The toughest sections of trails used during the Chile Challenge consist of high-walled canyons and washes formed by thousands of years of erosion. What's left now are some very interesting igneous rock and sandstone obstacles interrupted by sheer, vertical rock waterfalls, some of which are nearly impossible to make it up and over. The tops of the hills offer excellent vistas of the spectacular Southwestern desert.
At day's end, and after hours of trail-running, the social activities of camp made for a welcome respite. There is nothing better than sitting around, kicking it with an old buddy, talking Jeep tech, fabrication, and trail action. The camp for Chile Challenge was located at the Las Cruces fairgrounds and was the primary meeting point for longtime friends and once-a-year trail acquaintances. At night, the whirling of grinders and the snaps of welders fills the campground as participants repair Jeep parts broken earlier in the day. For the curious, this is a great way to pick up trail-fix tips and tricks.
On the last night of the event, a fine dinner was hosted by the Las Cruces Four Wheel Drive Club. The club also held its annual after-dinner raffle, which featured very cool prizes from top manufacturers like BFGoodrich, Premier Power Welder, and Warn.
Hopefully, the Chile Challenge will be held again next year. If you would like to get involved or if you have something to offer in the fight against the closure of this area, please visit the Las Cruces Four Wheel Drive Club's website at www.lascrucesfourwheeldriveclub.com.