Adventures

Wheeling Across America: My Jeep Adventure Guide

Capturing the beauty of the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon
during an unforgettable overlanding adventure with my Jeep.

From rugged mountain trails to remote desert landscapes, I've explored some of America's most breathtaking destinations behind the wheel of my Jeep Wrangler. As an experienced off-roader with thousands of trail miles logged, I'm sharing my best adventures, trail tips, and hidden gems with you.

Explore more in Guide for Jeep Friendly Destinations. 

FAQ: Jeep Off-Road Adventures & Basics

Q: How do I start off-roading with my Jeep?
A: Start by attending an off-road driving class at a local off-road park or joining a guided trail ride. My first off-road experience at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park provided essential skills and built my confidence on the trails.

Q: What's the difference between Jeep Sahara and Rubicon?
A: The Sahara is great for moderate trails and daily driving comfort, while the Rubicon offers advanced off-road features like front and rear lockers, electronic sway bar disconnect, and heavy-duty axles. After experiencing tougher trails, I upgraded from my Sahara to a Rubicon and immediately felt the difference.

How Did My Jeep Journey Begin?
First Off-Roading Adventures 

Seven months after buying my first Jeep, I recognized the need to understand four-wheel drive and off-roading. With zero prior knowledge, I enrolled in an off-road class at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park in Pennsylvania.

From the first moment I hit the trails, I was hooked. This initial experience paved the way for countless "firsts," leading me to trade my Jeep Sahara for a Rubicon to better tackle challenging trails.

Key Milestones at Rausch Creek:

• ✅First Time Wheeling in the Snow

• ✅ Completing First Blue Trail

• ✅ Learning essential trail etiquette and recovery techniques

Seven months into my journey as a Jeep owner, I felt a deep need to educate myself about four-wheel drive and off-roading. At that time, I had no idea what off-roading entailed. To kickstart my adventure, I signed up for a class at an off-road park in Pennsylvania.

My first off-road adventure with Kyle
from Off-Road Consulting, where I learned the basics
 of tackling trails and mudding in my Jeep Wrangler.

From the moment I hit the trails for the first time, I was hooked. That experience lead to countless first. I fell in love with off-roading so much I traded my Sahara for a Rubicon and before I even made my first payment I hit the trails in my new Jeep. 

At Rausch Creek Off-Road park, I experienced many milestones, like First Time Wheeling in 

Curious about trail ratings? Check out my Guide to Trail Ratings to learn what those colors and numbers mean.  

What is Overlanding? Epic Trails Across America

Overlanding introduced me to remote trails and historical paths like the Oregon Trail in Wyoming and the spectacular Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon. My first extensive overland trip transformed my appreciation for outdoor exploration, connecting me deeply with nature and history.

Must-Experience Overlanding Trails:

• ✅ Oregon Trail, Wyoming: Rich historical context and remote beauty, first overlanding trip in Wyoming

• ✅ Northern Rim, Grand Canyon: Breathtaking vistas and challenging terrain

• ✅ Mojave Road, California & Hole in the Rock, Utah: Timeless routes used for centuries

Documenting my overland adventure in Wyoming
with a selfie at an Oregon Trail marker
experiencing history and nature from
behind the wheel of my Jeep Wrangler.

My First Overland Adventure that took me across the U.S. and back changed my life and brought me to Colorado, where I discovered the Overlanding Mecca in the San Luis Valley. 

All these adventures can be found on my YouTube Channel as well - Overlanding Mojave Road. 

FAQ: Jeep Overlanding Expeditions

Q: What exactly is Jeep overlanding?
A: Jeep overlanding combines off-road driving with remote camping, allowing you to explore less-traveled locations. My overlanding adventures along the Oregon Trail and Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon opened my eyes to the thrill of off-grid adventures.

Q: What gear do I need for my first overlanding trip?
A: Essential overlanding gear includes reliable recovery equipment, a comfortable sleeping setup, storage solutions, navigation devices, and safety supplies. Check out my Ultimate Jeep Camping Guide based on my personal overlanding experiences.

Conquering Jeep Badge of Honor Trails

Jeep’s Badge of Honor program inspired me to conquer renowned trails, proudly displaying earned badges on my Jeep. These experiences tested my limits and elevated my off-roading confidence.

My Jeep Wrangler proudly displays its Badge of Honor plaques,
commemorating unforgettable adventures on trails like
the Rubicon Trail and Hell's Revenge.

Badge of Honor Trails I've Conquered:

• ✅ Rubicon Trail, California: An iconic off-road challenge I checked off my Bucket List.

• ✅ Moab, Utah: Hell's Revenge, Fins &Things & Poison Spider tested my fear of heights and my off-road skills.

• ✅ Gold Mountain and Pinyon Canyon, California: Discovered unexpectedly during my first overlanding trip.

• ✅ East Coast Trails: Peters Mill Run in Virginia is not very challenging like some of the other trails. 

• ✅ Three at Rausch Creek but at the time I was only able to wheel two of them. Trail 11 and Crawler's Ridge.  I wheeled Barney Rubble at AOAA in Pennsylvania before it became a Badge of Honor Trail. 

Learn how the programs works and see which trails I have conquered in my Jeep Badge of Honor Guide.. 

FAQ: Jeep Badge of Honor Trails

Q: How does the Jeep Badge of Honor program work?
A: Jeep Badge of Honor is an app-based program rewarding Jeep owners for completing iconic trails across the U.S. After completing a trail and checking in via the app, Jeep mails you an official badge. Trails I’ve earned badges for include Rubicon Trail, Hell's Revenge, and Gold Mountain.

Q: Are Jeep Badge of Honor trails suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, some trails like Peters Mill Run (Virginia) are beginner-friendly. However, trails like Rubicon and Hell's Revenge require more advanced skills and vehicle modifications. My personal advice: always research the difficulty and prepare accordingly.

Why Colorado is a Jeep Paradise

Leading the way on the snowy Kelly Flats trail
 in Colorado with a convoy of Jeeps, embracing
winter off-road adventures in the Rocky Mountains.

Exploring Colorado’s Rocky Mountains has been a highlight, with trails suitable for every skill level. Winter trails like Kelly Flats provide thrilling snowy adventures.

Favorite Colorado Trails:

• ✅ Engineer Pass: Stunning high-altitude views

• ✅ Holy Cross: A challenging route over historic mining roads

• ✅ Kelly Flats & Moody Hill: Ideal winter trail riding

Don't miss my recap of unforgettable Colorado Adventures.

FAQ: Off-Roading in Colorado

Q: What are the best off-road trails in Colorado?
A: Colorado offers diverse off-road experiences. My personal favorites include Engineer Pass for its breathtaking scenery, Holy Cross for its challenging terrain, and Kelly Flats for winter off-roading adventures.

Q: Can you off-road in Colorado during winter?
A: Yes, winter off-roading is possible, but it requires preparation and caution. Trails like Kelly Flats offer beautiful snowy drives. Ensure your Jeep is equipped with proper tires, recovery gear, and always wheel with a group for safety. Some trails may be closed in the winter on the snowy mountains. 

Q: Can beginners safely off-road in Colorado?
A: Yes, Colorado has beginner-friendly trails; always prepare adequately and choose routes matching your skill level.

Arizona Adventures: Desert Trails & Hidden Gems

Exploring the rugged beauty of Arizona’s rocky trails
from behind the wheel of my Jeep Wrangler
—an unforgettable off-road adventure.

The desert Southwest combines stunning scenery with challenging trails. Explore the hidden wonders on the miles and miles of trails in the Hualapai Mountains and Black Mountains. 

Must-Visit Arizona Trails:

• ✅ Wayne's World & Twister, Kingman: Advanced challenges

• ✅Secret Pass: Beautiful and accessible for various skill levels

FAQ: Arizona Jeep Trails

Q: What are must-do Jeep trails in Arizona?
A: Arizona has numerous exciting trails like Wayne's World, Twister near Kingman, and Secret Pass, offering a mix of scenic beauty and challenging terrain. My adventures on these trails revealed the rugged beauty of Arizona’s landscape.

Q: Is off-roading in Arizona difficult?
A: Trails range from easy gravel roads to difficult rocky terrain. Beginners can enjoy trails in the Hualapai Mountains, while experienced Jeepers will appreciate challenging routes like Twister and Wayne’s World. Preparation and knowledge of trail conditions are key.

Moab and Utah Adventures

Moab is an off-roader's dream destination, and my First Moab Adventure was just the beginning. From graded gravel roads to Utah's Scariest Road  and the stunning Goosenecks of the San Juan, there is something for everyone. 

FAQ: Off-Roading in Moab, Utah

Q: Why is Moab famous for Jeep off-roading?
A: Moab is renowned for its unique slickrock trails, stunning vistas, and wide variety of terrain difficulty. Trails like Hell's Revenge and Poison Spider Mesa offer unmatched thrills, scenery, and technical challenges.

Q: Are there easy trails in Moab for new Jeepers?
A: Yes, beginners can comfortably enjoy trails like Fins and Things and Gemini Bridges, offering scenic views without extreme difficulty. My first trip to Moab included trails suitable for various skill levels, building my confidence gradually.

Small Town Adventures

Off-road trails are thrilling, but charming small towns along the way created lasting memories. Winslow, Arizona, and other hidden gems offered authentic local culture and historical interest.

Stopping by the iconic 'Standin' on the Corner'
 landmark in Winslow, Arizona,
during a road trip.

Favorite Small Town Stops:

• ✅ Winslow, Arizona: Iconic 'Standin' on the Corner' landmark

• ✅ Silverton, Colorado: Historic mining town with captivating charm

Discovering small towns has consistently enriched my Jeep adventures, providing a delightful balance to trail intensity.

FAQ: Small Town Adventures on Jeep Trips

Q: What are some must-visit small towns during Jeep road trips?
A: Small towns like Winslow, Arizona ("Standin’ on the Corner"), offer unique charm and historical landmarks. My Jeep trips revealed hidden gems and friendly towns across the U.S.—see my My Top 10 Must Visit Small Towns.

Q: Why include small towns on an off-roading itinerary?
A: Small towns provide memorable experiences and authentic local culture, offering a relaxing balance to challenging trail rides. Visiting towns during my Jeep travels has created some of my fondest road-trip memories.

East Coast Wheeling

• Rausch Creek Off-Road Park: The East Coast has plenty to offer Jeepers! Rausch Creek in Pennsylvania was where my off-road journey began with my first off-road experience. I started with  Monthly Guided Rides and training classes, eventually becoming a certified trail guide. My Second Off-Road Adventure introduced me the world of Jeep Moms.

• Clubs and Community: I connected with off-roading groups like Disconnected Off-Road and Blue Mountain Jeep Alliance. I made many friends at this off-road park on all those weekend adventures. 

• Charity Rides: Events like Krawlin for Cops 2018  and Krawlin for Cops 2017  hold a special place in my heart.
  

Wrapping up the Krawlin for Cops trail
with a selfie, enjoying an unforgettable Jeep adventure.

I also wheeled at AOAA in Pennsylvania, where I worked through my fear of being off-camber on a Black Trail. I tested out my tent camping skills during a long weekend of wheeling and more classes. 

FAQ: East Coast Off-Roading Adventures

Q: Where are the best places to off-road on the East Coast?
A: Rausch Creek and AOAA in Pennsylvania offer fantastic trails suitable for all skill levels. I started my Jeep journey at Rausch Creek, gaining invaluable skills and forming lasting friendships.

Q: What are guided rides at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park?
A: Guided rides at Rausch Creek offer beginners a safe and educational environment to learn trail basics, etiquette, and vehicle capabilities. These rides were instrumental in my growth as a Jeeper.

North Carolina Adventures

Taking on the rugged challenges of Uwharrie Trails
in North Carolina with my Jeep Wrangler
an unforgettable off-road experience.

My Jeep life began to change when I started venturing further to North Carolina, I realized there were so many more places to wheel in the US. I met a whole new group of friends my First Time Wheeling at Uwharrie.  I ended up heading up there the following year for a Camping & Wheeling Adventure then those friends decided to join me at Rausch Creek for their first time, Carolina Trails Off-road come to Rausch Creek  

Women's Wheeling Events: Empowering Women Off-Road

Participating in Women’s Wheeling Days at Rausch Creek allowed me to mentor and empower other women, building a strong community that enhanced my off-road experiences.

Celebrating the first Women’s Wheeling Day
at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park
an empowering event bringing
Jeep women together on the trails.

Memorable Women's Wheeling Moments:

• ✅ First Women's Wheeling Event -2014, sparking lasting friendships

• ✅  Leading trail rides  and mentoring new female Jeepers on their journeys. 

• ✅ Wheel The Clayton Off-Road Jeep in 2015 which inspired me to lift my Jeep.

• ✅ During Women's Wheeling Day 2016 I finally had a passenger ride a long with me.

Virginia Adventures

 A Wheeling the Appalachians: Discover the rugged trails.

Camping at the Cove: Combine camping and off-roading for the ultimate Adventure.

Wheeling in Maryland: The Frederick Watershed one of very few places to take your Jeep off-road in Maryland. 

FAQ: Off-Roading & Camping Combined

Q: What’s the best way to combine off-roading and camping?
A: Combining off-roading and camping (overlanding) allows deeper exploration and immersive outdoor experiences. My adventures in the San Luis Valley of Colorado highlighted the perfect harmony of camping convenience and off-road adventure.

Q: Is special equipment needed for camping with my Jeep?
A: Basic camping equipment, recovery gear, portable cooking supplies, and a comfortable sleeping setup are essential. I share detailed gear tips and setup ideas in my Jeep Camping Guide.

Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or just beginning your Jeep journey, I hope these adventures inspire to explore. Remember, it's not just about the destination – it's about the memories made along the way. So grab your keys, hit the trail, and create your own Jeep adventures!