With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to fuel up, gear up, and escape into the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a beginner ready to try something new, the right trail — and the technology to tackle it — can open up a whole new way to explore.1
That is exactly why we’ve teamed up with onX. Eligible Ford owners can claim a complimentary year of access to the onX suite of apps,2 including the onX Offroad app, which helps you find trails that match your skill level and navigate them from your in-vehicle screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
To keep the off-roading inspiration going, we’re taking our video series, “Chasing Off-Road Confidence,” to a whole new biome. If you’ve only ever off-roaded in the dusty West, prepare for a breathtaking change of scenery (and a whole lot more humidity).
In our latest episode, host and off-road expert Chase Gentry heads to the lush, muddy terrain of Windrock Park in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. There, he meets up with Nashville native and fellow Bronco owner Caziah Franklin to battle the trail — and partake in Caziah’s favorite trailside tradition.
Into the Wilds of East Tennessee
The trails at Windrock Park are beautiful — but formidable. Packed with mud, water crossings, and rock gardens, they require a vehicle built to crawl over almost anything. Enter: the Bronco Badlands with the Sasquatch Package.
Before they even shift into drive, Chase and Caziah used the onX Offroad app to check the latest Trail Reports. This feature is incredibly valuable because it taps into a community of off-roaders sharing trail conditions — so you’re always one step ahead.
You can check photos, get details on current surface conditions (whether it's dry, muddy, or washed out), see what obstacles lie ahead, and even find out what types of vehicles have recently completed the trail. Plus, you can contribute your own trail report along the way for other off-roaders.
With a solid plan in place, Chase and Caziah set out to tackle three major trail challenges, sharing key tips along the way:
Challenge 1: Large Boulders (Patience and Precision)
When you’re staring down a path of large boulders, patience and precision trump horsepower. Caziah demonstrates how to take it nice and slow while trusting the Bronco Badland's ground clearance and heavy-duty underbody protection to slide over obstacles that look completely impassable to the naked eye.
Challenge 2: Water Crossings (Know Your Limits)
The Bronco is engineered to cross shallow streams and standing water without stalling or damaging the engine — but you have to know your vehicle's limits.
Caziah points out that the Bronco Sasquatch package has a water-fording capability of around 33 inches. His golden rule? Always assess your entry and exit points first. Because you can't see what's hidden beneath the surface, maintain a slow, steady momentum. Never plow through.3
Challenge 3: The Boulder Garden (Unlocking Rock Crawl Mode)
To unlock the Bronco's full potential, you need to know how to use its Terrain Management System and selectable G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain).
For the tightest, rockiest sections of the trail, Caziah engages Rock Crawl Mode, which instantly activates the rear locker, adjusts throttle sensitivity, and optimizes the suspension so they can creep over uneven rocks with composure and control.
Bring What You Love to the Trail
Perhaps the most important takeaway Caziah shares isn't about tire pressure or line choice; it's about bringing the things you love into the outdoors.
For Caziah, that means pulling over mid-trail to brew a fresh, hot pour-over coffee. It’s a beautiful way to slow down — the smell of coffee cutting through the scent of mud and pine — and enjoy a rich, warm brew in the middle of nowhere.
Ready to Start Exploring?
At Ford, our goal is to design customized, connected experiences that live inside our vehicles, helping you enjoy every single journey to the fullest. Our collaboration with onX is just the beginning of how we are bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and your real-world passions.
To start exploring with onX, open your Ford app4 or visit onxmaps.com/ford.4
Mike Aragon is the president of Integrated Services at Ford.
What to Read Next
1Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
2Offer ends 12/22/2028 and applies to new onX Offroad, Hunt, Backcountry, and Fish Midwest app memberships. Credit card activation is required, and memberships will automatically renew until cancelled. Must be an eligible owner of 2017 and newer Ford vehicles equipped with an activated modem. Customers who had an onX Elite Offroad, Hunt, Backcountry, or Fish Midwest membership in the 12 months prior to activation are not eligible for a complimentary membership on the same onX app. onX Backcountry not available via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. See onX terms for complete offer details.
3Always determine the water depth before attempting a crossing and proceed slowly. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for detailed information regarding driving through water.
4Customers need a Ford app login. Ford app, formerly known as the FordPass® app, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply. Terms and conditions apply. Visit ford.com for our privacy notice.
Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
