This was an article today in the Salt Lake Trib.
At first I thought it was trouble with the eco-idiots down at Strike Ravine again. Then when I read it, I realized it impacted me directly.

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_2607289

If you read the hidden meaning, it confirms the rumors that the exit of Hells Revenge will be one way out. That part will be good because the trails won't be running into drunk kids trying to take the shortcut into tip-over and the escalator. It will also force everyone to use the toll booth and pay. Sure will make things congested on the trail if someone breaksdown.

Last line saysit all, I hope everyone reads it and does the right thing:

"The trade-off is that the fence will be constructed and it will be maintained by the users. In exchange, they get the privilege of using The Escalator and Hell's Gate," he said. "As long as they maintain the fence, they maintain the privilege. If this falls into disrepair and the surrounding area is not protected, then the privilege would end."

Great article hope it helps with problem.

Last nights mail contained the Red Rock newsletter. In that they question if the exit is legally one way out. Regardless, if the BLM or Grand County posts a guard there it certainly will reduce the mobs of drunken college kits causing the organized rides trouble.

We've never had difficulites at Hells Gate on the Big Saturday ride because we're the first ones in. The Sheriff just posts a deputy out at the entrance and that blocks it until I can lead the Safari ride into the area. We do get a number of followers, but its public property so that is only a temporary inconvenience for them.

The much larger problems occur at Tip-Over and the Escalator. Its not unusual for there to be literally hundreds of jeeps and trucks stopped in the trail. Usually a big mess of beer bottles and cans everywhere, too. Remember, the young ones can't be expected to clean up after themselves.

My guess is that standing guard out on Sandflats Road isn't bad duty. Its not usually too hot or cold, and its about the best view I can imagine (Moab did lose the most scenic dump contest a few years back, but that was to an Alaskan site.)

About 10 or 12 years ago the Sheriffs office and Moab city PD installed a sobriety checkpoint right at the end of Hells Revenge. I think thats called picking the low hanging fruit. I'd welcome that again. Things calm down for a few years after word gets out that the authorities are targeting certain trails.

quote:

About 10 or 12 years ago the Sheriffs office and Moab city PD installed a sobriety checkpoint right at the end of Hells Revenge. I think thats called picking the low hanging fruit. I'd welcome that again. Things calm down for a few years after word gets out that the authorities are targeting certain trails.

I totally agree with you Dick. I wish they would do that again. Sounds like a great idea.