King of the Hammers 2025: Surviving the Desert Adventure with Rossmonster

Top speed: 102 mph

Most # of people in the truck at once: 12

Best meal: Steak & potatoes

If you've been around the off-road scene for long, you’ve likely heard of King of the Hammers (KOH)—the largest off-road race in North America. This year’s event was a record breaker with over 150,000 attendees, and I had the pleasure of being there with the Rossmonster crew, alongside Tim in his Baja Trail and myself in the Baja Plus. Tim also brought his Can-Am side-by-side, making it a full-on adventure. Our booth was set up at the OVR Outpost, located about 3 miles from the main Hammer Town, which gave us a great vantage point for the race and a break from the chaotic dust storm that is Hammer Town. This year, we even had a surprise weather twist—it snowed, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already wild atmosphere.

For those not familiar with KOH, it’s more than just a race—it's an experience. The event attracts thousands of off-road enthusiasts, many of whom bring their own rigs, creating a controlled chaos that’s thrilling to witness. We spent our time exploring the course, meeting like-minded folks, and showing off what makes Rossmonster trucks stand out in the overlanding world.

One of the highlights for me was driving our Baja Plus up Chocolate Thunder. This famous section of the course, known for its giant rock garden, has a steep and off-camber side road that truly tests the capabilities of any off-road vehicle. Our trucks handled it with ease, and we even made some new friends who followed us up the mountain to hang out at the top.

Surviving the King of the Hammers: A Few Quick Tips

While KOH is a race at its core, as a spectator and an overlander, there are a few things that’ll make your experience a lot more enjoyable. Here are my survival tips for those looking to enjoy the event without getting overwhelmed:

1. Bring Plenty of Food & Water: Trust me, you’ll be out in the desert for hours (or even days), and food options are scarce. Stock up on snacks and meals that can sustain you throughout the event. Hydration is key too—don’t let the desert heat catch you off guard.

2. Follow the Itinerary: King of the Hammers has an extensive schedule, and there’s always something happening. From watching the race to visiting various vendor booths, keeping track of the itinerary helps you plan your day and make the most of your time there. Don’t try to catch everything—focus on what interests you most.

3. Network Like a Pro: KOH is an ideal place to connect with other overlanders, enthusiasts, and industry professionals. Take the time to chat with people, ask about lesser-known events or cool spots to check out. You never know who you'll meet or what you’ll learn.

4. Get Off the Beaten Path: The race itself can be chaotic, but some of the best experiences come from stepping outside of the main event. Head over to places like the OVR Outpost, where you can enjoy the action without being swallowed up by the crowds and dust of Hammer Town. Plus, it offers an excellent view of the speed section of the race.

5. Prepare for the Elements: The desert is no joke. Temperatures can swing wildly, and the sun can be brutal. Make sure to bring sun protection—hats, sunscreen, and a good pair of shades—and layers for the cooler desert nights. And this year, be prepared for anything—including snow!

At the end of the day, KOH is as much about the community as it is about the race. Whether you're an overlanding enthusiast, a truck lover, or just someone who enjoys the spectacle of it all, there’s something here for everyone. We were able to showcase Rossmonster’s commitment to quality and capability, and the response from people who came by our booth was incredible. We're excited to see where the future takes us as we continue to push the limits of adventure vehicles.

Until next time, keep exploring, stay safe, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!