Wheeling Across America
Capturing the beauty of the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon during an unforgettable overlanding adventure with my Jeep. |
My Jeep has taken me off the beaten path to destinations I never dreamed of exploring. From rugged mountain trails to remote desert landscapes, each journey has been an unforgettable adventure. Let me take you through some of the incredible places my Jeep and I have discovered together.
Explore more in Guide for Jeep Friendly Destinations.
Many Firsts
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 the Snow and tackling my First Blue Trail.
Curious about trail ratings? Check out my Guide to Trail Ratings to learn what those colors and numbers mean.
Overlanding Expeditions
Overlanding opened a whole new world of adventure for me. My first overlanding trip in Wyoming followed the historic Oregon Trail, where I witnessed firsthand what early settlers must have encountered in the wilderness.
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. |
One of my most memorable adventure was along the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon, with breathtaking vistas that I'll never forget. Overlanding in the southeastern U.S. brought opportunities like Mojave Road in Southern California and Hole in the Rock in Utah, following paths carved out centuries ago.
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.
Conquering Jeep Badge of Honor Trails
Jeep's Badge of Honor program motivated me to tackle some of the most iconic trails across the country.
My Jeep Wrangler proudly displays its Badge of Honor plaques, commemorating unforgettable adventures on trails like the Rubicon Trail and Hell's Revenge. |
- The Rubicon Trail: A bucket list adventure I never thought I would check off.
- Moab, Utah: Trails like Hell's Revenge, Fins and Things and Poison Spyder tested my fear of heights and my off-road skills.
- East Coast Trails: Peters Mill Run in Virginia is not very challenging like some of the other trails. There are 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.
- Southern California: I stumbled upon Badge of Honor trails like Gold Mountain and Pinyon Canyon. during my first overlanding trip.
Learn how the programs works and see which trails I have conquered in my Jeep Badge of Honor Guide..
Colorado Adventures
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. |
The Rocky Mountains are and off-roader's paradise, from Moody Hill to traversing Engineer Pass and old mining roads turned trail like Holy Cross. Colorado offers endless opportunities for adventure. Don't miss my recap of unforgettable Colorado Adventures.
Arizona Adventures
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. Trails like Wayne's World & Twister near Kingman, Arizona, are a must for any Jeep enthusiast. Explore the hidden wonders of Secret Pass. There are miles and miles of trails in the Hualapai Mountains and Black Mountains.
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.
Small Town Charm
Stopping by the iconic 'Standin' on the Corner' landmark in Winslow, Arizona, during a Jeep road trip— an unforgettable nod to Eagles' lyrics and Route 66 history. |
Off-road trails are exciting, but the small towns I’ve visited along the way are just as memorable. Don’t miss My Top 10 Must Visit Small Towns for hidden gems I’ve discovered on my travels
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.
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.
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 other women to get behind the wheel and hit the trails is a passion of mine. I've participated in several Women's Wheeling Days at Rausch Creek, each one more exciting than the last.
Celebrating the first Women’s Wheeling Day at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park an empowering event bringing Jeep women together on the trails. |
- 2014: My first Women's Wheeling Event, where I met a small but determined group of women.
- 2015: I earned the right to wheel The Clayton Off-Road Jeep which inspired me to lift my Jeep.
- 2016: During Women's Wheeling Day 2016 I finally had a passenger ride a long with me.
- I began leading trails and mentoring other women mentoring other women on their off-road journeys.
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.
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!
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