Come on my friends let’s make for the hills
They say there’s gold and I’m looking for thrills
You can get your hands on whatever we find
‘Cause I’m only coming along for the ride

Pink Floyd, The Gold it’s in The.. 1972

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Continuing my research for the optimum routes and means for a possible future American tour, I happened upon another transportation option worth exploring. 

Perhaps a vehicle similar to those found on Sedona Arizona’s ‘Pink Jeep Tour’ might suffice as a possibility for touring North America. What do you think about that?

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Ok, sure, I’ll admit that I didn’t do a ton of advance research before heading to Sedona Arizona. For a man accustomed to watching life pass by on the TV screen, the notion of adventure seemed as foreign as a Martian landscape. Yet, here I was, standing before the ‘Pink Adventure Tours’ office in Sedona, with a sliver of apprehension gnawing at my insides.

My decision to book with “Pink Adventure Tours” was driven by their solid reputation and the friendly demeanor of the staff when we strolled into the office. I’d be lying if I said the pink vehicles didn’t catch my eye—who wouldn’t want to be seen bouncing around the rugged desert in a bright pink Jeep?

So, when a last-minute opening for the ‘Broken Arrow’ tour appeared, I felt a curious mix of dread and excitement. The idea of a rugged, off-road adventure didn’t exactly align with my sedate lifestyle, but curiosity got the better of me. I convinced myself that the tour was merely a different way to watch life go by—albeit with a lot more bumps and a lot less whiskey.

The day of the tour, I arrived at the Pink Jeep Plaza in Uptown Sedona, my heart thumping louder than a John Wayne showdown. Our guide, a spry fellow named Joe, greeted us with an enthusiasm that seemed almost unnatural before coffee. He ushered us into the open-air Pink Jeep Wrangler, a vehicle that looked both impressive and intimidating.

Climbing into that Jeep felt like stepping into the pages of an Barbie adventure novel I had no business being a part of.

As we rolled out of Sedona and into the rugged wilderness of the Coconino National Forest, Joe regaled us with tales of Sedona’s history and the Hollywood westerns filmed amidst these iconic red rocks. His stories were punctuated by sudden jolts and bounces as the Jeep tackled terrain that seemed more suited for mountain goats than a four-wheeled vehicle.

I clung to the safety bar, my knuckles white, silently cursing every bump and rut that jostled my aging bones.

The vistas, however, were nothing short of spectacular. Majestic rock spires and unique geological formations stretched as far as the eye could see, framed by juniper and cypress. Joe’s enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself laughing along with his jokes, even as my body protested the rough ride.

At Submarine Rock, we stopped to stretch our legs and snap some photos. The panorama was breathtaking, a sweeping view that made the bumps and bruises worthwhile.

The real thrill, however, came during the tour’s finale—a nearly vertical descent down a natural rock staircase aptly named the “Road of No Return.” Joe’s warning to hold on tight seemed unnecessary; my grip on the safety bar had become a matter of survival. As the Jeep crawled down the steep incline, I experienced a strange mix of exhilaration and sheer terror. Who knew that an old couch potato like me could handle such an adrenaline rush?

By the time we returned to the Pink Jeep Plaza, I felt a sense of accomplishment that I hadn’t known in years. The Broken Arrow tour was more than just an off-road adventure; it was a reminder that life still held surprises, even for a seasoned armchair traveler. I might still prefer the comfort of my couch, but that day in Sedona, I discovered a new kind of thrill that left me craving just a bit more adventure.

If you find yourself in Sedona Arizona and have a chance to book the Broken Arrow tour, don’t hesitate. It’s a rugged, bumpy, and utterly exhilarating ride that even an old couch potato can appreciate. Just remember to hold on tight and enjoy the view—after all, life’s too short to watch it all go by from the sidelines.

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An extended Pink Jeep style ‘tour’ across North America might be a stretch of the imagination.  The Jeep pictured here will only get 8.5 km/l.  The roofless option might prove disastrous facing global warming enhanced storms which might crop up across the Midwest. The Jeep can occasionally be bumpy and noisy too.

Sure, the rugged durability of a Jeep Wrangler might allow for seeing some out of the way and rugged places. The four-wheel drive option might really come in handy when seeking out the beautiful back roads of this great land.

From a ‘guys guy’ point of view, there is a huge appeal to my ‘masculinity’ with the thought of touring North American in this iconic American vehicle. The very first vehicle I owned back in High School was a 1957 Jeep Wagoneer, so the appeal is definitely poking me in the ribs. And there is no real expectation for me that a Jeep for touring across North America would need to be pink, like the ones on Pink Jeep Tours.

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While I summarize my ranking of a Pink Jeep Wrangler for it’s practicality as North American Tour vehicle, please enjoy the music of Pink Floyd, which I found particularly appropriate for this specific post.

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Cheers, nca

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For Transportation Options, I came up with the following rating scale. All factors are on a scale of 1 (bad) – 10 (Fantastic).

Cost Factor: 4 – A slightly used Jeep Wrangler fitted for two cross country travelers might add up to around £22,000. We’d get about 8.5 km/l for fuel consumption. If you choose a Jeep, your going to spend a few £.

American Experience Factor: 8 – The Jeep is an iconic American vehicle, with appeal in both red and blue states. “Chicks” may dig you. You’ll get to see American Backroads….all good.

Social Interaction Factor: 6

Efficiency/Safety: 4

UK Traveler Abroad Factor: 2 – Put some Pink Floyd or AC/DC on the stereo to get a 2 here. There is not much UK about a Jeep.

Earth Friendliness Factor: 3 – Did I mention the 8.5 km/l?

Overall Rating: 27, ranked just below Sentimental Journey and Waymo

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