RGS Turkey Run
Event Date
November 28, 2026
Event Time
8:00 am
Event Location
Southern Vermont
Make Thanksgiving Legendary – RGS Turkey Run 2026
Skip the crowds, dodge the shopping madness, and spend Thanksgiving weekend the way it was meant to be spent—on the trail. The RGS Turkey Run 2026 is a one-day guided off-road adventure through Southern Vermont’s rugged backcountry, built for drivers who want mud on the tires, fresh mountain air, and a full dose of late-season trail fun.
This annual favorite delivers everything you want from a Vermont trail ride without the commitment of a multi-day expedition. Expect challenging but approachable terrain, dynamic fall conditions, and the camaraderie that comes from earning your miles together. Whether you’re a first-timer looking to build confidence or a seasoned RGS regular chasing one last ride before winter, the Turkey Run hits the mark.
What’s to Expect
- Green & Blue Trails
A carefully selected mix of accessible routes and moderate challenges that keep the day engaging without being overwhelming. Perfect for stock and lightly modified vehicles. - Southern Vermont Backcountry
Travel Class VI roads and lesser-known trail corridors that showcase the raw, rugged beauty of the Green Mountains in late fall. - All-Weather Adventure
Mud, water crossings, cold air, and the real possibility of snow make this ride unpredictable—in the best way possible. Every year brings different conditions and new stories. - Professional RGS Guiding
Ridgeback Guide Service leads the convoy, manages obstacles, and provides real-time coaching so you can focus on driving, learning, and enjoying the day.
Why This Run Is a Thanksgiving Tradition
✔ One-day commitment, maximum trail time
✔ Purpose-built routes you won’t find on your own
✔ Late-season conditions you won’t get anywhere else
✔ Guided, safe, and great camaraderie
Group size is limited to keep the pace steady, the convoy tight, and the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Seats are limited. If you’d rather earn your turkey than carve it, this is your run.
Join Ridgeback Guide Service for the Turkey Run 2026 — trade Black Friday for Green/Blue trails.
Essential Gear
To join this Thanksgiving adventure, make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the challenge:
- 4×4 Overland Vehicle: Fully equipped with recovery gear, tools, and spare parts.
- 31-Inch or Larger Tires: Mud-terrain or all-terrain, with a matching spare.
- Recovery Points: Front and rear.
- First Aid Kit & Basic Tool Kit: Be prepared for anything.
Vehicle Requirements >>>>
Please review the specific vehicle requirements for trail difficulty on our Vehicle Requirements Page. If you have any questions or need clarification regarding variances, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re happy to help ensure your vehicle is ready for the adventure!
Trail Ratings and Required Gear
Green Trails
Green Trail Rides (stock friendly)
Green level trips are our easiest trail type. These trips are typically on a combination of dirt roads and light trails. They offer challenges to stock vehicles and new drivers. Damage can happen but is not likely.
Minimum requirements
- 4X4 Street legal vehicle with insurance.
- Good tires (All Terrains or Mud Terrains preferred).
- Full size spare tire.
- GMRS Radio for Communications.
- Recovery points on the Front and Rear of the vehicle.
- Tire deflator for airing down.
- First Aid Kit appropriately sized for your vehicle and passengers.
- Appropriate Clothing and footwear for the conditions.
Recommended for Green Rides
- Rock Sliders
- 30-inch All Terrain or Mud Terrain Tires
- Vehicle Recovery Equipment
- Kinetic rope
- Tree saver strap
- Shackles (multiple)
- Pulley block
- Winch line extension
- Gloves
- Fire Extinguisher
- On Board Air set up for Tire inflation
Blue Trails
Blue Trail Rides (moderate difficulty)
Blue level trips are for slightly modified vehicles and drivers who have been off road before. Vehicles will scrape and bang on these trails. Damage may happen occur on stock and lightly modified vehicles depending on driver experience.
Minimum requirements
- 4X4 Street legal vehicle with Insurance.
- 31-inch All Terrain or Mud Terrain Tires (good tread condition).
- Rock Sliders.
- Recovery points on the front and rear of the vehicle.
- Full size spare tire.
- GMRS Radio for communications.
- Basic tool Kit for your vehicle.
- Tire deflator for airing down.
- First Aid Kit appropriately sized for your vehicle and passengers.
- Appropriate Clothing and footwear for the conditions.
- Vehicle Recovery Equipment
- Kinetic rope
- Shackles (multiple)
- Pulley block
- Winch line extension
- Gloves
- A fun and exciting attitude.
- Fire extinguisher.
Black Trails
Black Trail Rides (difficult, experienced driver)
Modified vehicles only. Drivers must have experience and not be afraid to scrape, scratch, dent, or possibly damage their vehicle. These trips are meant to challenge the experienced off-roader.
Minimum requirements
- 4X4 Street legal vehicle with Insurance.
- 33-inch All Terrain or Mud Terrain Tires (good tread condition).
- Vehicle traction control or Rear Locker.
- Rock Sliders
- Recovery points, front and rear.
- Full size spare tire.
- GMRS Radio for communications.
- Advanced Tool Kit with spare parts for your vehicle.
- Tire deflator for airing down.
- First Aid Kit appropriately sized for your vehicle and passengers.
- Appropriate Clothing and footwear for the conditions.
- Vehicle Recovery Equipment
- Kinetic rope
- Shackles (multiple)
- Pulley block
- Winch line extension
- Gloves
- A fun and exciting attitude.
- Fire extinguisher.
- On Board Air set up for Tire inflation.
Red Trails
Red Trail Rides (difficult, skilled driver)
Highly modified vehicles only. Damage is very likely to occur. A driver with extensive off road experience is required.
Minimum requirements
- 4X4 Street Legal Vehicle with Insurance.
- 35-inch All Terrain or Mud Terrain Tires (good tread condition).
- Vehicle traction control or Rear Locker (Preferably Front and Rear).
- Winch for vehicle recovery.
- Rock Sliders.
- Recovery points front and rear.
- Full size spare tire.
- GMRS Radio for communications.
- Advanced Tool Kit with spare parts for your vehicle.
- Tire deflator for airing down.
- First Aid Kit appropriately sized for your vehicle and passengers.
- Appropriate Clothing and footwear for the conditions.
- Recover Gear
- Kinetic rope
- Shackles (multiple)
- Pulley block
- Winch line extension
- Gloves
- A fun and exciting attitude.
- Fire extinguisher.
- On Board Air set up for Tire inflation.
Why Join the RGS Turkey Run?
The RGS Turkey Run is more than a trail ride—it’s a celebration of adventure, camaraderie, and the great outdoors. It’s your chance to create memories that rival any holiday tradition. Skip the malls, embrace the trails, and make this Thanksgiving weekend one to remember!
Questions?: Please reach out with any questions you may have. Need help determining if your vehicle is up for the task? Reach out, and we’ll make sure you’re trail-ready. Info@ridgebackguideservice.com
Join us for the RGS Turkey Run 2026—an off-road Thanksgiving experience you’ll be thankful for!