Operation MOAB

Operation MOAB

May 17, 2025 | Moab, Utah, USA

Distance: 14 +/- miles

Weight: 10 / 25 / 50 lbs dry

Elevation: 3,058 +/- elevation gain

Brief Start Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 0600 hrs

Event Start Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 0630 hrs

Start Location: Moab Rim Trailhead, Moab, UT

Event Finish Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 1400 hrs

Finish Location: Moab Rim Trailhead, Moab, UT

Situation

Operation MOAB offers stunning views over Moab town on this 14-mile route, with options for 10 lb, 25 lb, or 50 lb packs. Just a short drive from Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park, this event is a fantastic opportunity to experience breathtaking landscapes while challenging yourself. With options for every fitness level, Operation MOAB promises an unforgettable adventure.

Mission

Operation MOAB LIGHT. Candidates must carry 10 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 14 +/- mile route in under X hours to pass and under 3.5 hours to earn the GBF Operation MOAB LIGHT Dog Tag.

Operation MOAB. Candidates must carry 25 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 14 +/- mile route in under 5 hours to pass and under 4 hours to earn the GBF Operation MOAB Dog Tag.

Operation MOAB HEAVY. Candidates must carry 50 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 14 +/- mile route in under 6 hours to pass and under 5 hours to earn the GBF Operation MOAB HEAVY Dog Tag. The winner will earn the elite Gold Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Moab Rim Trailhead. At 0600 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0630 hours.

Service Support

Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.

Route. Ensure you download the map for offline use. Cell service is not guaranteed. The route for Operation MOAB is here.

Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 10 / 25 / 50 lbs dry (i.e. without food and water) in a backpack. Weight vests or sandbags are not permitted.

Equipment

Mandatory Equipment

• Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
• Phone (fully charged)
• Phone charger
• LifeStraw (or similar water filtration system)
• Head Torch (spare batteries)
• Hydration bladder(s)
• Whistle
• Compass
• Emergency rations (see below)
• Emergency shelter
• Personal First Aid Kit

Strongly Recommended

• Maps (waterproofed)
• GPS
• Blister kit
• Pocket knife
• Chem-light/Cyalume
• Hiking poles
• MRE(s)

Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice.

Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route.

Water. There will be bottled water at the finish point. Candidates should carry enough water to last the route distance plus 3 additional miles, in case they get lost.

Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 energy bars and 0.5 liters of water as emergency rations.

Medical. Every candidate requires a personal medical kit. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions before starting the event.

Transportation. Transport to and from the event will be at the candidate's arrangement.

Command and Signal. GBF HQ: 941-993-9432

The Fine Print

Numbers. Maximum number of candidates 50. Minimum number of candidates 15.

Refunds. Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher to use towards future events. Refunds must be requested 30 days before the event start date.

Event Changes. Slight changes to any event including, but not limited to route changes, brief times, start locations, and other details are under the discretion of GBF Staff.