You’ve been indoors for a while now and feel that you need to spend some time outdoors or you’ll completely lose it. You crave adventure and the thrill of exploring new terrain. Or maybe you just want to fill your calendar with four-wheeled events that get your adrenaline going.
Whatever the case, we’ve got you. We too love nothing more than going on outdoor exploits, pitting machines against unforgiving terrain, or just admiring some beautifully souped-up rigs and rides. That’s why we took the time to compile this list of some of the best off-roading events in the U.S that really should be on your calendar.
1. Dixie Off-road Expo
Okay, so we’re biased and we’ll start with our own event –the Dixie 4 Wheel Drive Off-Road Expo. This is the first event of its kind hosted by Dixie 4 Wheel Drive and it will be held on the week before Easter from Tuesday, March 30th to Wednesday, 31st March. This is mostly a vendor show where off-roading enthusiasts can come meet and talk shop with knowledgeable people in the off-road industry. We’ll also be there showing off our custom builds and discussing our auto shop services with dedicated fans. Be sure not to miss it!
2. King of the Hammers
This is considered one of the toughest off-roading evens there is. Sponsored by Hammerking Productions, this event is a combination of desert racing and rock crawling. It takes place annually in February on public lands in Johnson Valley, California. The King of the Hammers event has grown in popularity and size from one race to a series of 5 races held throughout the week. It has gone from 12 teams competing for glory to a whopping 300 plus teams competing in front of thousands of fans with plenty of more following the action online.
3. Baja 1000+
This is an event where machines and men are broken and legends are made. The SCORE Baja 1000 Mexican off-road motorsport race draws competitors from around the globe and is held on the Baja California Peninsula. This particular event is the culmination of a four-race annual series that includes the SCORE San Felipe 250, the SCORE Baja 500, and the SCORE Desert Challenge. Mark the date on your calendar and make a point to attend this prestigious off-road race.
4. Easter Jeep Safari
You can’t name top off-roading events in the U.S without mentioning Moab. And what better way to experience Moab’s beautiful scenery than going for the Easter Jeep Safari? Organized by the Red Rock 4 Wheelers off-road club, this event is one of the largest and longest-running Jeep gatherings worldwide. This year the annual event will be held from 27th March to 4th April. Even though it lasts for 9 days, the event is hugely popular so book your slot early if you want to participate.
5. Texas Heatwave
If you’re looking for a great way to spend a weekend, why not attend the Texas Heatwave. This is one of the biggest custom trucks and car show promotion events out there. Drawing participants from the U.S, Canada, and Mexico, the Texas Heatwave is now in its 3rd decade.
This is the event to attend if you’re looking for lifted trucks and a good old rowdy show with enough side attractions to keep you busy. This includes the BMX Freestyle Stunt Team, the popular Hydraulics Contest, Lawn Mover Racing, Mini Bike Racing, a Monster Truck Exhibition, and the Burnout Contest. You’ll definitely not get bored.
6. Jeepers Jamboree
The Jeepers Jamboree is the oldest, longest, and also the toughest event of its kind in the U.S. In fact, it’s considered the grandfather of all four-wheel events and that’s nothing to sneeze at. Geared towards adults (participants should be 16 years old and above), the Jeepers Jamboree provides a great way to run the famous Rubicon Trail. It is tough and agonizing but the rewards are well worth it. At the end of a tough day, you can take time to unwind, wine, and dine at the Jeepers Paradise that is Rubicon Springs. This Jamboree has a 3-day and 4-day option so participants can choose whichever one they prefer.
7. Sand Sports Super Show
Maybe rock crawling and trail running isn’t your thing. Perhaps you prefer the thrill that comes with playing in the sand. If that’s the case, then the Sand Sports Super Show is the one for you. Held annually in September, this event brings together thousands of off-road enthusiasts and exhibitors for the biggest and most exciting dune and sand sports expo in the country. You’ll have your fill of UTs, ATVs/ Side x Sides, and other machines designed to go over sand dunes. During this one-day event, vendors and manufacturers also get to show off their innovations and launch new products, much to their fans’ delight.
8. Overland Expo
Another off-roading, or should we say overlanding event that you shouldn’t miss is the Overland Expo. This annual event will be held in September from the 24th to the 26th at Flagstaff in Arizona. It brings together all the motorcycles, vehicle, and camping equipment services you need to get outfitted and out on the trail. The event also encompasses a variety of classes, exhibits, and seminars all aimed at helping people learn about off-roading and get them ready for the trail. Attending this event means that you’ll get to mingle with off-road gear vendors, go camping if you wish, or take part in one of the numerous courses on offer.
These are only some of the best off-roading events held in the U.S. and the list is by no means comprehensive. Attend one or attend them all, the choice is yours as long as you satiate your need for an off-roading adventure.
Just make sure that you attend the Dixie 4 Wheel Drive Expo for a chance to meet some of our four-wheel specialists and to check out our popular custom-built rides.
