An Ode to Jeepin’

27 May 2024

Ah, Memorial Day – a day where we recognize the sacrifices our Veterans have made for our daily safety, security, and freedom. Thank you to all who have served in any of this nation’s armed forces. Our Veterans' dedication and sacrifice are key reasons why America is Great.

Memorial Day has also become the official start of the summer season – backyard barbecues, neighborhood swimming pools, cut-off shorts, and Jeep rides in the open air. So, in the spirit of the season, I thought I’d write a short ode to all things Jeep.

A few weeks ago someone asked me why I like Jeeps so much. And obviously I do, according to my many posts on Jeep modifications, the love of the brand declared on my Jeep page, and all the dolla dolla bills I continue to lovingly feed into my rig to try and keep one leak or another contained. (Hey, everyone develops some issues with age, but that doesn’t mean you should get rid of them!). So, here are five reasons why I love Jeeps!

1. Quick Change Artistry – I still maintain that no other brand of vehicle allows for the massive change in looks like Jeep does. In the span of a couple hours this weekend my rig went from all buttoned up to an open-air ride. Nothing gives summertime vibes like a drive in the open air!

Summertime-ready in a matter of hours!

2. Transformation Nation – I think the Jeep brand has the market niche on the ability to transform one’s vehicle into something spectacular. Really, the sky’s the limit with a Jeep. Suspension, wheels, tires, axles, lockers, and any number of cool and useful add-ons make Jeeps a super fun hobby. Spendy, yes, but so much fun! As the recent Go Topless Day meet-ups demonstrated, Jeepers all across the nation love transforming their rigs into true one-of-a-kind works of art.

The transformation from bought to built.

3. A Ride to the View – I love to hike and not much else cleanses my soul like the open backcountry, fresh crisp mountain air, and the sound of wind through the pines. But sometimes I want to get to that view a little quicker and easier than if I were to spend hours or days on foot. Jeeps provide access to faraway mountain vistas and allow people who can’t physically make the trek on foot the ability to enjoy breathtaking scenery as well.

A short drive from home to the view at Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins.

The view from Bunce School Road, Boulder County.

Jeep view - Sevenmile Trail, Larimer County.

The view from Metberry Gulch Trail, Colorado.

The view of the North Sand Hills at Walden.

That infamous Trail Ridge Road view, Colorado Rockies.

A sunset view in Custer County, Colorado.

The view at 11,000 feet - Chinns Lake, Colorado.

Chicks On The Rocks' favorite view - Taylor Mountain in northern Colorado.

4. Conversation Starters – I can talk Jeeps with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Stock or built, new or old, trail-ready or mall-crawlers. I love them all. Trail runs for a cause are an awesome time to socialize with other Jeepers and learn about all things Jeep. Social media is good for this too, although I don’t partake in that so much anymore (personal preference). I can’t count the times where I’ve been at the grocery store, or gas station, or anywhere, and a random stranger comments about my rig and we chat for a bit about all things Jeep. Not much can build a community like the love of Jeeps.

Meeting up to talk Jeeps

5. Community – Speaking of building a community, when you have a Jeep – stock or built – then you’re automatically part of the Jeep world. We happily give the Jeep Wave all day long, and if there’s a Jeep broken down along the roadway I’d stop and see if they need a hand – yes, just because it's a Jeep. There is an unspoken bond among Jeepers once you buy the brand: you’re part of the Jeep community now, so act accordingly.

The Jeep Community at Christmas Caravan for Kids.

Jeeps have a long history in support of freedom. From the brand’s beginnings supporting combat efforts to today, owning and enjoying a Jeep can bring joy and a fuller, happier life to us all.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day holiday, fellow Jeepers. Happy Trails!

by Dawn Gallegos

Dawn Gallegos is the founding editor of the Chicks On The Rocks blog. When she's not working to fund her Jeep habit she's thinking up new ways to inspire others to explore the great outdoors!