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Conquering Hot Springs Off Road Park After the Storm This wasn’t just another weekend ride. This was 10 hours of asphalt, one flooded state, and a crew of Jeepers determined to make it count — all heading straight for the legendary Hot Springs Off-Road Park in Arkansas. It’s April, which means the state is usually a little wet. But this year, the weather cranked it up to full chaos. Just days before we arrived, tornadoes ripped through the region, and over 8 inches of rain poured down, leaving behind a trail system soaked, slick, and full of surprises. And that’s exactly the kind of trip we live for. The Journey Begins: North Georgia to Arkansas Our convoy rolled out from North Georgia early, loaded up with gear, parts, and purpose. We had two goals: test our builds, and take on some of the gnarliest post-storm terrain Hot Springs could throw at us. None of this would have been possible without the help of my sponsors for this adventure: RealTruck – hooked me up with a GoRhino Stubby Bumper loaded with heavy-duty recovery points, and a Rugged Ridge snorkel that ended up being essential in the deep Arkansas runoff and stream crossings. Anthem Off-Road – I ran a fresh set of Liberty wheels wrapped in 37” Kenda Klever MT2 tires, which clawed through the muck and stuck to rock like glue. OnX Offroad – From planning to trail navigation, the OnX app made mapping out our adventure seamless and efficient, even with spotty cell signal and weather-ravaged routes. Each sponsor helped level up this trip, and their gear passed every single test Arkansas threw at us. Arrival at Hot Springs Off-Road Park We pulled into the park around 6:30 PM, just in time to catch a sunset over the Ozarks. The camp setup was smooth, and we closed the night around a fire, talking about trail strategies, recovery gear, and everything the storm might’ve left behind. And boy, it left plenty. Day 1: Into the Unknown After airing down and disconnecting sway bars, we headed up to the Hot Springs Off-Road Park store to grab our passes ($50 for a day pass), and that’s when the real action started. The trails were unlike anything I’ve driven. What should’ve been moderate loops had become technical climbs. Water filled every dip. The rocks were polished from runoff and snot-slick in the shadows. You couldn’t ease into these lines — you had to commit. I relied hard on my Kenda Klever MT2s to bite through clay and hold grip on wet stone. The GoRhino bumper gave me the clearance and anchor points needed when things got hairy, and the Rugged Ridge snorkel was a lifesaver when we crossed deeper water than expected. With OnX Offroad, we could reroute on the fly when trails were blocked or washed out, tracking everything with offline maps. Honestly, I wouldn’t do a trip like this without it. Georgia Jeep Alliance: Brotherhood on the Trail Our group from the Georgia Jeep Alliance showed up strong — every rig different, but every driver committed. We tackled everything together: spotting each other up ledges, winching when needed, and laughing through the chaos. This wasn’t a trail ride. It was a team event. Closing Thoughts: Worth Every Mile Day 1 was all about discovery — finding the edges of the park and our rigs. We didn’t chase any Jeep Badges just yet. Instead, we tested Hot Springs on its worst week of the year… and came out grinning. This park demands respect, especially in the spring. But if you’re looking for adventure, challenge, and unforgettable memories — this is the place to get them. Adventure Gear That Got Us Through Arkansas GoRhino Stubby Front Bumper – RealTruck Rugged Ridge Snorkel System – RealTruck Anthem Liberty Off-Road Wheels Kenda Klever MT2 37” Tires OnX Offroad App – Start Free Trial Thanks for riding with us. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this trip, where we tackle the Jeep Badge of Honor trail — Fun Run— in the same storm-ravaged terrain. It only gets more intense from here. The post Arkansas’s Unexpected appeared first on Road Rash Off Road. View the full article

Conquering Hot Springs Off Road Park After the Storm This wasn’t just another weekend ride. This was 10 hours of asphalt, one flooded state, and a crew of Jeepers determined to make it count — all heading straight for the legendary Hot Springs Off-Road Park in Arkansas. It’s April, which means the state is usually a little wet. But this year, the weather cranked it up to full chaos. Just days before we arrived, tornadoes ripped through the region, and over 8 inches of rain poured down, leaving behind a trail system soaked, slick, and full of surprises. And that’s exactly the kind of trip we live for. The Journey Begins: North Georgia to Arkansas Our convoy rolled out from North Georgia early, loaded up with gear, parts, and purpose. We had two goals: test our builds, and take on some of the gnarliest post-storm terrain Hot Springs could throw at us. None of this would have been possible without the help of my sponsors for this adventure: RealTruck – hooked me up with a GoRhino Stubby Bumper loaded with heavy-duty recovery points, and a Rugged Ridge snorkel that ended up being essential in the deep Arkansas runoff and stream crossings. Anthem Off-Road – I ran a fresh set of Liberty wheels wrapped in 37” Kenda Klever MT2 tires, which clawed through the muck and stuck to rock like glue. OnX Offroad – From planning to trail navigation, the OnX app made mapping out our adventure seamless and efficient, even with spotty cell signal and weather-ravaged routes. Each sponsor helped level up this trip, and their gear passed every single test Arkansas threw at us. Arrival at Hot Springs Off-Road Park We pulled into the park around 6:30 PM, just in time to catch a sunset over the Ozarks. The camp setup was smooth, and we closed the night around a fire, talking about trail strategies, recovery gear, and everything the storm might’ve left behind. And boy, it left plenty. Day 1: Into the Unknown After airing down and disconnecting sway bars, we headed up to the Hot Springs Off-Road Park store to grab our passes ($50 for a day pass), and that’s when the real action started. The trails were unlike anything I’ve driven. What should’ve been moderate loops had become technical climbs. Water filled every dip. The rocks were polished from runoff and snot-slick in the shadows. You couldn’t ease into these lines — you had to commit. I relied hard on my Kenda Klever MT2s to bite through clay and hold grip on wet stone. The GoRhino bumper gave me the clearance and anchor points needed when things got hairy, and the Rugged Ridge snorkel was a lifesaver when we crossed deeper water than expected. With OnX Offroad, we could reroute on the fly when trails were blocked or washed out, tracking everything with offline maps. Honestly, I wouldn’t do a trip like this without it. Georgia Jeep Alliance: Brotherhood on the Trail Our group from the Georgia Jeep Alliance showed up strong — every rig different, but every driver committed. We tackled everything together: spotting each other up ledges, winching when needed, and laughing through the chaos. This wasn’t a trail ride. It was a team event. Closing Thoughts: Worth Every Mile Day 1 was all about discovery — finding the edges of the park and our rigs. We didn’t chase any Jeep Badges just yet. Instead, we tested Hot Springs on its worst week of the year… and came out grinning. This park demands respect, especially in the spring. But if you’re looking for adventure, challenge, and unforgettable memories — this is the place to get them. Adventure Gear That Got Us Through Arkansas GoRhino Stubby Front Bumper – RealTruck Rugged Ridge Snorkel System – RealTruck Anthem Liberty Off-Road Wheels Kenda Klever MT2 37” Tires OnX Offroad App – Start Free Trial Thanks for riding with us. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this trip, where we tackle the Jeep Badge of Honor trail — Fun Run— in the same storm-ravaged terrain. It only gets more intense from here. The post Arkansas’s Unexpected appeared first on Road Rash Off Road. View the full article

Discover Silver Lake Basin: Colorado’s Hidden High-Altitude Ghost Town Gem Experience the Adventure with Peak Overland If you’re into ghost towns and western mining history we have got the trip for you! Nestled at 12,250 feet in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains lies Silver Lake Basin — a secluded gem where history and adventure converge. Once a bustling hub during the 1890s, this remote basin now offers overlanders and hikers a glimpse into the past, surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. The Journey Begins: Arrastra Gulch Road Your adventure starts in Silverton, Colorado. From there take County Road 2 southwest for about 1 mile and make a right on to County Road 52, known as Arrastra Gulch Road, which leads you through a scenic 2.6-mile drive to the historic Mayflower Mine site. This route is best navigated with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, like those available from Peak Overland. Along the way, you’ll pass remnants of tram towers and mining structures, setting the stage for the history that awaits (4x4explore.com). Hiking to Silver Lake Basin From the Mayflower Mine, a challenging 1.2-mile trail ascends approximately 1,050 feet to Silver Lake Basin. The hike is strenuous, featuring steep, loose terrain and a notable section requiring a climb up a rock wall aided by an old steel cable (14ers.com). However, the effort rewards you with panoramic views of the basin, dotted with the ruins of the Iowa, Royal Tiger, and Silver Lake mines — silent testaments to a bygone era. Camping with Peak Overland While there are no established campgrounds along Arrastra Gulch Road, the area offers dispersed camping opportunities. Setting up camp near the trailhead allows for an early start on the hike and a chance to immerse yourself in the serene mountain environment. With a Peak Overland rig, you’re equipped for comfort and convenience, making your high-altitude adventure seamless. A Glimpse into History Silver Lake Basin was once a thriving mining community, with operations extracting gold and silver from the rugged terrain. The remnants of mills, tramways, and cabins tell stories of ambition and resilience. For a deeper dive into the area’s rich history, explore this detailed chronicle: Silver Lake Basin: A Mining Chronicle. Visual Journey To visualize the terrain and the remnants of the mining era, check out our drone footage capturing the ascent from Arrastra Gulch to Silver Lake Basin: Watch the Drone Video on YouTube View the full article

Fox Raceway National Media Ride SessionView the full article

Fox Raceway National Media Ride SessionView the full article