The Hardest Decisions I’ve Ever Had to Make on an Overland Adventure

In this overland adventure we set out to explore the backcountry of Southern New Mexico. We are in search of some remote off the grid trails and secluded camping spots and we anticipate it’s going to be bit cold so we came prepared. But after some slow going on some difficult terrain, encountering some challenges that required rerouting and some very unexpected weather conditions, we had to make some tough decisions, Join us as we take you along on our adventure in New Mexico.
Big thanks to Matt from ‪@OzarkOverlandAdventures‬ for providing the drone footage for this video.
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Check out our blog about staying warm when camping in cold weather: bit.ly/stayingwarmwhencoldwea...
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[@overlandtourer]

I love when two of my favorite KZbinrs colab and make amazing videos. Because of my work schedule, I can only get out a few time a year. Your videos really help me mentally escape even if only for a short while. Thank you!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed our adventure and hopefully you can get out yourself soon!

[@waltermusial]

I’m so happy 😅

[@STinGa157]

The wives ... “we don’t think you can y’all can handle it”. 😂. That’s a classic line if I’ve ever heard one.

[@StanSheram]

Great video with real people doing real things without breaking axels, tearing off fenders and having a great time enjoying our wonderful country.

[@CarlBayer-cl3qc]

Just back from a 9k mile trip around the country in our 100 Series Land Cruiser, the entire time discussing overlanding upgrades. I've been leaning towards a trailer so we could use it with multiple vehicles. One night we were walking past a really nice trailer, and I say to my girl Sunny, "We need something exactly like this". I hear the car door open and turn around to tell the owner what a nice trailer I think he has, and it was you and Regina. So glad you guys decided to escape that night, the girls made the right choice. Our ride into Carlsbad through Guadalupe and Pine Springs was treacherous with that crazy storm on our tail. The next morning, we drove to the caverns in 30+mph winds, and northbound rt180/62 was closed due to a flipped semi.

[@TrailRecon]

Small world! We love the trailer and it definitely makes life on the trail more comfortable. The weather was crazy and we were there to enjoy ourselves, not be miserable. I did enough of that when I was active duty. Thanks for watching and stay safe out there!

[@mavrick561]

Man, I love your videos! Your attitude toward unexpected challenges is great. Its all an adventure, right? Lol Thanks for taking us along.

[@TrailRecon]

Challenges are what make a trip an adventure!

[@Evan-L4570]

There is a highway with a tunnel between Cloudcroft NM and Alamogordo NM with amazing views and even a waterfall if you’re willing to take a steep hike near the tunnel. The terrain goes from desert to forest in the matter of miles, and you can also see the white sands monument from there too. Highly recommend

[@EdJZatta]

Bicycled across the country a few years ago. Cloudcroft NM was my favorite place on the trip.

[@Enjoytheinbetween]

I still can't believe how capable the trailer is, seems to handle the terrain very good!

[@regenakowitz]

It's crazy good! Love it!

[@louiskudlak2256]

Your a great story teller, good voice, food was awesome, me personally I don't like to drive for hours, like to get to camp with hours to spare before dark, thanks for sharing 👍🏿

[@brunnie]

What an interesting adventure. Locked gates, rougher than expected trail, and SNOW!! I sure hope there is more to this to see. Until next time... Travel safe.

[@billherbert4961]

I spent a spring break near Queen nearly thirty years ago. 4 university friends in a mid 80's Jeep Wagoneer. Some near misadventure with a pinhole in the fuel tank it but got us to the highway. Then a resourceful guy came along with a tank patch kit and a big truck. Diesel but gave us a tow to a gas station. Like a bouncy glider plane tow but I quickly learned to use the brake and keep the tow line taught. I hope I've payed that kindness forward in life...I'll keep trying either way.

[@cherylriley4096]

I love it when Regina is along for the ride. She is adorable and funny.

[@regenakowitz]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@Jan-pw4po]

Love that camp with the caves, great video and you need to be flexible in your plans when mother nature throws a curve ball at you

[@markperza384]

Love it when you all are together!! Thanks for sharing..

[@jerrymestas1231]

You guys are awesome!!! Love everything about the video. Favorite part, making time to explore the areas that your at.

[@CraigG21]

Wow - what an adventure! Thanks for taking us along with you 🙏 You & Matt are my 2 fave KZbinr’s - can’t wait to see the rest of this trip!

[@albertoffroadaddict1096]

Llevo años viendo tus videos sin hablar ingle, y gracias que por fin alguien invento la pista de doblaje español gracias, llevo años diciendo porque no existía algo así traducido, gracias, por fin os entiendo que alegría, poner todos los vídeos con pista doblaje

[@edwardsimmons3721]

What a fun adventure. I love some regular snow and light rain. When my wife goes it’s a whole different story.

[@theeddorian]

Desert stream channels reveal the potential energy of the runoff by the size of the gravel in beds of the channels (not just desert either, really). The larger the gravel or cobbles remaining the more powerful the stream is in full spate. It's something I always think about when the weather is iffy and I'm crossing dry channels. Locked gates are something that has become much more common than when I was a kid. People have come to often ignore the old time courtesies and etiquette that gathered around gates and using roads that are technically private. At the same time there are ranchers that increasingly are irritated with "foreigners" leaving gates opening, panicking livestock, and basically ignoring common courtesy.

[@brendanmcdonald306]

Great video! I loved the sound editing on this one - the ambient sounds while interviewing, the radio weather report, music, etc. was all well done

[@ClaytonSensiba]

My backyard! And yeah, you got just a taste of our insane bipolar weather. I’m really glad you made it around here!

[@michaelspurlock623]

spectacular video...as someone who just found Matts channel within the last week, its awesome to see you guys out together....awesome job as always! Looking forward to many more vids to come.

[@bodom06051]

I know this isn’t a recent video but my husband and I love your videos. I have a 392 just like yours and haven’t got to put it on the field yet. Your videos inspire us to take the Jeep and bronco out!!! Can’t wait!! Thank you, and can’t your tell Regina that we love everything that she has been cooking and would love some recipes lol this muffin or bread on this video just looks so delicious. Thank you both for your service, my dad was also a Marine and loved every minute of it!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I was actually a Navy Corpsman but served with the Marines. Regena does have some of her recipes posted on our website's blog, trailrecon.com/blog.asp. She's also working on a TrailRecon Cookbook for charity that should be out sometime next year.

[@bodom06051]

@@TrailRecon thank you so much I’ll watch out for it :)

[@carolinagirl4483]

Loved this video/beautiful country and it’s a good thing you had your wives along/loved the ending!

[@JwcubTHS]

Thanks for taking us along on your beautiful adventures! ❄️😎

[@ronrosenerger3216]

I watched Matt & Cara’s video last nice and obviously it’s the same trail etc. you added a nice addition to what Matt left out. Great video. I live in Las Cruses and can’t wait for Matt’s part 2 and I assume you will also have additional footage coming soon.

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

I am really enjoying the new style of video content that you have been producing. Thanks for showing the coordinates to all of us so that we may follow along on our adventures.

[@GIGrandpa]

Loved the video, brought back memories of exploring that area when I was at Fort Bliss 😁

[@MrAirtaz]

So cute to see west coast peeps enduring a lil cold temps. People from the Midwest (Real Jeepers) have no boundaries. We pull up to a spot and grill at -0 degrees F... get over it.

[@jonc7371]

I’ve been stuck at school for the last few months and have been so homesick, Lincoln is my backyard, this video was seriously needed

[@jamesconnely5932]

Safe travels you guys love all that you share with us 🙏🏻

[@67wildwolf]

Two of my favorites out in the back country of New Mexico having what Ill just call a interesting adventure. I've been meaning to explore that area myself. Thanks for taking us along in your Video....😇

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!!

[@guodnacnud]

We were up there right after that storm, going up to Dark Canyon Lookout. We opted to camp lower in a sheltered area and were fine. But up top, over 7000 feet, 60 mph winds and snow still on the ground made our hiking a little challenging. This was followed by freezing fog the next days and the road to Carlsbad Caverns being closed because of black ice. Great area for exploring off road, though. 4Runner TRD pro for us.

[@sparkyofsocal]

Just the fact taking a Jeep that far off road i🎉n those conditions is amazing. We typically don’t see them back there with us. Signed Toyota

[@optimusoff-road2770]

We put the Metalcloak 3.5” Gamechanger lift with rocksport shocks on our Wrangler 392 and absolutely love it. Incredible flex, long travel shocks, true dual rate springs. Performs incredible off-road and on. Highly recommend. Great video as always 🤙🏻

[@cortsadventures]

Thanks for bringing us along on your journey!

[@ironmyst5096]

Loved the calibration of both channels! Watched both to completion, great job!!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@taurota1554]

Awesome content as always Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@jeffjennings6117]

I am watching this near Trona, CA in my motorhome after a good day of off roading in my basically stock Jeep TJ. Wind is blowing and very cold. Great times.

[@destinationunknown3809]

It was great to watch your video right after Matt's. Looks like a great time! Jealous! You should make a Idaho and western Montana trip.

[@TrailRecon]

We had a blast! Regena and I went to Idaho and Montana last year, but I wouldn't mind going back. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnW9hYNjeJyqmMk.

[@jeffmorris993]

I lived in Carlsbad for almost 20 years and spent many happy times exploring the Guadalupe Mountains and Lincoln national forest. Years ago, you could get a firewood permit for $5 a cord to cut your own pinon or juniper.

[@bwofficial1776]

You have the best adventures. We don't have trails like that in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic. Snow is nasty stuff, you made the right call not tackling that trail in the dark. If you reroute the exhaust you can fit an extended fuel tank intended for a 3.6.

[@michaelneild5133]

I REALLY ENJOY THESE ADVENTURES!!! THE WAY YOU FILM THESE, IT IS ALMOST LIKE I AM RIGHT THERE!!! THE DRONE SHOTS ADD ANOTHER DIMENSION TO THE ENJOYMENT!!! I HAVE BEEN THROUGH NEW MEXICO SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NOT OFF-ROAD!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS ADVENTURE!!!!!! I USED TO HAVE A DODGE POWER WAGON WHEN I LIVED IN THE HIGH DESERT OF CALIFORNIA AND I WENT OFF-ROAD QUITE OFTEN!!!!!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY, AND GOD BLESS YOU!!!

[@kblaine123]

New Mexico is the MOST underrated state in the Union IMO, the topography, the weather is awesome......been here for one your and absolutely love it. As always, Brad puts out incredibly great quality content and watchable from start to finish. Cheers.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@jeffk464]

They probably want to keep it a secret.

[@roadrunner3281]

@@jeffk464 We do

[@ukeacreator93]

I like how you and Regina keep making videos but your sons also getting out there on their own keeps this channel interesting!! Great vid , looks so fun

[@regenakowitz]

Thank you! We're hoping our boys can help us out so we can take an "off camera" vacation one day! 😂

[@chrisyeagley321]

Your wife cracked me up with the I'm back here. replayed it several times

[@meltaylor1374]

Another great video... I love being able to call New Mexico my home.

[@jerryandjamie2up]

Great video, I was born at White Sands Missile Range and raised in NM. It is a great place to explore. Nice video and thanks for sharing!

[@Flo-ig6cj]

That weather is a typical Tuesday here in Michigan. Love the video, Master Chief!

[@GhostedOffroad]

Regina is an absolute beast! I love the way you two work it through. Wishing you all the best ! 😊

[@regenakowitz]

Thank you! 😊

[@thehoofersclub]

Always enjoy your video adventures, thank you!

[@BOBANDERSON5150]

Traffic Jam @ 3:52 AWESOME VIDEO EVERYONE!

[@cosaelperro1972]

I have a best almost like that... it is awesome!!! And it can take really any battery with USB-type power out... love it.

[@tommaples9174]

I have a similar propane hose in my kit. Yeah I heard that they will break down after awhile. What a cool trip.🥶

[@AndrewTurner251]

Really enjoyed this video, I love this channel. I know it takes work. Thanks for making these videos.

[@TurnipGreen]

Your episodes are amazing! They are TV show quality 👌 Thank you for all the effort you put into them

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much!

[@dennydobson2754]

We had intended on exploring this area when we were in New Mexico last year. Unfortunately, all of the Lincoln National Forest was closed due to wild fires during that time. We were still able to enjoy what the state had to offer, though. We just had to do it on pavement, mostly. New Mexico is beautiful. I hope we get back to it someday.

[@THeoDeN28943]

WoW the sound in your videos is awesome!!!!

[@russianjeep7971]

As a New Mexico resident this describes what living here is like

[@Deven210]

First the boys trip and now this. I wish I was part of your family! Lol

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Hey guys... Loved this episode. Well done Regena on your driving, especially towing the X3. Wow that weather sure came in hard. Loved that camp spot you found up against the cliff face...

[@regenakowitz]

Thank you! I've driven that trailer (and our previous ones) quite a lot...someone has to while Brad runs around filming! 😂 I just need to work on my backing up skills! I'm great at going forward...just not so much at going backward!

[@lilivicordero8077]

Awesome adventures with the wives❤❤

[@adjake1]

I use an electric blanket in the winter and its been fantastic. Even on high (intolerably hot) it doesn’t draw too much power because it cycles on and off to regulate temperature. Im sure a diesel heater would be a welcome addition. The blanket is a standard household 120, because I have never seen a single good review on a 12 volt.

[@C-Noel]

Well done! You are really doing a great job on your edits! Keep them coming.

[@malifestro3319]

Matt the Falcon 3.3 can give you that extra down travel in the same size/length body without a lift, and of course you can go with the longer ones too. I run them on my 4xe with a 1.5" spacer lift in the back and a 1" lift in the front. Works fantastic! I am a tad higher then the Mopar 2" lift but with way more travel thanks to the falcons. You will gain 3" of droop in the front and 2.5" in the rear. You will need the 11" rear mopar swaybar links so they don't contact the rear shocks, but you probably already have them. I didn't require the bump stops but I am also running a 25mm offset Method wheel so they tuck easier while at full droop. There is a great spreadsheet on the JL Wrangler forum to help you compare and build your suspension. Good luck and happy trails!

[@bboylorettoEight08]

These adventures are amazing hopefully one day me and my family can do one with you guys

[@CWYCOUGH123]

Similar problem with our propane hose. Try unscrewing hose connection at the stove connection and re-installing a bit tighter. It’s happen twice to us. It’s the small ball check valve.

[@agimg2420]

I enjoy your videos after a busy day at work. They make me speed up my plans to buy my first jeep 😁

[@raulanaya4030]

Wow!! I live in Artesia, NM. JUST about 40 miles north of Carlsbad!!! Would have great to meet you all!!

[@samvigil9835]

That was a rough week of weather for us. Thanks for showing some trail options to consider. I've been looking forward to this video since your rig walk-around and it didn't disappoint. I'm kind of hoping for a part 2 if you guys continued on after the night of escape, but if you didn't I totally get it.

[@TrailRecon]

Rough weather for sure. I didn't film after this, but Matt kept his camera rolling so keep an eye out on his channel. Thanks!

[@terratechoffroad9665]

Looks like a balmy Spring day here in Ontario! 🇨🇦 Great video and the lemon blueberry breakfast cake looked awesome! Definitely going to add one of those pans to our kit

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! And the pan is called an Omnia Stovetop Oven. Regena loves hers! trailrecon.com/Omnia_c_430.html

[@dalekarraker6851]

Loved how your Jeep handled the terrain while pulling the trailier...Not as much snow as SERE school in Maine in 1992.... but that was orders/training and I don't do that anymore. I've become a fair-weather camper for the most part....

[@TrailRecon]

Yep! I've done more than my share of "camping" and living in some pretty harsh conditions. Since retiring from the military, the choice is all mine and I don't see any reason to endure miserable weather if I don't have to.

[@troys75]

Awesome adventure !!

[@felicelgato59]

I enjoy your videos every time, thanks

[@michaelmacdonald7342]

You were all smiling at the end so that is the important thing.

[@backcountryoverland103]

This was the winter that just kept giving. While you guys were a bit south of my home turf up in Colorado, I was out in Brads home turf checking out So-Cal and Anza-Borrego. Same thing......"endure or escape"? Wind-rain-sleet-inland hurricane conditions-snow-more rain-lots of cold...... Sure, a few good days here and there and its always an adventure and good to be out, but it was relentlessly "not nice". Borrego Springs got hammered while I was in the north area of the park which also got nailed with wind. The springs was without power for over a day. I even hiked the adventure route to the Goat Canyon Trestle and got hammered up at elevation. Still fun. Everywhere I went for a month wandering, mother nature was showing the upper hand. Insane rain from Quartzsite to Phoenix, a foot of snow in Sedona, 35 inches in Flagstaff, crazy winds across the Navajo Reservation, freezing in Valley of the Gods, nasty in Moab...... But like you noted, it was winter and I knew that & expected some non-optimal conditions here and there. After 32 days of it.......escaped back to home base for a break. Ready for summer now..... I'll hit that southern NM area this summer/fall being a quick 6-8 hours down for me. Be Well! Keep on keepin on !

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! We were okay with the cold and prepared for it. But the wind was ridiculous and there's nothing you can do about it, and we don't do this to be miserable.

[@tomassanesson902]

Epik awesome trail 👍🤘

[@PilotVolunteer]

Sometime back I did a backing trip through the Australian Outback. I had a guide with me. The rule was, when you encountered a fence and gate, if the gate was open, then leave it open. If the gate was closed, then close it behind you. To my recollection, when encountering a locked gate, keep traveling to find an unlocked gate

[@Ruben86jz]

Trail recon team, I’m amazed of the new way of the footage that are in this new episodes (my guess is that you guys have a drone or a extra cameraman that it’s behind all the trips!) cheers! Love the content all the time

[@TrailRecon]

No extra camera man, it's still just me. But Matt was nice enough to share some of his drone footage with me.

[@scottymac5174]

Our weather conditions this past week have been amazing! Santa Cruz county, CA. it snowed at our home. Less than a 1000'

[@BottleJackBuddy]

Great video!

[@keithhernandez1251]

My home town!! Love to cruise the trails in my Jeep!

[@WTFover714]

NM is an unpredictable place. Get back there in spring. Beautiful area!

[@LarrieEasterly]

The problem that you had with your propane hose is probably due to the tiny ball check valve in the end that connects to the stove inlet pipe getting stuck. I had the same problem in one of my hoses. I was able to unseat the valve with a little pushing persuasion.

[@jeepinwithjulia]

That looked so good! Regena is an awesome cook!

[@regenakowitz]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@juniorparra165]

Love your videos Brad, you need to make more to cure my fix.

[@dylananderson9473]

Well Chief, you made the right call. weather in this part of the state is sudden and unpredictable. It does however pass pretty quickly. I am glad you enjoyed the section you visited, you are just scratching the surface.. Hope you can make it back again. Spring and Fall are your most ideal travel times, Summers can get alittle dicey with extreme heat in June and July but once the Monsoons hit your in good shape. Oh, yea most trails are as rocky as you encountered which as you discovered can make for slow going. Hoping there is a part II to this video like to see what else you ran into. Best to you all!

[@TrailRecon]

Now that we know what to expect, I wouldn't mind coming back when it's a little warmer. And with more fuel!

[@dylananderson9473]

@@TrailRecon Honestly, January and February can be very cold and wet its really hit or miss but i look forward to you getting the opportunity to head back and explore. Gas stations are like old men and bathrooms, "never" pass one up ! You never know where the next one is.. lol

[@bruceklassen8261]

Loved the video thanks

[@dustin390]

love the vids!!

[@extspence]

be safe, we are around Big Bend right now and the wind is forecasted to get pretty extreme tomorrow.

[@rocklanderoffroad]

The longer I wheel, whether crawling or camping, my list of spare parts keeps growing!

[@JeepWhealen]

“There are some things that WE do to keep warm” 😉

[@mrminer604]

It's always a good idea to make the safe choice. Always err on side of caution as I have been told.

[@Kevin01TJ]

I live in Ruidoso, NM deep in the heart of Lincoln National Forest. Lots of off road trails, and gorgeous area around here. Great vid, as always. Somehow I missed it lol

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! This was a great trip and we definitely want to get back and explore more of New Mexico in the future.

[@zeesoutdoorsadventures]

I love this adventure I love going to new Mexico .Your camera work is outstanding.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@phantumdrummer]

Seriously LOVE New Mexico! Being in the Texas panhandle, NM is a main stay for our camping and exploring. Actually would love to retire over there. A word about the cold weather, there is an old Norwegian saying... "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad cloths!". You dress properly and it doesn't matter what mother nature throws at you. This coming from people that sail the north sea in the winter and don't think twice about it. ;-)

[@wiked1_camptruck]

Just Love your videos! Keep it up! 👍👍

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@nativetexson]

Fun and laughs even when the elements are questionable. Love it!

[@TrailRecon]

Gotta stay positive! It's all about the attitude.

[@charlesfranklin7752]

Love your videos, thank you for sharing. But for me it’s always been about the adventure, escape is very rarely the option, but it’s still an option. Again love the adventure stay safe and enjoy

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you for watching!

[@211Gus]

I was down in Big Bend NP during the Polar Vortex a couple years back. When it got down to single digits I just decided to sleep inside my truck. We all have limits lol

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

Great story telling. BTW, San Diego is under Blizzard Warnings today, you may actually be warmer in New Mexico :)