Mormon Emigrant Trail: "noob" questions

buckallred · 2016-12-07T02:40:29-08:00

Hello folks: As usual I'm bringing the rookie-level dumbass questions. Since my kids are just now getting big enough to do non-baby activities, I'd like to do some winter exploring on the Mormon Emigrant Trail. However, I would like to avoid the whole "getting stranded and starving/freezing/resorting to cannibalism" aspect of the history of this beautiful area. Ha ha. My understanding is that this trail is generally closed winters. However, 4x4 vehicles are legally allowed on the portions of the trail that remain open (not gated off), subject to the discretion/judgment of each driver (what could possibly go wrong?!? Ha ha). Then I understand that somewhere around the Silver Fork junction (which is fairly close to Highway 8😎, the trail is actually gated off. I'm looking for a fun trip to do in my diesel 4x4 suburban, just to go play in the snow with the kids. I would bring a shovel and sleeping bags (remembering Brad's advice) along with some food and stuff just to be safe. Is there generally cellular service there? I don't have my CB radio setup completed yet. And I obviously wouldn't attempt anything stupid, but it's certainly possible to get stuck when there's snow and ice. I don't have a winch on the suburban yet either. Thanks as always for all the helpful advice/leads on good areas to explore.

buckallred Member Joined: October 2016
buckallred Member Joined: October 2016
#17 Dec 2016, 2:40 AM
Hello folks:

As usual I'm bringing the rookie-level dumbass questions. Since my kids are just now getting big enough to do non-baby activities, I'd like to do some winter exploring on the Mormon Emigrant Trail. However, I would like to avoid the whole "getting stranded and starving/freezing/resorting to cannibalism" aspect of the history of this beautiful area. Ha ha.

My understanding is that this trail is generally closed winters. However, 4x4 vehicles are legally allowed on the portions of the trail that remain open (not gated off), subject to the discretion/judgment of each driver (what could possibly go wrong?!? Ha ha). Then I understand that somewhere around the Silver Fork junction (which is fairly close to Highway 8😎, the trail is actually gated off.

I'm looking for a fun trip to do in my diesel 4x4 suburban, just to go play in the snow with the kids. I would bring a shovel and sleeping bags (remembering Brad's advice) along with some food and stuff just to be safe. Is there generally cellular service there? I don't have my CB radio setup completed yet. And I obviously wouldn't attempt anything stupid, but it's certainly possible to get stuck when there's snow and ice. I don't have a winch on the suburban yet either.

Thanks as always for all the helpful advice/leads on good areas to explore.

Buck & Katie
Gregulator Member Joined: February 2012
Gregulator Member Joined: February 2012
#27 Dec 2016, 3:20 AM
I'm not sure what the question is, but as long as you stay on paved roads under the snow, you are good to go. The trail can get crowded on weekends due to lots of traffic from yahoos like yourself. I would encourage you to go with another vehicle. Possibly post up here telling everyone that's interested that this is a family experience. I'm sure you could find at least one other vehicle to go with you.

Otherwise, post here before you go and a time you expect to be back and we will coming looking for you if you are a no show. Otherwise, the club will be up there to do some road patrols and that is a great time for an introduction to snow wheeling on MET.

Um...what?
kris_olof Trailmaster Joined: October 2015
kris_olof Trailmaster Joined: October 2015
#37 Dec 2016, 5:24 AM
With a rig that heavy i am going to suggest airing down and having some type of air source to air backup. Otherwise I second Greg's recommendation of doing a road patrol with the Club to find the limits or the burb.
buckallred Member Joined: October 2016
buckallred started this Member Joined: October 2016
#47 Dec 2016, 10:41 AM
Thanks for the input. I've never even been to the trail. I understand you go to the Sly Park Reservoir and basically hang a left.

We'll check it out one of these next few weekends and just see how it goes. We'll stop if it gets seriously icy. I think I need to get a winch on that Suburban. I do have a smittybuilt air pump.

Really all we want to do is drive up a bit to get to play in some snow. Not necessarily to even do any off-roading.

Buck & Katie
Sharkbyte Subscriber
Sharkbyte Subscriber
#57 Dec 2016, 10:46 AM
Buck,

Post up some dates. I would like to go with you if it works with our schedule. Also, I sent you a PM regarding our music conversation at the Christmas Party.

buckallred said Thanks for the input. I've never even been to the trail. I understand you go to the Sly Park Reservoir and basically hang a left. We'll check it out one of these next few weekends and just see how it goes. We'll stop if it gets seriously icy. I think I need to get a winch on that Suburban. I do have a smittybuilt air pump. Really all we want to do is drive up a bit to get to play in some snow. Not necessarily to even do any off-roading.
Josh Subscriber
Josh Subscriber
#67 Dec 2016, 12:57 PM
buckallred said
Really all we want to do is drive up a bit to get to play in some snow. Not necessarily to even do any off-roading.

I've taken my daughters dozens of times over the last decade in my F250 Diesel. If you use common sense you can have a fun day. The are turn outs along the road. Stop before you get in deep snow or ice at the bottom of the hill. Get an early start to get a spot low down on the hill. Your children can sled off the sides of the road.

Like others said above. A road patrol with the club is an excellent way to see this road. It is fun for the whole family. You will have a blast. We do snow wheeling up the trail in a safe manner as well.

Semper Fi
Gilbert & Betty Member Joined: September 2014
Gilbert & Betty Member Joined: September 2014
#79 Dec 2016, 7:41 AM
Also remember if you go up by your self (not recommended) take a tow strap. There are always people on the MET that will give you a tug if needed. But going with the club is always a good option.
k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
#810 Dec 2016, 3:56 AM
Also note that snow conditions can change throughout the day. If it warms up in the afternoon, it is easier to get stuck.

Snow wheeling is different than trail wheeling. And like others have said, try not to go solo vehicle if possible.
buckallred Member Joined: October 2016
buckallred started this Member Joined: October 2016
#915 Dec 2016, 2:21 AM
So (against the advice of the more intelligent people here) I snuck up the trail a bit last weekend. I got up to the snow, but obviously didn't get too far into it. There were lots of trucks up there. Everyone was friendly and seemed to be keeping an eye on each other. A lot of people were cutting Christmas trees. It is definitely beautiful. I passed the sign that said "13 miles to Highway 88," then probably went another 1-3 miles. There were ruts through the snow in the middle of the trail. I stopped without pushing my luck too much.

The kids obviously had a big time. It really was icy snow, no powder. But a fun and easy trip.

I ordered my winch (Smittybilt 15,500). I expect I will have it up and running along with my CB radio set up before I do this trail again. There is absolutely no cell service on the trail.

I did see a couple people fishing at Sly Park reservoir. . .
Buck & Katie
Josh Subscriber
Josh Subscriber
#1015 Dec 2016, 4:03 AM
Nice! Good for you. That snow makes me want to take a day of work and get up there.

A day in the Jeep on a trail priceless!

Semper Fi