EASTER JEEP SAFARIApril 16th - 24th, 2011This is information about the Easter Jeep Safari Expo that the Red Rock 4 Wheelers put on in Moab, Utah. The Zukiworld 'Zukfari is held during the same week but is not directly affiliated with the RR4W organization or the Easter Jeep Safari. Below is information from their website about the week's activities. http://www.rr4w.com/pageview.aspx?id=16382 If you get a chance, we suggest registering for one or more of the RR4W guided trail rides in addition to the 'Zukfari activities.REGISTRATION: To register for the next Easter Jeep Safari Event you must fill out the official form. Please click here to request your name be added to the mailing list to receive the official Easter Jeep Safari Paper in which the 2011 Registration Form is located. This is the only method to register before the event at this time - once you receive the paper, you can then cut out the form, fill it out, and mail it in with the appropriate accompanying payment. There are complete details on the policies and cancellations in the Safari Paper. (View 2010 Paper Online)
In brief, this is what happens: After you send your registration materials to us, we must figure out who gets on what trails. Most trails have been filling to specified limits in recent years, so our priority system becomes important to you.
We do not accept any registrations until complete information on trail schedules, descriptions, and difficulty ratings is published in the Safari Paper. The only people getting ahead of the priority system will be our trail guides.
The registration will use a lottery system to determine priorities for those who register promptly. Because the timing of newspaper deliveries is not the same for everyone, we open a "window" during which all registrants are given an equal chance for trail choices through a random drawing. This lottery period also helps people who need to organize group choices. Our lottery has worked well for everyone except those who were unlucky at the draw.
A lottery system will be used to set priorities during the first few weeks after the newspaper is mailed (in January). All registrations will be considered equally until the lottery is completed. Registration applications received at our PO Box after that date will be considered on a first postmark first served basis for remaining spaces. Registration applications received during the lottery period will be drawn randomly to determine priority in getting preferred trail choices; the lucky draws will get their first choice assignments. As trails become filled, it may be necessary for us to go down your list of preferences to consider your second third etc. choices. Registrations received after the lottery date will be assigned to trails still having spaces available after the lottery.
Mailing of the Jeep Safari newspaper is usually done each January and is specific for each years Click here to request newspaper safari. You may want to consider making travel arrangements at your earliest convenience as the available hotel motel and campground fill up quickly.
Note: There may be trails available at the time of the event, you can check at the registration desk at the Spanish Trail Arena during the hours they are staffed to inquire as to the last minute availability. There are no registrations at the trailhead line up.
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TRAILS IDENTIFICATION AND SUMMARIES
Though not an exhaustive introduction to the Easter Jeep Safari event, we hope this provides an overview to many of the pertinent questions that are asked throughout the year. The Jeep Safari newspaper (View Paper online) encompasses these points in greater depth, and also holds the registration form, so be sure to write in your request to be on the mailing list. Thank you for your interest in EJS the official event of the Red Rock 4-Wheelers!
What it is.... Easter Jeep Safari consists of trail rides, mostly day long trips, departing from Moab Utah throughout the 9 day long event. The official event is hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Inc. one of the the local four wheel drive clubs of Moab. Participants provide their own four wheel drive vehicle, take care of their own food and non-alcoholic beverages for the trip. Suggested essentials, beyond plenty of water, include sun protection, and layered clothing in case of changing weather circumstances that are always a possibility during the spring in southeastern Utah.
What do we do? The club "plans the routes and shows you the way". There are no restrictions as to what type make or model of vehicle is used even though the name - dating back to the mid-60s uses the term "jeep", but high ground clearance and 2 speed transfer cases are expected in what ever type of truck you run.
Where we go? The club official runs usually total around 9 different locations every day, with "Big Saturday" culminating in the largest ever single trail ride departure happening - around 30 groups line up in down town Moab to head off in every direction for 30 different trails!
What types of trails? There is truly something for everyone here in Moab Utah. That is why it is referred to so often as the Mecca of 4wheeling! A few trails are nearly accessible for 2 wheel drive vehicles, while the most difficult runs require seriously modified vehicles - and even then, chances for breaks and body damage still exist. Be sure to check each year for the available run lineup, there are even some special options including overnight runs on the Hole in the Rock trail, and a "Ladies Only Run". In fact, there will be two Ladies Runs, an easier run for stock vehicles and less experienced drivers or those simply wanting to join in a scenic four wheel drive, and a 4+ run for women drivers looking for more of a hard core challenge!
Vehicle safety equipment is extremely important. It is essential that participants stay on the designated routes (as well as everyone enjoying the backcountry near Moab Utah), and that some basic rules are followed. By signing the registration, be sure to read that you agree to these conditions. They are:
RULE 1: " A vehicle must have an integral metal top or roll bar to participate in Jeep Safari and have a street legal license from the registered state."
RULE 2: " Vehicles must have safety equipment adequate for legal operation in Utah. We mean seat belts, and we urge everyone to use them. Having proper brakes, lights, etc. is implied in this rule and should go without saying."
RECOMMENDATIONS: We recommend that each vehicle carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tow strap, spare tire, and a jack.
What about Permits? All of the trips travel across federal and Utah state lands on established roads, and even through some private land sections. Most road/trails are left over from the mining days which provided a boom to the area in the 1950s. STAY ON THE TRAIL/ROADS. The organization files the required permits according to the number of participants in each group, and pays the associated fees which are included in the cost of registration. The "Special Use Permit" at the time of writing this, is $5 per day per person. This number has reached tens of thousands of dollars in land use fees paid to the BLM and the State of Utah in recent years. It is critical that participants respect the land and follow the leaders staying to the designated route. This is absolutely essential for anyone visiting the backcountry in and around Moab Utah throughout the year.
What is involved and How do I register? The cost starts at $50/vehicle for the first day and $40/vehicle for each additional day. As the event has grown to be very large, the pre-event registration is handled by a team of club members who receive the mailed in forms only.. No calls, no fax, no email at this time. The forms each year are on a page in the Easter Jeep Safari newspaper - so to receive a form, you want to be on the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Inc. mailing list to receive the paper. The newspaper/form is usually mailed out in the beginning of January each year. Full details and instructions on how to proceed and the costs associated are in the newspaper.
Registration at the event may be possible. During EJS, if trail group limits have not been met, then these spaces can be available for on site registration (at the Spanish Trail Arena only) on a first come first serve basis at the discretion of the organizers.
If you register by mail early enough, your information will be mailed back to you as to your trail assignments and confirmation. All participants must check in with the organizers during the event to receive the event package which will include a trail pennant, a raffle ticket, a dash plaque, and any required additional information.
On site registration and package pickup is available at the Spanish Trail Arena in the upper level rooms from 7am to 9am each morning of the event (except Big Saturday and Easter Sunday), and open all day til 10pm on Thursday and Friday when the Vendor Show, raffle, and Boy Scout BBQ are held at the arena as well.
Spanish Trail Arena - 7 miles south of Moab
on the East side of Highway 191 South
Trail "Lottery" and Cancellations? Things happen, but due to the great challenge of coordinating the lottery drawing for trail placement, there are some rules and policies created to be fair to everyone. We can provide a full refund of pertinent fees for a full or partial cancellation prior to the drawing date which is indicated in the Safari newspaper. (Click here to request paper) For written cancellations received between the drawing date and the final cut off, a refund of all but a $15 cancellation fee will be provided. After the cut off date, all fees will be forfeited. Refunds will not be mailed until sometime after the close of the event. Additional rules for registration procedures and the complex task of the Trail Assignment Lottery, can be found in the Safari newspaper, so please read them carefully before you submit your registration.
Who are the Trail Leaders? They are Red Rock 4-Wheeler members whether local or associate, and do this for the fun of it without payment for their services. The trail leaders are experienced four wheelers who have been guiding the runs for many years. In addition to the leader, there are also additional volunteers in the middle and at the end of the trail group (tail gunner).
What is the Vendor Show? On Thursday and Friday of the event week, there is a vendor and information display area that is free to the general public. This is held inside and out at the Spanish Trail Arena south of Moab on highway 191. To have booth space whether in or outside of the arena, you will need to contact the Easter Jeep Safari Vendor Event managers for availability and arrangements. (Carma |removethispart|@ 435-259-1916) Booth space is a set fee (Click here to request forms) or comparable value product donation for the tremendous raffle that is drawn on Friday night. At this time there is only 1 ticket provided per registered participant for the raffle, an added incentive to be a part of the official EJS event - the 'ticket' needs to be present to win.
In addition to the four wheel drive parts and accessory companies and the enthusiastic tire manufacturers that display their latest products at booths, in trailers, and with 18-wheelers, companies that sell products and accessories directly at the show are also on display with items for sale. Special interest groups also provide information for those interested in the future of four wheeling.
