Gold Mountain - Jeep Badge of Honor

Let the Adventure Lead You

During my first overland adventure I wound my way across the US. When I arrived in Southern California it began with an impromptu lunch with fellow Jeeper Stacey, setting the stage for an unforgettable day of off-roading. The next morning, Stacey and I met up, ready to explore the trails, but not before making a fascinating stop at Pioneertown.

My Jeep friend Stacey and I.

Pioneertown: Where the Old West Lives On

Founded in 1946 by a group of Hollywood visionaries, including Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, Pioneertown stands as a testament to the golden age of Westerns. This unique settlement, located 125 miles east of Los Angeles, was designed to be both a functional movie set and a genuine town worth visiting.

Pioneertown

Strolling through Pioneertown feels like stepping back in time. The 1880s-style facades conceal modern amenities, creating a perfect blend of the Old West and contemporary comfort. From frontier stables and saloons to ice cream parlors and bowling alleys, 

Pioneertown offers a charming glimpse into a bygone era.

Pioneertown, Arizona 

Trail 2N02: A Moderate Challenge

After our Pioneertown exploration, we set out for our first trail, 2N02. Here, we had the pleasure of meeting Mike, a fellow Jeeper and YouTuber known as JeepZentoks. This 20-mile moderate trail connects Yucca Valley to Big Bear, offering stunning views of the San Bernardino Mountains along the way.

My Jeep friend Mike and I

Gold Mountain: Conquering the Badge of Honor Trail

Emerging near Big Bear Lake, we made an impromptu decision to tackle the Gold Mountain Trail, a coveted Jeep Badge of Honor route. Despite being their first time on this challenging trail, Stacey and Mike impressively navigated the rocky obstacles in their manual Jeeps without lockers. Several months later Mike, Stacey and myself would find ourselves on another adventure in the Mojave Desert. 

Stacey's Jeep

Wrapping Up the Adventure

As the sun began to set, we concluded our wheeling adventure with a well-deserved dinner in Big Bear. It was time to bid farewell to Stacey and Mike, but the connections forged on the trails promised future adventures together.

Jeep Momma Selfie

A Bittersweet Conclusion

My Southern California journey concluded with a quick stop at the coast for an interview with Paul from Nexen Tires, discussing their Roadian MTX Off-Road Tires. As I prepared to head back to the East Coast, I reflected on the amazing companies and Jeepers I'd encountered, unaware of the exciting Jeep adventures that lay ahead in my future.

Paul Jho and I 

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This Southern California expedition not only showcased the region's diverse off-roading terrain but also highlighted the strong sense of community among Jeep enthusiasts. From the historic charm of Pioneertown to the challenging trails of Gold Mountain, every moment reinforced why the Jeep lifestyle is so captivating and rewarding.

Southern California campsite

Pinyon Canyon Off-road Adventure

A Relaxing Start

The day (day 28 - 30 of my Adams Off-road Adventure) began with a peaceful retreat at the campsite, where I had the pleasure of spending time with Jeep enthusiast Lori Graves. There's something truly rejuvenating about immersing oneself in the great outdoors, even when the agenda consists of simply unwinding and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

Lori Graves and myself

Evening Festivities

As the sun began to set, the campsite came alive with the arrival of fellow Jeepers. The atmosphere quickly transformed into a lively gathering, with Jersey joining in on the festivities. The term "day drinking" took on a whole new meaning as the group bonded over shared stories and experiences.

Jersey Girl 

Hitting the Trails

The following day brought an exciting twist to our adventure. Accompanied by Lori and Jay Bowman, two fellow Jeep enthusiasts I'd connected with on social media, we set out for what promised to be an exhilarating off-road experience. Little did I know that the trail they had chosen was a coveted Jeep Badge of Honor Trail!

A Jeep Badge of Honor 👉 Pinyon Mountian

Jeeps on the way to Pinyon Canyon

Pinyon Canyon: A Jeeper's Paradise

Our journey took us to Pinyon Canyon, a location that offers breathtaking vistas and challenging terrain. The trail presented three particularly difficult obstacles, testing our skills and our vehicles' capabilities. However, these challenges were interspersed with stretches that allowed us to marvel at the canyon's awe-inspiring beauty.

My Jeep in Pinyon Canyon 

Reflecting on the Adventure

This excursion perfectly encapsulated the Jeep lifestyle - a blend of relaxation, camaraderie, and thrilling off-road challenges. From lazy days at the campsite to conquering Badge of Honor trails, it's experiences like these that make Jeep ownership truly special.

Whether you're a seasoned Jeeper or someone considering joining the community, remember that the real adventure lies not just in the destination, but in the journey and the connections made along the way.

Mojave Road Adventure

Adams Xtreme Off Road Adventure  Day 23 to 27 
Southern California Wheeling

Mojave Road

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After leaving Kingman, I was looking forward to the isolation of Mojave Road. It is an historic route across the Mojave Desert. A route from the Native Americans back in the day, but later became a thoroughfare for Spanish missionaries, explorers and settlers. 

Sunset in Mojave Desert

The GAIA app sure helped keep me on track as there are so many two tracks, gravel roads, and wash outs in the desert. 

Campsite and Jeep in Mojave Desert

Before the sunset, I found a nice quiet spot along the road to set up camp and make some dinner. It was really nice to be out in the middle of nowhere looking at all the stars by a campfire. Something I could do every night. 

Mojave Road Discoveries

The next day was all about finding those Mojave Roads history spots. I was excited when I found the mailbox.

Old Mine in Mojave Desert

I also found an old "ghost town". It was actually an old lava rock mine with everything left to rust.    

Old watering hole in Mojave Desert

A windmill still turns at an old watering spot for the travelers back in the day. Old structures still stand and I wonder who lived here. 

Old homestead in Mojave Desert

 

There was still so much more to see but I had places to go and people to meet, so I jumped off Mojave Road, and headed towards the coast of California as San Diego was the next stop. Along the the way to Long Beach where I was going to hit the coastal highway down to San Diego I passed through Big Bear, California.

Jersey Girl - Such a Sweet Dog

I finally made it to the coast and spent the day driving down the coastal highway one. It was a nice drive all the way down to San Diego. The best part was Jersey's reaction to hearing the ocean waves for the first time. 

Campsite in Southern California

From San Diego it was on to Anzo-Borrego Desert where I met fellow Jeepers for some camping and wheeling.  I found a nice spot under the shade of a tree. Jersey had a great time having the campsite to herself to smell all the new smells.  

Check out My YouTube video Overlanding the Mojave Desert my 2nd time.  

Check out all about my first Overland Adventure where I discovered Mojave Road.