In this episode of The Trailhead, JD sits down with Leah, Ryan, and Brandon from the Rampart Range Motorized Management Committee (RRMMC) to explore the inner workings of one of Colorado’s most iconic and heavily trafficked OHV areas: the Rampart Range. Known as a true mecca for outdoor recreation, Rampart includes a diverse mix of motorized routes, from full-size 4x4 roads to an extensive network of singletrack and ATV trails—over 200 miles in total winding through the Pike National Forest. RRMMC specifically focuses on the stewardship of trails designated for motorcycles and ATVs, including singletrack and two-track routes, while collaborating closely with the U.S. Forest Service and other land management agencies to ensure cohesive trail planning and maintenance. The team shares how they manage growing usage, educate new riders, and promote long-term sustainability in this high-demand area. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to Rampart, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to keep the trails open, safe, and fun for all types of users.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Rampart Range Road, Colorado

• Rainbow Falls, Colorado

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• None mentioned in this episode.

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• Rampart Range Motorized Management Committee (RRMMC)

• BlueRibbon Coalition

🖊️ News Topics

• Spooky Rampart Range: Adolf Coors III Murder Case

• Anatomy of a Murder - 5280 Magazine

🗓️ Events and Resources

• RRMMC Volunteer Info & Events

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only a few reviews away from a giveaway — Write one here

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop Here

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off

🎧 Podcast Show Notes

Summary

In this episode of The Trailhead, JD and Kerry sit down with Jason and Aaron from Portal Pros to dig into the past, present, and future of portal axles. From early design challenges to new product launches and how portal tech is changing the game for hardcore off-roaders, this chat covers it all. They talk about the evolution of the company, what it's like to design for real-world use, and what sets their setups apart. If you've ever considered portals or just want to understand the "why" behind the hype, this is your behind-the-scenes pass.

📍Trails and Destinations

• Pritchett Canyon, Utah

• Sand Hollow State Park

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Portal Pros Official Site

• Gear Reduction Portals

• PSC Hydraulic Steering

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Kerry Garrison: TheTrailTraveler

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• None in this episode.

📅 Events and Resources

• King of the Hammers

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only a few reviews away from a giveaway — Write one here

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop Here

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off

While the team is at Trail Hero X, this episode of The Trailhead dives into a question every off-roader eventually faces: are you building your rig to match your trails, or choosing trails to match your build? JD, Pope & Randi (JemAndTheMisfit), Bryan (Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox), and Mike (JKTrlFnder) share how their vehicle choices, upgrades, and driving styles are shaped by the terrain they love. From high-clearance Broncos to hydro-assist setups and one-ton swaps, the crew breaks down how their wheeling preferences drive their builds—and how their builds open up new off-road possibilities. If you've ever debated tire size, axle strength, or whether your rig is too nice to wheel, this is the episode for you.

📍Trails and Destinations

• Sand Hollow State Park, Utah

• Behind the Rocks, Moab, Utah

• Top of the World, Moab, Utah

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Bronco Badlands Sasquatch Package

• Fox 2.5 Coilovers

• Rockford Fosgate Speakers

• Stinger Electronics Horizon Head Unit

• PSC Hydraulic Assist Steering

• RCV Performance Axles

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Mike: JKTrlFnder

• Pope & Randi: JemandtheMisfit

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Ford Bronco Rebates and Dealer Discounts

• Tariffs and Jeep’s Pricing Pressure

📅 Events and Resources

• Trail Hero X 2025

• Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) 2025

• Jeep Beach 2025

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews — Write one here

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop Here

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off

In this quick Trail Hero X kickoff episode, JD, Pope & Randi, and Alyssa rally together to prep for the big journey ahead. With Trail Hero Expeditions right around the corner, the crew reflects on how far the podcast has come—101 episodes deep—and shares last-minute gear checks, travel logistics, and some friendly banter about new rigs and tire drama. From overlanding in Broncos to wheeling in Toyotas and Jeeps, this trip marks the first time the full team heads out together. It’s a short but heartfelt behind-the-scenes check-in before the crew hits the trail for one of their biggest adventures yet.

📍Trails and Destinations

• Sand Hollow State Park, Utah

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Tires (discontinued)

• BFGoodrich KO3 Tires

• Toyo Open Country R/T Trail Tires

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Alyssa: HoldMyCoffee_AZ

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Pope & Randi: JemandtheMisfit

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

• Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA)

📅 Events and Resources

• Trail Hero X 2025

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews — Write one here

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop Here

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off

Join us for a milestone episode—our 100th—where JD talks again with Ben Burr, Executive Director of the BlueRibbon Coalition, to break down the first 100 days of the new administration. They discuss crucial updates on monument designations, ongoing legal challenges, and critical policy shifts impacting public land access. Ben gives updates from the front lines, including insights on the newly established Chuckwalla National Monument and ongoing battles in Glen Canyon. Get the latest on litigation efforts, advocacy wins, and what's coming next in the fight for public lands.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Chuckwalla National Monument, California

• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah

• Henry Mountains, Utah

• San Rafael Swell, Utah

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• BlueRibbon Coalition Guidebook

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

• Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA)

• BlueRibbon Coalition Sweepstakes – Enter to Win

📰 News Topics

• Chuckwalla National Monument Lawsuit

• Antiquities Act Information

📅 Events and Resources

• Congressional Review Act Information

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews — Write one here

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): https://thetrailheadnetwork.com/shop/

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off

This episode is all about the crew—what’s new, what’s broken, and what’s coming next. JD, Pope & Randi (JemAndTheMisfit), Bryan (Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox), and Mike (JKTrlFnder) catch up and share everything from exciting Bronco purchases and hydro steering installs to the reality of aging Jeeps and fried motors. Bryan talks about adding a Ford F-350 Lariat tow rig to the lineup, while JD celebrates a long-overdue clockspring fix. Randi confesses her Bronco is definitely not staying stock, and Mike drops news about trussed axles and Vernal test runs. It’s a full roundtable of shop talk, road prep, and off-road storytelling with the Trailhead crew.

📍Trails and Destinations

• Sand Hollow, Utah

• Behind the Rocks, Moab, Utah

• Top of the World, Utah

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Bronco Badlands Sasquatch Package

• Fox 2.5 Coilovers

• Rockford Fosgate Speakers

• Stinger Electronics Horizon Head Unit

• PSC Hydraulic Assist Steering

• RCV Performance Axles

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Mike: JKTrlFnder

• Pope & Randi: JemandtheMisfit

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Ford Bronco Rebates and Dealer Discounts

• Tariffs and Jeep’s Pricing Pressure

📅 Events and Resources

• Trail Hero X 2025

• Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) 2025

• Jeep Beach 2025

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews — Write one here

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop Here

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off

🎧 Podcast Show Notes

Summary

JD is joined by Bryan (Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox), Mike (JKTrlFnder), Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator, and Angie (Purple Haze JKU) in this high-energy, heart-filled episode of The Trailhead. With Easter Jeep Safari just around the corner, the crew swaps build updates, road trip plans, and favorite Jeep colors—including the return of Mojito Green. Bryan previews the upcoming Memorial Run on Behind the Rocks, while Angie shares her vision of turning Purple Haze into a full-blown buggy. Plus, Nathan reveals he and his family are officially heading to Trail Hero X, and JD confirms the podcast team will be embedded in the event this May. Trail prep, wheeling strategy, and a bit of emotional reflection all mix together in one unforgettable episode.

📍Trails and Destinations

• Behind the Rocks, Moab, Utah

• Kitzmiller, Maryland (Badge of Honor)

• Drummond Island, Michigan

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Motobilt Drop Down Tailgate

• Rockford Fosgate Speakers

• Stinger Head Units

• Rust-Oleum Automotive Paint

• Krash Fab Rock Sliders

• Rock Hard 4x4 Cages

• PSC Hydraulic Assist Steering

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Angie (Purple Haze JKU)

• Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Mike: JKTrlFnder

• Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Mojito Green Returns for 2025 Wranglers & Gladiators

• Trail Hero X Announcement

📅 Events and Resources

• Trail Hero X 2025

• Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) 2025

• Jeep Beach 2025

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews — Write one here

• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): https://thetrailheadnetwork.com/shop/

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off

In this episode of The Trailhead, JD and Alyssa welcome Jessica Heeg and Jessi Puffenbarger, the powerhouse duo behind Jess² ReRouting, a new team competing in this year’s 10th Anniversary Rebelle Rally. These two seasoned drivers break down what the Rebelle is all about—8 days of off-road competition with no GPS, just maps, compasses, and pure grit. Hear how a random post turned into a rock-solid partnership, what training looks like in Johnson Valley, and why Jessi’s ultra-built JLU is perfect for the job. Plus, the ladies open up about family, trail philosophy, and prepping like pros. If you’re curious about what it takes to go from off-road fan to Rebelle contender, this is your episode.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Johnson Valley OHV

• Poughkeepsie Gulch, Colorado

• Glamis Sand Dunes

🔧 Gear and Tools

• Currie Extreme Axles

• Rebel Recon Coilovers

• King Shocks

• Alpine Control Arms

• Spot Satellite Messenger

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Alyssa: HoldMyCoffee_AZ

• Jessi Puffenbarger: @arctrooper.jl

• Jessica Heeg: @pinkstarjess

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Rebelle Rally 10-Year Anniversary Overview

• Women in Off-Road: Growth and Representation

• Spot Satellite Saves in Backcountry

🗓 Events & Resources

• Rebelle Rally

• Jess² ReRouting Website

• Rebelle Rally Team Profiles

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! Help us hit our next milestone by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts

• Follow us on Instagram! @TheTrailheadPodcast

• Find us at The Trailhead Network! www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Get Show Swag! Trailhead Gear Store

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights (Use Code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% Off)

In this episode of The Trailhead, JD welcomes Mike Malone and Brantley Ping from the Midwest Krawlers Off-Road Club. They discuss the club’s origins, off-road adventures, and community events. From the impressive Snow Squad initiative that helps first responders during severe weather to the club’s diverse off-roading activities, Mike and Brantley share stories of wheeling in the Midwest and beyond. Discover how the club grew from humble beginnings to becoming a well-known community staple, fostering both fun and safety. Tune in for stories of Jeep builds, off-road park adventures, and the dedication to helping those in need.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Kansas Rocks Recreation Park

• Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch (SMORR)

• Land Between the Lakes (LBL)

• Windrock Park

• Hot Springs Off-Road Park

• Imogene Pass, Colorado

• Poughkeepsie Gulch, Colorado

• Backway to Crown King, Arizona

• Moonlight Racing Off-Road Park

• Tuttle Creek Off-Road Park

• Rays Rocks

🔧 Gear and Tools

• Tyri Offroad Lights (Use Code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% Off)

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Mike Malone & Brantley Ping: Midwest Krawlers Off-Road Club

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Midwest Crawlers’ Snow Squad Helps First Responders

📅 Events & Resources

• Jeep Jamboree USA

• Sunflower Event (Midwest Crawlers)

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews.

• Follow us on Instagram! @TheTrailheadPodcast

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights (Use Code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% Off)

This Spotlights episode of The Trailhead features a chat with Steve Bogue and Monty Durango, two longtime Jeep enthusiasts from Illinois who love wheeling and exploring. JD talks with Steve and Monty about their off-roading experiences, from building their Jeeps to their favorite trails in Colorado and Moab. They also discuss the challenges of finding good wheeling spots in the Midwest, their strategies for overcoming obstacles on the trails, and their plans for future adventures, including a trip to the Northeast. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned trailblazer, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical insights, and inspiration for your next adventure.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Rampart Range Road, Colorado

• Onion Creek, Moab, Utah

• Gemini Bridges, Moab, Utah

• Porcupine Rim, Moab, Utah

• Corkscrew Gulch, Colorado

• Picture Frame Arch, Moab, Utah

• Hurrah Pass, Moab, Utah

• Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail, Wisconsin

• NEBDR (Northeast Backcountry Discovery Route)

• Redbird State Recreation Area, Indiana

🔧 Gear and Tools

• Teraflex 3.5" Lift

• Bilstein 5160 Reservoir Shocks

• G2 Axle and Gear Chromoly Axle Shafts

• JE Reel Driveshafts

• Old Man Emu Lift

• Garmin InReach

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Steve Bogue: Alpha JK on Instagram

• Monty Durango: Monty's Jeep Adventures

• Virgil: Northbound Expeditions

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📅 Events & Resources

• Trail Hero

• King of the Hammers

• Easter Jeep Safari (EJS)

📞 Get Involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews.

• Follow us on Instagram! @TheTrailheadPodcast