Has anyone done the Jeep Jamboree USA trips?

[jeffgtoman]

I just received an e-mail notice of the Jeep Jamboree USA schedule for 2012. Jeep Jamboree USA » Trips/Register
I've never been on one of these. I'd like to hear from anyone who has.
I am close to the French Lick, Indiana trip. I know the terrain down there is beautiful. It would be my first pick based on overall cost and the view. (3-7 trail rating).
I ride quads at Badlands in Attica, Indiana so I know what it looks like. It is a huge abandoned gravel pit. My daughter broke her arm there last year. It would be more of a challenging course instead of a scenic course. (3-9 trail rating).
I have friends in Phoenix. My ultimate dream would be to go to Canyon de Chelly in Chinle Arizona with them. I love the desert southwest and I would love to be out there on a vacation. (1-5 trail rating) That sounds like me.
I am more interested in viewing the landscape than I am conquering the terrain. My jeep is stock. I can take my desires out on conquering terrain with my quad.
Anybody have input, pro or con?

 

[BusaDave9]

I really don't care for the larger gatherings. Heck, who needs a Jeep Jamboee when we have the Jeep-CJ.com trail ride. I didn't know they ever went to Canyon de Chelly. Now that is a beautiful canyon. I prefer it to the Grand Canyon. Don't get me wrong. I think the Grand Canyon is beyond amazing to consider how much earth got washed away. You can drive around Canyon de Chelly in a day. But it's small but beautiful. It looked like very mild trails through the canyon. Nothing wrong with that. I didn't have my CJ with me either time I was there. I was amazed at how high the vertical cliffs were. Here's some of my pics.
http://s1018.photobucket.com/albums/af302/BusaDave9/Shiprock%20and%20Canyon%20de%20Chelly/

 

[Old Dog]

Big groups arnt really my thing but the wife and I went to Snowshoe Mt. in WV. It was a fun time but I have a hard time spending that much money to go wheeling with 30 other jeeps in the same group.
I've heard French lick is a good time though. If you don't mind spending the bucks go for it.

 

[BajaEdition]

those Jeep Jamboree trips are a great way for newer jeep owners to get into wheeling
they have a great support and the spotting is some of the best
plus you are not pressured by a bunch of over juiced teenaged idiots, the wheeling is all level headed.
I would recommend them to most anyone till they hit a point in wheeling where they are feeling really confident in their abilities,
the reason is these are large events and move slowly, once you hit that point you usually want to wheel in groups of 10 or less
however to the newer wheeler, the events are a ton of fun