Overland-based Adventure departing from the Overland Expo West for XL sized overland vehicles – Monday, May 23rd through Thursday, May 26th, 2022 – Professionally guided by New Mexico Black Range’s Jake Quiñones
Register now to reserve your adventure!
Invite
Attention all 2022 Overland Expo West bound overlanders, adventurists, and nomads! If your prospective Overland Expo West trip involves copious amounts of pavement, roadside diners, and dingy motels, consider taking the path less traveled with New Mexico Black Range. Ghost Divide Expedition XL route and experience was created specifically for capable (XL-sized) four-wheel drive overland vehicles (such as large truck/camper combos, truck or SUV and expedition trailer combos, vans, Sprinters, Sportsmobiles, Earth Roamers, Earth Cruisers, and similar vehicle platforms).
GDE Overview
Arizona & New Mexico // 4 Days // 400 Miles // Elev. 4,250 to 9,000 ft. // The Ghost Divide Expedition XL will begin in Flagstaff, Arizona and conclude in New Mexico. Areas of exploration will include Continental Divide, Gila National Forest, White Mountains, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Rim Country, and Coconino National Forest.
The Experience
The Experience: This May, New Mexico Black Range will be guiding a 400-mile expedition leading from the Overland Expo West that will traverse Arizona and New Mexico’s loneliest backroads. Ghost Divide Expedition XL route and experience was created specifically for capable (XL-sized) four-wheel drive overland vehicles (such as large truck/camper combos, truck or SUV and expedition trailer combos, vans, Sprinters, Sportsmobiles, Earth Roamers, Earth Cruisers, and similar vehicle platforms). The GDE-XL route does not feature the tight and technical trail sections of the original Ghost Divide Expedition, but still provides hundreds of miles of rugged and remote backroads appropriate for XL-sized overland rigs. The GDE-XL route will cover three unique regions—Gila National Forest, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and Coconino National Forest. Over two-thirds of the Ghost Divide Expedition XL route will be comprised of unpaved backroads.
The overland-based tour will require participants to be self-supportive with regards to vehicle, equipment, provisions, meals, and supplies. 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.
2022 will mark the 12th year NMBR has guided a multi-day expedition in connection with the Overland Expo West. The Ghost Divide Expedition XL 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 9,000-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 XL 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 kit assembly, driving techniques, vehicle dynamics/mechanics, and other 4WD-based skill building subjects.
Where, When & Pricing
The Ghost Divide Expedition XL will take place in the week leading up to the Overland Expo West; Monday, May 23rd through Thursday, May 26th, 2022. Participants will meet the morning of Monday, May 23rd in Flagstaff, Arizona. Pricing for single driver (single participant) is $891.00 (plus tax). Pricing for each additional participant in vehicle (passengers, second drivers, minors) is $752.00 (plus tax).
Planning & Preparations
The Ghost Divide Expedition XL will require participants to be self-supportive with regards to vehicle, equipment, 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).
Go Boldly with NMBR - Over the past decade, New Mexico Black Range has written a series of informative overland travel-based articles (NMBR’s Field Preparedness Manual) 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 XL 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 Ghost Divide Expedition XL, NMBR will revisit many of the topics covered in NMBR’s Field Preparedness Manual with discussions, demonstrations, and lessons. The self-sufficient aspect of NMBR guided expeditions, overland adventures, and training courses challenges and prepares participants for their future 4WD based endeavors—to go boldly, prepared, and with confidence.
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
How to Register
If you are interested in joining NMBR’s 2022 Ghost Divide Expedition XL, please email jake@newmexicoblackrange.com or submit a request below, and additional driver, vehicle/equipment/provision requirements, and registration details will be provided. Please reach out to NMBR with any questions or feedback you may have.