Off-Road Adventures and Beyond 

The Winter 4×4 Jamboree in Hurricane, Utah, has become an established event for off-road enthusiasts, drawing participants and spectators from across the country. The history of this Jamboree is marked by the passion for adventure, the love of off-roading, and the spirit of community. The event is conducted annually during the third week of January.

The roots of the Winter 4×4 Jamboree can be traced back to 2014, when a group of local off-road enthusiasts envisioned creating a winter off-roading event that would showcase the breathtaking landscapes of southwest Utah. With the support of the community, the inaugural Winter 4×4 Jamboree was held in January of 2015, bringing together 284 registrants.

The event is organized by volunteers with the Desert Roads and Trails Society (DRATS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. DRATS is committed to preserving the open spaces and the natural beauty of southern Utah and northern Arizona and supporting like-minded organizations. In addition to managing the Jamboree, DRATS is dedicated to annually conducting four cleanups on our public lands.

Four Days of 4x4s

After the facilities and vendor setup on Tuesday, Jan. 16, the four-day 2024 event kicked off at the Washington County Fairgrounds on the morning of  the 17th with vehicles lined up in the 32-lane staging area.

Saturday night marked the long-anticipated barbecue supper that was enjoyed by over 500 attendees. Afterwards, a fundraising raffle featured donated prizes from local, regional, and national companies, including products like light bars, two sets of tires, several winches, lubricants, and many other high-end items.

The event offered 44 trail options, and 151 trail passes were conducted throughout the event. The trails included everything from mild to the wild, where only radically built rock-crawling vehicles dared to tread.Experienced volunteer leaders guided challengers along the trails. In all, 1,300 vehicles and 1,150 participants and volunteers attended the 2024 event.

Thankful Beneficiaries

Profits from the event were donated to the Utah Public Lands Alliance, (UPLA), Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association (U4WDA), and the Blue-Ribbon Coalition (BRC). In appreciation of their support during the event, the Washington County Search and Rescue also received donated funds.

UPLA, U4WDA, and the BRC are organizations active in advocating for maintaining wild land access by individuals of all capabilities and the conservation and preservation of our public lands. They work in coalition with all stakeholders to increase public awareness and work closely with regulatory agencies regarding all facets of land management, including improvement, access, enforcement, and protection.

Over the years, the Winter 4×4 Jamboree has gained momentum, attracting more participants and sponsors. Off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the event not only for the challenging trails, but also for the camaraderie and the chance to explore the unique and magnificent terrain that this area of Utah has to offer.

One of the defining features of the Winter 4×4 Jamboree is its close connection to the local community and cities. The event has not only provided sizable economic benefits to Hurricane, Washington County, and the Bureau of Land Management, but has also actively engaged with local businesses, charities, and organizations. The Jamboree has become a source of pride, fostering a sense of unity and shared passion for the off-roading sport.

As the Winter 4×4 Jamboree continues to thrive, the organizers remain committed to maintaining the event’s core values of adventure, community, and respect for the environment. Future plans may include expanding and modifying trail options, introducing new activities, embracing evolving off-road technologies, and ensuring that the Jamboree remains a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts.

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Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD May/June 2024.