Grand Slam West

And to think it all started in a chat room...a slew of Jeep Grand Cherokee owners sick and tired of "grocery-getters" and "soccer mom" comments that, believe it or not, were oftentimes coming from other Jeep brethren. Having carved their own niche within the forum discussion boards at www.jeepsunlimited.com, it was 1998 when a group of Grand owners from the western United States banded together to celebrate their vehicles with a weekend of 'wheeling in Moab. Since then, the event has continued to grow, as has the availability of aftermarket parts for these vehicles, providing for more capable vehicles and tougher trails. This year's Grand Slam West was no exception.

	As we came to the summit of...        read full caption As we came to the summit of Pearl Pass, the topography changed drastically. As we climbed above the tree line, rocks became the norm, with evidence of ancient glacial activity apparent.	Grand Cherokees led through...        read full caption Grand Cherokees led through the picturesque trails of Colorado during the fourth annual Grand Slam West held in Aspen.
With plenty of opportunities...        read full caption With plenty of opportunities to flex their springs, 38 Grand Cherokees tackled mild to extreme trails without incident.	George Frampton eased his...        read full caption George Frampton eased his '94 ZJ through the rocks of Pearl Pass. Equipped with 32-inch Super Swampers and an ARB front bumper and Warn winch, this Grand was ready for anything.	It was decided by the band...        read full caption It was decided by the band of Grands that the hills were alive with the sound of Grand music. Let's just say that the scenery was pretty incredible.
Trail Boss and event co-organizer,...        read full caption Trail Boss and event co-organizer, Jeff Bay, led our group of Grands over Pearl Pass. Since these were Jeff's home trails, he knew all of the hot spots and how to surpass them with ease.	Joel Snyder of Stage West...        read full caption Joel Snyder of Stage West 4x4 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, pushed his silver Grand to the limit, winding through the tights spots and bumping over the rocks. Chris Wood of ARB also came along for the ride to show support for the more-than-capable Grands.	Representing the extreme end...        read full caption Representing the extreme end of Grand Cherokees in attendance, Cody McKendrick of Salt Lake City had no hang-ups about putting his ZJ through the rigors of trail use. Cody gained the panel damage in a recent rollover in Moab. Riding on 33s, it was one of the taller Grands at the event.