Overlandnm

Glad to have you back for another edition of Behind The Wheel. This week we meet Shelby from Mile High MK.

Have a recommendation for our next guest on Behind The Wheel? Send it to trailcrew@overlandnm.com

1. Let’s start with your story—who are you, and how did you become known as MileHighMK on Instagram?

I’m Shelby (aka MileHighMK) and I’m a recent college graduate living in Albuquerque, NM! While I do have a Jeep, my roots run deep in Ford (per my name) and my love for offroading and overlanding started when my dad would take us off the pavement in his 2005 Ford Excursion and ever since then I’ve had the desire to keep off-roading for the rest of my life.

2. What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced on this path?
 

I do get some slack for driving a non-Wrangler Jeep and it can make it hard for some people to take me seriously. There were also some financial barriers as well as time barriers. I was a full-time college student for quite some time and I’m finally taking a gap year between my undergraduate and my graduate program to just work and have fun all while giving my brain a well deserved break. Another barrier I experience is being a part of the LGBTQ+ community and being in other communities such as offroading/overlanding communities. 

3. Is there a particular trail run, road trip, or truck moment that stands out as truly unforgettable?
 

My wife and I got eloped on an off road trail so I could argue that my Jeep was a part of my wedding! And while my wife was panicking in her Aunt’s Ford Bronco (Sport), I was having the time of my life riding up the trail with my friends.

4. How about any victories—big or small—that you’re especially proud of?
 

Honestly just being recognized is huge for me. I know that may sound a little self-centered but I just really appreciate the people who take the time to talk to me about my rig, my experiences, where I want to go in the future. 

5. For someone just getting into overlanding, off-roading, or building a rig—what advice would you give?

I would advise a new non-pavement enjoyer to never go alone, especially if you don’t have the proper equipment. I would say as you become a little more seasoned you could get away with it but the thought of that makes me nervous! Also, know your rig and know what your rig can and can’t do. 

6. What’s a piece of life wisdom or perspective that’s stuck with you through all this?

Honestly something I learned is that there’s no picture perfect mold that you or your rig have to be in order to be able to enjoy what you enjoy. Do I get strange looks at Jeep events because my rig isn’t a Wrangler? Yes but I know that I’m enjoying myself and I know that my Patriot has probably seen more off-road than a lot of the Wranglers at the event.

7. What’s coming up next for you?

My wife and I are looking to move to Denton, TX (August 2026) so I can pursue my graduate degree at the University of North Texas! I’ll be studying Sport Psychology and planning my next academic move which would be my doctorate degree. Also, adding a lift to my rig is on my “coming really soon” list of mods to add.