So this weekend I embarked on the Mission Impossible trail at the Badlands of Indiana and while challenging, I found the trail ride to in fact be possible, even for a stock unlimited Rubicon. They divided the participants into easy, moderate, and extreme groups. I chose the moderate group which I still found to be pretty sporty at times. The trails wound through beautiful forested areas primarily with multiple river crossings, down stream driving, and plenty of challenging hill climbs/descents. The trail was a big confidence builder for me because I went through things that I never would have imagined possible on my own. I experienced many firsts on this trail ... first dents to include a nice "shiner" on the front bumper, the first time I've had water come up through the drain holes while driving down a river, first rock garden traversed while ascending from a ravine, and my first time wheeling with my dogs ... they had a blast. I'd highly recommend attending one of these guided trail rides. The guide was very competent and really gave us a good variety of challenges throughout the day. Looks like they are going to run these guided groups once per month and I'll definitely be back.

 

Thanks for the report, but where are all the pictures? You should've had your dogs out snapping shots for you.

 

thanks for the encouraging report! i may actually do one of these now. probly would've written it of as, well, impossible!

 

Thanks! The dogs were willing but regrettably they lack the thumbs to get it done. I took a few while on the trail but most came out slightly blurry. Here is one of the family and my non-picture taking dogs.

 

Thanks for the report! I am signed up for the one in Sept. mostly to see the parts of the property that they don't normally let you access. Did you go two days or just one? Did you stay mostly in the Badlands "proper" or did you spend much time in the "not usually accessable" area? Looks like it was fun, I guess you got rained on some too.

 

No problem! I’m glad to be able to do a bit of reconnoitering for you guys. We originally signed up for the two day ride but about a week out, they called and cancelled the second day due to lack of interest. We stayed exclusively in the newer, “restricted access” portion of the park so you’ll definitely see and experience terrain that you haven’t before. It rained on us off and on in the morning but then turned into a beautiful day the rest of the weekend. We camped in the family camp ground which was very convenient for wheeling the next day in the park. Do you have the dates for September? I’m doing a good bit of traveling next month but I’ll make it to the next run if I can.

 

This sounds like a good time, is there any info online about where to sign up for these? We're pretty booked up this year, but maybe if they're running one in November or next year for sure. Looks like a good time

 

Sept 18/19 - My wife and I will go, I am only 90 min away so we will drive back and forth to Kokomo and not camp or anything. To answer Muffins question, there is a form you fill out on the Badlands web-site and pay in advance. I believe there is one more this year after Sept, the third weekend of Oct. I believe, but we plan on going on the Fall Colors Run in MI that weekend.