Full Moon Run

With clear skies and warm nights this time of year in Arizona, a full moon run or two is expected from our local 4-wheeling gang. Full moon runs offer a different nature of trail excursion: the excitement of being out after dark, nearly traffic-free trails, the opportunity to see different wildlife, and the contrast of driving a well-known trail in totally different light conditions.

Photo credit: Steve Beinhorn

If you think you want to plan or attend a full moon run, here are a few things to contemplate for a night-wheeling trip:

1. When selecting a trail, it is best to use a trail that you know VERY well. The lack of daylight changes everything. In Sedona, we often use Broken Arrow for full moon runs, but I know many people who have become lost up there after dark, even if they had run the trail several times before. The black tire marks on the steep drops and sudden turns may be visible in daylight, but disappear at night. Headlights go straight--they don't turn corners. If you are running a rock trail, it is best to use a trail that you have a personal relationship with each rock on that trail. Dirt trails are easier to navigate, since they often have distinctive wheel ruts in the dirt terrain.
2. It's dark. What if someone breaks a tie-rod, pops a tire, or drops their eye glasses? Have a selection of lighting options with fresh batteries. It is fun to plan a 20-30 minute full-dark stop, where everyone camps out at an overlook without ANY lights on--as your eyes adjust to the dark, it will seem like the full moon is almost as bright as daylight, and, although I don't recommend it, some folks have been known to drive without headlights for portions of the trail on especially clear full moon nights.

3. Caution everyone about being extra careful when OUT of the vehicles, too. Even with flashlights, the human eye loses the three-dimensional advantage at night, and, unfortunately, I have seen multiple instances of sprained ankles, broken wrists, and scraped knees from spectators on full moon runs.

4. Stay sharp. It's dark, our natural go-to-sleep time. Mental and physical fatigue are the biggest contributors to accidents any time of day. Don't drink alcohol, but do stay hydrated with water or sports drinks, and snacks, too.

5. Keep things calm. Remember that the novelty of this event is the beauty of the full moon night--this is not the type of run to push your limits on the optional obstacles. Doing vehicle recovery at night, in the rain, and/or while tired complicates things exponentially.

Have fun and happy trails!