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Road Trip in my 2012 Overland

13K views 32 replies 17 participants last post by  amc2002 
#1 ·
We returned from our yearly road trip a week ago. Last year's trip in an Xterra Pro-4X featured more difficult off roading, but we did fine this year. So, on to the details. I will leave out all the family photos :D . I'll also use several posts since I don't know the pics per post max.

First things first. I purchased a Stone White 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 V8 end of April. All available options. Even has an engine block heater. In Texas!! :confused: It has the Off Road Package, which I wanted. Then, I ordered the 20" polished wheels from oewheels.com. Had them fitted with Cooper Discoverer AT3's in 275/55 20. Applied Plastidip to the wheels. I know I love black wheels, but I wanted the option to return to polished. I also sprayed plastidip on the front grille, rear brow and side mirror covers. All were removed for spraying. I sprayed the door handles, but they didn't last more than a few days. The constant grabbing at the handles is too much. I'll get painted handles now that we're back. The only other thing done is yellow fog covers from LaminX.

Here it sits prior to window tint:




So, the day before the trip I decided to spray plastidip on the leading edge of the hood and on the front bumper. This was to protect the paint during the road trip and has since been removed.

Starting in Houston, TX, we drove to Carlsbad Caverns (11 hour drive). Hung around there for a bit and then spent the night at Brantley State Park along the "lake", a few miles north of Carlsbad, NM.





 
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#2 ·
Woke up and drove to Canyonlands NP in Utah (12 hour drive). Got there too late to obtain a backcountry permit or to get a camping spot in the CNP campgrounds. So, we spent the night at Horsethief.



Woke up in the wee hours and headed to Mesa Arch for the sunrise. Then hit the visitors center when they opened and grabbed a backcountry permit to spend the night at Whitecrack off of White Rim. I will have to add pics from the Shafer Switchbacks later. I was enjoying the drive so much that I didn't stop for many pics.

This is headed to the Shafer Switchbacks


This is somewhere along the White Rim


Took the detour to Lathrop Canyon






Didn't make it all the way to the river. I'm guessing we were less than 1/4 mile from it when we encountered some very soft sand. Being along and miles and miles away from anyone, we did not want to risk getting stuck. So we turned around and continued to our campsite.

 
#3 ·
After 5 hours of driving along the White Rim, we finally made camp. White Rim was awesome. We did not see a single soul along the way. We were literally miles and miles away from anyone (40ish miles). And Whitecrack is over 1 mile away from White Rim itself. We were at the southern most camping site in Island in the Sky and had a 360 degree view with views toward Needles and Maze districts.









Since we were in the best possible spot, we had a great view of the sunset:



A full moon:



And of course a great sunrise:

 
#5 ·
Once in Moab, we did mountain biking, lots of hiking and some rappelling. I'll spare you all those photos. We did run Hells Revenge in a rented RZR. I'm not sure the JGC would do too well on many of the spots and we needed it in tip top shape to be able to finish our trip.

So after a full week in Utah, we headed to Colorado. Bad weather to start that leg of the trip. Drove to Silverton and headed to Animas Forks and Cinnamon Pass. In heavy heavy rain. Not the best idea, but we had plans.



Set up camp in American Basin:



Camped there because we were to hike Handies Peak (one of the easiest 14er's in the area). Weather was horrible until late evening. Thankfully, it cleared up and by morning, the hike was on.



Hiked up the peak. Spent some time on top of the mountains, then hiked back and drove back to Silverton.



And there you have it in a nut shell. We have well over 1500 photos from our trip. Lot's of off roading, camping, desert hiking, mountain biking, some canyoneering and alpine hiking.

Thoughts on the Grand Cherokee? Well, I changed the oil the week before we left. I had 900 miles. The round trip added roughly 3300 miles. I changed the oil and rotated the tires upon returning. Cruises absolutely great on the highway. Fuel ranged from 12 MPG when off roading along the White Rim to 23 MPH on the highway flats. This was hand calculated and confirmed via EVIC, which was pretty close. Add the fact that my speedo is a bit off due to the tires and I'm thinking I can add another MPG in there. The Jeep and tires handled everything just fine. From the dry, red dirt of Moab to the sharp, wet rocks of the San Juans. No slipping or sliding anywhere. I don't think the Jeep particularly likes sudden deep holes, though. Lot's of thumps when the rear wheels drop into holes. This was mostly in OR height 1 and obviously noisy in OR height 2. Other than that, the only regret was driving the White Rim with the windows down. I think it's absolutely ridiculous to be out there in the great oudoors with the A/C on. Unfortunately, that red dust gets everywhere. EVERYWHERE. My interior had a layer of red dirt. Our first night at a hotel was spent detailing the interior. It's back to looking spiffy now.
 
#6 ·
Sweet trip. Those moon and sun pics look just like mine ffrom there. Got the moonrise and sunset at the same time... White crack... I biked there once. Sweet area. I took the rim about 15 yrs ago in my k5 blazer alone. It was very silent and so incredible. The only thing human i could here was morman radio! I think i know every spot you mention. The river road is heading towards the colorado? Or green? I biked that. It was soft sand back then. Id also add this time of year is definitely quiet out there due to heat and the lack of water. I was going to bike the whole rim but couldnt carry the minimum 2 gallons per day needed so i drove it. Awesome place. Awesome pics. Thanks.
 
#12 ·
I'll try to answer that. The white rim, for example, is pretty remote and most people do it in 2 or 3 days so they can hike and bike and be... But it's only 106 miles, iirc. So even if you drive side trips daily and take 3 days, you will leave there with a half tank of gas, no problem. Surprisingly, when you're going offroad like this, you get good mileage too. You go about 30-35 often, and can get 20mpg (no stoplights!). Out west, though, you should really never let the tank get less than about 1/3. I love my V8, but the V6 wins here, hands down.
 
#14 ·
Thanks guys. The first two pics were taken with my iPhone. The rest were taken with a Sony NEX 5N. There may be a shot or two taken with a Panny point and shoot. Can't remember the model off the top of my head.

We just started going on road trips 2 years ago. I figured it was about time we got out and explored what this awesome nation has to offer. Doing the NYC, SF etc type trips is cool but we wanted to get active. After a while, all the cities start to look alike. I was born and raised in NYC and live in Houston, so I was eager to get away from the crowds.

So I started planning stuff where we can go hiking, camping and all that good outdoor stuff. The first year was a primer. Last year we did a lot of zip lining and hiking and climbed our first 14er. That was a quite a feat for us coming from sea level. We camped a night or two but still spent plenty of nights in hotels.

This year we added more camping. Don't get me wrong. We did not spend two weeks camping. We did a few nights camping, a few at a hotel then a few camping and then a hotel again. We did way more hiking and climbed another 14er. Only 51 more to go LOL!

As far as the White Rim goes, it's amazing. I believe the loop is actually about 75 miles. There are a handful of camping sites scattered throughout. During the spring and fall, you need reservations well in advance. I'm talking 6+ months. But July and Aug scares everyone away. Ill take 106 degrees in the dry desert over 95 degrees in Houston humidity any day. We went to Utah to get away from the heat, LOL!

Anyway, the average speed along the east part of the Rim is more like 5-10 MPH in the JGC. Very rough road in lots of parts. And lots of places to stop and get out and explore or enjoy the view. For our next trip we want to try something new, but I really want to go back to the Rim. Sooo much more to see.

Here's the top of the Shafer Switchbacks heading out into the wild:



Here's a shot looking toward the Needles district from our campsite:






Sent from a pay phone.
 
#15 ·
Oh and I disagree with comnjeep about gas mileage. I wish I could get 20 while off road. If you're cruising along well maintained dirt roads, then maybe. But on the White Rim or Alpine Loop, you're doing a lot of low or idle speeds. My worst mileage is off roading. Just make sure you start off with a full tank. And if you're not sure, bring a few gas cans. I had some last year, but never used them.


Sent from a pay phone.
 
#20 ·
No. The Ranger told me that the west end had a lot of loose sand because of the drought. He said lots of 4x4s were having trouble lately and that they actually had a truck get stuck and needed to be pulled out a week or two before we were there. Since we were not wheeling with anyone else, I didn't want to risk it. So we went to Whitecrack and drive out the same way. I was kinda bummed so my next trip there I will do the loop.


Sent from a pay phone.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Thanks. I always liked the look with yellow fogs. The light output is not yellow enough to make a difference in fog, so it's purely cosmetic which I'm fine with. They may protect the lens which is a plus. But overall I think they're great. And at 20 bucks I can't complain.

BTW, they have a discount that runs through the end of July for their anniversary. 10% off using the code 10YEAR.


Sent from a pay phone.
 
#22 ·
My wife sent me a screen shot of the Canyonlands NP Facebook page. I'm not on FB so I don't have other info. Anyway, here's what info they posted about the White Rim a week after we were there. I'm glad we didn't attempt to finish the loop alone.




Sent from a pay phone.
 
#24 ·
Sorry your mileage sucked. I remember the rim having done the whole thing as you go down to the rim, you drive on the rim which is pretty flat averaging 30mph for 100 miles, then you come out... But that was a long time ago...

But your story raises the issue that you never know what you're in for in the wilderness. You could get 105 miles in and have to go back.. Then gas IS an issue!
 
#25 · (Edited)
Yeah I thought we would go a little quicker, but it just wasn't happening. At the start leading to Muscleman Arch, there were a few rental Wranglers and they were going faster than me. But they were rentals and it was obvious they weren't concerned about beating the crap out of them. But the GC did not respond as well going quicker on those roads. I think it's a combo of it being softly sprung and lack of down travel in the suspension.

There were a few spots where I tried to make up some time, but it was only quick bursts of speed. The closer we got to Whitecrack though, the smoother it got and I wonder how smooth it is past Whitecrack. I swear I think we got airborne once. Road opened up and I misjudged a hump going 40ish. We had to stop and rearrange all of our gear. LOL! Good times.


Sent from a pay phone.
 
#28 ·
AWESOME thread - need more like this.

Can you give me more details on your trip? How did you plan for it, did you know where you were going to stop each night, how long did it take / how many days, etc?

What type of things did you bring as far as any mishaps? Tow rope, extra fuel, etc?

The reason I ask is because I would LOVE to do a trip like this (I'm in Denver, so Moab isn't too far). I wouldn't want to get into anything too crazy which would put me in a position where I'd need help (especially if you didn't see anyone for miles/hours).
 
#29 · (Edited)
AWESOME thread - need more like this.

Can you give me more details on your trip? How did you plan for it, did you know where you were going to stop each night, how long did it take / how many days, etc?

What type of things did you bring as far as any mishaps? Tow rope, extra fuel, etc?

The reason I ask is because I would LOVE to do a trip like this (I'm in Denver, so Moab isn't too far). I wouldn't want to get into anything too crazy which would put me in a position where I'd need help (especially if you didn't see anyone for miles/hours).
Thanks.

As far as planning, this trip was kind of an extension of last years trip. That helped me decide where I wanted to go and what I needed to bring. I have plenty of maps and then I just spend lots of time figuring out the best possible routes. As was mentioned before, Charles Wells has some great 4x4 trail books. They give you trail descriptions and ratings. Those books along with several good websites such as traildamage.com can really go a long way with the planning. Once I figured out which trails I'd like to go on, I lay out my route.

This year we were equipped with all the regular camping stuff: tent, sleeping bags, portable toilet, etc. No stoves or grilles for cooking. Gas stoves are usually OK even with the fire danger, but we just stuck with sandwiches and dry food.

Being in Denver, you can easily head to lots of good mountain roads. Head on over to the San Juans and spend a night out in the wilderness. Go to Lake City, drive Cinnamon Pass and spend a night at Grizzly Gulch. Then continue to Silverton and work your way back home. You'll never be too far from civilization. Once you start camping out, you'll come to learn what you need and don't need. My supplies are constantly changing as we make more trips and learn what we can do without. Even though we've been "car camping", I like to travel light.

In regards to vehicle equipment, I keep a snatch strap, extra shackles, tire repair kit, gloves, flares, a jump start box, a small air compressor and a few common tools. Good stuff to have in case I need it or in case I come across someone in need of help. Fit it all into a small, tough Rubbermaid bin to keep it contained.

When you're ready to plan something, I'd be more than willing to help you plan your trip.

Edit: Forgot to answer your first questions. Our trip went along these lines: Day one (Saturday) drove to Carlsbad Caverns and then spent the night in New Mexico at Brantley State Park. Day two (Sunday) drove to Moab, UT and spent the night outside Canyonlands at Horsethief. Monday drove White Rim and spent the night along the Rim at Whitecrack. Tuesday spent the night at the La Quinta in Moab through Friday. Spent the week in and around Moab hiking, canyoneering, etc. Saturday drove to Durango where we spent the night at a hotel. Sunday drove over Cinnamon Pass and camped out at American Basin. Monday hiked up Handies Peak, drove back to Silverton and spent the night in a hotel in Durango. Tuesday drove back home.
 
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