September 25, 2015
By Dance Aoki
At a glance, Guam’s hills and valleys, waterfalls, and cliffs appear inaccessible to the average Joe. Driving along the main roads of the island, either Marine Corps Drive or Route 4, the deep green leaves hanging from densely packed branches of vegetation seem to keep many natural wonders secret from everyone except the most adventurous hikers.
While the spectacle of Guam’s untouched locations are often off the beaten path, a few local tour companies provide everything a thrill-seeking adventurer could wish for in the form of off-road vehicles that can take on the rugged landscape.
Dwayne Taitano, owner of 671 Motorsports in Hagåtña, has been an avid wheeler since he was a little boy.
“I went off-roading with my uncles and my dad when I was much younger, and that got me into it,” Taitano said.
At last he was able to get his own vehicle and swiftly became one of a new generation of off-road enthusiasts, taking to the terrain near Leo Palace Resort in Yoña and the Channel 10 trail that starts at the top of Nimitz Hill.
Channel 10 is the location of a number of jeep trails, one of which leads to a lower valley where off-roaders can push their vehicles to technical limits. There are also a few breathtaking sights for those seeking out a different side of Guam: along with the views, there is also what remains of a World War II Sherman Tank rusting in the fields.
Near Leo Palace Resort, trucks decked out in heavy duty wheels big enough to take on the roughest terrain make their way through red dirt trails that become slick with mud during the rainy season. The hills of Talofofo in the distance frame the challenges presented by the rugged natural environment, and the aggressive revving of the engines are juxtaposed by a serene, peaceful setting.
One of the island’s better known hiking spots, Tarzan Falls, is also a great place to off-road. The steep hill climbs, loose dirt and muddy trails make for a dirty, bumpy ride. There are some spots in the jeep trails that may seem impossible, but a true off-road wheeler will only be able to taste the muddy flavor of victory on the other side of a rutted out trail.
Taitano said he’s happy to share an activity he and his father enjoyed together now with his son.
“Growing up, I went with my dad, and now I take my son,” he said. “We get to see parts of the island that not many people go to, unless they’re hiking. You get out there you look around, some places you don’t see a building in all directions.”
Taitano’s shop, 671 Motorsports, can help enthusiasts beef up their vehicles, making them better able to take on the obstacles they face during off-road adventures.
Guam Autosports and Jungle Rules Adventure Tours customize guided off-road experiences for their customers. Experienced guides take aspiring wheelers on the ride of a lifetime through the island’s beautiful and remote locations.
Both companies provide All Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs, and you have the option to ride alone, with a friend or with a guide.
