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Adventure, Adventure, Adventure

Overland Open House: The Scenic Run

/ September 11th, 2013
Four off-road vehicles embark on a Scenic Run along a narrow dirt trail winding through green, hilly terrain with sparse trees and shrubs, set against a backdrop of larger mountains under a cloudy sky.

The Mingus Mountain scenic route…I last ran this trail at the July 2011 Open House in the topless and doorless Jeep J8. It rained the entire time. Naturally, since this year we opted to travel in the chronically hard-topped Forester Project not a single drop fell, leaving us with spectacular views across Sedona to the Mogollon Rim. Sections of the trail were a bit more challenging this year after a very wet monsoon season, but nothing a stock 4×4 can’t handle with a little care. For us, it was a fun experience re-learning how to drive with limited ground clearance, open diffs, no center diff lock, and no low range. Many thanks to Mario and Paul for leading the run and being available for spotting/recovery just-in-case, and thanks to everyone who came out to make this the largest and most exciting Open House yet.
Lined up behind Mario (AT Overland) at the air down spot just above Cottonwood

A white van drives along a narrow dirt road on a forested hillside, surrounded by dense green trees and vegetation—a perfect setting for a Scenic Run.
Narrow shelf roads walled in by juniper and pinion pine weave between abandoned mines as we climb the side of Mingus Mountian

View from inside a car during an Overland Open House Scenic Run, driving on a narrow, muddy forest trail behind another SUV. Trees and dense greenery line both sides of the rough path.
The dark and muddy eastern slope of Mingus often resembles the tropics, especially at the end of monsoon season

A white vintage van with an open sliding door is parked on a dirt patch in a forest, hinting at an Overland Open House. Camping gear fills the van, while a stone campfire ring with charred wood sits in the foreground.
One of the many great vehicles to visit at the Open House, parked for lunch at one of the many great camping spots on Mingus

A row of off-road vehicles parked on a dirt trail at the Overland Open House, surrounded by trees and cloudy skies, with the focus on the side and rear of the nearest cars during this scenic run.
The little Fozzy hangin’ with the big dogs

A group of off-road vehicles parked on a dirt clearing in a forested area with mountains in the background; people stand and sit near the vehicles, enjoying the outdoor setting at an Overland event.
A lunch spot that does not suck (note the view, next photo)

A wide view of a green valley with scattered trees, a small town in the center, distant reddish mountains, and a cloudy blue sky above—perfect for a Scenic Run or exploring during an Overland Open House.
Cottonwood, Sedona, Mogollon Rim, and thunderstorms

A person grills hamburger patties over an open flame at the Overland Open House, using metal spatulas to flip the burgers. Smoke and fire rise around the patties, with condiments visible in the background.
Regardless of ease or difficulty, there’s not much that beats pulling in from a trail run to cold beer and hot BBQ

About the Author

Chazz Layne is an adventurer, designer, and photographer based in Prescott, Arizona. Since early childhood he’s had a passion for travel and exploration, a passion which continues to fuel both his creativity and modern nomadic lifestyle. In addition to his work in design and photography, Chazz is a regular contributor to Expedition Portal and Overland Journal. You can connect with Chazz or learn more about his activities at chazzlayne.com.

 

I’m a designer, photographer, author, and adventurist. I’m the lead creative at Layne Studio. I shoot photos for clients in the adventure, automotive, and outdoor industries. I write articles for travel and adventure publications. I make stuff in the Layne Workshop. I’m based out of Prescott, Arizona, but I prefer wanderlust over the comforts of home.