Trails 411 -

Tori Williamson

I contacted Trails 411 just before Covid started and of course life as we knew it got cancelled. I would reach out every time I thought there was a chance we were going to make the big trip from Maryland to California and it just did not work out and Don was always so nice and patient. At last, we finally made it out there this summer and on June 29th, 2023 I had the pleasure of meeting this amazing crew! I had the time of my life. I learned so much about off-roading and I will never see rock gardens quite the same again! I never dreamed I could conquer these boulders like I did. This was an amazing adventure with some incredible people. I cannot get over the skills and knowledge they have. I cannot wait to visit again! Maybe I can talk them into the Rubicon one day! 🙂 Thanks so much Don, Bill, Wendy, and Paul. You guys are amazing.

Trevor Wright

I have many years of off-road experience with dirt bikes and side by sides. When I bought my Jeep Gladiator, I thought it would be similar. IT’S NOT! I started looking into some off-roading schools and stumbled upon this one. I am so glad that I did!
Bill and Wendy (husband and wife) are so great at clearly explaining correct technique and more importantly “why” it was the best technique. First they show you and then they have you do it. They spent 8 hours with me. Bill rode with me while Wendy drove their Jeep and Wendy “spotted” me through the training sections. She’s the best spotter ever!

They take you through the day and it’s a progression. Starts off with the basics, then get more difficult as the day goes on but I never once felt unsafe. That’s really important when doing something like this. If they “throw you to the wolves” you won’t enjoy it nor will you want to continue to grow your skill set.

Bill and Wendy, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Bruce Grant

Took the Rock Crawling class in Lucerne Valley’s Cougar Buttes. Absolute total blast and learned A LOT. Just what I was looking for. Chance to improve my skills, learn how to pick a line, and learn something about being a spotter. Not some class of a dozen or so. I had two personal instructors, Bill and Wendy. Their resume of qualifications was none like I had ever seen. Clearly the two are PROFESSIONALS. We walked each obstacle. They showed me how to pick lines and signs to look for where others failed. Then I stayed with Wendy while she spotted Bill. When Bill was done, he and I walked back to my Jeep and gave me tips while I watched Wendy guide me through. At the end of the day they took a look at my equipment, made a few suggestions. I’m going to take this class again, but in Big Bear. A different environment.

Random Stuff

Full disclosure - I did not take a class and I was not a paying student. In fact, none of us were. I just happen to know some folks that invited me to go four wheeling and when we started the day, I learned that Bill and Wendy Stephens and Don Alexander from Trails 411 would be leading the run. This was not a class. This was just off road enthusiasts getting together for fun.

But you would never know it. Bill and Wendy immediately took the lead and guided us through what I consider fairly "sporty" trails out in Cougar Buttes Johnson Valley. I know we hit Bull Frog and Cake Walk and Vic's Butt Crack as well as others that I do not recall the names. In several cases, as I walked the trail I thought to myself, "No freaking way."

My jeep is a 2021 Rubicon on 2.5" of lift and more capable that I am. I know it can get through advanced obstacles but I consider myself intermediate at best.

But not with Bill, Wendy and Don. They have a unique way of spotting folks through sections that make it crystal clear on not only which way to turn but exactly how much to turn and when. It doesn't matter which one is spotting you as they use the exact same method so I was never confused.

And their attitude and demeanor - CALM. At all times the way they gave instructions and advice was reassuring and confidence building. Even when I made mistakes. I never felt belittled or put down, I felt "coached."

I for sure would have Noped Out on many of these obstacles and sections had I been with anyone else. Matter of fact, I have been to this same area with other experienced wheelers and just did not have the confidence in THEIR skills to guide me through so I did not risk it. With Bill, Wendy and Don the feeling was completely different. I knew that not only could I make it with their coaching but I also knew that if, in their experience they thought I should not try something, they would have told me so.

And it wasn't just the wheeling, after every conversation I felt smarter in the ways of four wheeling. From OBA maintenance, to tire pressures, to when to turn and not turn after a ledge, to paying closer attention to the rear of my jeep. Different things just kept popping up and they willingly shared their knowledge.

I've been wheeling for about ten years now. Some of the trails I've run are Dishpan, Holcomb Creek, John Bull, Gold Mountain, Last Chance Canyon, Bald Mountain and now Cougar Buttes. I have also been passenger on a bunch of other trails up in Shaver Lake and the Rubicon.

I think I learned more about wheeling in one day with Bill, Wendy and Don that all of those other trips together.

Bottom line, 10/10 I had a great time and would recommend regardless of your skill level.

Gene Dahilig

As a new owner of a Rivian R1T and someone who has not done much 4x4-ing before, I wanted to learn how to best handle this vehicle off-road. I had the pleasure of training with Bill, Wendy and Don from Trails 411.

Since the R1T is an electric 4x4, how it handles off-road is a little different than the usual combustion engine 4x4. I was not sure how to handle it off road and wondered how the folks at Trails411 would handle the new tech. To my surprise, they were extremely curious how it performed and more than willing to explore it with me.

My trainers were able to show me how to manage an electric 4x4 with no HI/LO settings, but with instant torque on the trail. They were able to help me better understand how to take advantage the R1T Rock Climbing and Off-road Auto modes.

We went over wash-board terrain and rocky sections, helping me find the best line on the trail. They are professional trainers that absolutely love the sport and were able to pass some of that knowledge on to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to have them "show me the ropes." If you want to improve your wheeling skills, this is the place to go!

Thank you Bill, Wendy, Don and Trails 411!!!

Shellie Shook

Trails 411 (Bill and Wendy) is a must for all Jeep Wrangler owners. We learned so much about our Jeep such as the importance of always having the right tools, using 4low, feeling the trail, finding the right lines while rock crawling and so much more. Most important is their class gave us the confidence and knowledge to really enjoy what our Jeep was built for!

Scott Jameson

Went out with Paul and Don last Friday and it was fantastic. I'm a new Jeep Rubicon owner without much off-road experience and I learned a ton. I feel very confident with exploring more and know all the basics on what to do and not do! Thanks for a fantastic day!

Diane Winters

My husband and I went out with Bill and Wendy in July, 2023 and we had a blast! They are both so knowledgeable about everything 4x4. Before we took the class, we knew nothing about off-roading and by the time we finished, we were confidently navigating the road. They showed us everything that a Rubicon is capable of.

Bill and Wendy are not only highly qualified instructors but they are now our friends. I’m so happy I found Trails 411. If you’re looking for a great class, no matter what level you are, I highly recommend contacting Trails 411. I can’t wait to take the next class with them! See you on the trail!