Trip report:

Not sure if anyones interested or not but I thought I'd share a trip report here. This is what I use my IDI for--mostly exploring dirt roads and places in the middle of nowhere. This area is in North West Utah in the Great Basin area, "West Desert" or as some call it "Americas Outback" and its desolate and dry (most of the time ).

On the way out of town heavy rain turned into heavy snow. Heavy snow made for a 30mph 50mile trek across Interstate-84 to Snowville. 30mph on I-84 made for a 4wd engaged blizzard along Highway 30 to Kelton which is about 35miles--and it was COLD, windy and we were breaking trail! haha. As we finally arrived in Kelton I found the snow had disappeared from the ground but the rainfall was still pretty intense--for Utah rain anyway.



My plan for months has been to reach the Newfoundland range just West of the GSL (Great Salt Lake) sometime during this week. This region is one of the most desolate in the state given there is only two legal roads that access these mountains and one of them is only a good idea to traverse in summer during perfect weather conditions. Leaving Kelton we made our way South along the shore of the Great Salt Lake. While the scenery was spectacular there were no photo opportunities here because-to be honest-I really didn't want to get out of the truck! Up to this point we were slipping and sliding, but still had plenty of traction.

With the Newfies in sight we crossed the tracks and headed straight for them. Thats when good traction turned into no traction lol. As my fears turned into reality we found the access road had turned into impassible goo. With all 16 valves singing I put the ol' IDI to the test. With the rpms on redline we were able to gain some elevation and get turned around safely. (Pics just don't do this justice)

Being that we were a solo rig there was just too much risk to try and go any further considering we were so far away from anything or anyone.



Looking west:

We were bummed out about being so close but not able to go any further, but still very much enjoying every minute of the trip. I met my friend Ernie a few years back and it was great to have him and Sadie (his dog) come along. He's one of those guys that always has a story to tell. He was born and raised in Mexico (didn't fit in much with his pale white skin and red hair lol) he later moved to Arizona then to Fairbanks AK and lived there for a long time until he somehow ended up in Utah. Anyway lots of story telling always makes for a great trip.





In hopes better weather would find us in the morning we set up camp nearby on a hillside...

Well I guess us humans will find another place to sit lol.

Listening to the rain patter and sharing even more stories as Ernie made an awesome potato and steak dinner as we dried out in front of the furnace vent. Again I hate to toot the FWC horn, but there are no words to describe the awesomeness of these campers (i don't feel like I'm gloating too much considering this one cost me $250 lol). This trucks off road capability was hardly sacrificed and the warm furnace, indoor stove and comfortable night sleep while spending a cold winter night out in the desert is second to none. After a great dinner and some coldies I was out......

The next morning: Sunshine!



Here's the range we were wanting to get to:


Short hike above camp. I never thought I refer to an F350 as little, but it can be done if you stand far enough away lol



Interesting shack:



With frozen ground we could have driven into the Newfies, but I didn't want to take the risk of not being able to get back out. Heading back we made a few stops to check out old farm yards along the historic transcontinental railroad.

And of course I have to show the newbies the Spiral Jetty (which was under water) while we're in the area. Its hard to tell from the pics but the water had a red tint from all the brine shrimp.







Anyway nothing spectacular just another fun weekend in the West Desert. As for the IDI it ran just as good as ever during our 300+ mile trek mostly on dirt, and it has given me no reason to think it won't do it again next time. Fuel mileage came in at just over 17mpg. I was however worried about my windshield wipers... After having them on all day they started to act funny at the end of the first day turning off at random and coming back on whenever they felt like it. Hoepfully I can get that figured out before I forget lol.

Very cool. Great pictures also. Nothing like taking your truck out and just exploring.

looks like fun, makes me want to pull the bronco down to Big Bend to play

Awesome pictures man!

As soon as I get the truck all fixed up I think I will have to check that out myself!

Looks great. I'll have to take my truck up there sometime.

I also highly recommend south-eastern utah, if you haven't made it out to Capitol Reef and Cathedral valley yet. Lot's of neat scenery.

Very nice pictures, thanks for those! This is what I would be out doing if I wasn't married... My wife does not understand the off road back woods middle of nowhere camping thing.

Cool photos.

Very cool photo's! Looks like lots of fun, I would love to take a trip like that. I live in Indiana not much to explore here. Keep the pictures and the stories coming cant wait for the next chapter.

I think we are all interested in what you have to say and show us. Trips like this are great. Pics just add to it. Makes us feel like we were there too. Not much you could have done about the mush roads. Maybe dropping air pressure and chains might have helped but like you said... Getting stuck out there is dangerous. Can't emagine the auto club sending a tow rig out to help you...

Sweeeet!!

Thanx for sharing that. Very beautiful country we live in, very diverse too..... we got it all!

Man that looks fun

Like Gary was saying, getting stuck in God's country is never good. Muck stuck is the worst stuck too. A friend of mine got stuck once in the backcountry and had to hike 10 miles to get cell service to call me to go get him out. They were sure glad to see me and the in-n-out cheeseburgers I brought with me!