Many SUVs spend their lives on pavement, never leaving the confines of the concrete to explore the wonders of the trail. Which is a terrific shame, especially considering how much fun is being left on the table (and in the garage). Jeep is one company that recognizes the value of off-roading -- it's their legacy, their identity and the most important element of their brand. So, since 1954, Jeep has been involved with the Jeep Jamboree.
Jeep Jamborees are weekend-long off-road adventures for Jeeps and their owners. Organized at some of the great trails across the country, Jamborees are Jeep-only events. Participants register in advance, and show up for a weekend of guided group trail rides in their own Jeeps -- other brands are not welcome on the trail.
Costs vary for each Jamboree, but average about $250 per adult and $125 per kid. You can bring as many people as you have seatbelts per vehicle. Registration costs cover all trail fees, guides and three meals per person per day. Accommodations are not included -- you secure a campground or hotel at your own expense.
Any Jeep with 4-wheel low is welcome, including Wrangler, Compass, Patriot, Liberty, Grand Cherokee and Commander. There are some restrictions on modifications -- no wheels over 37", for instance, and no lift kits over 6".
Trails are rated from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most challenging. Most of the Jeep Jamborees feature trails from 3 to 9. Only the Rubicon Trail in California is rated at 10, the most demanding trail from beginning to end.
You can attend a Jeep Jamboree close to home, or drive, tow or trailer your Jeep to a remote event in New York, New Jersey, Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas, California, Vermont, West Virginia, Michigan, Maine, Wisconsin, Indiana, Utah, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee or Virginia.
I went to the 21st Annual Jeep Jamboree in Ouray, Colorado as a guest of Jeep, who paid for my airfare, accommodations and food during the trip, and provided vehicles for me to drive and ride in. It's good to be me sometimes.Ouray is a tiny town of 800, nestled in the San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado. Nicknamed "the Switzerland of America," Ouray prides itself as the Jeep Capital of the World. Starting out at 7,700 feet above sea level, Ouray is a great starting point to tackle some beautiful mountain trails, rated from 3 to 7.
On the first day of the Jamboree, I drove a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel through Engineer Pass Road, a level 4 trail that runs about 30 miles through the mountains from 7,700 feet up over 12,800 feet. It was an absolutely beautiful ride on a perfect day. Temperatures at the start of the day were in the 70's. It had rained the night before, and when we hit 11,000 feet or so, we drove through fresh snow -- on September 12! We stopped for a box lunch at the preserved ghost town of Animas Forks, a very cool, weathered mining town. We drove above the timber line for a while, the lush pine forest dwindling down to low scrub and rocks.
I was glad to drive and ride in the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee. With 210 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque on tap, the mild trail was as easy to traverse as a suburban side street. Though the Grand Cherokee lacks the ground clearance of the Wrangler, it had no problem with the variety of conditions we faced, including mud and rocks, wet snow and rutted trails. I certainly appreciated the hill descent control function -- and the heated front seats. At the end of a long day, I was relaxed and refreshed, not beaten and worn.
On day two of the Jamboree, I drove a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon through Imogen Pass Trail -- well, most of the way, anyway. The pass was closed at the very top due to snow. We started out from Telluride instead of from Ouray, and backtracked to Telluride on our return. The trail is rated at a 4 or a 5 -- the views have got to be rated at a 10. Stunning mountain passes, outrageous trails carved into the sides of the mountains and unbelievable scenery made this an incredibly memorable drive. The Wrangler Rubicon, with its short wheelbase and narrow track, was a willing participant. We rolled back the soft top to let the sun and scenery in, and really relished the experience of being in the great outdoors. The Wrangler's electronic throttle control has smoothed out power delivery beautifully, making it easy to deliver just the right amount of gas to ease the way over the obstacles. The twitchiness that can be frightening on the freeway is completely absent on the trail. This is where Wrangler lives and shines.
If you own a Jeep and you've never taken it off-road, a Jeep Jamboree could be the safest, most supportive and friendly environment to explore for your first foray into the wilderness. Experienced off-roaders might find the trails a bit too tame, and the family-friendly organization will grate on the lone wolf, hardened outdoorsy types. If you want to meet some real Jeep enthusiasts, see some beautiful sights that can only really be experienced in person, and get a great introduction to the Jeep lifestyle, a Jeep Jamboree might be for you. I had a great time, and would gladly attend another. Now I just have to figure out which Jeep to get. Hmm, Grand Cherokee or Wrangler? Patriot or Commander?
Take a look at my Jeep Jamboree Photo Gallery for a few more pictures of the event.
