Adventure into Arizona's Kofa Wildlife Refuge

Have you ever wanted to explore the Kofa Wildlife Refuge area in Arizona? It's a region I've been wanting to visit for a long time and this year I was invited once again to the Centerforce Overland Adventure run and we begin our first couple days of the drip in Kofa. We explore over 60 miles of trails, camp at the old Kofa Cabin and visit the Wilbanks cabin, soak in the surrounding geology, plantlike and scenery. The next leg of this adventure gets even more interesting so keep an ey out for part 2 coming soon!
Part 2 of this adventure: • Miles of Flooded Trail...
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0:00 Introduction

[@jordi011170]

Just a small donation to say thank you for all you share with us!!

[@TrailRecon]

Wow! Thank you so much, that really means a lot!

[@Aaron-ge1hy]

Thank you for kindly taking us along, Brad. I really enjoyed it, sir! I appreciate you also reiterating the "leave it better than you found it" mantra!

[@backwoodstherapy]

You're just out here living your best life. I'm living vicariously through you until my daughter is old enough to start camping with me. 🤣

[@TrailRecon]

I'm trying! Being out with family are some of the best memories, I'm sure when your daughter is old enough she will cherish being out camping with you!

[@backwoodstherapy]

@@TrailRecon I'm counting down the days until she's old enough to get her first fishing pole. Still jealous of all the public lands and camping that's available to you! It's much more restricted on the east coast where I live. Hoping to drive a jeep out to the west coast one day and get to have some new experiences!

[@andyackerman7123]

The other day, I came across a 2 door jeep with a family of 4… top off, two toddlers, in car seats, in the back. Raising them right!

[@backwoodstherapy]

@@andyackerman7123 I'm at the park with my daughter now. Top down, doors off. She's 20 months. 🤣

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

​@@backwoodstherapy I was about that age when I went camping for the first time. I am 50 and some of my fondest memories are tent camping off grid.

[@Donnut123]

Without recoveries and mechanical issues, it's just another overloading video! Can't wait for part two. Bing it on Brad!

[@35jdub]

looks like some YEEYEEin was goin on in the next video! Excited to see it!

[@TrailRecon]

Oh ya, we had some fun on the next leg!

[@Thatwildlifeguyy02]

Thanks for bringing some awareness to my favorite refuge and wilderness! Especially love the quick shot of the regulation sign in the beginning. Need all the help we can get keeping our wilderness pristine.

[@dwdodgelover]

I’m a simple man. I see XJ’s in a thumbnail, I click Like 🤷‍♂️

[@yamhammer]

Brad you are living your best life. Bravo sir! 👏

[@JillianRebekahMountainYot]

Always a great memory time capsule ❤ looking forward to day 2!

[@adrianw3985]

I enjoy living in Arizona. A lot of great places to explore. I still have so much to explore even after living here for more then 12 years.

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

So many Indian Ruins too - AZ has got a lot for Jeeperos!

[@TrailRecon]

You all have a lot of public lands, great place to live and have adventures!

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

@@TrailReconYes, but North to UT border too; Grand Escalante/North Rim. LMK if you need a guide or suggestions as I'm planning a series of 3 day trips in the N area

[@TrailRecon]

@@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258 I've been up to the North Rim a couple its an incredible area!

[@robert5712]

Brad wonderful description of the desert area. Very much enjoy your information about the geology and plant life. Your videos really show how the different rigs handle the terrain and that is alway of interest.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, really appreciate that!

[@karelesterhuizen7117]

Just love the JK and the new lift, those red seats is just super.

[@alelwin]

Great Content. Always capture the bad weather in your content it adds to exciting drama to show how weather can effect your adventure. Thanks for sharing your always extraordinary great content. I also love the size of your convoy. You are also an amazing narrator. Thanks again.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Never know what Mother Nature will throw at us as you will see in the next episode.

[@overland_dadsfl]

Thanks Brad always for the videos.I’m at work in my lunch break and I’m on vacation mode watching it 👍👍🤙👍

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and hope you had a good lunch!

[@squatch2461]

"39's and six inches of lift, maybe I'm done for awhile?" 😄 My favorite Rocklander 🍻 I do enjoy learning from your videos for this end of the spectrum that is Overlanding. imho, ymmv

[@Stevenk770]

Haven’t watched the video yet but from the comments of part 1 and 2 I’m gunna watch it on the big tv, I can’t wait.

[@filthyoffroadadventures]

man some of those rigs are cool and nothing better than adventures with mates

[@ericlee8231]

I love the amazing variety of places we have to get offroad in AZ.

[@wardperozuk2782]

I am excited to explore the KOFA area as that is about 30 minutes from our new winter home! Thanks for taking us along and I look forward to part 2. Cheers!!

[@jeffranck6080]

Love your trip reports. We're RVers with a "day trip" overland bent and I love to see these multi-day efforts. Thanks! love to see an update on your radio installs at some point.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I've done a few radio install in the past, just have to search bit on my main page.

[@c_b_3_]

Love watching your videos with my 8 and 4 year old boys! Thanks for putting out content we can watch together!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Keeping the content family friending is an important value for this channel!

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

The Wagoneer in the mix with over-under headlights is pretty cool. Gives it a little of that K-5 Blazer vibe.

[@TrailRecon]

It was a great rig to watch get after it on the trip

[@C-Noel]

Another great video!

[@IsaacRodriguez89]

genuinely excited to see the rest of this journey.

[@NasTimeAdventures]

Beautiful cowboy country. Seeing it on horseback would be my first preference. Otherwise I'd be happy to see it from a jeep. Thanks for sharing.

[@charleshicks3492]

Excellent, can’t wait for part 2😎⭐️🤩🥃

[@zacbell5190]

Looks like another fun drip Brad. ;)

[@brunnie]

Looks like it is going to be a very interesting trip. Saddle up, grab a deep seat and hang on. Here we go.

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

Agree, KOFA is a great place to Overland. Found some natural springs near the KOFA monument that had lots of wildlife. Thanks for sharing.

[@InGratitudeIam]

It's an amazing area, surrounded on 3 sides by the Yuma Test Range! Exhilarating to say the least. :))

[@henrikm4657]

I just came back from Kofa a couple of days ago! Camped out off of Kofa Queen Canyon Rd! What a cool place!

[@ohsea9898]

Can’t wait for part 2. I really enjoy these videos.

[@TrailRecon]

Coming soon!

[@taurota1554]

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks for joining me!

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Wet and muddy - my favorite! 😁

[@1allanbmw]

Delivered a load of steel pipe to Leadville CO after spending the night in the Freightliner one snowy October 30 yrs ago. Rolling off the mountain in the still early morning sunshine (now unloaded), decided to pull over in a turnout and wash my head. Kept a 5 gal container on the passenger side just for such occasions. As I was drying my hair (still had some then!) I realized a bighorn sheep (Ram!) was up above me, watching me do my thing. I wished him a very good morning and felt blessed to have seen such a majestic sight right on the pavement. One other time, rolling south on I-15 in the high desert of Southern California maybe south of Baker, saw another one, just having a look at all us humans going up and down the highway. They're out there, brother Brad. Keep your eyes peeled!!

[@TrailRecon]

One of these days, fingers crossed I'll get to see one!

[@eli-bt4he]

You should mark the Harqua Hala Peak Trail to do when you come back to the area. It's a moderate 10 mile trail to the top of the highest peak in the area- just on the other side of I-10. I love that red XJ with the dual JCR tire carriers- looks like a Wagoneer model!

[@fasteddie1]

I was waiting to hear "Mario, whatcha cooking?!"

[@hoists1829]

Awesome video

[@user-lb7sr9sl2w]

We did our maiden Arizona Homeward for Heroes trek in the Kofa in mid-March, Super Cool Place!!!

[@jdotsalter910]

I live on the Navajo Rez and take my 99' 4runner limited all over the place and it's spectacular. They don't like outsiders offroading here but I keep it low key and blend in, riding solo with my classic rig. The Rez could have a yearly overland rally if they wanted to, and it would bring jobs and eyes to their people. But I get wanting to keep the land the way it has been.

[@mariodelrosario9578]

Just got back from Arizona with a jeep club, 3 nights. I'm going to have to check out this trail you did

[@needsofnavy5586]

Great video as always Brad, also note great music awareness and selection.a lot youtubers botch this. Perfect audio, perfect visuals.

[@larshamilton40]

Summit 4x4 is my shop in Prescott, Jesse and his crew are awesome people!.. looks like it was a blast out there 🌵

[@TrailRecon]

Great guys to have out on the trail as well!

[@stlouisarch2162]

Remindful of CCC cabins at Palo Duro. Did New Year's in one on the rim 20 years ago.

[@nativetexson]

The image of the new moon silhouette just before the end of the video is phenomenal!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! I think that was Jupiter just below it... wasn't sure it was going to be in focus, but thankfully it turned out.

[@ksdurham]

Great video, can't wait for part 2. Kofa is an amazing area. I was there in February 2020 attending Dave Bennett's American Adventurist - Desert Rendezvous event. Trails everywhere and Palm Canyon is a beautiful area to check out as well. Oscar Mike, on the move! 🤙😎

[@BackroadExploration]

Incredible trip! Loved seeing this unique part of the AZ desert!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Very nice 😊

[@Jeff-wu6wn]

with all this rain we have been getting here in AZ, plant life really has bloomed beautifully we just went on a ride in the superstition mountains and it was stunning!!

[@TrailRecon]

The desert was beautiful, but wait until you see part 2!

[@jeffquick7917]

Man is it beautiful out there, that crisp blue cloudless sky against the rock formations is just awesome, very jealous, look forward to heading out there one day…great vid Brad, keep it up!

[@TrailRecon]

We hit it at a perfect time of year, gorgeous the entire trip!

[@gen2-x364]

My favorite vehicle that you own. Reflective mirror tinted windows would look nice on your Jeep. Enjoyed the video.

[@Summit4x4Company]

What an awesome trip! Great video Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks guys, great to get to hang out with you all out there!

[@nwadventure1]

Another area ive covered parts of on my ktm890 adventure bike but never in my jeep or truck. Arizona backcountry has so much to explore. Great video. Thanks

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and agree, there are so many trails out there, I can't wait to go back for just a simple exploring mission.

[@zeyadalmamoori4477]

Man this is amazing I live in Arizona. i will have to give these trails a try. can not wait for the next episode.

[@TrailRecon]

It's a beautiful place to explore!

[@garretlewis4103]

Pretty cool you can camp on the National Wildlife Refuge. We have a few of those here in Virginia. You cannot camp on any of those. These scenery/area looked cool. I can see why you would want to go back.

[@bwofficial1776]

Great scenery and cool rigs. Whenever TrailRecon posts I hit like before I hit play because I know it's worth it. Random observation, I like the Wagoneer front end and export taillights on the red XJ. I also like the custom-fit MB front end on the diesel-sounding LJ.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, greatly appreciated! There were some great vehicles on this group.

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

I know, good wholesome exploration is a welcome change from what is on TV these days. Glad to see a new multi-day trip unfold!

[@conner7595]

I understand you have a lot to do and when you get to camp you want to relax but if you ever have the chance I love to see everyone’s setup “in detail” when you used to go around and ask people what they have and why. I loved that if you can do a extra video or make a patreon to include that. Either way love what you do and thanks for everything!

[@greenery.section8505]

My new favorite channel

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@munsami1990]

Just beautiful 😍 ❤ 😊

[@Artoffroadminiaturas]

Nice 😄

[@jameshenderson9228]

Now you're in my neighborhood. I grew up exploring there.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks fantastic adventure gracias amigo órale órale

[@EigerSummitOffroad]

Awesome Brad. What a great shakedown run too!

[@TrailRecon]

Oh ya, and we really shake things down in the next leg of this trip!

[@EigerSummitOffroad]

@@TrailRecon can't wait!

[@nealjohnson1461]

Great content Brad!!! Living in AZ you would think I spend a ton of time exploring Kofa but to the contrary I get most of my free time for travel in the summer months so I head to Flag then over to the Eastern Sierra’s. I can see now from your trip I better make some time for winter/spring travel in my own backyard. Cant wait for part 2

[@TrailRecon]

Lots to see in Arizona and I bet the temperatures would be reasonable in the some where we head in part 2

[@tomassanesson902]

You have sooo awesome epik video 👍

[@jeepinwithjulia]

Beautiful area. I love the old ghost towns. Those folks did live much harder lives.

[@TrailRecon]

Incredible area, but wait until you see where we go next in episode 2!

[@VeryCoolJeep]

Was nice chatting with you Brad! What a nice adventure that was.

[@TrailRecon]

Great talking with you as well, safe travels!

[@GATORADDAM]

You're killing me with the part 2 teaser! Lol. I absolutely love that Jeep! And I'm a Toyota guy.

[@TrailRecon]

Keep an eye out Saturday for part 2

[@Marc-xi7yi]

Great videos, keep up the good work! One question... What bumper are you using on the JK?

[@blueduster74]

I love SC(moved here in 21) but I do miss the desert and mountains out west. Coming back to Vista this week for the worst reason but it will be good to see old friends. Looking forward more trips back there for good reasons. Coyote Canyon by Borrego is a good spot for Big Horn Sheep just FYI.

[@frankferber3225]

Great video as always. How are you liking that Garmin Tread?

[@cookiebaker6133]

Great Content, would like to ask if it is possible to make video of how to set up the giant navigation screen in your jeep?

[@mitchellfoster]

I live in Phoenix and had no idea of the Kofa Wilderness. Wow!

[@TrailRecon]

Not too far away, you've got to go check it out!

[@AZXplorers]

🔥 👍 hope you get to come back to KOFA so much to explore and maybe you will be able to hit mud canyons

[@TrailRecon]

I'll be going back!

[@MarcAnthony_]

... great video ! I was wondering where do you guys get the music for your videos? It is really cool and I always enjoy listening to it.

[@MrFabiancontreras]

I love adventures but you must learn to cook lol. I hope one day to be able to go camping to the places that you go, good luck, blessings😅😅😅

[@steve337]

Great timing! Heading to the hotel treadmill now. My nine year old son Jake and I (we met you and your lovely bride at Loveland last year) are heading to Moab next week! We do two trips a year there. Family time outside and explore our wonderful West!

[@TrailRecon]

Hope you had a great workout and safe travels to Moab, you guys will love it!

[@robertwhitemoto]

Really good B-roll Brad ! surprised you didn't see any bighorn sheep in CO... the only place I've seen one :)

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! One of these days I hope to see one in the wild!

[@corksauve4949]

Eagerly waiting for the next videos in the series. In the mean time. Quartzite is a pretty unique place in the winter. You need to check out the Quartzite golf course. And check out the KOFA desert palm trees.

[@TrailRecon]

I'm not much of a golfer, but lots more I want to see out there. part 2 coming soon!

[@corksauve4949]

@@TrailRecon There golf course is quite different. You'll never see another one like it. And to call it a golf course is kind of tongue in cheek.

[@MrDaemondays]

Nice Video! However, one thing always surprises me. The fuel prices are so low where you live. Here we pay around 7,50 Dollars per gallon. Would love to see prices go down in the future. Nonetheless, your videos are inspiring me to go overlanding and camping more often. Keep them coming! Thx!

[@kellyduran9365]

Nice video. Where did you get your trail patches snd did you have to use Velcro to stick to your “headliner” ? Thanks

[@donnapablos8752]

Thanks Brad it’s good to see jk out are those 39”? Thank you again Don and Donna Hope idaho

[@TrailRecon]

So happy with how it handled this whole trip and yes, they are 39's. Thanks!

[@Jeepadventurechannel]

Lets plan a trip to Kofa, Im down the road from it. Jeep and trailer combo would be a good idea

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

Excellent story telling, glad to see you're in our back yard. I've often thought that you would enjoy the slot canyons just a hour North of I-10 at Lake Alamo - Maggie Slot Canyon and Rawhide slot canyon. They are a perfect distance for a stop on your trips Eastward

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, I'll have to look up that area.

[@harleymichael281]

Rubicon Adventure with Scotty Mac crazy I've not done those slot canyons. I know they are really cool. Rubicon Adventure with Scotty Mac do you agree it would be worth Brad spend a day at Alamo Lake, "Fantastic fishing" and a great place to camp. .Then could continue on the AZ Peace trail and hit up The "Nellie E Saloon" located in the Buckskin mountains north of Parker Arizona which operates It entirely on Solar in the middle of know where. Or just head to Wikieup on 93 from Lake Alamo and stop at Dazzos for killer Chicago dog? From there any number of alternatives to take.

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

@@harleymichael281 Roger that

[@jeffk464]

It's pretty green out there

[@TrailRecon]

Very green!

[@Camp3r]

I was camping in that exact cot-tent a few years ago when my campsite got flooded out. There was about 4-5 inches of rushing water flowing directly under the cot and I didn't know until I woke up. I would have been in some serious trouble had I been in a ground tent that trip.

[@TrailRecon]

Oh wow, I bet you were very thankful to be off the ground. Always have be on the alert camping in washes out in the desert.

[@mcse38]

Awesome!!! We relocated here a little over a year ago from Texas as we love it out here. There are more trails near us now without driving half a day to get to one. I have only been on one trail with a group go 50 cars but it was an awesome trip. If you are ever in Phoenix area I would love to meet up with y'all. I have been following y'all over three years now and a few other here on YT and y'all have been inspiring people to get out and live life to the fullest. I am still a newbie at this and taking it slow and lots of notes on what I will need to have.

[@TrailRecon]

Lots of public lands in AZ compared to TX. Not plans to be in Phoenix, but we will be in Flagstaff for the Overland Expo

[@mcse38]

@@TrailRecon Yeah I missed the Expo last year as we were getting settle in the new house and area. Pretty excited to go this year and meet all of y'all.

[@AustinHyde-cp9fe]

You’ve never spotted bighorn sheep in Anza?! That really surprised me for how often you are out there

[@TimothyCampbell-sp6lo]

Did you get rid of the Stinger head unit you installed a while back? I ask because I’m thinking about getting one in my 2016 JK and was wondering if you got rid of yours for any particular reason. Thanks for all the great content…love the channel!

[@woodandsteel3040]

Brad, just curious how is your tent on a warm summer night? Looks like I might be a little too warm for summer use. I'm starting to look around now for a new tent.

[@bobbymuy989]

Good morning ☀️

[@TrailRecon]

Good morning!

[@gregoryblock9083]

Thanks, awesome episode looking forward to its continuation. Confused by your use of the term wilderness in the name and description of the area. If it’s capital W wilderness how are the vehicles allowed, apologies in advance for my ignorance. ✌🏼❤️😊

[@TrailRecon]

@@gregoryblock9083 I misspoke, it's Wildlife Refuge, not wilderness.... sorry about that confusion.

[@landytrack2652]

Hello Brad, Another great video. KOFA is incredible. It was to see that you had the Garmin Tread XL with you again. Surely you are doing a review of it? I have had it in my vehicle for nine months and have not been disappointed so far. Am looking forward to your experiences. All the best Harald

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! Will be doing a review in the coming months. It's been ok so far, but not sure it will be my primary.

[@nathanklemm179]

I second this! I use Gaia for 4wd and camping but I’ve always been a fan of garmin gear for hiking and biking. I’ve been rooting for them to come out with a great, exploration oriented vehicle solution but just haven’t found it yet. Really interested to hear your take on the Tread!

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Love your videos. My wife and I have watched many of them. We were particularly interested in your video where you discussed ALL of the mods and upgrades that yo did to your silver "Dream Jeep". We sold our Sahara and we are planning for a 4DR Rubicon by next year. Is there a chance you could create a PART 2 video to your silver "Dream Jeep" video and create a list of items you chose, the IDEAL ORDER to have them added, and, most importantly, who you chose to do the various installs. That would be incredibly helpful and a nice boost to those businesses that did the work. If you chose these installers, that is all that we need to know to plan for these same businesses to do our installs as well. Thank you!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I'll have to think about a part 2, really haven't done a whole lot since the last one othere than some suspension tweeting.

[@chillis28]

👍👍

[@martinklaus2203]

Definitely only a Fall and early Spring trip out there. Don't want to be out there in Summer.

[@TrailRecon]

I imagine it gets pretty hot in the summer!

[@tim3kgt]

Brad, can you come back to AZ in early November for a veterans 4x4 event?

[@norcoredneck]

Always love your enthusiasm on all your adventures. Jeep looks great. Camp meals just aren’t the same without Marco….just sayin.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! Food is always better with Regena, Marco, Josh or just about anyone else but me cooking! LOL!

[@andyackerman7123]

@@TrailRecon LMAO I’m dying

[@zulksmash9128]

Wish I could have joined you. Need some AZ wheeling people

[@JeffCanyon]

Morning love your videos..... Noticed you are using the Garmin GPS for navigation, how is that working out compared to Gaia on an iPad?

[@TrailRecon]

There are a lot of things I like about the Garmin, but still not sure if it will be something I use for the long term... still testing some things.

[@unlimitedj06]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍