Meet the Mapper
Feat. onX Trail Guide Crystal Stegman

Tell us a bit about yourself and where it all began.

Hi, I’m Crystal, a 30-something-year-old gal who recently reconnected with the nature of her childhood.

I grew up constantly off on adventures and “glamping” (truck bed campers and RVs—rarely tents) with my grandparents. As a child, they’d hand me a walkie-talkie because I’d be off in the woods exploring random trails and disappearing for hours. I loved those formative days.

What do you love most about off-roading?

I’ve only been driving off-road for two years. The thing I like most is getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

To hear the birds chirping, the water rushing, to feel the rain on my face, or the absolute peace of a snowfall. The city is full of responsibilities and expectations, whereas driving out into the middle of the woods holds no demands other than the adventure itself. You can move at your own pace and really take the time to soak in the undeniable calm, experience new places, to be able to disconnect from devices, and be fully present in the moment.

How’d you pick this one as your favorite trail?

One of my all-time favorite local spots is North Fork Rd in North Bend, Washington.

This trail is a 15+ mile forest service road with absolutely stunning views, multiple river spots, and very little difficulty. I’ve been on this trail more times than I can count, mostly because it’s close to home, easy, and is so peaceful. A great choice for both day trips and overnights, it’s a go-to spot to show to others. I’ve brought many friends out there for the easy-drivin’ dirt roads and the river-side camping spots. Listening to the water rush down the river and the trees sway is one of my absolute favorite ways to disconnect and recharge.

Your rig is sweet! Tell us about it.

I drive a 2020 Toyota 4Runner in the off-road premium trim.

It is a beautiful Barcelona Red colorway with added sunset themed Pacific NorthWest mountain magnetic goat armor. While it currently maintains a stock(ish) appearance it does contain amazing travel companions such as:

• Just Go vehicle drawers and Rago Fabrication molle panels
• Alu-Cab roof top tent (my fave mod so far!)
• Prinsu full rack (for the rooftop tent)
• Alu-Cab 270 degree shadow awning.

You have an unlimited budget but can only make one modification to your ride. What is it and why?

Oh goodness, an unlimited budget would require major planning and research on my end. Right now, I’d say I’d modify suspension and throw on a proper lift kit.

I’m just starting the research on this… ask me in a few months! There are multiple changes planned for the future, but for now I’m enjoying this rig I love so much and always working on my confidence and skill as a driver. I feel those are the most important upgrades to dial in, anyway.

Ok, but what was your FIRST car?

My first car was a 1997 Plymouth neon.

Completely no thrills (think tape deck with a roll-down window that sometimes worked) with a very specific Maaco sparkly lavender paint job. It was nothing to be excited about, but as a new 18-year-old driver, I was so excited to have the freedom to go where I needed to go without asking permission to borrow a vehicle. The rest is history.