The first Hi Desert Roundup we attended was over 10 years ago, and the good times and great ’wheeling are still emblazoned on our memories. While we participated with our own Jeep on the run and games way back when, this year was to cover the event for you, the reader. For nearly 30 years the high desert area south of Barstow, California, has been host to this event and many others under the auspices of the California Association of 4 Wheel Drive clubs. While hot and dry in the summer, the spring season is usually cool enough for a day of trail rides on Saturday, with Sunday being reserved for a host of different vehicle games in the desert sun. This year the temperature soared into the triple digits, but none of the participants seemed to mind too much, as the Memorial Day tradition of this 29th Annual Hi Desert Roundup is too much to miss.
Held in the Stoddard Valley OHV Open Area, many trails criss-cross the mountains with rocky canyons to challenge the hard-core fanatics, and more docile runs explore the desert terrain. Leaving early in the morning to get a jump on the heat, most runs arrive back at camp in the afternoon, while some of the tougher stuff takes until evening to get everyone off the trail. On Sunday, the member clubs put on an array of games to challenge the drivers and passengers while also raising money for the Association to help fight land closures. Next year’s event is sure to be a spectacular one, since it will be the 30th anniversary. For more information contact the CA4WDC at Dept. Jp, 8120 36th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95824 or call 800/4x4-FUNN or 916/381-8300. You websters can get them on your terminal at www.cal4wheel.com.