My Story: From Fearless to Fearful
Here’s the thing—I have no idea where my fear of heights came from. It wasn’t always like this.
Back in my days as a TV news photographer, I was fearless. I vividly remember hanging out of a helicopter, camera in hand, capturing aerial footage of a boating poker run along the Intracoastal Waterway. Heights didn’t faze me.
But something shifted.
Part of me believes that change came after I had kids. Maybe it’s that instinctual need to stay safe for your family. Maybe it’s your brain rewiring once you're responsible for little humans. Whatever the reason, these days, I can barely climb a ladder without my heart racing.
And yet—I love off-roading.
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| Overcoming fear at the edge— nothing like a view from the top to remind you why you push through the fear. |
When Adventure Meets Anxiety
I love the mountains, the breathtaking views, and the thrill of exploring trails few others ever see. But it comes at a price. Shelf roads, steep climbs, and cliffside trails absolutely terrify me.
My fear of heights doesn’t disappear when I wheel—it comes along for the ride. Every. Single. Time.
One of the first times I truly felt this fear head-on was back in 2017, when I tackled the famous Hell’s Revenge trail in Moab, Utah—a route known for its steep ledges and intimidating slickrock. I wasn’t alone, thankfully. I had Charlene Bower of Ladies Offroad Network riding shotgun. She was my voice of reason and my cheerleader. She encouraged me to push through each obstacle. Her calm support helped me stay focused, even when fear was trying to take over.
That experience taught me: Bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s doing the thing anyway.
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| Wheeling Hell’s Revenge with Charlene Bower— my coach, my encourager, and a big part of why I finished that trail. |
Why Fear of Heights Happens (Even to Off-Roaders)
It turns out, I’m not alone. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, over 6% of people experience acrophobia—a fear of heights. Among off-roaders, especially on shelf roads with thousand-foot drop-offs, this can feel paralyzing.
Even seasoned drivers get nervous when the trail hugs the side of a mountain. And that’s okay.
With over a decade of wheeling trails—from beginner tracks to extreme slickrock—I’ve learned that fear doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It just means you’re human.
Mental Strategies for Off-Roading With Fear
Acknowledge the Fear Without Judgment
Don’t shame yourself for being scared—fear is your brain doing its job. Just say:
“Yep, this is scary—but I’ve got this.”
Focus on the Trail, Not the Drop
Your Jeep goes where your eyes go. Look at the trail in front of you—not over the edge. Keeping your focus forward keeps your mind in the game.
Use Deep Breathing to Regulate Panic
Try box breathing:
Inhale for 4 seconds → Hold for 4 → Exhale for 4 → Hold for 4.
This lowers your heart rate and brings you back into the moment.
Create a Mantra That Grounds You
Here are a couple of my favorites:
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“Slow is steady. Steady is safe.”
Repeat them out loud if needed—they work.
Tactical Tips for Jeep Shelf Roads
Know Your Jeep
Trust your rig. If you’ve got lockers, good clearance, and off-road tires—remind yourself:
“It’s built for this.”
Check out my Jeep Tips Page for tips for Beginners to Pros
Take It Slow
There’s zero shame in low range, crawl mode, and walking your line first. The slower you go, the more in control you feel.
Use a Spotter or Trail Guide
A spotter sees what you can’t. Whether it’s a trusted friend or an experienced guide, they can help you trust the line when your eyes say “no way.”
Communicate with Your Group
Say it out loud:
“I’m nervous about this stretch—can someone coach me through it?”
Most off-roaders are more than happy to help. This community is supportive and tight-knit.
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| Lined up and ready—sometimes the scariest trails are best tackled with the support of your Jeep crew. |
How to Build Confidence on the Trail
Start small. Don’t jump into the gnarliest shelf road on day one. Choose moderate trails and stack your wins. Gradually, your brain will learn:
“I’ve done hard things. I can do this too.”
Each successful climb or descent builds experience—and confidence.
“I’m not reckless—I’m skilled. This fear is temporary, but the pride will last.”
You can be scared and still be a capable off-roader. You can feel doubt and still keep going. You’ve got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it normal to be afraid of heights while off-roading?
Yes! Many off-roaders struggle with shelf roads and exposure—even experienced Jeepers. Fear is normal, and with time and strategies, it becomes manageable.
Q: What helps with fear while driving mountain trails?
Focusing on the trail, using breathing techniques, driving slowly, and having a trusted spotter can significantly reduce anxiety on steep or narrow paths.
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