HURRICANE — Registration is open for Southern Utah’s premiere off-road event, the second annual Winter 4×4 Jamboree, and trails are filling up quickly.
Both radical rock-crawling and easy scenic trails are available at the Winter 4×4 Jamboree set for Jan. 22-23 – a guided-trail event headquartered at the fairgrounds at the Washington County Regional Park.
The fun and fundraising event is sponsored by the nonprofit Desert Roads and Trails Society. The Desert RATS organization, according to its Facebook page, is dedicated to promoting and preserving the responsible use of public lands. It is a family-friendly, inclusive community for anyone who enjoys getting out to enjoy Southern Utah and the surrounding areas.
Proceeds from the event are donated to land use organizations including the Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association and the Utah Public Lands Alliance, which is fighting a proposed land swap that would affect trails on the Sand Mountain off-highway vehicle area.
“It’s a great event,” Desert RATS President Jeff Bieber said. “It’s fun, and it’s for a good cause: to keep our trails open.”
Winter 4×4 Jamboree draws hundreds of participants. Last year, nearly 300 vehicles and more than 750 people attended. Registrations this year have already surpassed last year’s numbers.
Trails at the event are suitable for vehicles ranging from stock high-clearance, four-wheel-drive to custom-built buggies and everything in-between.
“We have a lot of trails for the stock rigs,” Bieber said.
Easy, scenic-event trails include the Honeymoon Trail, which traces a historic trail traveled by Mormon couples heading to be married at the St. George Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; the Birthing Cave and Lone Pine Arch Trail, which is west of Gunlock and visits three petroglyph sites; and Milt’s Mile Lite and West Rim Lite, both moderate trails on Sand Mountain.
Activities include trail rides for paid participants and two events that are open to the public: Vendor Fiesta Night with food trucks Jan. 22 from 3-8 p.m.; and sponsor displays, dinner and a fundraising raffle Jan. 23 from 3-9 p.m.
See more: Off-roading enthusiasts kick up sand at Winter 4×4 Jamboree; STGnews Videocast – 2015
Most event trails are located in the Sand Mountain OHV area adjacent to Sand Hollow State Park. The Bureau of Land Management has designated the Sand Mountain area specifically for open travel by off-road vehicles.
Most public lands don’t allow this type of use, and Desert RATS encourages all users to be aware of and respect land use restrictions, club president Jeff Bieber Sr. said.
Those participating do so at their own risk. The Winter 4X4 Jamboree website states: “The W4x4J, its sponsors and supporters and public land management agencies cannot be responsible or liable for any accidents or mishaps, or personal or property damage which occurs during this event.”
This event is not set up for and does not lend itself to spectators. For the safety of everyone, Winter 4×4 Jamboree trails on Sand Mountain will be closed from sunup until 4 p.m. during the event, while the rest of the mountain will remain open.
Event details:
- What: Winter 4×4 Jamboree, sponsored by Desert Roads and Trails Society – Desert RATS
- When: Jan. 22-23, doors open at 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Meet at Washington County Regional Park (fairgrounds), 5500 W. 700 South in Hurricane
- How to register: All participants are encouraged to register online to sign up for specific trails| In-person registration for any remaining trail slots will be at the fairgrounds Jan. 21 from 5-8 p.m. and Jan. 22-23 from 7-8 a.m.
- Cost: $40 per vehicle per day — includes state and BLM fees. Dinner Saturday is $20 for adults; T-shirts, hats and other items can be purchased online or at the event
- Vendor show and food trucks | Jan. 22, 3-8 p.m. | Public invited
- Sponsor displays, fundraising raffle and dinner | Jan. 23, 6-9 p.m. | Public invited; participation in the event is not required
Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.
Lorey Beard navigates an optional obstacle on Double Sammy, one of several rock-crawling trails at the Winter 4x4 Jamboree, Hurricane, Utah, photo undated | Photo courtesy of Eric Beard, St. George News
A rock-crawling trail in the Sand Mountain OHV Area, Hurricane, Utah, photo undated | Photo courtesy Desert RATS, St. George News
Petroglyphs seen on the Birthing Cave and Lone Pine Arch Trail, one of the many trails available during the Winter 4x4 Jamboree off-road event, Hurricane, Utah, Jan. 24, 2015 | Photo courtesy Desert RATS, St. George News
Winter 4x4 Jamboree participants line up for trails, Hurricane, Utah, Jan. 23, 2015 | Photo courtesy Desert RATS, St. George News
West Rim Lite trail at the Winter 4x4 Jamboree, Hurricane, Utah, Jan. 23, 2015 | Photo courtesy Desert RATS, St. George News
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