Saturday, April 18, 2020

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 new Jeep friend Stacy and I.
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
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
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.


JeepZentoks and myself on 2N02
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

My friends Jeep on the trail Gold Mountain.
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.


Nexen Tire Paul Jho and myself.
Paul Jho and I 


Nexen Roadian MTX Off-Road Tire Review ðŸ‘‰ Jeep Momma Tire Review

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.


My campsite in Southern California
Southern California campsite



3 comments:

  1. Love it. Great quality, Durable, lots of room. Perfect for camping click here for more info, hiking or traveling. Gonna buy another as a gift for someone. Better than I expected for the price

    ReplyDelete
  2. Attentive and diligent, the team managed the project well, tracking its progress throughout the process. beste norske casinoer

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