High Desert Roundup, 2005, the 34th Annual event...  Where does one begin to describe such an awesome event?

High Desert Roundup is held every Memorial Day weekend, and it's a major fund-raising event hosted by the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs.  The funds to the association, which uses the money to lobby our elected representatives to ensure that our trails stay open to four wheeling, and to keep the Sierra Clubbers and their minions at bay.

Hi Desert features trails of every difficulty, from the extra difficult "Pumpkin Eater," which requires double lockers and 33" tires, to the Blue Moon, which is suitable for any stock four-wheel drive vehicle.  The event features runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday is really special, as it features vehicle games, held in a special area north of camp.

Along with Panamint Valley Days in November, Hi Desert features Chef Andy's Ruff Rock Run Cafe.  Chef Andy serves delicious food in the desert, so you don't have to cook or wash dishes.  And Saturday night is extra special, as that is the night that Chef Andy serves his mouth-watering deep-pit barbecue dinner.

You don't have to pack your trash home with you, as the Association provides a 30-yard dumpster.

After the Sunday vehicle games are finished, the evening activities features awards presentations and the traditional raffle, held under a big-top tent.  

This article does not pretend to cover the whole event, nor does it intend to, as High Desert Roundup is simply to big for one reporter to cover.  It merely covers the events and activities that I participated in.  For example, I attended the Blue Moon trail run, so my article will be about that particular run.  I did not attend the awards presentation or the raffle (I feel asleep around our campfire) so there will be nothing on that subject.

I took a total of exactly 650 4-megapixel digital images at the event, using a Fuji FinePix S-5100 camera.  I compiled this article from field notes I took, and the High Desert brochure that I received at registration.

If you've never attended a organized four-wheel drive event, you really should come to Hi Desert Roundup. It truly features something for everyone.  I can't begin to put into words how much I enjoyed High Desert Roundup.  I'll be back next year, and I'm looking forward to Panamint Valley Days in November.

Thank you, CA4WDC, for putting on such a great event!

Eric Rench, June 1, 2005.