Mt. Patterson was our destination that beautiful autumn day. Part of the Sweetwater Range and located on the western edge of the Great Basin, Mt. Patterson’s summit offers a commanding view of that area. The drive entails a slow climb on a one-lane shelf road. I was leading a group… Continue reading
Four-wheeling is best enjoyed in groups. (Indeed, I stress group outings for safety reasons.) At times you will be a participant. Others times you will want to be the Trail Leader. You’re proud of your skills and want to showcase the trails you enjoy exploring. Being a Trail Leader isn’t… Continue reading
If you’re a regular reader, you’ll recall that I often stress the virtues of proper packing for your 4WD trip. Having the right gear and supplies can make or break a four-wheeling experience. At the same time, taking the wrong stuff can be bad for you, your vehicle and the… Continue reading
We had just returned from a day of 4-wheeling. Our base campsite in the Mojave Desert was a beautiful patch of lush desert with cholla, creosote bushes, Joshua trees, and Mojave yucca. Each of us headed for our tents. At one point I heard one camper yell out, “What the …?!”. He… Continue reading
In 2009, I needed to renew my permit to guide trips on the Mojave Road starting on the Colorado River and traveling about 140 miles into California. The Mojave Road was established by the Indians living near the Colorado river to trade with the Indians near the Pacific Ocean. During… Continue reading
One constant in four-wheeling is the need to pack properly. Because we’re off on our own – away from the conveniences of city life – we have to be self-sufficient. Not only do we prepare for the expected (camping, cookouts, and such), we must try to prepare for the unexpected.… Continue reading
Have you ever wondered about being a Trail Leader? Ever imagined yourself guiding a group of four-wheelers down historic trails and through scenic landscapes? What has stopped you? Most likely a lack of confidence. Understandable. Leading a group of four-wheelers is quite a bit different from being just another participant.… Continue reading
As Trail Leader, you should plan for issues and problems. Some plans are generic since you cannot predict the exact situation. You apply your skills, tools, and techniques to the problem. A first aid kit is a good example. For some issues you can speculate what might happen and develop… Continue reading
You’ve driven the trails numerous times. Have hundreds of hours of 4WD experience under your belt (some of which, of course, is spent outside of the vehicle). You’re good with people, and feel your managerial skills are top notch. You’d like to be Trail Leader for an upcoming excursion. What’s… Continue reading
With the holiday season upon us, I am reminded of all that we are grateful for throughout the year: family, friends, good health, and the nearly unlimited opportunities available to us in this great country, including off-road driving. Whether cruising sandy dunes, tackling the rocky trails in the mountains, or… Continue reading
Driving off road presents a host of challenges for any driver. Four wheeling can be especially intimidating for new drivers. Those initial concerns are understandable. It takes off-road experience to build skill set and confidence. If you’ve considered going off road but are reluctant to do so, relax. The following… Continue reading
You’ve heard fishermen complain about the “big one that got away,” right? Well, there’s a similar phenomenon that occurs when four wheelers go off road. Inevitably, something goes awry during a trip. Usually it’s a minor thing, such as someone forgetting to pack a piece of gear. As I noted… Continue reading
