“Remember, the most important elements of a successful off-road adventure are safety and preparation.” Writes the author, Chris, an FJ Cruiser owner and fan of exploring the outdoors.

Read the full Off Road Driving Basics article over on Art of Manliness

While this article, and others like it, are a good start for a beginner (as are the tips we include in every FunTreks book), no online resource will ever replace experience and training when navigating the unpredictable outdoors. Even our books are a (very good) guide at best since conditions change almost daily for most trails in the backcountry. Always know the limits of your skill and those of your vehicle before attempting anything more than a dirt road.

We can’t stress enough the importance of good training, regardless of the type of adventure you seek. We’ve been proud to work with Nena Barlow from Barlow Adventures on several occasions, and the 4×4 training industry was practically invented by Bill Burke.

When venturing into off-road or 4×4 adventures, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills. However, in addition to training, it’s equally important to ensure that your vehicle is in optimal condition. Before embarking on any trek, whether it’s through rugged terrain or remote areas, it’s a wise practice to have all your auto parts thoroughly checked and serviced. This precaution can help prevent unexpected breakdowns or mechanical issues during your journey, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable off-road experience.

While training prepares you for the challenges of the terrain, a well-maintained vehicle is your reliable partner in conquering those challenges. So, in addition to seeking out reputable off-highway training courses, make it a point to have your vehicle inspected and maintained by professionals to ensure a trouble-free adventure. For those in need of new auto parts or replacements, you can explore options like https://fixzean.com/ for reliable and high-quality components to keep your vehicle in top shape for your upcoming adventure.

Finally, no discussion of trail riding would be complete with talking about good trail stewardship. This means adhering to standards of trail use taught by organizations such as Tread Lightly, Leave No Trace, and in Colorado, Stay The Trail. The ethics of taking care of our trails are not difficult to master and will help preserve our recreational areas for generations to come. Do the right thing and learn when, where, and how to ride before beginning any adventure.

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Backcountry Navigator Pro update 2020:

FunTreks will no longer provide new products thru Backcountry Navigator in-app purchases. You will be able to continue using the app until the developer decides to stop updating the app. You can also download trails from our website and directly import the tracklogs to BCN, similar to the video above.

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Awhile back I ventured out onto Diamondback Gulch, a moderate Jeep trail in West Sedona that’s not nearly as well known as Broken Arrow, Soldier Pass, or Schnebly Hill. In fact, on busy Saturdays, it’s one of those trails you can truly enjoy because there will only be a few folks out there. However, on this particular Saturday, there were countless tour Jeeps and three different 4×4 clubs on the short 6-mile trail. What is usually a casual two-hour excursion was a harried 3-hour “stop, wait, and back-up” game.

As the spring wheeling season pushes into summer, traffic snarls and manic visitors are the expected fare in tourism towns all over, both on and off pavement. This carries over onto even our most exclusive 4-wheeling Jeep trails. Here are a few tips to help you manage the increased traffic and keep you sane.

#1. Safety comes first, always. No matter how late you may be to whatever appointment or next scheduled activity, it’s never worth the safety of you or your family to hurry: stay calm, pay attention (no texting or taking pictures while driving), and don’t rush. There are way too many other harried people out there this time of year. Stay alert!

#2. Educate yourself. Call ahead to your destination or next activity to find out what the weather conditions are, what road construction snarls you may be able to avoid, or what alternate activities or timing could better suit your needs to help you avoid peak traffic. Most business operators are happy to help direct visitors to a time frame that will be better for everyone. Some Jeep trails are busier certain days of the week or times of the day. Some road construction snags can be avoided by alternate routes or a different time during the day.

#3. Have fun! Remember why you are out there: to enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings and share a fun experience with friends and loved ones. Plan some extra time in case of unplanned snags in your schedule, and have snacks or activities for kids ready. Look for things that you haven’t seen before. Have a family contest for the silliest trip photo—anything from something out of place to funny signs, to a series of “all things orange” or “things that we don’t see in our hometown”. Make the best of whatever situation you encounter. Schedule in stops at some points of interest, or, even better-be spontaneous! Find a safe place to park and do your own family series of pics at the unexpectedly cool things you see on your trip. Regular stops to stretch legs is refreshing and helps keep the trip fun for everyone. Keep everything in perspective and ENJOY your trip.

Nena Barlow
Barlow Adventures

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We have taken our trusted trail info and made it available for your tablet and smartphone. The eBooks have the same content as our printed guidebooks. Find your trail quickly by tapping it in the table of contents. Finally, no more misplacing that awesome trail book!

You can download these titles from the following eBook retailers: Amazon and Apple.

Click the book you want, look under the “add to cart” button to find the direct link to each book for your mobile device.

Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails 3rd Edition
Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails 3rd Edition
Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails 2nd Edition
Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails 3rd Edition
Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails

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Go to http://www.geomac.gov/index.shtml

Click “Launch Viewer” on the right side of the screen.

From there you will be able to zoom in and see the boundaries of the fire. The site is updated daily.

Example:

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