The Diablo Dry Lake just inland of San Felipe gives participants a chance to imagine a Baj
Ever been to Baja, Mexico? Ever been to a Jeep Jamboree? OK, so have you ever been to a Jeep Jamboree in Baja? Not unless you attended the very first Sea of Cortez Jeep Jamboree held last February in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, have you had the best of both worlds. There's nothing quite like Baja on a warm sunny day, especially if you're 'wheeling a Jeep. That's what these Jamborees are all about, getting a bunch of like-minded individuals and families together for some easy-to-difficult Jeeping, and this intro-to-Mexico Jamboree came off as one of the best ever.
This Jamboree offered a variety of trails that ran along the beach or to the top of pine-covered mountains where participants spent the night in tents or rustic accommodations at Mike's Sky Rancho. The overnight trail followed much of the same route as the famous Baja 1000 race course, as well as the equally challenging but shorter San Felipe 250.
Jeep Jamborees are pretty much inclusive right down to the food you eat, and nearly stock rigs slog it out on the trail next to the highly modified ones. Experience is not needed for most runs, and knowledgeable guides help drivers negotiate rough sections of the trail to prevent body damage, save the terrain, and keep the line moving along.
If you would like to find out more about Jeep Jamborees or register for an upcoming event, contact Jeep Jamboree USA, Dept. 4WOR, P.O. Box 1601, Georgetown, CA 95634, 530/333-4777.
1998 Jeep Jamboree Schedule
Jeep Jamborees are held throughout the year and are offered with a variety of difficulty ratings depending on the terrain. Certain equipment is required at some events, and all vehicles need to have towhooks on the front and rear. Only Jeep vehicles are allowed on the runs.
| Date |
Event |
Location |
Trail Ratings |
| 9/11-13 |
Black Hills |
Deadwood, SD |
4-6 |
| 9/18-20 |
Adirondack |
Martinsburg, NY |
2-6 |
| 9/18-20 |
Great Lakes |
Cadillac, MI |
3-5 |
| 9/18-20 |
Old Oregon Territory |
Cottage Grove, OR |
3-6 |
| 9/25-27 |
Northwoods |
Crandon, WI |
2-5 |
| 9/25-27 |
Ouray |
Ouray, CO |
3-5 |
| 9/25-27 |
Poconos Fall |
Mount Pocono, PA |
2-6 |
| 10/2-4 |
Land Between the Lakes |
Marshall County, KY |
2-8 |
| 10/2-4 |
Mahoosuc Mountains |
Newry, Maine |
4-6 |
| 10/9-11 |
Appalachian |
Murphy, NC |
5-7 |
| 10/9-11 |
French Lick |
French Lick, IN |
2-5 |
| 10/16-18 |
Gateway to the Cumberlands |
Williamsburg,KY |
3-7 |
| 10/16-18 |
Mohawk Trail |
Charlemont, MA |
4-6 |
| 10/23-25 |
Apache Land |
Globe, AZ |
4-8 |
| 10/23-25 |
Ouachita |
Hot Springs, AR |
5-8 |
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Mark E. Smith, on the right, is the leader of the trail and president of Jeep Jamboree USA
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Traveling long distances to attend Jeep Jamborees is common; this Cherokee hails from Illi
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Grand Cherokees are increasingly popular at these events because of excellent performance
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XJ Cherokees, even the new models shown here, are a common sight on every run. The extra r
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The trail to Mike's Sky Rancho wanders through the backcountry of Mexico to an elevation o
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The resort hotel of Costa Azul in San Felipe is home to the Jeep Jamboree, and participant
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Old to new was represented on the run, just like at most Jeep Jamborees. This World War II
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This '71 Jeep CJ-5, owned by Jim Marski, is a Renegade I model finished off with factory L
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The trail back from Mike's Sky Rancho was muddy and slippery due to the afternoon rains co