Toyota 4Runner Jamboree - Hammer Down

Randy and Christa Slawson are regular attendees of the jamboree. Here Christa wheels the couple's Xtra Cab truck around a large boulder, headed up the new Bender Alley trail.

Pat Murphy's '85 4Runner-turned-rock-buggy was fresh out of the shop. He removed the stock sheetmetal, added some tube and then reskinned it in its narrower form. Lincoln LS headlights fit well in the trimmed front end.

Coming down Jack Hammer can be a little tricky. Larry Zager got caught off-guard and went rubber-side-up coming off one of the bigger ledges. Fortunately, the full cage kept all safe inside.

All Pro Off Road owner and rockcrawling competitor Jon Bundrant led one of the intermediate runs on Saturday. He always seems to show up with a trick new truck, and this year was no exception.

Friday afternoon on top of Jack Hammer, David Brian Cole and Maria Lujan Catuegno pledged their love to one another surrounded by a group of fellow wheelers.

Saturday morning, several hundred rigs lined up on the lakebed ready to head out to the many trails for the day. The possibilities ran from scenic to extreme, with something to suit each participant's skill level and equipment.

Lisa Linker tried driving through the cones Sunday. She crawled right up this rock ledge and cleanly off the backside. This buggy started as a Toyota, but has metamorphed as time has passed.

Todd Steele has traversed many of the Johnson Valley trails in his yellow 4Runner, affectionately called "The Short Bus." He's painted over a few battle scars.

Bender Alley offered plenty of action. The trail is strewn with large boulders and ledges, and rises steeply from start to finish. A steep descent at the trail exit will keep you fully alert as well.