At the beginning of this year, I was able to purchase a new-to-me 2015 Lexus GX 460 and had been waiting for the right moment to take it off the pavement and into the dirt. After wrapping up a 10-day work trip this summer, I decided it was time to hit the road and make it happen.
With some basic camping gear packed, I set out on a two-day, 21-hour journey covering 600 miles—150 of which were off-road. I navigated a variety of forest service roads and OHV trails throughout the Eastern Sierras, exploring the Gold Lake Highway and discovering countless alpine lakes and streams along the way.
My trusty vehicle came through like a champ, suffering only a few minor scuffs and scratches. I only had to make one significant tactical retreat, but that was part of the fun. I’m looking forward to many more trips off the grid.
