But in the 90s a new bread of 4x4 enthusiasts began opening 4x4 trails where no roads previously existed. These new extreme 4x4 trails typically follow naturally but severely eroded dry washes with huge boulders and tall, steep ledges. Examples included Sledgehammer in California, the Dakota Challenge trails in South Dakota, and the extreme trails around Las Cruces, New Mexico where the 1st National Rock Crawling Championships were held. Independence is such an extreme 4x4 trail. Little did I know that I'd fracture about everything but an axle and even bend one of those.
Independence is fairly easy to find.
It is a little over 3 miles north of Penrose. The turn off from the dirt road is well marked as is the trail itself. Take heed of everything the signs say. This is an extreme trail with body damage and parts breakage highly likely. Take something to clean up oil and grease once a hole is knocked in your differential, transfer case, transmission, or oil pan.