2018 Overland Expo West - Photo Gallery & 2019 Ghost Divide Expedition [Overland to the Expo] Invite
Invite: Attention all 2019 Overland Expo West bound Overlanders, Adventurists & Nomads! If your prospective 2019 Overland Expo West trip involves copious amounts of pavement, roadside diners, and dingy motels, consider airing-down, engaging 4WD, and taking the path less traveled with New Mexico Backroads.
Register: Ready for your next great adventure? If you are interested in joining the 2019 Ghost Divide Expedition, email NMBackroads@gmail.com for additional driver/equipment requirements and registration details will be provided.
What past Ghost Dividers are saying…
"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
“This was my 2nd trip with NMBR. Will do many more, I hope. Jake runs this like it should be run. Great guy and knows the area. Long days and lots of driving makes sleeping at night easy. One of the best parts of the trip is It brings you together with people that like the same thing as you. Great guide and great people make this trip worth going. Got to see parts of NM and AZ that not many people get to see.” – Pat B., Arkansas
Register: Ready for your next great adventure? If you are interested in joining the 2019 Ghost Divide Expedition, email NMBackroads@gmail.com for additional driver/equipment requirements and registration details will be provided.
GDE Preview: Visit the NMBR’s New Mexico Ghost Divide Expedition photo gallery for a preview of the Ghost Divide Expedition. LINK
The Experience: This May, NMBR will be guiding a 500-mile expedition en-route to the Overland Expo West that will traverse New Mexico and Arizona’s loneliest backroads. The GDE route will cover three unique areas—Gila National Forest, White Mountains, and Mogollon Rim. Over two-thirds of the Ghost Divide Expedition route will be comprised of unpaved backroads. The Ghost Divide Expedition will provide a demanding (yet rewarding) experience—the days will be long, the terrain will be rugged, and the pace will be brisk. All nights will include camping and enjoying the company of fellow overlanders, deep in the backcountry. For those that join in, the only guarantee is that they will conclude their adventure with new friends, dirty rigs, big smiles, and an accomplishment that will make their fellow overlanders envious.
The Experience: This May, NMBR will be guiding a 500-mile expedition en-route to the Overland Expo West that will traverse New Mexico and Arizona’s loneliest backroads. The GDE route will cover three unique areas—Gila National Forest, White Mountains, and Mogollon Rim. Over two-thirds of the Ghost Divide Expedition route will be comprised of unpaved backroads. The Ghost Divide Expedition will provide a demanding (yet rewarding) experience—the days will be long, the terrain will be rugged, and the pace will be brisk. All nights will include camping and enjoying the company of fellow overlanders, deep in the backcountry. For those that join in, the only guarantee is that they will conclude their adventure with new friends, dirty rigs, big smiles, and an accomplishment that will make their fellow overlanders envious.
This year will mark the 9th year New Mexico Backroads has guided a multi-day expedition in connection with the Overland Expo West. The Ghost Divide Expedition route will include a diverse range of scenery, history, terrain, and backroads found nowhere else in North America. Landscapes and terrain will include desert, grassland, chaparral, canyon bottoms, wildland burn scars, and dense forest with elevations ranging from approximately 4,250 to 9,575-feet. Road types and conditions will include washboards, two tracks, primitive non-maintained, graded, mountain shelf, dirt byway, and (least of all) pavement. The Ghost Divide Expedition will provide outstanding vistas, historic landmarks, and wildlife viewing opportunities (including Mexican grey wolf territory). During the overland based adventure, NMBR will cover a variety of topics including area history, vehicle maintenance, overland tool kit assembly, driving techniques, vehicle dynamics, and other 4WD-based skill building subjects.
Where, When & Pricing: The Ghost Divide Expedition will take place in the week leading up to the Overland Expo; Sunday, May 12th through Thursday, May 16th. Participants will meet the morning of Sunday, May 12th in southern New Mexico; the departure location and details will be provided during the GDE registration process. The Overland Expo West begins the morning of Friday, May 17th and ends the evening of Sunday, May 19th. Pricing for single driver (single participant) is $799.00 (plus tax). Pricing for each additional participant in vehicle (passengers, second drivers, minors) is $474.00 (plus tax).
Planning & Preparations: The Ghost Divide Expedition will require participants to be self-supportive with regards to vehicle, equipment, provisions, meals, and supplies. Services or re-supply of any kind, including cell signals, fuel, food, water, or anything remotely civilized, will be unavailable for stretches of up to 225 miles or more (if re-routes occur). PLEASE NOTE: The majority Ghost Divide Expedition will take place at altitudes above 6,500-feet (in the high-country) where Spring temperatures can still drop below freezing and snow is entirely possible. Please understand that driving and camping conditions could be very cold, wet, muddy, and/or snowy during the GDE. If these possible conditions don’t appeal to you, or outside of your comfort zone for overland travels, please consider NMBR’s summer and fall based overland trips instead.
Go Boldly with NMBR - Over the past decade, NMBR has written a series of informative overland travel based articles with topics ranging from field kit assembly, to vehicle maintenance and upkeep, to equipment and gear advice. These articles, paired with extensive checklists and instructions, are provided to registered participants as a solid foundation for what to expect, how to prepare, and what to bring for the adventure. During the Ghost Divide Expedition pre-trip planning and preparation period, NMBR will be available to provide expert opinion and feedback to registered participants for any questions or concerns related to getting ready and gearing up for the adventure. During the GDE, NMBR will revisit many of the topics that were covered in the pre-trip period with in field demonstrations and lessons. The self-sufficient aspect of NMBR guided expeditions and overland adventures and training challenges and prepares participants for their future 4WD based endeavors—to go boldly, prepared, and with confidence.
"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
“This was my 2nd trip with NMBR. Will do many more, I hope. Jake runs this like it should be run. Great guy and knows the area. Long days and lots of driving makes sleeping at night easy. One of the best parts of the trip is It brings you together with people that like the same thing as you. Great guide and great people make this trip worth going. Got to see parts of NM and AZ that not many people get to see.” – Pat B., Arkansas
Ghost Divide Expedition Features:
Four-Wheeler Magazine -Writer and photographer Michael Rudd highlights his journey on the 2016 Ghost Divide Expedition. LINK
TCT Magazine - Writer and photographer Phillip Jones recounts his experience on the 2015 Ghost Divide Expedition. LINK (GDE story starts on page 6)
MOTUS - Zach Berning, Digital Editor at Motus, previews NMBR’s 2015 Ghost Divide Expedition. LINK
Four-Wheeler Magazine -Writer and photographer Michael Rudd highlights his journey on the 2016 Ghost Divide Expedition. LINK
TCT Magazine - Writer and photographer Phillip Jones recounts his experience on the 2015 Ghost Divide Expedition. LINK (GDE story starts on page 6)
MOTUS - Zach Berning, Digital Editor at Motus, previews NMBR’s 2015 Ghost Divide Expedition. LINK
More Information: Ready for your next great adventure? If you are interested in joining the 2019 Ghost Divide Expedition, email NMBackroads@gmail.com for additional driver/equipment requirements and registration details will be provided.
2018 Overland Expo West - Photo Gallery & Highlights
2018 Overland Expo West - Photo Gallery & Highlights

OK 4WD RAM 3500 with full American Expedition Vehicles RAM parts line-up

The truck features a multi-directional tilting aluminum tray-bed, AEV HighMark high-clearance fender kit, and [massive] 40-inch Cooper Tires

American Expedition Vehicles Outpost II – The JK-350 [based] platform RV concept was designed and built by AEV’s President Dave Harriton

ARB Chevy Colorado Front Bumper - The ARB Summit Bumper features the latest styling from ARB including press form cover straps, larger ARB fog light and surround, three-piece split pan grill with access doors for winch clutch operation and a recessed winch control box mount for a sleek, integrated appearance. - via ARB

CVT roof-top tent equipped Toyota Landcruiser Troopy


Overland Journal Toyota BJ74 Land Cruiser

5th Generation Toyota 4Runner featuring CBI Bumpers, Factor 55 fairlead/hook combo, Baja Designs lighting, Safari Snorkel, and James Baroud roof-top tent

CBI Chevy Colorado - New release winch mounting system and frontal protection

EARTHROAMER XV-LTS - The "go anywhere it fits" luxury all-terrain RV (built on a Ford F-550 platform) starts at $451,000.00

EARTHROAMER XV-HD - Starting at $1.5M, the XV-HD features a Ford F-750 platform, 150-gallon fuel capacity, and Vaccum-Infused Molded Composite Camper Body

Aluminum Meets Aussie Ingenuity - Norweld aluminum canopy outfitted Toyota Tacoma

Norweld Canopy - The bed/canopy combo features full extension flush side doors, roof rack, spare tire mount, jerry can holder/s, and multiple lashing points

Go Fast Campers – GFC's 250-pound unit is the lightest popup truck camper available. Pricing starting at $5750 + Shipping

Go Fast Campers – Base Features: Camper assembly (Canopy, lifting roof portion, transform-a-floor and mattress); Operable aluminum hard sides, with locking latches; Aluminum sides will be available in choice of white, silver or black powder-coat; Aluminum tent frame and DOM tube space-frame powder-coated in gunmetal; Mattress cushions and covers; Truck-specific CNC machined mounting kit; LED third brake light and wiring harness

XP Camper - The V2 – Pricing for the compact XP Camper with truck tray starts at $58,400.00 installed

Acela Truck Comapny Monterra 4X4

Josh Commons’ Rugged Companion 1976 Toyota FJ40

New Legend International Harvester Scout II

Custom 79 Series Land Cruiser Pickup – The Resurrection LandCruisers’ built truck features aCummins R2.8 engine, Electronic Locking
Differentials, Bilstein Shocks, Rigid Lighting, ARB Front Bumper, Warn Winch, Maxxis
RAZR MT tires, and 60 Gallons Fuel Capacity

Maltec US Imports
overland pop-up style campers to the US that are fast to set up, expedition
ready and are based on Toyota Landcruisers and Mercedes Benz trucks.

Telluride Colorado based Maltec US, headed by Alex Ulivi,
custom modifies Toyota Landcruisers and Mercedes Benz trucks with carbon fiber
cabins that feature luxury interiors.

Maltec US kitted Landcruiser 200

Maltec US built custom interior

Global Expedition Vehicles GXV with RAM 5500 platform and AEV Ram parts

Roamr “Tomahawk” Jeep Gladiator/J20

The SEMA J20 "Tomahawk" build sits atop a Wrangler JK platform

Custom kitted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 RV

Nuthouse Industries Expedition Truck Bed Tray Pullout - This full
extension, all aluminum, bed tray has a load capacity of 1000 lbs.

1970 Toyota FJ40

ARB Tacoma

Chris Cordes’ 7.3-liter
turbo-diesel Excursion (Overland Journal/Expedition Portal Display)

1962 Willys Wagon

American Expedition Vehicles Outpost II – Weighing in at 6400lbs (light considering the upgrades) the Outpost II is equipped with AEV's new high capacity springs and custom Dynatrac axles

American Expedition Vehicles Outpost II – The spacious interior makes for comfortable backroads camping set-up

Adventure Trailers Habitat Truck Topper with AEV RAM 2500
Platform

ARB Toyota Tacoma Summit Front Bumper

ARB Chevy Colorado Summit Front Bumper

CBI Chevy Colorado Winch Plate and Armor

Adventure Trailers Habitat Truck Topper - The Habitat can be deployed
by one person to reveal a full stand up cabin area with protective (all-season)
canopy. The cantilever sleeping platform supports 600 lbs.

Goose Gear Interior equipped AEV RAM 2500

Watchdog at Blue Ridge Overland Gear's base camp

Falken Tire Unimog