What’s it like to compete in the longest US off-road rally with no GPS?
The Rebelle Rally, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has transformed into a prestigious event since its inception in 2016, showcasing the skills and resilience of women in off-road navigation. As the longest competitive off-road rally in the United States, the Rebelle Rally spans over 2,000 kilometers across the challenging terrains of California and Nevada. This unique rally emphasizes navigational precision rather than speed, requiring teams of two to plot coordinates and locate checkpoints without the aid of GPS, cell phones, or chase crews. With two primary classes—4×4 vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, and the X-Cross category featuring models such as the Honda Passport and BMW X5—participants are encouraged to utilize mostly stock vehicles, with many competing for the esteemed Bone Stock award.
This year, I had the exciting opportunity to return to the rally as a driver, piloting a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness alongside my navigator, Kendra Miller. My goal was to defend my previous podium finishes and stage wins while reconnecting with the rally’s unique challenges. Over the course of eight days, we navigated through rugged landscapes, relying on traditional map-reading skills and teamwork to tackle the demanding routes. The experience not only tested our driving abilities but also highlighted the camaraderie and empowerment that the Rebelle Rally fosters among its female competitors. As the event continues to grow in prestige and participation, it stands as a testament to women’s achievements in motorsports and the spirit of adventure.
I’ve been involved with the Rebelle Rally since its inception in 2016, either as a competitor or live show host, and over the past 10 years, I’ve seen it evolve from a scrappy rally with big dreams to the world-class event that it is today.
In a nutshell, the Rebelle Rally is the longest competitive off-road rally in the United States, covering over 2,000 kilometers, and it just happens to be for women. Over eight days, teams of two must plot coordinates on a map, figure out their route, and find multiple checkpoints—both marked and unmarked—with no GPS, cell phones, or chase crews. It is not a race for speed but rather a rally for navigational accuracy over some of the toughest terrain California and Nevada have to offer. There are two classes: 4×4 with vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco and X-Cross for cars like the Honda Passport and BMW X5. Heavy modifications aren’t needed, and many teams compete for the coveted Bone Stock award.
For this 10th anniversary, I got back behind the wheel of a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness as a driver, with Kendra Miller as my navigator, to defend my multiple podium finishes and stage wins and get reacquainted with the technology, or lack thereof, that makes this multi-day competition so special.
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