NMBR’s 2016 Ghost Divide Expeditions [GDE16] - Overland Expo West Based Expeditions

Ghost Divide Expedition [Original] – Overland to the Expo - Sunday, May 15th -19th, 2016 
and 
Ghost Divide Expedition II – Overland from the Expo - Monday, May 23rd - 27th, 2016

Overview & Invite:

If your prospective 2016 Overland Expo WEST trip involves copious amounts of pavement, consider airing-down, engaging 4WD, and taking the path less traveled with New Mexico Backroads.

Updated 11/9/15 - Due to high demand, NMBR will be guiding two separate five day [500-mile] expeditions that will traverse some of New Mexico and Arizona’s loneliest backroads. 

The Ghost Divide Expedition [Original] will lead to the 2016 Overland Expo WEST; the Ghost Divide Expedition II will lead from the 2016 Overland Expo WEST.  Both Ghost Divide Expeditions will follow the same route and cover three unique areas—Gila National Forest, White Mountains, and Mogollon Rim.  Over two-thirds of the Ghost Divide Expeditions route will be comprised of unpaved roads.  The Ghost Divide Expeditions will provide a demanding [yet rewarding] experience—the days will be long, the roads will be unforgiving, and the pace will be brisk.  The Ghost Divide Expeditions will require participants to be self-supportive with regards to vehicle, equipment, meals and supplies.  All nights will include camping and enjoying the company of fellow overlanders, deep in the backcountry. 

For the Ghost Divide Expeditions, New Mexico Backroads seeks the most self-sufficient, open-minded, and good spirited overlanders.

Where & When: 

The Ghost Divide Expedition [Original] will take place during the week leading up to the Overland Expo WEST—Sunday, May 15th through Thursday, May 19th.  Participants will meet the morning of Sunday May 15^th in Southern New Mexico; the exact time and departure location will be announced to participants on April 1^st, 2016.

The Overland Expo WEST begins the morning of Friday, May 20^th and ends the evening of Sunday, May 22^nd. 

The Ghost Divide Expedition II will take place during the week following the Overland Expo WEST—Monday, May 23^rd through Friday, May 27^th.  Participants will meet the morning of Monday, May 23rd at Mormon Lake [site of the Overland Expo WEST]; the exact departure time will be announced to participants on April 1st. 

Peparations:

The Ghost Divide Expeditions will require participants to be self-supportive with regards to vehicle, equipment, meals and supplies.  All nights will include camping and enjoying natural surroundings, deep in the backcountry.  Services of any kind, including cell, fuel, or anything remotely civilized, will be unavailable for stretches of up to 225 miles.  In the time leading up to the Ghost Divide Expeditions, participants (or Ghost Dividers) will be provided with helpful and extensive information on how to prepare for the adventure and what to expect.  The self-sufficient aspect of NMBR guided expeditions [and other 4WD based adventures] challenges and prepares participants for their future 4WD based endeavors—to go boldly, prepared, and with confidence.   

The Experience:

2016 will mark the 5th year New Mexico Backroads has guided the Ghost Divide Expeditions in connection with the Overland Expo WEST; this year’s route will be the longest, roughest and best yet.  The 500-mile Ghost Divide Expeditions will include a diverse range of scenery and terrain including desert, grassland, chaparral, forest, rivers, canyons, creeks, lakes, and wildland burn scars.  Road types and conditions will include canyon bottom narrows, washboards, rutted two tracks, primitive non-maintained, graded, mountain shelf, and [least of all] paved highway.  The Ghost Divide Expeditions will feature outstanding vistas, dozens of water crossings, historic landmarks, wildlife viewing opportunities [including Mexican grey wolf territory], and aggressive elevation contours [between 4,000 and 9,000 feet].  For those that join in, the only guarantee is that they will conclude their adventure with new friends, dirty rigs, big smiles, and stories that will make their fellow overlanders envious. 

Ghost Divide Expeditions Resources & Features:

NMBR’s Ghost Divide Expeditions photo gallery LINK

TCT Magazine Article - Writer and photographer Phillip Jones recounts his experience on the 2015 Ghost Divide Expedition. LINK (GDE story starts on page 6)

MOTUS Article -  Zach Berning, Digital Editor at Motus, previews NMBR’s 2015 Ghost Divide Expeditions. LINK

REVOLUTION EXPEDITION Article - Adventurist Terry Baker recounts his experience on the 2015 Ghost Divide Expedition. LINK

Perspective from a 2015 Ghost Divider -

     "Just finished the Ghost Divide Expedition II with Jake Quinones, our guide at New Mexico Backroads and I just can't say enough of what a great time I had. The trip was seamless, the scenery and backcountry was just absolutely beautiful. But our guide made all the difference in the world. His knowledge and history of all the areas were outstanding, making the places we saw come alive. I never questioned his capability or his professionalism at any time. I would and will travel with NMBR many more times in the future! One trip off the bucket list. Now for the rest..." - Debbie W., Northern Arizona

The Next Step

If you are interested in joining one of the 2016 Ghost Divide Expeditions [Original or II], please email nmbackroads(at)gmail.com for full details, pricing and registration information.