At this year’s Roamer Rally, it sometimes felt like there were just as many dogs as there were Roamers! By my count, we had fourteen furry friends join us, not to mention a cat, a bird, and even a turtle tagging along for the adventure.

No matter what kind of companion you bring on the road, pets have a way of making the journey richer. They’re just as eager to explore the world as we are. There’s nothing quite like sitting around a warm campfire with your four-legged best friend curled up at your side.

The dogs, of course, had the time of their lives as well! Roaming free, chasing each other across camp, and keeping a vigilant eye on “their” territory (trailer). Watching them enjoy the rally reminded us why we love sharing the road with our pets: they don’t just travel with us, they experience the adventure right alongside us.

On Sunday, we took another caravan of ROAMERs on Utah’s scenic byway, Highway 12. Highway 12 is a 123-mile highway that connects from ROAMERLAND all the way to Torrey, Utah working through small towns like Henrieville, Escalante, and Boulder that offers incredible views and scenery like Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Hogsback Ridge. 

We left early in the morning, and hit the road with a quick coffee and snack stop on the way. The scenery shifts from red rocks and spires, to desert pine forests, and offers multiple stops to pull aside for epic photos. After a quick lunch break at Boulder’s iconic Hell’s Backbone Grill & Bar, we decided we needed to see the “real” Hell’s Backbone on our way back to ROAMERLAND. Just off Highway 12, you can turn off to hit some graded dirt roads that were built by the CCC (Civilian Conversation Corps) during the great depression era in the United States. 

You wind up the mountains, and finally hit a peak at a bridge with stunning views on each side, with hundreds of feet of sheer cliff drops. I managed to find a place to take in the views that made some people nervous, as I stood on a perch with cliff drops on either side of me. We stopped for a photoshoot and gave non-stop compliments to the incredible scenery, as we came down the mountain we pulled off for a quick stop at Posey Lake, and then headed back to ROAMERLAND. If you ever have a chance to do Highway 12, and Hell’s Backbone take it! There are also plenty of places to pull aside and camp for a night during your exploration. 

While one group of ROAMERs made their way to Toquerville Falls, another crew set out to explore the Mossy Cave Trail just outside of Bryce Canyon. Though it’s a short hike, the trail packs in a surprising amount of beauty with flowing water, vibrant moss-covered walls, and even a small waterfall. It was such a hit with the group that they hiked it not once, but twice, just to soak it all in again (or because we missed the trail going to the cave and only saw the waterfall the first time).

Afterward, the group continued into Bryce Canyon, stopping at several overlook points to take in the sweeping views of hoodoos and red rocks under the sun. Phone cameras were snapping nonstop, and the photos captured only a fraction of the awe everyone felt standing at the edge of such an iconic landscape. It was the perfect balance of exploration and appreciation, adventuring on the trail, then pausing to simply admire nature’s masterpiece.

One of the best parts of the rally wasn’t the excursions, hidden waterfalls or the epic views of Hell’s Backbone, it was actually around the campfire. Earlier in the week, a fire ban had us worried that we’d miss out on having a real, proper campfire. But just in time for the weekend, the ban was lifted, and we were able to gather around a real fire under the night sky.

There’s something magical about how a campfire brings people together. The light from the flames, the crackle of the wood, and the warmth against the cool evening air created the perfect setting for connection. Guitars came out, singing by some talented voices, and laughter carried through camp as stories were shared. What started as small groups scattered across the site quickly became one big circle of Roamers, united by the campfire, music, and community.

It reminded us that while the trails and destinations are amazing, it’s these moments of togetherness that truly make the Roamer Rally what it is.

One of the most fun parts of every rally is seeing the creativity our ROAMERs bring to their rigs. Most of our own mod ideas are sparked by them, but every year we’re surprised by the new upgrades, tweaks, and personal touches they’ve come up with. From rooftop decks to bird feeders, the range of mods is endless and it’s all about making each trailer feel a little more like home.

Some mods are quite practical: we’ve seen Roamers turn the bunks in their Reboot 19.6 into storage for fishing poles or hunting gear. Others are clever, like the much-discussed bug screen solution for the Pause Reboot 17.4 and Pause XC22.4 decks. One Roamer cut down a garage door bug screen and attached it with Velcro, creating an affordable and easy-to-install fix that had everyone talking.

Not every customization falls into the “mod” category, but they’re just as inspiring. The MDC XT19HRT, for example, was set up with its full annex room and strung with mood lighting, transforming it into a cozy, bug-free lounge area that became an awesome hangout spot.

And of course, no rally would be complete without “toilet talk” around the fire. Whether it’s black tanks, cassettes, composting, or even incinerators, every Roamer has their preferred setup. It’s a funny reminder that even the most practical details are part of making off-grid camping more comfortable and it’s a big part of what bonds this community together.

If there’s one clear thing we learned this year, it’s that our ROAMERs love their guns. On Labor Day, we headed out to a local shooting range where everyone had the chance to show off and test out their firearms. The lineup was quite impressive! Everything from small pistols and shotguns to rifles of every size and style. But the showstopper was a 49-pound .50 caliber bolt-action rifle that had everyone “oooh”ing and “ahhhh”ing. 

We spent the day blasting targets, sharing tips, and cheering each other on. Every Roamer at the range got a turn behind the .50 cal, and the smiles that followed each shot said it all. The thunderous boom, the recoil, and the sheer power of it made the experience unforgettable.

It wasn’t just about the guns, it was about the community. The range turned into another rally moment where everyone bonded, whether they were seasoned pros or trying something new for the first time. Just like with the trails, the campfires, and the mods, the gun range reminded us that ROAMERs know how to have fun in all kinds of ways.

As the weekend came to a close, one thing became clear: a ROAMER is a ROAMER, no matter what they drive, tow, or how they travel. Around the rally, friendships blossomed between people with completely different units, different backgrounds, and different ways of living the lifestyle. Some are full-timers, carrying their homes with them wherever the road leads. Others are weekend warriors, getting out for an adventure whenever they can. Yet in the circle of the ROAMER community, those differences faded into the background.

What mattered was the shared love of exploration, the kindness and willingness to connect, and the thrill of experiencing the outdoors together. Whether it was on the trails of Toquerville Falls, at the overlooks of Bryce Canyon, or around the campfire, the bonds built this weekend reminded us why the ROAMER community is so special. It’s not about the units, it’s about the people. And when we come together, we leave not just with memories of the places we’ve been, but with new friends who make the journey even more meaningful.