With nonstop sunshine and the cool Salton sea breeze filtering through the canyons, the 42nd Annual Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari attracted thousands of 4x4 enthusiasts to the Truckhaven Hills area. Hosted by the Tierra Del Sol Four Wheel Drive Club of San Diego, the event draws vehicles of all makes, models, and abilities, ranging from bone-stock flatfender Jeeps to tube-frame rock buggies. Participants were treated to multiple trail routes that led through sandy washes and rock canyons, and were offered great views from atop the numerous scenic ridges. After the Saturday run, attendees gathered in the vendors' compound for the traditional TDS raffle and to boast about the day's adventures. After 42 years, the TDS Safari continues to provide a great degree of four-wheel-drive fun for the whole family. For more information, contact: www.tds4x4.org.
Eric Leist flexes his '97 TJ through one of the many canyons in the Truckhaven Hills. Eric's rig sports a Rubicon Express long-arm suspension system and a custom FourXDoctor front bumper. | 
We borrowed this '04 Jeep TJ Rubicon for the weekend and were thoroughly impressed with its ability. The Rubicon successfully completed nearly every obstacle we subjected it to, coming up short just once, only 5 feet from the top of a steep climb. | 
A number of obstacles are scattered around the TDS Safari base camp, providing a perennial 4x4 playground. Here, Brandon Barberena of Corona, California, awes a few spectators in his Jeep Cherokee. |
With its serpentine canyons, the Truckhaven Hills area is a mecca for Jeeps and other short-wheelbase 4x4s. |  | 
One after another, Jeeps wound through the canyons. Most of the trail routes offered bypass trails for lesser-equipped vehicles, but these rigs trudged through with plenty of skill. |
Heavy rains during the weeks prior to the event provided a soft, loose-dirt base and virtually no dust. Most rigs were aired down to 10 pounds or less. |  |  |
Piloting his bright-green CJ-7 business card, Mike "FourXDoctor" Duncan blasts over the crest of a hill. | 
Vehicles of all makes and models come out for the TDS Safari, many of which are long-time veterans of the event. Sporting more than a decade's worth of Safari stickers on the front bumper, this Toyota Land Cruiser has seen its share of action. | 
One of the many Land Rovers in attendance, this Discovery was well-equipped for the trail. |
Safari participants set up makeshift camps along the trail to enjoy lunch with friends. |  | 
Our loaner Jeep TJ Rubicon proved to be a true asset along the trail. With factory lockers front and rear, and 4:1 gears in the transfer case, it was an incredible performer right out of the box. |