What does adventure do to the human mind? To find out, Toyota brought together six athletes and three off-road capable trucks for a 36-hour competition road trip. As the teams faced challenges in the mountains, desert and coast, we tracked each athlete's brain activity in real-time to pinpoint the exact moments when they felt the greatest adventure high.
In the end, the team with the highest point total wins.
Meet the Teams
Winner
1strank
775points
3wins
Team 4runner
Sierra & Josh
Pismo Beach
Team Tacoma
Lael & Rue
Alabama Hills
Team Land Cruiser
Jazmine & Hilary
San Bernardino Mountains
Follow Along The Journey
PISMO BEACH
Detour Worthy Ocean Trails
TRAIL NAME
Tucked in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead and Deep Creek offer the perfect blend of high-altitude challenge and forest escape for trail runners—terrain made for a Toyota truck.
TRAIL NAME
Tucked in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead and Deep Creek offer the perfect blend of high-altitude challenge and forest escape for trail runners—terrain made for a Toyota truck.
Loading map...
Detour
BIOMETRIC DATA CAPTURE
POWERED BY SIX APP
All participants wore fitness trackers to monitor real-time biometric data—such as heart rate, focus, and emotional engagement—throughout the challenges and activities. This allowed us to identify key moments and gain insight into how new experiences and adventure impact the brain and body.
A measure of emotional impact or resonance – find this score next to the brain at the top, and the teal line on the graph
A measure of psychological safety or comfort & confidence – find this score next to the shield at the top, and the purple line on the graph
Noteworthy moments when the brain and body are flooded with dopamine and oxytocin – these are the moments most likely to be recalled
250
250
250
Neuroscientist reacts to the science behind adventuring
Discussion with Dr. Paul Zak PhD
00:02:30
Detour Diaries
Sometimes the best memories aren’t the ones we plan - they’re the ones we stumble into. Armed with a disposable camera and an open road, each Destination Detour team captured some behind the scenes action from their own lens. The grain, the blur, the smiles - all proof that the detour was the destination all along.
Team 4Runner
Team Tacoma
Team Land Cruiser
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
detour-worthy trails
Ingersoll Point Preserve, Maine ⭐ 4.8 | Easy | 3.0 mi Follow the trail through moss-laden forest before the trees open up to reveal views of Wohoa Bay from Ingersoll Point.
Humbug Mountain State Park, Oregon ⭐ 4.7 | hard | 5.1 mi Hike through lush, old-growth forest enroute to the summit of Humbug Mountain, while the ocean views get better and better as you ascend.
Harbor Springs, Michigan ⭐ 4.4 | Easy | 20.4 mi Best explored by bike or car, this trail offers a unique take on the road less traveled on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia ⭐ 4.6 | Hard | 15.7 mi Discover a rare, undeveloped shoreline, where wild ponies, marine birds, and dolphins make for a magical coastal experience.
Baxter State Park, Maine ⭐ 4.7 | Hard | 10.3 mi Summit Mount Coe for stunning views of Katahdin — the highest peak in Maine at 5,269 feet and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Ahtanum State Forest, Washington ⭐ 4.6 | Moderate | 6.6 mi This densely forested trail climbs nearly 1,500 feet to the ridgeline, where, on clear days, views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier await.
Pike National Forest, Colorado ⭐ 4.6 | Moderate | 3.1 mi Make your way to a a stand of ancient limber pines, some of which are more than 1,000 years old.
Sumter National Forest, South Carolina ⭐ 4.5 | Moderate | 5.7 mi Part of the state-long, 50-mile Palmetto Trail, this multi-use route is open to hikers and mountain bikers.
Makoshika State Park, Montana ⭐ 4.6 | Moderate | 4.4 mi Head to the largest state park in Montana to explore the unique geological features in the region's badlands.
Goblin Valley State Park, Utah ⭐ 4.7 | Easy | 7.1 mi Designed for mountain biking, this beginner-friendly loop gives riders an up-close look at sandstone hoodoos, nicknamed goblins by locals.
Coconino National Forest, Arizona ⭐ 4.7 | Moderate | 5.6 mi Take in views of Sedona's towering red rock formations on this shared mountain bike and hiking trail.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada ⭐ 4.7 | Moderate | 4.8 mi Wander through the desert sage brush and past cholla cacti as you follow the trail along the base of the Rainbow Mountains.
adventure-ready
Adventure Lineup
4Runner
Build Yours
Tacoma
Build Yours
Land Cruiser
Build Yours
Tundra
Build Yours
Sequoia
Build YoursWATCH THE FULL SERIES.
Winner
1strank
775points
3wins
Overview
Team 4Runner
Overview
Team 4Runner
2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO
Sierra Kerr
As the 2023 World Junior Surf League champion and the daughter of surfing legend Josh Kerr, Sierra has earned a reputation as a surf prodigy. Now competing on the pro circuit, she’s known for her dynamic air game and fearless style in competition.
Josh Kerr
A pioneer in aerial surfing, Josh brings years of experience and competitive surfing to the table. He competes alongside his daughter Sierra in the Destination Detours challenge and credits their shared competitive spirit for carving out their path to a potential win.
Challenges
Team 4Runner
Challenges
Team 4Runner
Winner
1strank
775points
3wins
NAVIGATION CHALLENGE
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
-10points per
0XFrequency
+100Total Points
“Paper Maps Only”
Teams start with 100 points each but lose 10 points every time they use navigational technology. (Maximum 100pts. deducted.)
ROAD TRIP CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
5xFrequency
+125Total Points
“ADVENTURE STYLE”
Assemble a head-to-toe gas station outfit
“FEASTING AL FRESCO”
Cook a meal under the stars
“CHASING WATERFALLS”
Find a waterfall; take a dip
“BEAT THE SUNSET”
Set up camp before the sun sets
“KODAK MOMENT”
Shoot an entire roll of film on a disposable camera
“TENT RACE”
Compete for the fastest tent set-up time
VEHICLE CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
6xFrequency
+150Total Points
“GET LOOSE”
Drive off-road; successfully spray dust in the air
“TRAIL READY”
Drive at least 5 off-road miles each day
“HEAVY LOAD”
Help a local tow something heavy
“FROM CAMP TO GLAMP”
Upgrade the campsite
“DOWNHILL CRAWL”
Put the Downhill Assist Control to the test on steep downhill terrain
“HEY FRIEND!”
Find a Toyota of the same model; take a photo and give ‘em a high five!
BONUS CHALLENGES (winner takes all)
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+50points per
2xFrequency
+100Total Points
“DIRTY BIRD AWARD”
Bonus points for the muddiest vehicle upon return to LA
“MUSEUM OF ODDITIES”
Bonus points for the team that brings back the strangest local merch
“CAMP WOW”
Bonus points for the team that takes the best digital photo of their camp
LOCATION CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
6xFrequency
+150Total Points
"BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT"
Go for a soak at Sycamore Mineral Springs
"HIGHER GROUND"
Find a view worth stopping for at Avila Ridge
"SANDY SNACK"
Ask a fisherman at Port San Luis Pier for a local seafood rec; get that seafood
"PIRATES"
Find 10 seashells at Pirates Cove
"PIER JUMP"
The name says it all: any pier along the route will do
"HITCH A BOARD"
Borrow a board to catch a wave
SPORT-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
6xFrequency
+150Total Points
"SPLIT PEAK"
Split the peak at Shell Beach
"GROM OUT"
Surf three waves at three different surf spots
"POLAR BEAR CHALLENGE"
Surf a Central Coast wave without a wetsuit
"SHOOT THE PIER"
Surf through the pylons at the Pismo Pier
"DINOSAUR CAVES"
Paddle around the Dinosaur Caves; don’t get chomped
"GET AIRBORNE"
Land any variation of air
Detour Diaries
Team 4Runner
Detour Diaries
Team 4Runner
Salty hair, surf checks, and high-fives for days. This father-daughter adventure team crushes challenges and creates the best kinds of memories - from surfing through caves to watching the sunset over the ocean.
Overview
Team Tacoma
Overview
Team Tacoma
2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Lael Wilcox
Lael is a pioneering American ultra‑endurance cyclist. She’s known for her victories and all-time records in iconic unsupported races — most notably winning the Trans Am Bike Race in 2016 and breaking the women's course record at the Tour Divide in 2015. Today, Lael travels full-time with her partner Rue, who documents their travel stories and biking feats.
Rue Kaladyte
Alaskan-born photojournalist and filmmaker, Rue is known for documenting ultra-endurance bikepacking races around the world, including the Silk Road Mountain Race and Torino-Nice Rally. The former staff newspaper photojournalist now captures deeply human stories from her time on the road.
Challenges
Team Tacoma
Challenges
Team Tacoma
Second Place
2ndrank
650points
1wins
NAVIGATION CHALLENGE
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
-10points per
0XFrequency
+100Total Points
“Paper Maps Only”
Teams start with 100 points each but lose 10 points every time they use navigational technology. (Maximum 100pts. deducted.)
ROAD TRIP CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
6xFrequency
+175Total Points
“ADVENTURE STYLE”
Assemble a head-to-toe gas station outfit
“FEASTING AL FRESCO”
Cook a meal under the stars
“CHASING WATERFALLS”
Find a waterfall; take a dip
“BEAT THE SUNSET”
Set up camp before the sun sets
“KODAK MOMENT”
Shoot an entire roll of film on a disposable camera
“TENT RACE”
Compete for the fastest tent set-up time
VEHICLE CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
4xFrequency
+100Total Points
“GET LOOSE”
Drive off-road; successfully spray dust in the air
“TRAIL READY”
Drive at least 5 off-road miles each day
“HEAVY LOAD”
Help a local tow something heavy
“FROM CAMP TO GLAMP”
Upgrade the campsite
“DOWNHILL CRAWL”
Put the Downhill Assist Control to the test on steep downhill terrain
“HEY FRIEND!”
Find a Toyota of the same model; take a photo and give ‘em a high five!
BONUS CHALLENGES (winner takes all)
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+50points per
0xFrequency
0Total Points
“DIRTY BIRD AWARD”
Bonus points for the muddiest vehicle upon return to LA
“MUSEUM OF ODDITIES”
Bonus points for the team that brings back the strangest local merch
“CAMP WOW”
Bonus points for the team that takes the best digital photo of their camp
LOCATION CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
5xFrequency
+125Total Points
“FILM BUFF’S DELIGHT”
Stop at the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine; memorize and recite a fun fact
“LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION”
Reenact a scene from Western film on the famed Movie Road (at least one minute)
“SHARK ATTACK”
Take a selfie with the bikes at Shark Fin Rock
“MOBIUS ARCH”
Find the famous arch and take photo with it
“HOT HOT HEAT”
Soak in a hot spring
“HITCH A BIKE”
Find a fellow cyclist; ask to borrow their bike for a mile-long ride
SPORT-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
6xFrequency
+150Total Points
“PIT STOP”
Swap a wheel in under three minutes
“SPIRIT OF GRAVEL”
Rock denim shorts and flat pedals on at least one ride
“HONEY I SHRUNK MT. EVEREST”
Climb 2,903.17 feet — a mini Everest — on a single ride
“BREAKING 45”
Hit a combined 45 mph riding downhill with a teammate
“ONE’S ENOUGH”
Pop a wheelie for at least five seconds
“NO HANDS MA!”
Ride half a mile without hands at the same time as a teammate
Detour Diaries
Team Tacoma
Detour Diaries
Team Tacoma
Dusty trails, gritty teeth, and a slow start won’t stop this duo. Chasing challenges after sunset and finding color where most people only see dirt. This couple finds lightness and laughter through their new experiences.
Overview
Team Land Cruiser
Overview
Team Land Cruiser
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
Jazmine Lowther
Jazmine is a Salt Lake City-based ultrarunner from British Columbia. She made a name for herself in the long distance running world with a breakout win at the 2022 Canyons Endurance Runs 100K. A former plant biologist, she now spends her time training as an Arc’teryx-sponsored athlete and UESCA-certified coach.
Hilary Ann Yang
Based in LA, Hilary is an award-winning photographer, graphic designer, writer, videographer, creative director, and endurance athlete. Her overarching goal is always to inspire herself and others to push outside their comfort zones.
Challenges
Team Land Cruiser
Challenges
Team Land Cruiser
Third Place
3rdrank
625points
0wins
NAVIGATION CHALLENGE
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
-10points per
0XFrequency
+100Total Points
“Paper Maps Only”
Teams start with 100 points each but lose 10 points every time they use navigational technology. (Maximum 100pts. deducted.)
ROAD TRIP CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
5xFrequency
+125Total Points
“ADVENTURE STYLE”
Assemble a head-to-toe gas station outfit
“FEASTING AL FRESCO”
Cook a meal under the stars
“CHASING WATERFALLS”
Find a waterfall; take a dip
“BEAT THE SUNSET”
Set up camp before the sun sets
“KODAK MOMENT”
Shoot an entire roll of film on a disposable camera
“TENT RACE”
Compete for the fastest tent set-up time
VEHICLE CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
4xFrequency
+100Total Points
“GET LOOSE”
Drive off-road; successfully spray dust in the air
“TRAIL READY”
Drive at least 5 off-road miles each day
“HEAVY LOAD”
Help a local tow something heavy
“FROM CAMP TO GLAMP”
Upgrade the campsite
“DOWNHILL CRAWL”
Put the Downhill Assist Control to the test on steep downhill terrain
“HEY FRIEND!”
Find a Toyota of the same model; take a photo and give ‘em a high five!
BONUS CHALLENGES (winner takes all)
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+50points per
1xFrequency
+50Total Points
“DIRTY BIRD AWARD”
Bonus points for the muddiest vehicle upon return to LA
“MUSEUM OF ODDITIES”
Bonus points for the team that brings back the strangest local merch
“CAMP WOW”
Bonus points for the team that takes the best digital photo of their camp
LOCATION CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
5xFrequency
+125Total Points
“CATCH OF THE DAY”
Catch a fish in Lake Arrowhead or Lake Gregory
“SHOWTIME”
Go to the Tudor House; pick up a souvenir from the gift shop
"RUN IT"
Go to the Rim Bowling & Entertainment Center; bowl a strike
"TREE POSE"
Take a selfie doing tree pose among the pines
"CAMP COUNSELOR"
Go to SkyPark Campground; help a group set up camp
"HITCH A SHOE"
Find a local runner; ask to borrow their shoes for a half-mile run
SPORT SPECIFIC CHALLENGES
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
+25points per
5xFrequency
+125Total Points
"RACE DAY"
Set up an out-and-back race starting and ending at the truck (minimum two miles); loser eats a Vienna sausage or comparable veggie substitute
"THREAD THE NEEDLE"
Run a route along the Lake Gregory Trail
"LOST IN THE TREES"
Crack into the top 10 on a local Strava route
"JORTS RUN"
Complete at least one team run in Crestline wearing matching jorts
"ROAD LESS TRAVELED"
Tag-team a run from Lake Gregory Trail to the Rim of the World Scenic Byway
"BACKWARDS LIFE"
Run backwards in tandem with a teammate for half a mile
Detour Diaries
Team Land Cruiser
Detour Diaries
Team Land Cruiser
Altitude meets attitude in the best way possible with this team. Getting to know each other every step of the way - this dynamic duo showcases so much fun through grainy film and big smiles.
The Trucks
Toyota 4Runner
The Trucks
Toyota 4Runner
DRIVETRAINS
Available 2WD; available part-time or full-time 4WD
MPG RATING
Up to an est. 23 combined mpg
SPACE
Seating capacity up to seven
The Trucks
Toyota Tacoma
The Trucks
Toyota Tacoma
ENGINE
Standard i-FORCE powertrain or available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain
PERFORMANCE
Up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque
TRANSMISSION
Available 8-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed manual transmission
The Trucks
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Trucks
Toyota Land Cruiser
DRIVETRAIN
Standard full-time 4WD
POWERTRAIN
2.4L 4 cylinder i-FORCE MAX hybrid
CAPABILITY
Standard crawl control; available multi-terrain select
PERFORMANCE
326 net combined horsepower
The Trucks
Toyota Sequoia
The Trucks
Toyota Sequoia
i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 hybrid
TOWING
Up to 9,500 lbs. towing capacity
PERFORMANCE
Up to 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque
SPACE
Seating capacity up to eight
The Trucks
Toyota Tundra
The Trucks
Toyota Tundra
Optional i-FORCE powertrain or i-FORCE MAX powertrain
TOWING
Up to 12,000 lbs. towing capacity
TRANSMISSION
10-speed electronic, automatic transmission
