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July 2005

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July 2005 Issue

Jeeping Across The Nation

Jeep Jamboree USA Offers Family Oriented Trips

by Trent Riddle
photography by Trent Riddle & courtesy of Jeep Jamboree USA

The Red Rock Canyon, NV, Jeep Jamboree takes place in early October just north of Las Vegas. This is the 3rd year; the trail rating is 2-9.

Jeep enthusiasts are a unique type of vehicle owner. Sure, there are other groups of car enthusiasts but their brand of fun is typically found on the pavement. Jeep devotees also find pleasure on the road less traveled, and unpaved. While not everyone who buys a Jeep joins a Jeep club, they all become part of the Jeep brotherhood that are welcome at any Jeep related event.

One organization that caters to Jeep owners and their desire to enjoy outdoors in them is Jeep Jamboree USA. The Folks at Jeep Jamboree USA (JJUSA) have been or organizing backcountry trips for over 50 years. They offer unforgettable weekend outings for anyone who owns a Jeep 4x4, or can tag along with a friend who does.

Jeep Jamboree offers a lot of advantages over setting up a weekend trip with friends — JJUSA takes care of all the trip planning. Trails are selected in advance and pre-run by the trail guides to ensure no unexpected surprises such as a closed trail. Also, they take care of any permits, provide all meals for the trail days, and a continental breakfast on departure day. Best of all, you’ll surely meet like minded Jeep fans to make friends with. In this author’s opinion, the Jeep Jamboree USA Motto should be, “You Meet The Nicest People In a Jeep.” We’ve been on many Jeep Jamboree USA trips over the years and have never failed to find old friends on the trip and meet new ones too.

The Ouray, CO, Jeep Jamboree is held in late August. The trail rating is 3-5.

The Rubicon Trail, CA is held in mid August. This is the 9th year and is the most difficult of the trip/trail offerings from JJUSA. It is the only 10 on the scale, but well worth the effort. In addition to the regular Jeep Jamboree Trip, JJUSA offers three other options for the Rubicon Trail — the “Advanced Off-Road Training Program”; the 1st Woman’s Only Lake Tahoe Adventure”; and the 2nd “Mark A. Smith Rubicon Adventure.”

Mark A. Smith is the founder of Jeep Jamboree USA. Way back in 1955 he and some friends staged the first Jeep trek across the Rubicon Trail. This trail is now known the world over and is Jeep Jamboree USA’s most difficult trail. Here’s Mark at his Cabin at Rubicon Springs.

For 2005 there are 34 JJUSA trips. Some of my favorites...

The Big Bear Jamboree takes place in May and had its 13th anniversary this year. The area never loses it’s charm, no matter how many times I’ve traveled these old haunts once the realm of trappers and prospectors.

The Moab Jamboree. The scenery in and around Moab is spectacular with Canyonlands and Arches National Parks surrounding the area. Much of the area is BLM land and is laced with trails put in by uranium prospectors.

My overall favorite would have to be the Ouray (pronounced “yoo-ray”), Colorado Jamboree now in it’s 18th year. The area offers spectacular views (some of the peaks rise to over 14,000 feet) and is packed with old mines and ghost towns. If you’re a scenic photography buff, you won’t find bluer skies, nor better vistas.

The camaraderie of the folks at these JJUSA events always makes me feel like I’m coming home to a big family reunion. This is partially because I’ve seen some of them before, but mostly because we are all Jeep enthusiasts to the core. If you haven’t been on one before, now is the time to plan. If you can’t make a trip this year, go to the website and ask for a copy of next year’s guidebook. They’re free and come out in December. Maybe you could give a trip to the family for Christmas.

The Big Bear, (California) Jeep Jamboree was held in May of this year. This was the 13th year; the trail rating is 3-8.

Remaining 2005 Jeep Jamboree USA trip schedule

1st Advanced Off-Road Training Program (AORT) - NEW!

1st Women’s Only Lake Tahoe Adventure (WLTA) - NEW!

2nd Mark A. Smith Rubicon Adventure Series (MAS)

14th Canyon de Chelly

15th Daniel Boone

8th Penn’s Woods

13th Drummond Island

1st Snowshoe Mountain - NEW!

4th Poconos Big Boulder

One of the great things about attending a Jeep Jamboree USA trip are the Trail Guides. Not only do they guide you along the trail, but will also lend a hand if you need and desire one.

14th Ghost Town

12th Silver Valley

5th Paragon Adventure

9th Rubicon Trail

18th Ouray

10th Northwoods

15th Red River

3rd Iron Range

8th Catskill Mountains

The Moab, UT, Jeep Jamboree is held in late October, when the area sees some of its best weather. This is the 7th year; the trail rating is 3-9.

15th Black Hills

16th Maine Mountains

12th Gateway to the Cumberlands

3rd Red Rock Canyon

22nd Appalachian

16th Mohawk Trail

16th French Lick

16th Ouachita Fall

7th Moab

JJUSA Trail Rating System

Every Jamboree trail is rated from 1 to 10 (most difficult). These ratings are based on the trail overall, not just on one or two tough spots. Rain can increase ratings by one or two points.

1-3 Trail Rating

Obstacles are easy to navigate in optimum weather conditions. Some trails may not require continual use of four-wheel drive.

4-7 Trail Rating

Moderately demanding and will require use of four-wheel drive. Likely to encounter a variety of challenges on the trail such as mud holes, boulders, and stream crossings.

8-9 Trail Rating

The likelihood of getting stuck is considerably higher. Mud holes may be deep and rock climbing is arduous.

10 Trail Rating

Jeep Jamboree USA has reserved this rating for the most demanding Off-Highway trip in the country –The Rubicon Trail. This trip is not recommended for Jeep Liberty, Cherokee or Grand Cherokee models.

Source

  • Jeep Jamboree USA
  • P. O. Box 1601
  • Georgetown, CA 95634
  • 530-333-4777