My buddy and I took a trip out west, the week of July 4. Started in Vegas, went to The Valley of Fire, Zion National Park in Utah, Grand Canyon National Park in AZ, various other parks in Utah, then we went to Silverton, CO (elev. 9500). We wanted to drive up to Clear Lake (elev. approx. 13,000). We rented a 1997 Jeep with over 222,000 miles on it from San Juan Backcountry. The man at San Juan Backcountry said it was his favorite, and he drove it all the time. I was afraid it wouldn't make it. As it turns out, I wish I could have driven that old Jeep home, I loved it so much.

No big rock crawling or anything, just a drive up a narrow rocky road with lots of switchbacks.

 

Couple more pics with other Jeeps.

 

I did a similar thing, rented one in Hawaii to get to the off the beaten path sites and came home an bought my MW3 and haven't regretted a moment of it.

 

 

And after you jeep out of Silverton once you'll be planning your next trip back soon enough.



I can't wait to get back there.

 

I took my MW3 to Silverton with my brother and his TJ. Great times. My new jeep got Trail Tested there. I've wanted to make a "Trail Tested" badge to place on the passenger side

 

Zion, Bryce and souh rim of Grand canyon are open year round. I would suggewst going in the winter and deliberately getting yourself caught in a snow storm. Its just amazing with snow.

Dirt/mud backroads in Grand Canyon In April:




Zion In January

 

That area is one of my all time favorites.

 

I went there on a motorcycle the first time and the Jeeps looked like a lot more fun, less work, and you can carry friends... so I came home and bought a 2012 Rubicon!!!