MOAB JEEP SAFARI 2008 63 Hole in the Rock Trail Frenchie LaChance, Leader Rated Our use of this famous and historic Mormon TrailTrail starts about 150 miles from Moab and includes two nights of camping (in the same campsite). The off-highway portion begins and ends near Halls Crossing on Utah Highway 276 and travels to within a couple of miles of the pioneer crossing of the Colorado River (now Lake Powell). A large group of Mormon settlers in wagons used some of this route on a journey from Escalante to Bluff, a trip they expected to take six weeks but actually took six months. It is an 60 miles round trip but the start is about amazing expanse of open country. 75 miles from Blanding and 12 miles short Scenery: The nearby country is a sea of Halls Crossing. The meeting place is of weathered Navajo Sandstone. If any optional. Moab departures will be from Pot Luck. Frenchie promotes a pot-luck dinner for each trip. Bring something for the pot and southern Utah scenes inspire awe, the Nations Towing at 8:00 a.m. on the fi rst a side dish. Fun and games for all! overview of the Great Bend of the San day of each trip. A secondary departure Associate Leaders: DeVon Parson. To be used: First Saturday through Monday and Big Juan River has to be on the list. Navajo rendezvous about noon at the Calvin Black Saturday through Monday. Mountain is in constant view throughout airport is recommended for those who Old Rating–4 the distant part of the trail. are coming from the south or who have Road Surface: Most of the route is on trouble maintaining a good highway speed. sandstone, either in its slickrock form or its Remember, the country is remote, dry, and weathered and wind-blown sand grains. unforgiving. Highlights: Lake Canyon is fascinating for its recent human and geologic histories — possibly interesting for trail washouts. The approach to and ascent of Grey Mesa is challenging. The slickrock channel called The Chute and canyons beyond are the most diffi cult parts. Special Considerations: Because of the trail’s remoteness, a fuel fi ll is recommended. The off- highway drive is only about .