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!

[@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.

[@dwdodgelover]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@JillianRebekahMountainYot]

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

[@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!

[@Donnut123]

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

[@StlrNtn95]

Hey Brad....it looks like you got rid of the Stinger stereo? I had been considering the Stinger and am curious to hear what your experience was?

[@znjeep]

I was wondering the same thing…it’ll be interesting what his feedback is.

[@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!

[@TheWozWizard]

You keep calling it a wilderness area. If it was a "wilderness" area you would not be able to have motorized vehicles in it. It is a WILDLIFE Refuge. Big difference between the two.

[@adamburgess3243]

😂 calm down, its going to be alright.

[@TrailRecon]

you are correct, I misspoke

[@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!

[@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.

[@geraldsmith7240]

You All Need A Tow Truck, Looking At Those Old Wore Out Trucks… I’ll Pull You Out, With My New Range Rover Defender.💪🏻

[@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

[@djpuck5273]

Need to see some bighorns? come back to western colorado. Did you ever make it back to Kofa?

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

Now I am seriously looking at 4x4 vehicles. Maybe an old Nissan pickup. If anyone in az has an old 4x4 they are parting with, or know of one. Please me know. It may be a complete project. Doesn't have to be perfect. My dad and I are mechanically inclined.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@TimothyCampbell-8]

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!

[@ericg649]

I’ve had a ‘14 unlimited for almost 2 years but haven’t been able to get started over landing. This is my daily driver and I haul 2 future Jeep owners around so I feel like I’m probably limited in what we can do. What do you think?

[@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.

[@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!

[@DANREESE-r5g]

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

[@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.

[@mariodelrosario9578]

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

[@InGratitudeIam]

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

[@rohitkfacts5957]

Love your videos i share your channel to all adventure community in india it will be great if you add Hindi subtitles lots of love from India👍🏻👍🏻

[@Marc-xi7yi]

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

[@stlouisarch2162]

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

[@kellyduran9365]

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

[@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.

[@AustinHyde-cp9fe]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@_CharlieHarper]

... 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.

[@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.

[@henrikm4657]

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

[@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?

[@goffroad8979]

What happened to your Stinger heigh 10 stereo you installed?

[@TrailRecon]

Went back to stock, just didn't work out for my setup

[@goffroad8979]

Thanks for the reply, was thinking of buying it however read some negative reviews.

[@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😅😅😅

[@tim3kgt]

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

[@frankferber3225]

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

[@ericlee8231]

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

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks fantastic adventure gracias amigo órale órale

[@filthyoffroadadventures]

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

[@turbojunki]

Is this an older video repost ? I noticed you didn’t have the stinger radio.

[@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

[@warpony4202]

Tire tracks from hundreds of years ago.🤔🤣

[@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!

[@C-Noel]

Another great video!

[@checkthebriefcase]

Looks like another fun drip Brad. ;)

[@yamhammer]

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

[@karelesterhuizen7117]

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

[@fasteddie1]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@spinxt]

What nav are you running? That doesn't look like GAIA GPS,. Is that an iPad running a web-based map application or a stand along GPS system?

[@TrailRecon]

Testing out the Garmin Tread

[@daviddyogi8279]

i am surprise Marco is not with you guys!!

[@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!

[@drumdude68]

Hold up. How where you invited on the Centerforce Clutch run with an automatic transmission Jeep?

[@TrailRecon]

I won't tell if you don't!

[@SoapyGolem]

ground tent @5:45 what tarp is that underneath?

[@VeryCoolJeep]

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

[@TrailRecon]

Great talking with you as well, safe travels!

[@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.

[@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! 🤙😎

[@samuelsantiago3229]

Can a stock Ford F250 Tremor with 35 inch tires be able to handle these trails?

[@TrailRecon]

I think you'd be fine out there, but always best to explore with a friend in another vehicle.

[@tomassanesson902]

You have sooo awesome epik video 👍

[@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.

[@gen2-x364]

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

[@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!

[@needsofnavy5586]

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

[@DMVnomads]

I spy @overlandhistory!

[@TrailRecon]

Loved watching his XJ in action!

[@yuzeyang8847]

did I hear a diesel Wrangler?

[@Jeepadventurechannel]

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

[@zulksmash9128]

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

[@TheChris1500]

what you do for internet service on the trail? i made my first overland trip to Colorado and i had no service for gps, luckily i studied the trails before going and found my way around.

[@TrailRecon]

If you're talking about your navigation, you may want to pre-download maps for offline use. Typically we our off the grid... which I like. Starling is an option if you need service.

[@TheChris1500]

@@TrailRecon yeah i used onx and downloaded the maps but guess i didnt do it right my location would not show up and had to guess where i was.

[@brunnie]

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

[@charleshicks3492]

Excellent, can’t wait for part 2😎⭐️🤩🥃

[@jameshenderson9228]

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

[@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!

[@hoists1829]

Awesome video

[@edwardzvonik7157]

Brad, what kind of shocks are you running. I'm driving a 2017 unlimited Rubicon with a 4.5 lift and 35's and falcon 2.0 and getting beat up on the trail. Any advice, got a bad back and don't want to give up keeping.

[@TrailRecon]

These are the Falcon 2.0 and if you want something you can adjust a make a little softer, maybe upgrade to the 3.3's?

[@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!

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Very nice 😊

[@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.

[@1217heaven]

Brad did I see Brit From American Adventure Lab in the back ground?

[@TrailRecon]

Yes, Britt and his son were with us

[@1217heaven]

@@TrailRecon nice Brit set up my 2 dr bronco so I can put Milwaukee packouts in the back . Lightest set up I have seen I want his spare tire set up next

[@unlimitedj06]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MKE_JL]

@TrailRecon: What are your initial impressions on that Garmin Tread XL? Convince me to buy one! Thanks for the great videos!

[@TrailRecon]

Its okay, will be doing a review in the near future.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Wet and muddy - my favorite! 😁

[@IsaacRodriguez89]

genuinely excited to see the rest of this journey.

[@BackroadExploration]

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

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!