The year 2012 marked 60 years of the famous Jeepers Jamboree, a long weekend wheeling trip across the Rubicon Trail outside of Lake Tahoe in Northern California. We have attended other Jamborees before, but this year’s was a blockbuster. The crowd was huge, with over a thousand participants and more than half that many Jeeps—whoops, we mean vehicles. You see, even though Jeepers Jamboree would seem like a Jeep-specific event, there were in fact a good variety of 4x4s attending. Sure, those original wheelers back in 1952 were probably all in flatfender Willys or Ford Jeeps, but since then the Rubicon has seen almost every make of 4x4 cross its boulder-strewn track. Of course, the Jeepers Jamboree event is different than your basic rockcrawling trail ride. The 185 staff members make this trip, bar none, the smoothest-sailing and most relaxing trip you may ever be on. There are spotters at most hard obstacles to give newbies and graybeards alike gentle nudging and direction if needed. The medical and mechanical staff are topnotch should there be any ailments of body or machine. And most important, the cook crew keeps you alive with mountains of grub on every plate three times a day. Condolences Our recreation and sport can sometimes be dangerous. Unfortunately, during the Jeepers Jamboree an accident occurred. The staff and rescue personnel handled the event with as much diligence as is possible in an area as remote as the Rubicon. All the injured were evacuated quickly. Unfortunately, one of the people involved passed away from her injuries. We send our condolences to the family of Rachel Gray. To the rest of you wheelers, be safe out there. The first stop on the trip to the Jeepers Jamboree is Georgetown, California, where you sign in at the event headquarters. Lots of Jeeps and 4x4s will be cruising the strip, and folks will be hanging out at the Georgetown Hotel.The first stop on the trip to the Jeepers Jamboree is Georgetown, California, where you si From Georgetown you head to the Rubicon to go wheeling. Most attendees come in during the day, but a handful of crawlers attempt the trail after dark.From Georgetown you head to the Rubicon to go wheeling. Most attendees come in during the As you head into the trail you will likely find a good group of people along with you. The Jeepers Jamboree is not for the wheeler looking for solitude. This is a big group wheeling party, so enjoy it.As you head into the trail you will likely find a good group of people along with you. The Eventually everyone gets to Rubicon Springs and sets up camp. Tents and Jeepers expand to make a mini village, and people head for the cool stream after the dusty drive.Eventually everyone gets to Rubicon Springs and sets up camp. Tents and Jeepers expand to Some stragglers always get caught up at the Buck Island repair facility, where just about any repair that needs to be made can be. Special thanks to all the Jeepers Jamboree staff.Some stragglers always get caught up at the Buck Island repair facility, where just about Sometimes the coolest Jeeps are hiding in plain sight. We were drooling over this Scrambler with a unique World Cab hardtop that is slightly taller than a factory top.Sometimes the coolest Jeeps are hiding in plain sight. We were drooling over this Scramble When you go wheeling, carnage can happen. Sometimes it’s minor, and sometimes you have to pull the radiator and fix it on a rock with some pliers after the fan got into it. Of course, there are plenty of worse places to spend a day fixing a radiator.When you go wheeling, carnage can happen. Sometimes it’s minor, and sometimes you have to While based at Rubicon Springs there is plenty to do, including Jeep trailer races, a live band, an ice cream bar, and good old relaxing. Then at any time you can dive in the river and cool off from the midday heat.While based at Rubicon Springs there is plenty to do, including Jeep trailer races, a live Jeeps are not the only attendees to this event. We saw plenty of Toyota trucks and Land Cruisers, as well as Land Rovers and a few fullsize wheeling rigs and buggies.Jeeps are not the only attendees to this event. We saw plenty of Toyota trucks and Land Cr This was by far our favorite Jeep of the event. This is one of the CJ-7s that crossed the notorious Darien Gap in Central America on a trip from Argentina to Alaska. The trip was run in the late 1970s by Mark A. Smith of Jeep Jamboree USA fame. To see original footage, search for “Expedicion De Las Americas” on Vimeo (www.vimeo.com).This was by far our favorite Jeep of the event. This is one of the CJ-7s that crossed the You can also go for hikes in the surrounding wilderness. We recommend checking out this rustic stone cabin built in the 1940s. Just ask for directions to the Frank Merrill cabin.You can also go for hikes in the surrounding wilderness. We recommend checking out this ru One unique event we saw at the 60th birthday of the Jeepers Jamboree was the return of Flatville. This is a collection of flatfenders (MB, GPW, and CJ2A, 3A, and 3B Jeeps) and their owners.One unique event we saw at the 60th birthday of the Jeepers Jamboree was the return of Fla The Flatville attendees held an impromptu Jeep show and invited passers-by to vote on their favorite flattie. Flatfenders ranging from fully custom to basically stock were in attendance.The Flatville attendees held an impromptu Jeep show and invited passers-by to vote on thei 60 years ago Ben Bower was about 70, and he decided to build a Jeep to go over the Rubicon like no other. His creation, BenAddiction, has a unique Dana 44 independent rear suspension that he claims is perfect for both rocks and dunes. However, Bower is currently working on a new and improved flatfender, which we expect to see at the 120th Jeepers Jamboree.60 years ago Ben Bower was about 70, and he decided to build a Jeep to go over the Rubicon On Saturday, sponsors roll out on the lawn and show off their wares. Everything is on display, from Jeep showers to new suspensions and axles. The vendors are happy to answer questions and are handing out plenty of swag to attendees.On Saturday, sponsors roll out on the lawn and show off their wares. Everything is on disp SOURCES Jeepers Jamboree www.jeepersjamboree.com By Fred Williams Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
