317 OHV Miles Closed - Moab, Utah

[@michaelcox8604]

In the 1970’s I raced off-road motorcycles in the southwest. In those days I raced across many pristine areas. Thousands of us did it. And following our trails came thousands more 4 wheeled OHVs, especially in the past 20 years. There was an environmental movement in the 1970’s to greatly restrict this activity. There’s still plenty of off- road racing opportunities but it will never be as back then. Much has been restricted, and much has been paved over, eg Pikes Peak use to be all dirt road, now it’s all paved . The fact is we did a lot of damage, and the flood of modern off-road 4 wheelers available for near everybody to drive has only made it thousands of times worse. There were almost 200 million people back in the 1970s, now there are over 350 million in America and billions in the world with social media telling everyone where the special places are. Off road racing, and off road adventures are the love of my life, but we are losing it, not because of closures, but because we are destroying it. Somehow we got to figure this out for ourselves and future generations if we even care about them. And judging from what our recent ancestors destroyed in past 150 years, I’m not sure this general will do any better.

[@thedarterguy]

Not even a minute in, and already amazed at the cinematography. Great job with the video and thank you for bringing awareness to what’s going on!

[@backcountrybeagles]

Thank you sir!

[@gregs2466]

I appreciate your message and your feelings. I live in southern Nevada and go into Southern Utah often to photograph it. Before, when I was younger and not handicapped, I used to do what you are doing with my 4X4 but since I have become handicapped, I got rid of my off-road vehicle and now drive an all-wheel Subaru which takes me to a lot of places but not like a 4x4. Yes, out in the Southwest we have it made with miles and miles of land to explore. I have lived in Rhode Island, and I ran away from there because back East is just too crowded with people and cities. Keep seeking out trails and having fun with your dogs. Oh, thanks for posting this.

[@backcountrybeagles]

We came from the east as well. I would have to agree that yes it is very crowded out there. Thank you for enjoying!

[@littlerayofsunshine69]

And it's getting more and more crowded here every day. Population control now.

[@fasteddie1]

These trails aren’t overused and the OHV community members pick up more trash and help out more people than any other group. When I hit trails in the Angeles NF I actually can’t pick up enough trash from the weekend partiers. Bad apples, not responsible off-roaders, are to blame. The spray paint mess they leave in old mines and on the old, remaining structures is shocking. So they are to blame and we all suffer and pay the price. 19:07

[@SegoMan]

Yeah and by closing 1/3 of the trails it will put more traffic on the remaining trails which will lead to their closures..

[@jimskatr103]

My wife gets really angry at people and has me pull over constantly off-roading to pick up trash. We give the kids coins for helping per item😊

[@SegoMan]

@@jimskatr103 I carry a 3' pick up tool so I don;t have to mess with the 5 pt harness on every piece of trash

[@SheldonGoff]

​@SegoMan which is exactly the plan.

[@SegoMan]

@@SheldonGoff Agreed..

[@shadsluiter]

I have hiked on areas around Moab that are "closed forever, that nobody will ever be able to see again." The experience was quiet and peaceful. One can still see the road and damage to the area. Maybe now I'll consider making these "closed" trails part of my next visit to Moab.

[@Moretrailsmorecamping]

Nice, I'm sure you drive your Tesla right up to the trail and feel super good about yourself.

[@shadsluiter]

Yep. The only pollution that the Tesla emits is "smug". :-)

[@knuckles-3386]

This is a direct violation of the Ada Act

[@samcobuggies984]

​@@shadsluiter Putting hikers on a moral high ground and saying they get get access use priority (hike it or stay out) while feeding the lie of vehicle causes excess damage to the area so environmental groups can hand fist their agenda. 😢 You sir are tool, enjoy your Coal powered Tesla 😮

[@cassiusdio6048]

Jerk

[@pennypackmtb2542]

We went through this on a smaller scale here in the East. They divided the users and used each groups complaints against the other. The erosion issues, rutting, speeding and vegetation damage. Then for those reasons given, they started to close the trails to all the users. We united, held meetings on the pro's and con's, and we got signatures. One of the best positive presentations we gave was, the trails cost the park nothing since there were volunteer groups repairing and cleaning up the trails. We presented pictures before and after the closures. Things had gone down hill since they closed them. The accessibility of the trails, also opens up the park for all users to include park services for free, due to the volunteer groups. The trails attract people to the park, which is proportional to the amount of trails offered. This still seamed to fall on the wrong ears. Then one day at the Pro Philadelphia Bike Race, I just happened to find our mayor. I told him we weren't asking for a penny and it wouldn't cost a penny. That this recreational feature was already in place. No over head, no clearing for a parking lot. He just needed to allow it. And he did! I so hope your efforts work to reopen these trails. They are scenic, they are historical and allow us, the tax payer to see what we are paying for, rather then those few BLM trying to justify their jobs.

[@pwrofgrayskull]

My family has been vacationing in Moab for going on two decades now. We have an immense amount of amazing memories together enjoying these breathtaking areas. We always tread lightly, stay on existing trails, pick up other people’s garbage every time we’re out, stay courteous to the various other trail users, and we make as little noise as possible. All of the areas we’ve always enjoyed are now closed. Not being able to make more memories there makes us all sick to our stomachs.

[@lindasoares3293]

Great job Ron also bringing awareness to closures. The trails are beautiful. I really enjoyed pictures of the night sky. 👏👏👏🎆

[@backcountrybeagles]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jasonacsalesltd]

Thank you for building awareness. I think public lands should be kept for the people not from the people.

[@John-ke2jm]

They should be kept from idiots that can't respect them and it's what's happening. They aren't closing this land completely just to motorized traffic, one of the main half truth's this video has a problem with.

[@conniec7650]

@@John-ke2jmHow would anyone be able to get through here and have an enjoyable time without a motorized vehicle? Why penalize the good people who do no harm Karen???

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

And that is exactly what the BLM is trying to do. Keep the lands for public use.

[@John-ke2jm]

@@conniec7650 You can walk or use a bike, like many places that are close to motorized traffic. We penalize the good people because the BLM has a duty to protect that land, if it doesn't have the budget to stop idiots from destroying it then we get to lose motorized access. The land not being destroyed does and should take precedent over people driving their jeeps out there.

[@taivo55]

Unless people evolved in a place, then they are interlopers and even the smallest impact can do great environmental harm.

[@9greatdanes981]

A non elected government agency pressured a non elected government agency to close the trails that the people use

[@MichaelFaughn]

Not what happened. This is the enforcement of legislation. BLM wasn't enforcing it and SUWA sued to make them do it.

[@9greatdanes981]

@@MichaelFaughn are you confirming what I said or correcting me,

[@fredpetit335]

The people in these non elected agencies are being put in place by the elected people. As long as people continue to vote for those who want to limit our freedoms then this will continue to happen.

[@yubayogi]

Who is really going to enforce this? Bill Gates and his land grab commies? Cut the locks, open the gates, its our land not theirs and its not disrespecting, its not giving in to their addenda 21 made up rules.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

They close some of the trails that are over-used. Yes.

[@Treetopflyer777]

Stunning views and cinematography. Sad about the trails closing. I hope people can fight trail closures successfully

[@knuckles-3386]

We went this same thing in Colorado 50 years ago when they started picking areas for wilderness areas. I went to several meetings and quickly found out that had already made up their minds 14:03

[@fredfrederick5607]

Closing trails to motorized vehicles is a violation of the ADA. Motorized vehicles is the only way someone like me with limited mobility can enjoy these areas. I cant hike in that far, and there are no wheelchairs capable of the journey. Unless they provide some alternate means for me to enjoy this area, it either needs to be entirely closed to everyone, or open to those with special needs. I believe a lawsuit based on discrimination against the disable would succeed.

[@fasteddie1]

I have a handicapped, special needs daughter who absolutely loves spending time outside and we love camping… and now this is another trail we can’t visit. Very, very annoying. And for those who say “well good, now you can hike it” are just uneducated and insensitive. To them I say that I hope you aren’t “burdened” with a special needs kid or family member or you never have a catastrophic illness or injury, because you’ll never see this either. This makes me very angry.

[@raypeery6317]

"entirely closed to everyone" Make no mistake, that's the long term goal. suwa.org/wp-content/uploads/30x30-Report-FINAL-1.20.2021-WEB.pdf

[@John-ke2jm]

Lmao, the ADA doesn’t cover off road trails. Please stop spouting nonsense.

[@fasteddie1]

You're not wrong but you are not entirely right either@@John-ke2jm. There are federal laws that guide the BLM's accessibility program including the ADA since 1990. It's not entirely expected that there will be 4' wide, well-graded paths and sidewalks in the backcountry, BUT the guiding principles are founded in equal opportunity, independence, and integration to provide for the inclusion of people of all abilities... stated on both the BLM and ADA websites. So it's not spouting nonsense, it's called fact.

[@Hakudog5]

So what you are saying is that everyone, regardless of their ability or handicap, should have easy and full access to anywhere on public lands? Gotta disagree with you on that one. I respect your desire to get outdoors despite your limited mobility, but that doesn't entitle you easy access to anywhere you want to go especially when it is at the detriment to the resource you are trying to access. Unpopular opinion maybe....but you can't have a desire for small non-interventionist government AND create and enforce ADA rules at the same time. Pick one not both.

[@Billy28376]

They closed trails where I live and everyone just ripped the gates down and went anyways. They eventually quit putting up gates and no trespassing signs.

[@johnseidel8971]

Where do you live and why do you think vandalism is a good idea? Was it the BLM? Was it a private ranch? Are people vandalizing a National Park? What was closed down and why--where you live.

[@jlm3303]

@@johnseidel8971 putting up signs and gates on public land is vandalism... The land is not for criminals with badges to control... It's public land and this is supposed to be a free nation.

[@wrm3016]

People in general, which means ALL people, need to understand, when 'they' talk about land closers of government land, please understand that government land is OUR land!!! WE are the government, as set up by the founding fathers! People that sit back and say " well, this is a shame" are part of the problem. WE THE PEOPLE need to take back what is ours. NO ONE should be able to take it away from us... unless we let them. Which seems to be what is happening! EVERYONE should be upset about this! But that doesn't seem to be happening! Kudo's to those who are getting involved and posting video's such as this.

[@notsojoerogan]

Too many people like the idea of, or are at least willing to let, daddy government control their lives. It’s pathetic

[@leftfield123]

The alternative is to allow Big Business to take over for Big Government. Instead of losing a few hundred acres you'll lose it all. Unless of course, you can afford to pay the fees that will surely follow. Oh, the people are not the government, we are who over sees government. Big difference.

[@wrm3016]

What big business? How is 'big business' going to take all the land the BLM is trying to close? Explain. @@leftfield123

[@BoschPorsche]

Great Video. We just came from Moab last week, did a video. But man this is so dumb hearing this. It's amazing place to explore, I was there first time this year! Just wow! Very sad that they closed some trails down!

[@JanetGraniteJeep]

We went there on Easter Jeep Safari. Up that canyon, there is more interesting equipment plus the mine, although access to the entrance is blocked. I'm going to be sad to lose access to it. Love your video!

[@backcountrybeagles]

Wish we had more time to explore more of it 😢 Thank you!😄

[@xcracer311]

I have traveled many trails in Moab, but I can get behind this because Moab is out of control these days , maybe one day we can get a hotel for 100 again some day, and biking or 4 wheeling without a bunch damn side by sides everywhere

[@jlm3303]

Who would want to be camping when you can be in a 100 dollar hotel...and 4 wheeling is OK as long as you're not sitting next to each other while you're doing it.... Stupid side by sides.

[@albundy6284]

They just need to ban side by sides and reopen the trails to all street legal vehicles, which drive slower, don't damage trails, and show respect for other vehicles. The side by sides are going to be the downfall to the offroading community.

[@jlm3303]

@@albundy6284 ban assault SxS. Seems you've never been to a jeep jamboree...nothing but mayhem... respect is earned not just a one way street.

[@albundy6284]

@@jlm3303 Yes sir I have never been the jamboree, I always avoid that time of year because of the crowds, plus I mainly go for the mountain bike trails and light overlanding to get good vibes from that remote nature experience. I don't know how crazy it gets in town and on the popular trails. Sorry to hear that it is so bad even with the hardcore jeep guys. Every town has it's peak season of hustle and bustle but that's what brings in the big bucks for business, and floats them through the off season.

[@priitpullerits3436]

A wonderful video with excellent views! I rode Hey Joe Canyon on a mountain bike in 2019, all alone, no cars or people there - it was a great experience. 45 minutes both ways from the fence on the edge of the river. Unbelievable, that you can't go there any more.

[@grandeoverland6787]

I was off roading 4 times in Utah this past season, so my move next month out of the lower 48 has had me already missing what the Moab area has to offer. But then I heard about this shutdown, can't say I like this trend. It's sad to think where things are heading. 248,573 miles

[@backcountrybeagles]

Moab is truly something special, it’s really to bad. Thanks for the guess😉

[@scottreynolds273]

We need LESS government not more!! Thanks for sharing this great video..

[@BrianForUtah]

All this land is open only because of government public land. If it were private, you wouldn’t ever be able to see any of it.

[@mattwillems5158]

Can still hike, backpack and/or ride a bike there right?

[@jkyontz]

Thanks for the video. I’m sorry to hear of the closing of Hey Joe Canyon and Mineral Bottom. I did a lot of camping there back in the 70’s when Moab was just a little mining town. You should read Desert Solitaire by Ed Abbey.

[@Madhatchz]

Great video, thanks for posting it. As always, stay safe out there.

[@backcountrybeagles]

Thank you! You as well.

[@jeraldheinrich3589]

Moab area is awesome, been there many times. Trail closures are sad, speak up and be heard.

[@ginnyberube6951]

Best video yet Ron! Amazing!

[@scottford8736]

Great video beautiful scenery and I am sure that one of the sections in your video was In my neighbor's video from one of his trips

[@samtilton7714]

I like that Backcountry Beagles is driving your everyday mans rig.... we see all too often these really expensive rigs 100K plus driving the land and making video.... this is true to life and realistic... take your rig, build it up and go explore.... very authentic!

[@backcountrybeagles]

Can’t go wrong with a well built and reliable Cherokee! This old jeep has gotten us to 30+ states all over the country with “minimal” problems here and there.

[@samtilton7714]

Amazing... keep up the adventure spirit, showing that it can be done without 100's of thousands of dollars.

[@Twisted_stitches_leather]

Great video. All I’ve done since we left there is plan our next trip back. Love the area.

[@RB_AdVANtures]

Excellent info and video. I’m not a 4x4’er, but we did travel to Moab for mountain biking last year and will again this spring. We will be riding some of the canyon roads and it is extremely concerning that now that they have closed these roads, they will continue to push to close more of these roads and eventually leak into the mountain bike trails. These agencies are out of control and should be investigated for fraud and conflict of interest. I will research those pro-trail groups to get more familiar with the issue. Thanks for your work.

[@stoventures1770]

I really loved this video. Nice job on the entire thing. Sad times.

[@backcountrybeagles]

Thank you🤘🏽 it is, get out there and enjoy your trails while we still have them😢

[@dixonbuttes6564]

Road closures throughout Utah and the West are rampant right now. No new roads are being opened, and roads are closing faster than I've ever seen before. There's a Substack blog about what's happening here in the West -- I believe it's called, "The Fleeting West." The great irony is that the closures are occurring in part due to the explosive population growth throughout the West, entirely driven by migration, and the land management agencies are primarily headed by coastal, urban transplants who don't understand our historic land uses in the West. I appreciate that you're bringing light to the issue. The closures are also being driven by over-use and over-use due to exposure on social media. The destruction of access for those of us rooted here is a sign of colonization of the West by new, exurbanites who can't understand anything but infrastructure and parks. Keep up exposing the BLM's taking of our lands ... it's a dirty job, but somebody has got to do it.

[@jmadsen6118]

Not due to over-use! They funnel humans into small areas to support that narrative.

[@oldboater]

Thank President Biden

[@dixonbuttes6564]

@@jmadsen6118 I was recently in multiple of the areas set for shutdown, and a tour company was running a group of 10 hired-guide filled Ford Broncos through a couple of the areas, and they were running multiple tours per day. I've been visiting these areas since before I could walk, as have my parents and grandparents, and the increases in use and abuse by inconsiderate social-media influenced tourists is off the rails. But so are all of the hiking trails, rock climbing routes, mountain bike trails, and even the towns themselves. Notice they're not shutting those down, despite many of the trails looking like a Target on Black Friday. It's Manifest Destiny, with explosive population growth working hand in hand with the Federal land agencies to make sure the destiny is manifested as domesticated, controlled, and overrun places. Central Park, New York, everywhere you look. It's time to vote out everyone who supported / voted YES on these new closures.

[@dixonbuttes6564]

@@oldboater ... and every person elected to local, State, and Federal office who had a hand in supporting or commenting on the motions to close these areas. And, every land agency involved, including the specific regional land managers at the BLM. Biden couldn't tell you what he signed, for a variety of reasons ... it was the whole chain of custody that made this and others like it possible.

[@Chris_at_Home]

@@dixonbuttes6564It’s the same in Alaska. The land is being loved to death. Up by Denali Park entrance there used to be nothing, now it is a small town with huge hotels. Most of those people go into the park.

[@discover4x4]

We call those "Michigan pin stripes". Many of our trails are overgrown like that

[@jaymills3843]

Thanks for publishing this; being from the East coast and a visitor to MOAB years ago, I feel the loss. I'll be in MOAB Nov 2023 again. You drone work and video is fab.. What Drone is being used? BTW.. Joined the Coalition after reading of this on Jeep Forums.

[@backcountrybeagles]

Enjoy your time there, such a great place with tons to see! Thank you, it’s a mavic air 2. Glad to hear, everyone should be supporting BRC if these closures upset you!

[@Jizden_Mipanz]

Thanks for helping to raise awareness of the catastrophic government overreach that is taking place. Oh, and nice xj man! Anyone wanna trade a zj for an xj?

[@backcountrybeagles]

Thank you!

[@matthewmakovic5578]

WARNING, controversial comment! There’s a lot to unpack here, esp if you’re NOT JUST an off- roader. Let me start by saying that I am an overlander and use plenty of trails. I just did 33 days/3500 miles from Arizona all the way up to Big Sky, Montana and back again, staying in the first gen Tundra the whole time. I’ll try to make this quick. To say that you could never see this land again because of the trail closures is extremely misleading. You’re completely discounting all the mountain bikers, backpackers, bushwackers and the like. As backpackers and bushwackers, we have a saying called “going through the asshole filter.” That basically refers to getting to those beautiful places where people in vehicles can’t get to. Those are the magical places where you can experience nature as it was meant to be, untouched, relatively speaking. If you think these areas are great sitting in the seat of your vehicle , park at the gate that will be closed, strap a backpack on and get down there and witness it without jeeps and side-by-sides rumbling past you. The author stated how he’s not gonna act like people in vehicles don’t destroy trails and vegetation and leave litter etc., well it only takes a few people to ruin the natural environment for the people who want to see it untouched. And I know people are going to say that that’s exclusive but it’s not. You can get down there and check it out as well, you just have to be a little less lazy about it. As for people who are handicapped, that is unfortunate, but I guess even with vehicles there’s plenty they won’t be able to see. I don’t think every corner of our beautiful lands should be accessible to people who want to simply drive there. Get your boots on and see the true badass-ness of the American West, it’ll do you some good. I applaud the foresight to keep as much land vehicle free as possible, God knows there are trails everywhere. We need our untouched magical places. Be open and adventurous enough to go through the asshole filter people!.

[@SomeoneElseonHere]

Totally agree. A little exercise won't kill ya. 😂😂

[@RangerPhantomSAS]

Nice Jeep. I had a dark green 99 sport I sold about 5 years ago in stock condition.

[@backcountrybeagles]

Best color for these xjs…in my opinion

[@RangerPhantomSAS]

@@backcountrybeagles Yes, definitely great for the outdoors.

[@thetruth9747]

Very good video, great content, photography, and editing. I've traveled to Moab yearly for the past 36 years with over 50 trips. The beauty changes by season and never fails to disappoint. I agree with your observations that nearly all trail riders protect and respect this land while the vast majority of armchair environmentalists have never had the experience of awe and felt their own insignificance by traveling deep into the presence of this majestic and timeless land, while not raising an eyebrow to the new oil wells and flames of the wells' gas flaring that mar our night skies . Great job and thank you for spreading the word on this most recent BLM ruling.

[@travisbuck3643]

Its very unfortunate of those trails being closed and that there are people that cant respect the land. Im also very concerned about the effects that this could have on the other trails in Moab. This will most likey cause the usable trails to become even more traveled facing the same result.

[@AdventureBraten01]

Last Easter Jeep safari. I wanted to go on Hey Joe Canyon but I didn’t have time and we had to leave early. I told myself I’ll be back next year. I guess that’s not happening now.

[@backcountrybeagles]

Hopefully it gets overturned by the blue ribbon coalition and you will be able to explore it!

[@elaine8477]

Urban person here, but sad to hear these roads are being closed. These historic roads are a part of nature. They allow people to be in nature .

[@backcountrybeagles]

I’d agree, it’s very sad 😔

[@simonbroddle754]

I'm from England but visited Utah and it is the most amazing place I've ever seen. To close these sites is nothing to do with preservation, it's to do with a mindset. It was my understanding that these are "public lands" and therefore available to the public. This is so wrong to my way of thinking. Best wishes to all in your quest to stop this nonsense.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Investigate further my friend. It is a very complex issue. Trail closures are the last resort to protect the land. Think about hiking, biking and riding a horse as needed.

[@simonbroddle754]

@@geraldhenrickson7472 I'm really interested as we don't have "public land" in England. I'm not sure how you hike, bike or ride in some of these areas, they extend for miles. I'm sure some damage is done by vehicles. The worst we saw was rubbish, mostly gun cartridge cases & plastic left on the floor. Your public lands are a wonderful asset and something to be cherished. You're very lucky.

[@Hakudog5]

@@simonbroddle754 It is public land and the public is allowed access. Nowhere, however, does it say you have the right to easy unrestricted access. We are indeed lucky to have so much space left for the public, but that doesn't give the public the right to do whatever they want and in this case the restrictions for offroad vehicles. The Wilderness Act holds much of it "in trust" for the public good, but restricts mechanical access to large swaths of it. You still have access to it, but you basically have to either walk or ride a horse or by human powered boat to do so. A few wilderness areas allow for airstrips, like the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho. BLM and Forest Service land may have similar restrictions in certain areas and have the right to restrict access, usually after a public comment period and environmental impact studies and with oversight, when public land is abused. Basically, because it is being held in trust, restricting access can be seen as keeping that land restricted so that future generations can have access to it in as natural a state as their predecessors.

[@ChuckHolt]

The pickle trail is my favorite trail there! Damnit! The guys at snail trail are awesome!

[@lanceandrew70]

This was the result of a Federal Law that the BLM was not strictly following or enforcing. Some citizens groups sued the Federal Government to enforce the law as written. The law has been on the books for many years. The Government lost the lawsuit and was forced to rework the travel plans for all the areas covered in the suit. You are now seeing Government enact the compliance measures due to the rulings. This isn't the agencies fault it is the citizens fault. We elect the legislators but we then "set and forget". We send them to govern but we don't follow what they are crafting, then it takes years before you see the fallout. We don't actively seek out and heavily participate in the BLM public comment periods, so others get overweighted influence. One happy group of camping citizens and another mad group of OHV citizens. Welcome to our late to the table apathetic involvement in just in time world

[@jaytownjunkyardfiles1999]

I've visited Utah several times, been off-roading there, it's the best. I've met Benjamin Burr, became a member of BlueRibbon Coalition . . . that's the easy stuff. Trying to convince the people in North East Pennsylvania is like talking to the walls of a mental institution. I'm going to post your video on my FB page but, these people here are ignorant AF here.

[@SegoMan]

Welcome to Murica Komrad.. the socioeconomic impact will be devastating to the local businesses

[@backcountrybeagles]

Thank you for the share my friend, need to get the word out so this does not happen again.

[@sh-df1bb]

Well said brother!

[@helialaska]

Sweet XJ! Love my 99...This is just the beginning in this governments efforts to keep people from using public lands. We pay over 50% of our income in taxes while they take and take and take from us. If we don't wake up and start using what we have always been using and just accept everything as a loss than we will continue in that direction. Time for us to take back what this government has taken from us since we have the numbers and power to do so. Don't let them bully us into submission with everything.

[@teslah2997]

oh stfu with your vengeful, hate rhetoric. I am sooo sick of people who hate the government yet have no offer on what could be a positive, productive replacement

[@teslah2997]

Repubs in Utah have wanted to trash their public lands, by drilling, for years. Iwould not be surprised if this area is opened to drilling after it is closed

[@jimbailey9915]

If people cannot police them selves then they need to be policed.

[@johnmcardle5967]

Stalin's words exactly..... Hillary could not have said it better.... careful sometimes words come back to bite you in the ass

[@bonacker9762]

What happened to public comment on these closures ? How about a limited number of peolpe getting a lottery ticket chance to use said trails for short durations of the year so you can actually see these areas. With rules of course... These alaphabet soup agencies need to be reigned in.

[@garymittelstadt7821]

The United States Forest Road Closing Service does that out west as well. Can't have any of us having too much fun. They have all kinds of excuses as to why, but really, it's just to justify administrators' jobs and then the whole power thing.

[@goldfieldgary]

It started when I was still a kid, with Wilderness Areas. I thought they were a good idea at my young age, but my father warned it was the first step to the government locking up all public land. He was right.

[@gonagain]

I've had that particular sea urchin, "Vana" (in Hawaiian) on sushi and it's good.

[@redgarcia1427]

Thanks for the info! ✌🐢

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Great video. Thanks

[@backcountrybeagles]

Thank you!

[@danavanvoorhees3958]

I love bikepacking Hey Joe Canyon. It’s my fav! Hope it’s not closing to bikes?

[@k.williamelliott7969]

Glad we went to Moab when we did.

[@garypreisendorfer3668]

Ash and Ron, keep doing what you are doing! Enjoy it, be in love. Awesome video! The government (including local, city, county, state) does not like NOT making some kind of revenue from its land. BLM is public land and does not fit the plan of making revenue wherever possible. State taxes are increased, wildlife management areas increase the cost of licenses, etc. Eventually, if not already in some cases, your will not be able to freely do what you want on your own property. (is it really yours? has it been in your family for generations?). I am hopeful but skeptical about what we own and how free we really are.

[@geneanuts]

Gov needs to keep their hands off open spaces. Maybe they want to reserve it for something they don't want us to see! Hmm!

[@Hakudog5]

If the Government doesn't keep their hands on it... then there will literally be no public lands. Keep your hands off MY and the rest of the citizenry's open spaces.

[@justenmorgan7144]

Great video production... new subscriber now.

[@FusionOffroad]

I wish I could of got out there

[@rickdeckard7926]

The government is relocating Aliens from Area 51. Won’t be reopened until the Aliens get their casino licenses

[@onerider808]

That’s insane, and ominous. In crazy times when we all need to get outdoors and recreate in the midst of natural beauty, Big Brother takes away (or minimizes) that necessary activity.

[@jamesonward5141]

When do they start selling it off to the developers?

[@backcountrybeagles]

Has already started in other areas of moab.

[@trinidadscorpion3835]

These areas will still be accessible but only to foot travel. That is how they are best visited anyway. If you were there on a holiday week you would see dozens of off road vehicles. Too much of Utah has way too many vehicles visiting the once quiet beautiful back country. Get out and hike!

[@jimalton1564]

My wife and I visited Moab in September. We were able to explore the area and see some great scenery and experience being away from town. We were even able to camp at several very remote locations because the roads were open for us to access them. The only way we were able to do this was by motor vehicle. I'm going in for hip replacement surgery next month and have not been able to walk well for quite some time, and even after surgery I'll be very limited. Hiking or mountain biking is out of the question. Limiting back country access to only the very physically fit or people without physical disabilities is not only unfair, but violates the ADA.

[@northerngunner2756]

That little gate is going to keep you out?

[@michaelcolvin2319]

I don't think that you are speaking the truth when you say, "You will never be able to see these areas again" they are closing to vehicle traffic, not to people. You will still be able to walk there. While I am sure that some people that might drive there would never walk, doesn't mean that it's closed forever and will never be seen again.

[@albundy6284]

Who is going to walk 50 miles in the desert? Maybe 1% of the population? Get real.

[@TheExcursioners]

Great Video! Sad about all the trails :(

[@backcountrybeagles]

Thank you!

[@JeepLJ3]

@13:07 incredible capture!

[@backcountrybeagles]

Thank you!☺️

[@jeremyking3986]

So will you still be able to get to hey Joe canyon?

[@ThaneHall]

have they closed these to motorized vehicles or all/any types of travel?

[@MrCrayonkid]

Very cool Ty

[@fasteddie1]

I'll post this again for those who say "the ADA doesn't cover BLM or offroad trails", please note that there are federal laws that guide the BLM's accessibility program including the ADA since 1990. Of course it's not entirely expected that there will be 4' wide, well-graded paths and sidewalks in the backcountry, BUT the guiding principles are founded in equal opportunity, independence, and integration to provide for the inclusion of people of all abilities... stated on both the BLM and ADA websites. Those who contradict this shouldn't take the stance of YOU'RE WRONG or YOU'RE STUPID. They should consider what it would be like to not be able to access these trails except by "walking or biking".

[@backcountrybeagles]

@fasteddie1 Well said

[@Hakudog5]

Title V Section 508 of the ADA.... (1) In general. - Congress reaffirms that nothing in the Wilderness Act [16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.] is to be construed as prohibiting the use of a wheelchair in a wilderness area by an individual whose disability requires use of a wheelchair, and consistent with the Wilderness Act no agency is required to provide any form of special treatment or accommodation, or to construct any facilities or modify any conditions of lands within a wilderness area in order to facilitate such use. So....they can't restrict access to wheelchairs, but they don't have to provide special access to them. It still remains that there is only a right to access, but not easy access, to wilderness areas. Using the ADA to try and justify closures due to trail abuse by those who are largely not disabled is, IMHO, largely disingenuous. I absolutely think every should get to utilize public lands regardless of a disability, but not ALL public lands and especially not at the sake of the resource.

[@TimothyOlheiser]

We have the same problem in Alberta Canada. Offroad user groups are working to volunteer to do road trail maintenance and advocate for access. Common sense should prevail.

[@chad59]

People need to just say ENOUGH!!! And just take what is ours.

[@Hakudog5]

What if I want to keep "what is mine" from getting destroyed by off road vehicles? What right do YOU have to make that decision on MY behalf?

[@chad59]

@Hakudog5 We are the one's who fund and care for these places. Just like hunters are responsible for saving the wildlife they hunt.

[@Hakudog5]

@@chad59 ....but in this case "we" failed to adequately care for this place and now it is restricted. This is the same thing as would happen if a bunch of poachers over hunted an area and the number of hunting licenses was lowered due to the number of animals available to hunt dropping. If we fail to educate people or fail to hold the ones who are educated but still decide to misbehave accountable it is reasonable to expect restrictions to maintain a resource for future citizens.

[@chad59]

@@Hakudog5 What will fail now is the area because people will still use it but the cut in business will effect the surrounding community now while the "Poachers" will take advantage of the land. Land use should be accompanied with education. Plenty of space for everyone.

[@Hakudog5]

@@chad59 There is still at least a thousand miles of trails still left to use and the businesses will have very little negative impact from this. I don't disagree that people need education, as I believe (or at least hope) that most of this abuse occured because of ignorance not malice. In my opinion, the primary responsibility for education should lie on the shoulders of fellow trail users. There was a major lack of fellow trail users holding the people abusing the trails accountable. When you have 1300+ miles of trail to manage with a small team of BLM rangers its basically an impossible job to educate and enforce without the help of the public. The number one thing that these trail closures are doing is educating people that abusing public land WILL lead to restrictions on its use.

[@aaronwermers4160]

It irritates me so much that 10% of people ruin it for all. I know that most people are good, I see folks clean up all the time, personally have been on many clean up trips. Those that don't respect the land ruin it for all. Those people don't respect so many things and they will never change. I am glad you were able to enjoy them before they were gone.

[@mrfst450]

Stop following and repeating this lie! Punishing the majority because of an action of a individual is anti American and possibly the worst lie in American history.

[@michaelosmon]

If by 10% you mean government then yeah. Ok

[@TepidJean]

@@michaelosmon really dumb comment

[@michaelosmon]

@@TepidJean that place is pretty clean. The only people ruining the fun are the beurocrats. Explain how that is wrong

[@TepidJean]

@@michaelosmon glad they saved it before it got ruined! If you can't see how our land is being ruined and misused may be you are one of the ones causing the closures? The beurocrats are simply responding to the destructive use of land.... Never heard one peep in the video about responsible land use, just complaining that trails are closing. Being super assertive about what is acceptable use of our lands is how you can prevent more closures. Speak up when you see some dumbass with a jeep driving over stuff he shouldn't and shooting stuff and trashing the land, being vocal about misuse and reporting offenders is how we save access!

[@sheilaa6980]

Figure I would ask. What do you suppose is their plan to actually close these trails? I cant imagine enforcing this will be easy.

[@backcountrybeagles]

Signs, boulders…hope everyone forgets about them

[@jlm3303]

The eyes in the sky make it very easy to catch and ticket anyone who dares.. The criminals in charge have no problem with using force or even the threat of violence to keep their power and control over others..Aren't you glad we live in a free country.

[@HillRZRs]

Your drone footage is super smooth. Which drone are you using?

[@backcountrybeagles]

Mavic air 2 thank you!

[@HillRZRs]

@@backcountrybeagles nice. I use the mini 3 pro but the video is never this smooth. Thanks!!

[@frankoller6824]

This is just a little bit of what is going on to our trails !

[@blue_canyon]

I'm torn on this. On one hand, I'm sad/angry that it is now going to be much more difficult to see and explore these areas. On the other hand, it will be nice in a few years to be able to see a beautiful landscape that doesn't have black tire marks up the face of every rock in sight.

[@hill160881]

I am willing to bet many people will do it anyway.

[@backcountrybeagles]

Unfortunately yes. Wouldn’t recommend it.

[@jackalay23]

Technically you can still go there. You just have to walk.

[@samcobuggies984]

What's your point?

[@jackalay23]

@samcobuggies984 Technically you can still go there. You just have to walk.

[@shawnvern]

Those aren't scratches, those are desert pinstripes

[@claraallen12]

One more thing....if the 100's of thousands of off roaders left Moab for 1 year...the city/businesses would join the push to keep trails open. Be cognizant of what and where you put your money

[@MannyWC]

Exactly! We spend SO much money near the towns of where we disperse camp. Often these are small towns, mom and pop businesses… This is who this will hurt.

[@jlm3303]

@@MannyWC... That's exactly what the criminals in power want... They work for corporations that care nothing about mom and pop or anything else that doesn't support their despicable levels of GREED AND CORRUPTION

[@Hakudog5]

Please do.... Moab would be such a nice place without you. Talk to any local the week after Easter Jeep Safari and they'll probably agree.

[@kenuber4014]

Waaay to many "Jag Offs" who ruin it for all. I could see this coming from left field!! Good luck Moab.

[@007diego2]

I’m torn, on the one hand, we don’t want to destroy these areas by abusing them and over using them, but on the other hand, we want to be able to go into them, and touch them with our own hands.

[@Hakudog5]

You can access them.... by walking to them. You have a right to access your public lands, but that doesn't mean you have a right to EASY and effortless access to them.

[@etiennenioda6455]

Thanks!

[@rangerrecon]

So how will these areas be accessible to anyone if they are closing 300+ miles of trails to motorized vehicles of any kind? This seems like step #1 in denying the public access to "public" lands.

[@taivo55]

They are not denying access, you can still walk to all these places.

[@rangerrecon]

@@taivo55 Well that's going to be one hell of a walk. I wonder how many people will actually be out there hiking around now that the trails are closed...

[@taivo55]

@@rangerrecon That's the point, reduce human impact on the environment and let it rest. People think that the "environment" is just the rocks and river, but it's also the fragile desert patina on the ground, delicate plant species that are easily crushed by tires and too many feet, animals that need privacy for eating and breeding, etc. All that is affected by human traffic, especially noisy human traffic with the associated vehicle exhaust and digestive waste products.

[@Hakudog5]

@@rangerrecon It is indeed going to be a one hell of a walk.... but you still have access. What most ORV folks are failing to admit, is that you have the right to access...but not to easy effortless access and especially not access to be destructive of a public resource.

[@donkeyote929]

What are the musical tracks used in the video?

[@backcountrybeagles]

They come from artlist.io

[@robertwylie5567]

Can it no longer be accessed by foot or bicycle??

[@PeterMurphy71]

It can

[@francoutah]

You can float the Colorado or Green too. It's life changing. The stars at night alone are mind-blowing.

[@KeithRowell-ix2qg]

How much money are they going to loose. Why are they closing this

[@seekingadventures]

Not going to lose money, it is going to put much more pressure on the other trails in the area and then they will reevaluate those trails and then shut them down.

[@GregOttersbach]

Great video! I just subscribed to your channel. But I wonder if closing these roads is going to work as expected. Responsible off-roaders obey "road closed" signs. The BLM may need license plate cameras? Maybe officers or someone giving out tickets on the spot? They may need road blocks, rocks or berms, chains, gates or something to stop people, as well as road closed signs. Lets see how this closing works out. There may be unforeseen consequences because this seems like a heck of lot of road changes.

[@backcountrybeagles]

Thank you man! I agree with you on that one. I’m sure gates won’t keep everyone out. But like I said I think over the years these closed roads will slowly be forgotten about unfortunately.

[@helialaska]

You pay taxes correct?? Should BLM lands be closed to the public on a whim?? Why do we always obey the law when the government does't obey their own laws? Do you think this will be the last of the trails we see close? Im not for carless use of public lands when people don't respect it and I also understand the cause and effect of why trails get closed when people don't respect the land. Like Backcountry Beagles said in this video, he doesn't see rampant use of these trails. I agree with him and have been to Moab countless times and see most if not all respect the trails there. This is like every single thing we see with this government. They slowly take and take and take from us. Guess we will all just roll over and let them do what they want.....

[@johnstone2664]

It would be nice if we could hear what you are saying. The music is way too loud.

[@Paper452]

Nice to see young people getting involved in trail preservation. Many of us have unfortunately given in to the constant pressure of "evironmentalist" groups. Which sadly normally consists of city folk telling people how to live.

[@azmaier100]

That Wild Country by Mark Canyon, got questions about public land, read this book. We all need to be more aware of what our public land managers are proposing and working on.

[@UnEmmerdeur]

Your favorite trails are next.

[@backcountrybeagles]

You are absolutely right

[@Hakudog5]

If the abuse of the trails that are still open continues....then yes. If everyone stops abusing the trails...then they will stay open. Awesome if you are already staying on trail and being responsible, but it will take holding abusers accountable with education and enforcement on behalf of the public. If you see abuse...say something.

[@taivo55]

Too many people, too much impact on our wilderness. You CAN still see that canyon, you just have to walk to it. "Public" doesn't mean that getting to anywhere you want is good for the environment.

[@blantonator]

blame side by sides

[@SegoMan]

I've seen more trash (and packed it out) from sprocket heads

[@unclebilly1353]

How are you blaming side x side over bad behavior. People like you ruin it for people like me! Knee jerk reaction . And feel entitled to restrict access to our own land. Try a little critical thinking before you touch your key pad and make uneducated dumb statements. Most people don't understand how sensitive the environment is in the desert. It takes decades to recover a simple. " Oh, I will just take my buggy over here because it can". Education goes a long way. Fyi , I use my sxs over a full-size vehicle. Just because it's lighter and has a smaller footprint. It's only a tool. It's how they are used.

[@unclebilly1353]

​@SegoMan their water bottles ,tool bags, and all kinds of crap come from this group . I've pick up Keys and key fobs. Even found a cell phone on porkeypine trail.They really should secure their stuff a little better. Still no reason to close trails. Hafe the time I'm out on these tails . Is to do a trash run. I'm not the only one who does it. Most of the trash is mostly someone drop something accident. I do see cigarette but time to time. That one gets me. Go ahead and smoke. Just take your but home with you. Strip it and put it in your pocket.

[@fraxonthefurry21]

They closed over 600 miles years ago.

[@backcountrybeagles]

I almost talked about that in this video. Just about everything west of the green river is closed.

[@bakanaman2]

@@backcountrybeagles I've explored a lot West of the Green river. Some amazing places over there that not many ever see as it's not nearly as popular as the East side closer to Moab. Where exactly are you referring to with the road closures on that side?

[@mrfst450]

"You can't have two trails by each other or lead to the same place". What? Who says? Those literally hurt no one.

[@Hakudog5]

Trail braiding can easily get out of hand. The mentality is, "this part is kinda hard so lets go around it" or "there is something cool over there...lets go look" so now there are two trails. That trail degrades or there is another cool thing someone wants to look at...so they add another braid and now there are 3 trails to the same place. Even worse, people see it happen and then feel more justified doing it themselves and next thing you know there 20 trails going all over the place when there could be one.

[@mrfst450]

@Hakudog5 and in the end 2 or 3 trails don't hurt nature in the least bit. This mentality that trails and people accessing cooling things in nature is inherently bad is insane.

[@Hakudog5]

@@mrfst450 No one is saying it is inherently bad to have trails to go check out cool things. This isn't 2 or 3 trails.... its hundreds across the area and if each of those has areas of trail abuse then it all adds up.

[@josephhenry8102]

You can still visit just not in a vehicle. It’s not “closed” that’s just hyperbole. Get out of your rig, throw on a backpack and enjoy these trails by foot!

[@henrikm4657]

That is truly sad. Moab is like no other place on earth. I'm definitely joining the Blue Ribbon Coalition after seeing this. I hope a lawsuit is successful in reversing the decision. Alabama Hills in California is also on the verge of being shut down by BLM. There used to be a ton of dispersed camping there, but now it's down to something like 27 campsites, and most of the land is completely off limits for camping, with the exception of the campgrounds. If people can't access the land, who are they conserving it for?

[@elpatudo3670]

Crank up the violins & cry me a goddamned river. It's being closed to motor vehicles, not hiking ya liar, and it's waaaay past due. Don't F'ing abuse it & ya won't lose it! This bs wholesale destruction started with ATV's & the yahoo's who go partying & tearing up all the resources. Now the rental operators take ZERO responsibility for their ignorant clients. It's a MuthaF'ing amateur hour @Disneyland out there nowadays. Our rights to use the public lands doesn't give ANYONE the rights to destroy them. Hopefully it will wake up the communities that are able to respect & protect our public lands. WTF people?!?!?!?