Hole In The Rock

[ASCTLC]

Has anyone taken the new trail head into the Hole In The Rock trail yet? The Lake Canyon route is just about completely obliterated from the '06 flood and I suspect it wouldn't last through another flood even if mild.

Tghe way the new trail heads in I'm guessing it may actually be more interesting.

Thanks,
Andy

[IntrepidXJ]

It was just ran last weekend by a few from NAXJA

http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=952565

[Utah Explorer]

I was there on Sunday. Ran in to some of those XJ guys. I came in through Lake Canyon and out the new way. I liked the new way. It's a little longer but covers some nice territory and is well laid out. Also it avoids the stinky cesspool of a water crossing over by fortress ruin.

[ASCTLC]

But those pics indicate passage via the original trail head at the airport.

The new trail head is about 5 miles before you get to the airport. 2 ways in right now but will be only one way in when the rest of Lake Canyon is washed out.

The second trail in looks to be functional already and wondering if anyone has taken it in yet.

We ran it last week too (Mon, Tue, Wed).

[ASCTLC]

I was there on Sunday. Ran in to some of those XJ guys. I came in through Lake Canyon and out the new way. I liked the new way. It's a little longer but covers some nice territory and is well laid out. Also it avoids the stinky cesspool of a water crossing over by fortress ruin.

Thanks. I was hoping there was more "wheeling" to the new entrance than the original.

[WhyJay]

Has anyone taken the new trail head into the Hole In The Rock trail yet? The Lake Canyon route is just about completely obliterated from the '06 flood and I suspect it wouldn't last through another flood even if mild.

Tghe way the new trail heads in I'm guessing it may actually be more interesting.

Thanks,
Andy

So when in '06 did Lake Canyon flood? We ran it Memorial Day of 06.

[j5]

Flood is a loose term. Where the natural dam was erosion has taken out a substantial chunk and will soon (next good washout) close that way in for good. It was a little scary to think your junk is sititng on a 20' wide piece of sand suspended 80' above the canyon floor supported only by the friction in the grains.

[IntrepidXJ]

So when in '06 did Lake Canyon flood? We ran it Memorial Day of 06.

October....lots of rain that month.

http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=99499

[Taz]

Tons..............I was there in October 06 and stayed at the Ramada along the stream. The stream through the middle of town. It was flooding into the parking lot and getting close to the motel room door. You would never think that little stream could get that high! The front desk told me that they were watching the water levels but just incase to put my luggage on the dresser so they wouldn't get wet. lol

[Dallas Lemon]

So when in '06 did Lake Canyon flood? We ran it Memorial Day of 06.


I was with WhyJay when we ran it over Memorial Day Weekend of 06. We camped in Lake Canyon and I cannot picture in my mind where the washout may be. I just don't recall any section that would have washed out. Lake Canyon was a beautiful place to camp, it sounds as though that may not be an option anymore. Is that correct?

[j5]

There's a spot where you weave along the creek bed through the cottonwoods and the canyon wall is on your left. There's a few camping spots along side the trail there. When you leave the cottonwoods there used to be an earthen dam on the right and then you went left up a hill past a cattle guard and some fencing. 100' or so of that portion of the trail is now at the bottom of the canyon and there's a new way up immediately upon leaving the cottonwoods. Problem is there's only 20' or so of ledge left which hasn't fallen to the valley below. Once that goes I didn't see a new way to get up out of the canyon so the new entrance will be a must. I hope this makes sense.

[Utah Explorer]

The '06 floods moved a lot of dirt. The trail used to go from here to the left of the photo.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2345/2466036803_b83e9123ea.jpg

[cracker_1]

I haven't been to Hole in the Rock in over 9 years, we are planning on heading back this Memorial weekend. Is there a map available to show the new route(s)? Or detailed directions? Should we just plan on looking for a trailhead 5 miles before the airport? IS it marked?

Dave

[j5]

The new trailhead is very clearly marked.

[ASCTLC]

I saw the information and map on the bulletin board at the airport. Stop by there and have a look. I think just looking at that, and maybe take a picture of it with your digital, all will be clear. I also suspect the new route will be very evident when on it. Haven't taken it yet obviously, but the way they signed some things on the trail, I suspect the new route will be even clearer than the old route.

Utah Explorer, is the new route easy to identify all along the way as suspected?

As John said, the new trail head is clearly marked. You'll see a sign about 5 miles before the airport. The sign is about 1/2 mile before the actual new trailhead so when you see the new sign, expect the trailhead just a little further up the road, on your left.

Andy

[Utah Explorer]

There are many new "Hole in the Rock" signs along the route including two on the highway.

http://www.utma.net/pictures/mormon_trail2007/images/pb092835a.jpg

The new route follows the Nokai Dome Road and other existing roads. The new section is marked with ribbons and paint on the rocks.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/2078874350_8c687c48c1_o.jpg

[j5]

Much better than some parts of the old road :)

[cracker_1]

Looks like the Red Rock fourwheelers have been busy! Last time we were on it, there were not ANY marks or signs..... Should be alot easier to find the trail this time. How has the trail progressed over the years? I remember our last trip and saw stock Jeeps at the end, they bypassed all of the "obstacles". So, do I need my built Bronco or my "daily" driver now???
Lastly, is there parking at the trailhead, should I decide to tow my vehicle down there?

[Zubicon]

I just ran it two weeks ago. Personally I think your missing out if you don't go the old way. That's the way we went in and we came out the new way. I have a map about done to include all major obstacles and campsites. If you can wait until I get back from Moab this coming week I'll post it here.

[ASCTLC]

...Personally I think your missing out if you don't go the old way...


Missing out as in nostalgia or missing out because the new way is even less wheeling than the old way.

Thanks,
Andy

[projectAviator]

The new issue of 4wheel drive and sport utility had an article on hole in the rock. neat trail.

Tim

[Taz]

I have heard the trail is pretty easy. Alex from NAXJA was trying to get me to take my Liberty and go with them. Even though its lifted and on 31's I had to decline.

[ASCTLC]

I have heard the trail is pretty easy. Alex from NAXJA was trying to get me to take my Liberty and go with them. Even though its lifted and on 31's I had to decline.

We just ran a Libby (the "minivan") on it a few weeks ago. Took it all the way down to the end, and many optional tougher lines, no problems at all.

It's lifted I think 2 1/2", 31s, and ARB'd f&r. The wheel base was an asset for it because there is very little in the way of needed break over angle on that trail. The lockers wouldn't be needed if he bypassed the optional lines.

Andy

[cracker_1]

What about parking at the trailhead? So, the old (original) way in is still open as well??

[ASCTLC]

The original way in is still open. The only thing I can think that would change this is if the Lake Canyon finishes washing out sometime.

Don't know if leaving a rig at the trail head is acceptable or not. I don't know where one would leave a truck if not some arrangement with the airport to leave it in their storage area.

I'd considered calling them and asking but just haven't. A Yahoo for "Cal Black Airport" will get you their information if you want to call. I'm sure a few people would be interested to know if they would make a short term arrangement to leave a truck and trailer their for just a few days.

Andy

[Dallas Lemon]

I'd considered calling them and asking but just haven't. A Yahoo for "Cal Black Airport" will get you their information if you want to call. I'm sure a few people would be interested to know if they would make a short term arrangement to leave a truck and trailer their for just a few days.

Andy[/QUOTE]

We have made two trips to HITR and both times parked the tow rigs at the area just off the entance road to Cal Black Airport. I did call them both times and the the individual I talked to was just glad to talk to someone. It shouldn't be an issue, but it's a good idea to call before hand, or just drop in to tell them you are parking the rigs there before hitting the trail. There isn't much activity that goes on at the airport, and they are very pleasant people.

[cracker_1]

I'd considered calling them and asking but just haven't. A Yahoo for "Cal Black Airport" will get you their information if you want to call. I'm sure a few people would be interested to know if they would make a short term arrangement to leave a truck and trailer their for just a few days.

Andy

We have made two trips to HITR and both times parked the tow rigs at the area just off the entance road to Cal Black Airport. I did call them both times and the the individual I talked to was just glad to talk to someone. It shouldn't be an issue, but it's a good idea to call before hand, or just drop in to tell them you are parking the rigs there before hitting the trail. There isn't much activity that goes on at the airport, and they are very pleasant people.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the info.

[cracker_1]

Well, the trail is doable in a stock 95 4runner with 31" tirses. No hard stuff, but plenty of bumps... Aso, in one of the photos, the trail has the markers to Hole in the rock and the Hall's crossing, those signs are gone... Poles are there, but signs were unbolted from the posts.FRIGGIN PEOPLE!

[Zubicon]

Here's the most comprehensive list of waypoints for Hole in the Rock that your going to find. Sorry it took so long, I had a severe accident last time in Moab so I have been in the recovery mode since. If you have National Geographic topo I'd be more than happy to send you the map already completely laid out for you to include the route, way points, obstacles, and campgrounds;

TOPO! GPS Data Format DegMin NAD27 ElevFeet Local-Time

Waypoint Elevation Mileage at waypoint Direction

HITR01 37,25.274 110,30.271 4807 0.00 Right turn off of highway

HITR02 37,24.173 110,28.861 5026 1.85 Right turn

HITR03 37,22.533 110,32.317 4725 5.71 Bear right, lessor road to the left - location of half track

HITR04 37,21.983 110,33.550 4615 7.07 Right turn, main road appears to go straight

HITR05 37,23.500 110,34.267 4436 9.24 Turn left, Signed posted warning of extreme washouts

HITR06 37,22.433 110,36.083 4118 11.50 Hairpin turns back to right, not straight immediately after dropping down into the canyon from the old fort

HITR07 37,22.350 110,36.217 4129 11.93 Climb up the Little Chute

HITR08 37,22.100 110,36.650 4201 12.47 Descent into Lake Canyon

HITR09 37,22.100 110,36.750 4118 12.56 Trail turns northwest

HITR10 37,22.267 110,36.983 4084 12.87 Spectacular Campsite

HITR11 37,22.450 110,37.100 4036 13.14 Turns sharply out of lake canyon to the WSW

HITR12 37,21.933 110,37.867 4233 14.31 Straight, lessor trail to the right

HITR13 37,21.033 110,38.267 4641 15.49 Junction of new bypasson left. Immediately after bypass the trail bears left up some slick rock, not straight where it appears to be blindingly obvious

HITR14 37,20.300 110,38.967 4717 16.66 Obstacle "Trifecta", left is the steepest, middle is probably the hardest, right is easy

HITR15 37,20.167 110,39.183 4669 16.93 Camp off to your left

HITR16 37,19.733 110,39.600 4716 17.60 Large camp on your left

HITR17 37,17.967 110,41.417 4423 20.47 Climb up to Grey Mesa

HITR18 37,14.736 110,46.056 4809 27.10 Intersection of the Rincon Trail (Closed) bear left

HITR19 37,14.200 110,46.767 4554 28.59 Straight

HITR20 37,13.667 110,47.233 4419 29.37 Obstacle "The Chute"

HITR21 37,13.550 110,47.483 4416 29.65 Obstacle "Doubledown". Left takes you down a rather narrow extremely steep fin. To the right takes you down an extremely narrow fin. None of your tires will have a full contact patch on the right side obstacle.

HITR22 37,13.383 110,47.667 4522 29.84 Obstacle "Relativity". Left side takes you up a steep span of slickrock in which you will have to cross a crack diagonally halfway up. To the right takes you up and over a double ledge.

HITR23 37,12.940 110,48.314 4500 30.79 Trail turns northwest

HITR24 37,13.060 110,49.448 4396 32.09 Zero Trip Meter Cheese Camp - End of trail, turn around.

HITR23 37,12.940 110,48.314 4500 1.30 Trail turns northeast

HITR22 37,13.383 110,47.667 4522 2.25 Obstacle "Relativity". Right side takes you down a steep span of slickrock in which you will have to cross a crack diagonally halfway down. To the left takes you down and over a double ledge.

HITR21 37,13.550 110,47.483 4416 2.44 Obstacle "Doubledown". Right takes you up a rather narrow extremely steep fin. To the left takes you up an extremely narrow fin. None of your tires will have a full contact patch on the left side obstacle.

HITR20 37,13.667 110,47.233 4419 2.72 Obstacle "The Chute"

HITR19 37,14.200 110,46.767 4554 3.50 Straight

HITR18 37,14.736 110,46.056 4809 4.99 Intersection of the Rincon Trail (Closed) bear right

HITR17 37,17.967 110,41.417 4423 11.62 bottom of the Climb down from Grey Mesa

HITR16 37,19.733 110,39.600 4716 14.49 Large camp on your right

HITR15 37,20.167 110,39.183 4669 15.16 Camp off to your right

HITR14 37,20.300 110,38.967 4717 15.43 Obstacle "Trifecta", Right is the steepest, middle is probably the hardest, left is easy

HITR13 37,21.033 110,38.267 4641 16.60 Junction of new bypass on right. Turn right and follow the highly blazed trail.

HITR25 37,20.834 110,37.629 4822 17.63 End of slickrock and highly blazed part of the bypass

HITR26 37,19.573 110,35.885 5171 20.60 Camp on left, really nice views, somewhat exposed to weather.

HITR27 37,18.783 110,35.083 5283 22.48 Trail bears left and heads northeast, lesor road to right.

HITR03 37,22.533 110,32.317 4725 28.37 Bear right, lessor road to the left - location of half track

HITR02 37,24.173 110,28.861 5026 32.23 Bear left, lessor road continues straight.

HITR01 37,25.274 110,30.271 4807 34.08 left turn on the highway takes you to Hal's Crossing.