Originally Posted by Mark Doiron

Ouch. Sorry to hear that. Of the three shops that I know that do the installs, the already mentioned AEV is the closest. Not sure why a hemi-removal would be any better than scouring local junkyards for a low mileage JK that was totaled. Or, you can check out the remans on E-Bay for a bit over 4 grand.


I had a friend a few years ago who tried to set up a site, but it never panned out. The problem is a great many folks jealously guard their routes for a variety of reasons:

• You want solitude the next time you go.
• You can't trust people to not trash a place.
• You don't want to be responsible for people getting in over their head or other trouble out there.
• What good is a secret spot that everyone knows about?

What I will tell you is that there are thousands of creative routes that can be put together by anyone who takes the time to scour over maps. The state Gazetteers are your friend. So are the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) put out by the U.S. Forest Service. YouTube videos, and trip reports on websites such as here are, too. They provide info that maps may hide, such as closed gates, private property, difficulty of routes, etc. There are also widely dispersed websites that provide info on particular states or regions, often with free or modestly priced custom maps and .gpx files. Finally, there are a few guidebooks here and there that provide info on routes. Along the lines of those last couple points, check out:

• The Backcountry Discovery Routes series from Touratech/Butler Maps.
• The Charles Wells state off-road and backcountry road guide books and see what trails he lists might make suitable overlanding routes.
• The Mojave Trail guidebook by Dennis Casabier.
• The TransAmerica Trail and related offshoots.

Some national parks and monuments also offer incredible overlanding opportunities, so check out the NatGeo Trails Illustrated maps for them, including:

• Death Valley and adjacent BLM lands.
• Big Bend and adjacent Big Bend Ranch State Park.
• Grand Canyon on adjacent BLM and NF lands and, with appropriate permit, Navajo Nation land.
• Capitol Reef and adjacent BLM and NF lands.
• Canyonlands and adjacent BLM lands.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Momument.
• Bears Ears National Monument and adjacent USFS and BLM lands, including the Abajo and Henry Mountains.

Originally Posted by Clark Collins

Just wanted to let the forum know that I've ordered a remanufactured engine from AutoZone and have made arrangements with a local repair shop that I trust to install it. I appreciate the feedback from forum members, & don't need to keep this thread going. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Mark Doiron

Part 3 of Solar Eclipse Expedition is now online. It includes passing the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, Hell's Half Acre and Craters of the Moon in Idaho, and Hat Point along the Oregon/Idaho border.

https://youtu.be/TSCjAkGjCGA

Originally Posted by Clark Collins

Great video as always Mark. There is actually a Jeep trail in Hells Half Acre that you would have enjoyed. Too bad you didn't know about it, but if you ever get back this way be sure and let me know and I'll take you there. You wouldn't have wanted to do it alone. The main trail is not real tough, but there are several optional obstacles that we like to do for more of a challenge. It is outside the WSA, but goes right through the rough cinder like lava that you could see along the road to the hiking trail and in Craters of the Moon.

You went right through my part of the country so the Idaho scenery you showed in your video is our local stuff. I enjoy watching your videos, but the wife and I don't do the Jeep camping thing as we are in our 70s and have a motorhome to flat tow the Jeep. The ATV riding here is plentiful, which we also do, but we're kind of limited on nearby Jeep trails. Still, if you ever get back this way I could show you the Hells Half Acre trail and a few others that you would enjoy. I would even try Jeep camping with you, as I've done it with my brother, but I know my wife wouldn't join us.

Keep those awesome videos coming and I hope we can hook up some day, somewhere.

ps. My avatar photo was taken on the Hells Half Acre trail.