While in the San Rafael Swell last weekend, I used Amanda’s Garmin eTrex Venture HC to keep GPS tracks from both days. Here’s the map from Google Earth.
I’ll also attach the KML file here if you would like to play around with it.
Devils Racetrack (San Rafael Swell)
Devils Racetrack is one of many trails and areas to explore within the San Rafael Swell. It’s located not too far from Interstate 70, so access to the trail is easy. There are a number of other trails in the area that can be combined with Devils Racetrack to make a loop, including Eagle Canyon and Fix It Pass.
Devils Racetrack would rate as a moderate trail in my book. While most of the trail is fairly easy, there are a few spots when you are traveling along the rim of Coal Wash Canyon that require some technical driving, especially if you are in a near stock rig. The washes, canyons and buttes along this trail offer some great photo opportunities along the way. On your way out from the trail, be sure to stop and check out Dutchman Arch, which is rather close to I-70.
The San Rafael Swell is a very scenic area that contains a number of back-country roads, trails, mines and arches to explore. However, unlike the Moab area that sees a lot more traffic, the Swell sees less people and is more spread out, so there is a lot more solitude and adventure to be had.
Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Devils Racetrack below.
Devils Racetrack KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)
Open file above in Google Earth.
Here’s a few pictures from my trip to the San Rafael Swell this weekend. Check back later this week for a full writeup with more pictures and info 
My Jeep is loaded up and ready to head to the San Rafael Swell after work today, where I will be meeting up with Ryan and Clint for a weekend of camping, exploring and wheeling.
Unfortunately, I did notice a small coolant leak where the lower hose attaches to the radiator after I put my Jeep on the trailer….so I will need to fix that early tomorrow before we head out for the day.
Look for pictures and trail writeups when I get back next week 
My XJ is finally legal. Got it registered this morning and my new plates installed after work.
Already sent in my application for personalized plates, so that I can hopefully get LNGSTRT here in Colorado, too.
Well, my old rear driveshaft has lasted me over 4 years now on two different Jeeps and taken a lot of abuse. However, lately it has been giving me problems, especially at highway speeds. It was time for me to do something about it.
I was originally planning on saving some money by bringing it to a local driveline shop and having them rebuild it. However, after visiting both drivline shops here in Grand Junction and getting some estimates, I quickly found out it would be cheaper for me to buy a brand new driveshaft from Tom Woods….so that’s what I did.
Just came today…though I am proably not going to replace it until after my trip to the San Rafael Swell this weekend, since I will be towing my rig there. But here’s a picture for now.
Today Amanda and I decided to go on a short hike through Echo Canyon located in the Colorado National Monument. It’s a short hike that is pretty easy most of the way, with some great views.
Here’s a few pictures from the day.
More pictures can be found here.
Poison Spider Mesa (Moab, UT)
Poison Spider Mesa is one of Moab’s classic trails that offers a number of challenging obstacles and excellent scenery. It is also one of Moab’s more popular trails. This trail requires a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle as there are a number of obstacles. While some of them can be bypassed, others cannot be avoided.
This trail can get confusing in areas, and having a guide familiar with the trail or a GPS track would be highly recommended. There are a couple of overlooks that can also be explored off of the loop section of the trail. Also, don’t forget to stop and checkout Little Arch. It’s a very short hike, and well worth it. You can also look down on Moab Rim from this area, and get a great view of the Colorado River and the city of Moab.
Poison Spider Mesa is also the most commonly used entrance to the Golden Spike trail, which turns off right before the loop part of the trail begins. Then after Golden Spike, you can exit via Gold Bar Rim. This is a common route, but be prepared, as it can take all day to complete.
Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Poison Spider Mesa below.
Poison Spider Mesa KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)
Open file above in Google Earth.
Here’s a few pictures from Poison Spider Mesa on Saturday taken by Doug.
This week for our ‘Adventure Sunday’ Amanda and I headed out and did some exploring in Bangs Canyon. The weather here is nice. Here’s a few pictures from our adventure.
More pictures can be found here.
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