The Relic Run is a vehicle-assisted overland expedition organized as a throwback to the older days of motorized backcountry travel. Participants in the Relic Run are required to operate in the spirit of 4×4 exploration in the 1980’s. Only 1980’s and older vehicles, only 1980’s and older camping gear, and only 1980’s and older route finding.
The idea behind the Relic Run was born from the minds of well-known Utah backcountry explorers Michael Slade and Kurt Williams, and then expanded by the members of ExpeditionUtah.com. The inaugural Relic Run took place in June 2009. Participants are selected based on vehicle, experience and willingness to fulfill the intent of the idea.
Visit the Relic Run section of the Expedition Utah Forum where you can ask questions and see the latest on past and future Relic Run events.
Past Relic Runs
2009: The Great Salt Lake
For the inaugural Relic Run, our group circumnavigated the Great Salt Lake. Nearly 50% of the vehicles had trouble or didn’t complete the trip, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the group.
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2010: Uinta Mountains Basecamp
For the second annual event we decided to base camp and take day trips into the Uinta Mountains northeast of Salt Lake City. The nightly weather was cold and wet, but nothing could stop the good times and memorable scenery of this adventure.
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2011: Skyline Scramble
Our trip along Skyline Drive was a constant battle against unmelted snow, forcing us to change the route in the middle of the trip. But thanks to everyone who attended, the event was another trip worth remembering!
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2012: Seventies in the Swell
For the fourth annual event, our group spent three days exploring the San Rafael Swell in central Utah. The desert terrain and historical sites made the event fun and entertaining. Despite one major mechanical failure, every vehicle made it out under its own power.
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2013: Relic Run Rendezvous
The fifth anniversary Relic Run was held in 2013. Participants camped in the high mountains of Utah and Wyoming for another epic 70’s era expedition. As with previous events, there was a group potluck dinner, slideshow and gear show and shine.
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2014: Henry Mountain High
The sixth annual event took participants through the remote and storied Henry Mountains in south central Utah. The terrain and wildlife was as varied as the rigs of the participants. Overall, another excellent Relic Run success!
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2015: Murdock Basin Basecamp
The seventh annual Relic Run event combined with the second annual Retro Ramble for one groovy mega event of old iron and classic camping. The group revisited the Uinta mountians while base camping in the Murdock Basin area. Daily runs and events kept participants in the vintage spirit throughout the weekend.
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2016: West Desert Bomb Run
The 8th annual Relic Run was another smashing success! Participants enjoyed a guided tour of the Crystal Ball Caves, an original Pony Express station and the Wendover air field. A report and photographs will be available soon.
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2017: Roaming in Wyoming
Relic Run 2017 was another memorable event! Participants enjoyed the scenic Wyoming backcountry while camping in Relic/Retro style. Activities centered around camp at a scenic alpine lake. A report and photographs will be available soon.
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2018: Delle Rocks Legacy Tour
The 10th annual Relic Run took participants through some of the same areas as the original Relic Run in 2009. The group started in western Utah and toured through the northwest desert and southern Idaho. A report and photograph will be available soon.
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Responsible Recreation
