Relic Run: Mud, Mountains, and Vintage Iron at White Tail Reservoir

There is nothing quite like seeing a pack of vintage FJ40s back in their natural habitat. For this year's Relic Run up to White Tail Reservoir, we traded the pavement for some of the deepest mud and most technical water crossings we've seen all season.

Classic Cruisers vs. The Montana Mud

The trail was a true test for the old-school iron. We had an incredible lineup of classic FJ40s, and none of them stayed clean for long. From deep wallows that coated the wheel wells to slick, off-camber climbs, the "Relics" proved exactly why they earned their legendary reputation. Seeing those vintage grilles emerging from a mud hole never gets old.

Amazing Water Crossings

The highlight of the trek was the water. The crossings were deep, clear, and just challenging enough to keep everyone on their toes. There’s a certain magic to watching a 40-series push a bow wave through a mountain stream with the Tobacco Roots towering in the background.

The White Tail Reward

Pushing through the muck was worth every bit of effort once we reached the reservoir. It’s a stark contrast—rugged, muddy machines parked against the serene, still waters of the high-altitude lake. It was the perfect spot to take a breather, swap trail stories, and appreciate the fact that these rigs are still out-wheeling brand-new trucks decades after they left the factory.