraid of a little body
damage. A minimum of 35’s and two lockers is highly recommended for this trail.
CRAZY 8
RATED: 4+
RATED: 3
Jackassery on youtube
Don’t Aid the Enemy By Steve Jackson
It’s happened to all of us. We’re out
wheeling on a beautiful day, on our
favorite trail, with our best friends,
and suddenly we come across
some idiot who’s driving off trail,
over a fence, or through a lake.
The mood suddenly sours, and
we get angry that this moron is
threatening our access. So, we
grab the digital camera, take
a few snapshots, and maybe
give him a dirty look if our
paths cross along the way.
After we get home, we’re
still steamed, and we
post up a few pics of the offender on the local forum or club website.
These pics usually appear under headings like, “Look
at this jacka**!” or “Here’s why we’re losing trails!” Then a lengthy
discussion begins in which everyone chimes in about finding the guy or forwarding
the pics to the law enforcement officer from the area where the offense occurred. Someone gets
industrious, tracks down the correct contact in the Forest Service or BLM, and sends the pictures.
It’s the right thing to do, right? We’re self-policing, and turning over our evidence to the appropriate authorities. We’ve just done something
good for the 4x4 community, right? Wrong! And here’s why.
First, gang-green (SUWA, Sierra Club, and their cohorts) keeps a very close eye on 4x4-related forums and websites. Usually minutes after you’ve clicked
“submit” an anti-motorized access crusader has seen the pictures, and sent them to everyone in their address book with the subject “See how destructive
OHV users are!” Then they file the pics away for future use in an anti-OHV brochure, website or video that will be used against us for years to come.
Second, even before gang-green can use the photos against us, some friend of a friend of a Forest Service or BLM Ranger will have sent them a link to the
pictures. Then that email will float around to all the Rangers in a District or Field Office where each one will be given the impression that OHV use is damaging the public land they manage. By the time the “concerned citizen” from the 4x4 community sends in the photos, the land manager or law enforcement officer will have already seen the pictures and shrugged them off as another reason why OHV use should be restricted on public land.
Land managers and gang-green keep a close watch on 4x4 sites, YouTube.com, and Internet forums for anything they can use against us. Don’t provide
aid to the enemy by further exposing illegal OHV behavior. If you really want to vent, send your photos to [email protected]. Depending on where it
happened and the photos available, we might be able to do something about it using the proper channels.
Otherwise, just turn your anger towards productive pursuits. Support U4WDA, USA-ALL, BRC, UFWDA, Tread Lightly, and other groups promoting responsible motorized recreation. If you’re comfortable, approach the offender and tell him that you’ll be sending his photo into the authorities. Sometimes just knowing that someone is watching will make him think twice about driving off-trail in the future. n
U4WDA.ORG
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Intro by Steve Jackson, U4WDA President
Each year, U4WDA organizes two trail rides and
two conventions with help from our member
clubs across the state. For the 2007 Spring Trail
Ride, Canyon Country 4x4 Club hosted a great
event in the Kanab/St. George area. Canyon
Country provided guided trips on five area trails
ranging from a scenic 2-rated drive to a hardcore
5-rated adventure. Reports from each trail can
be found below.
Special thanks to Canyon Country 4x4 Club for
hosting this year’s U4WDA Spring Trail Ride! If
you haven’t been to a U4WDA event, you’re
missing a lot of fun. Make plans now to attend
the U4WDA Summer Convention in Richfield on
August 11th. Details are available at u4wda.org.
Pinnacles/Big Hill Trail
By Don Black, U4WDA Southwestern VP and member of Canyon Country 4x4 Club
This group was a small but fun bunch, with a mix of new
and old U4WDA members and even a few stock vehicles.
Jim Harris was the trail leader, and he was able to get the
group through the trail with no major incidents. Most of this
trail is rocky ledges and sand hills, but near the end is the “Big
Hill” which can be an intimidating obstacle even for experienced drivers. This hill is a long, very steep climb of loose dirt with
a couple of turns near the top followed by a large rock ledge. Only
two of the vehicles in this group did not make it to the top under their
own power, and both were forced to take the strap. Based on the size
and experience of the group, Jim was impressed with how many vehicles
made it up the “Big Hill” unassisted. Coming down the other side, the descent
is a very narrow trail with some steep rock ledges that can really get your attention. Again, the group did a great job, one rig had to be strapped back on the
trail, but everyone made it back safely and looking forward to the next trip.
Savage Point
By Steve Edmunds, U4WDA United Delegate and member of UTAH Offroad & Outdoors
Club
Saturday morning was a mix of clouds and sunshine with a strong breeze at the trailhead. Canyon Country 4x4
Club was already set up with tables of maps, trail information, and of course the raffle tickets. The drivers’ meeting was
held to introduce the trail leaders as well as give everyone valuable information about the Hog Canyon OHV Trail System. For the Savage Point trail, our
trail leader was Dave DeVooght driving a black CJ-5.
We headed up the canyon following Dave with Don Black as tail gunner. The CB had a little chatter going on until we hit the first obstacle where everyone made it through without incident. The second obstacle gave Miguel (gray Jeep Cherokee) a bent tie-rod that left his rig on the side of the trail. After
sizing up the damage, Miguel decided to ride the rest of the trail as a passenger, and repair the damage on the way out of the canyon.
Dave kept a steady pace as we made our way through the trail that had many tight spaces between the trees. The terrain had a mix of rocks, sand, slickrock and several climbs. We made it through the trail with very few stops on the obstacles as everyone seemed to make it through them on the first try.
Stopping for lunch at one of the points, everyone got a chance to mingle, admire the view of the canyon, and survey the damage where a tree jumped
26
COMPASSMAGAZINE
s!
out and hit Kurt’s fender. Before we knew it, we were
back on the trail to Savage Point where we stopped
and enjoyed the view of Kanab. We headed back on
the same route that we came in on without making
any stops until a lost bead on Cory’s Samurai needed
attention. A quick lift and Kurt’s C02 tank had it
quickly fixed. In no time we were back at Miguel’s
broken Cherokee.
After a quick repair of the damaged tie-rod, the group
was back on the trail through the last two obstacles
before being back at the trailhead. We loaded the
table and gear back into Don’s truck and headed for the
Kaneplex for dinner.
When we pulled into the Kaneplex, it was obvious that
we were close to the last group back – but there was
plenty of food for everyone, and seconds if you wanted.
A dining area was set up inside, out of the cold wind that
was still blowing. We chowed down on some great dutch
oven cooking of chicken, potatoes, beans, and peach
cobbler.
Many thanks to Canyon Country 4x4 Club for hosting such
an enjoyable event!
The Maze
By Seth Bowers, U4WDA Magazine Editor and member of
RME
The Maze was the only trail not in the Kanab area. We had good turn
out with both members and non-members checking out what U4WDA
had to offer. Our trail Leader, Eric Beard, was a long time resident of St
George and mapped out this trail as well as many others in the area. Needless
to say we were well lead and well informed about the trail and the surrounding
area.
The Maze starts on top of the bluff, miles from where the tow vehicles were parked. As
we drove to the bluff I kept hearing music. Which was strange due to the fact the stereo in my jeep has not had a faceplate on it for years. Apparently
driving for five hours in the rain and snow the night before gave the radio just enough water damage so we could have tunes.
When we reached the beginning of the trail it was apparent that it was a one way trip. When dropping into the first of many waterfalls, most if not all of
the participants lifted one or both back tires. Once we were down on the trail, views of the bluff were all around. We continued on for an hour before
stopping for lunch in a hanging valley with views that would amaze anyone.
The most treacherous obstacle on the trail was adjacent to our lunch spot. Theses falls of sandstone would prove to be the undoing of many. Once the
longer wheelbase rigs had clawed their way to the top we had an anchor point and the shorter rigs could give it a try. The first to try was a green TJ.
Hearing the words “speed is your friend,” he motored head long into the wall of sandstone and popped the biggest wheelie I have ever seen. His receiver
hitch was the only thing preventing a complete rollover. Undeterred and apparently unafraid he charged again. After another wheelie and some hopBen showing us all how to impress mom on The Maze. Photo: Seth Bowers
U4WDA.ORG
27
front and 25 in rear next time.
Our journey took us from Hog Canyon, past the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, by
Harris Mountain, through Elephant Gap, and then to Shunes Hollow for
lunch. This is where Bob told us about the mail service from St. George in
the old days. They would bring mail on horse back to the bottom of the
canyon below Shunes Hollow. At this point a rope would be lowered and
the mail hoisted up to the top of the canyon where a rider would then take
it on into Kanab.
After lunch we went back by way of Elephant Butte (personally I couldn’t
see the resemblance) and on to Coral Pink Sand Dunes to a place I think
was called Competition Hill. No one took the challenge as we/I was tired
and ready to go eat.
The Hog Canyon Tail-gunner playing Turtle with his nice CJ. Photo: Ian Parish
ping, a rear axle shaft broke under the stress. We attempted to replace the
shaft, but we were unable to complete the repair due to a bent retaining
pin. So “necessity being the mother of all invention” we disassembled his
hi-lift, strapped it to the running board, oiled the tire and we continued
down the trail.
The exit for the first half of The Maze was not far from that point. We opted
to exit and let those who needed to return head for the rally point. About
half of the group stayed and went into an adjacent area to play on some
optional obstacles.
I would recommend this trail highly. It is full of fun and challenging obstacles. I am sure to return in short order to try the second half.
Bob and Harold deserve special mention at this time. You couldn’t ask for
a better leader and tail gunner. They kept the group together, were knowledgeable about the area, and came prepared.
To top off the trail run, I won the Grand Prize at the raffle. It was one of the
most beautiful tool chests I have ever seen decorated by Wanda Lawrence
([email protected]) who is a renowned Wood Burning artist. After
dinner, At Your Leisure interviewed a few of us, and I hope some of the
remarks eventually get on the air.
Thanks U4WDA and Canyon Country 4x4 Club for a wonderful day.
HOG Canyon
By Ian Parish, U4WDA BOD Member and member of Wasatch Outlaw
Wheelers
Canyon Country 4x4 Club rolled out the red carpet for this event, and did
a great job hosting the 2007 U4WDA Spring Trail Ride. They were well
organized and had a full day and evening full of events planned. “We will
just have some fun and see what happens,” is how Richard Jessop summed
it up. But every time we turned around there was great organization and
communication, making the event fun for everyone who attended.
I was able to clear my schedule about 1 week before the event. I got on
U4WDA.org, and signed up for the event. I was amazed that the next day
in the mail I received a packet with 2 nice big maps, one of them glossy
color with each trail in HOG canyon mapped out and rated. Impressive
was the best way to describe this, last minute, yet totally professional.
We loaded up the Jeep, the Jeeping dogs, the 4 wheeler, and the family
and headed south first thing Friday morning. 301 miles later we were getting sandy at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Despite the snow on the dunes,
we had some serious fun. The Coral Pink Sand Dunes are about 12 miles
north of Kanab. So, with the Jeep chasing the 4 wheeler and the dogs
bouncing along behind, we had some initial Jeeping fun.
Savage Point group ready for whatever is sent their way. Photo: Steve Edmunds
Harris Mountain/Elephant Cove Trail
By Jack Johnston, U4WDA USA-ALL Delegate
What made this trail fun was driving in sand and the great people. We
started out with 9 vehicles but one had to drop out to fix dinner back at
the Kaneplex. Trail leaders Bob & Martha Wallen (red CJ), tail gunner Harold Jensen (white CJ), Derek Dowsett photographer with At Your Leisure
(black XJ), Pat and Nora Flannery (yellow CJ), Alex and Yolanda Thurman
(CJ), Lance Wallace (red ZJ), John Anthony, and Courtney Ogilvie, all joined
my wife Joan and I on this fun trail.
We traveled on existing trails that were easy and scenic until we got into
some soft sand. With 50 lbs. of tire pressure in the Blue Ox (what else are
you going to call a Dodge Ram Diesel 2500) it took some see-sawing but
we got through until we were able to lower the pressure to 30 lbs. Afterwards, things were less bumpy and easier to navigate. I think I’ll try 35 in
28
COMPASSMAGAZINE
Saturday morning after some eggs and coffee at Nedra’s café, we
were off to HOG Canyon to check out Tom’s Canyon again. The
group was assembled and ready for fun. All 4 trails in the HOG
Canyon system were starting in the same place, and after a quick
drivers’ meeting we were off. The first part of the trail immediately brought back memories of doing the same thing 2 years
ago. The landscape is unbelievable. The red sand, white slick
rock, cactus plants of all kinds, and the spring flowers made for a
very scenic trail ride.
We turned off the main trail and headed down into Tom’s
Canyon to get to the first and most fun section of the trail. The
first gully is straight down a sandy hill and then straight back
up. We all jumped out of our rigs and ran forward to check out
the obstacle. Richard Jessop, our “no fear” trail leader, slid down
the hill, slipped through the wash and started the rocky, sandy,
off-kilter climb up the two ledges on the other side. Richard’s CJ
slipped, slid, and bounced a bit to a stop. Then back up to the left to try
again. He gave it some gas, and BANG!
We all knew the sound, that really loud sound, that horrible sound, that
distinct sound of a rear axle that is over an inch in diameter shearing into
two pieces. We knew this wouldn’t slow Richard down for long, and he
backed out of the way to start the repair.
Next up was Richard’s son in a little blue CJ. After a few attempts, his Jeep
was broken too. Things weren’t looking good for the Jessops. The remaining rigs on the trail were able to find the right line, and we all made it past
the obstacle without harm.
About this time the trail leader, with his lunch in tow, came to the front
of the line and started hitch-hiking. The spare axle he had was not long
enough so he needed a ride. As the trail continued, the canyon had
claimed two Jeeps and the trail leader was walking.
We headed up the canyon, and the next obstacle was a fun steep climb up
a slick rock ledge and over the top. As the Jeeps proceeded up and over
we lost a spring on a new Jeep TJ. “No problem, we can put that baby back
in,” we thought. As we are moving the jeep and putting the tire on a hill
and dropping the other one into a hole, we heard a crash looked to see
what was happening.
The good news was that the roll was slow and painless. Everyone was
ok. We made quick work of rigging a winch, snatch block, a couple of
tree straps and a nice strong tree. The Jeep was on its way to completing
the trail in no time. Meanwhile at the front of the pack, the Jeep TJ was
back on all 4 coil springs so we were ready to press forward. A few more
obstacles and it was time for lunch.
After lunch John Waldron from the Wasatch Outlaw Wheelers hosted our
trail leader and we headed up to the intersection with the Pinnacles Trail.
At the base of ATC hill we met the group that had been on the Pinnacles
Trail. They were having fun, and hadn’t had any problems so after a few
trail war stories they passed and we headed up the Pinnacles Trail in the
reverse direction.
At the end of the run we all met and made plans for the amazing dinner
and raffle hosted by Canyon Country 4x4 Club. At 5:00, we headed to the
Kaneplex for an amazing dutch oven dinner complete with cobbler and
all the fixings. The club had a nice raffle, and we all traded trail war stories
over dinner. With each re-telling of the every story, the trail got steeper
and the damage got more exaggerated.
So all in all the Kanab area is amazing, the trail system in HOG Canyon is
well marked and accurately rated. The local cub is a great organization
and fun was had by all. So if you missed it, make a note that next time you
will clear you calendar, fix your rig and go to Kanab, Utah for some serious
4x4 fun. n
Amazing views around every corner. Photo: Steve Edmunds
U4WDA.ORG
29
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