An Unforgettable Off-Road Adventure at Bronco Off-Roadeo Moab!

ashbyreese
Feb 09, 2025

Rank I

Feb 09, 2025

From the moment I took delivery of my 2024 Outer Banks on 12/20/2024, I knew I had to experience Bronco Off-Roadeo. With five locations to choose from, Moab was the obvious choice—not only is it one of the most legendary off-roading destinations in the world, but it was also the only state of the five I hadn’t visited yet.
I live in south Florida and flew FLL → SLC → GJR, landing at 1 PM. After picking up my rental truck, Enterprise recommended taking the scenic route along Highway 128 during the 85-mile drive from Grand Junction to Moab that took about two hours. It was absolutely worth it. The winding road along the Colorado River, surrounded by towering red rock cliffs, was breathtaking and the perfect start to my weekend.

First stop: Milt’s Stop & Eat. This legendary Moab diner did not disappoint! I got a double cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate shake—and trust me, you must ask for the fry sauce!
Next up: Arches National Park. Even the drive through the park was stunning. I made my way to Double Arch, an easy, short walk to one of the park’s most beautiful formations. I hung out there as the sun began to set, then grabbed dinner at Antica Forma, where I had some amazing wood-fired pizza.

I checked into Red Cliffs Lodge, which was recently acquired by Marriott. While renovations are underway, it still feels more like a Western retreat than a Marriott. My cabin had two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a cozy living area.

Since Bronco Off-Roadeo is located on the Red Cliffs Lodge property, it was a quick and easy walk to check in.

At 7 AM, I grabbed breakfast at the Bronco Lodge (not included in the Off-Roadeo package) then headed over to the Bronco Lounge at 7:45 AM. Right away, I was blown away—this place is a Bronco lover’s dream. The space is packed with Bronco history, interactive displays, and a massive swag shop full of hats, Yetis, shirts, and more.

Our lead guide, Jamie, welcomed us with tons of energy—his enthusiasm for off-roading and Broncos was contagious. Our second guide, Chuck, was just as knowledgeable and engaging.

We kicked off the day with an introduction session, where we learned about the Bronco’s capabilities and got to know each other. I thought I had traveled the furthest from Florida, but a guy from Alaska had me beat!

There were 10 total vehicles, and since I was solo, I chose to ride in the lead Bronco with Jamie. Best decision ever! I had a front-row seat to his Bronco knowledge and local insights, which he also shared with the rest of the convoy over the walkie-talkies throughout the day.

This was not a casual trail ride—it was a true off-road adventure, tackling rock crawling, sand, snow/ice, and mud. Since I was in the lead Bronco, I got to demo every obstacle first—which was both exhilarating and terrifying!
At the major obstacles, we’d all get out and talk through them then watch the first few Broncos tackle them. Jamie and Chuck provided phenomenal instruction, making even the most daunting sections feel doable.

Jamie also kept us engaged all day over the walkie-talkies, sharing local history, fun facts about the terrain, and insights into the Bronco’s capabilities. It was like having a personal tour guide and an off-road instructor rolled into one!

At 12:30 PM, we stopped for lunch, which consisted of sandwiches, grapes, pickles, chips, and cookies. After refueling, we hit the trails again, testing out every GOAT mode and learning how to use lockers effectively.

One of the coolest things we learned? How to use cruise control for off-roading. I had no idea that existed.

The views were jaw-dropping all day long. Every bend in the trail revealed something new—massive red rock formations, snow-capped peaks, and vast desert landscapes.

Our guide estimated that we covered 18-25 miles, with speeds ranging from 1 MPH to 25 MPH, making for an epic mix of technical and fun driving.

We ended back at the Bronco Lounge with a complimentary dinner from Red Cliffs Lodge restaurant “The Cowboy Grill.” It was the perfect way to swap Bronco stories and photos with the group, grab some last-minute merch, and reflect on an unbelievable day.
By the time I got back to my cabin, I was completely exhausted—but in the best way possible.

Bronco Off-Roadeo Moab exceeded every expectation. The guides were incredible, the trails were both challenging and fun, and the scenery was unreal. Whether you’re a first-time off-roader or an experienced trail driver, this is a must-do experience for any Bronco owner.

If you get the chance—GO. You won’t regret it!
ccernigo, timhood

Rank 0

Feb 15, 2025

#1
Thank you for the amazing review! My husband and I are going to Moab in a few weeks. I'm curious if this actually takes you into Arches or Canyonland. We will have 2 other days and I want to plan something for those days also.
ashbyreese, Chief Ron

Reality Show Host

Feb 15, 2025

#2
Beautifully depicted and illustrated post, @ashbyreese! I also went to the Moab Bronco Off-Roadeo and stayed at the Red Cliff Lodge (expensive but well worth it for the views and convenience alone). I thoroughly enjoyed your write up. I agree with everything you said and I also think everyone who can, should attend a BOR. They make for an incredible life experience! The scenery is choice, the instructors are top-shelf and the excitement is unparalleled. Bravo! 👏🏻
Chris here. I drive a 2-door Velocity Blue 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands with Sasquatch, Lux, a 2.7L V6, and an automatic transmission. It’s fun.

"Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
ashbyreese, Chief Ron

Gladesmen

Feb 16, 2025

#3
Thank you for the amazing review! My husband and I are going to Moab in a few weeks. I'm curious if this actually takes you into Arches or Canyonland. We will have 2 other days and I want to plan something for those days also.

You will definitely want to spend some time in Arches you need to make a reservation if you go in the front gate.you probably want to do the Potash to Shafer switchbacks and long canyon would be a nice easy-ish trail. But you really need this book. And a meal at Dewey’s is a must. There is too much to do in Moab for Two days so you will be back.
Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery
ashbyreese, Chief Ron

Gladesmen

Feb 16, 2025

#4
From the moment I took delivery of my 2024 Outer Banks on 12/20/2024, I knew I had to experience Bronco Off-Roadeo. With five locations to choose from, Moab was the obvious choice—not only is it one of the most legendary off-roading destinations in the world, but it was also the only state of the five I hadn’t visited yet.
I live in south Florida and flew FLL → SLC → GJR, landing at 1 PM. After picking up my rental truck, Enterprise recommended taking the scenic route along Highway 128 during the 85-mile drive from Grand Junction to Moab that took about two hours. It was absolutely worth it. The winding road along the Colorado River, surrounded by towering red rock cliffs, was breathtaking and the perfect start to my weekend.

First stop: Milt’s Stop & Eat. This legendary Moab diner did not disappoint! I got a double cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate shake—and trust me, you must ask for the fry sauce!
Next up: Arches National Park. Even the drive through the park was stunning. I made my way to Double Arch, an easy, short walk to one of the park’s most beautiful formations. I hung out there as the sun began to set, then grabbed dinner at Antica Forma, where I had some amazing wood-fired pizza.

I checked into Red Cliffs Lodge, which was recently acquired by Marriott. While renovations are underway, it still feels more like a Western retreat than a Marriott. My cabin had two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a cozy living area.

Since Bronco Off-Roadeo is located on the Red Cliffs Lodge property, it was a quick and easy walk to check in.

At 7 AM, I grabbed breakfast at the Bronco Lodge (not included in the Off-Roadeo package) then headed over to the Bronco Lounge at 7:45 AM. Right away, I was blown away—this place is a Bronco lover’s dream. The space is packed with Bronco history, interactive displays, and a massive swag shop full of hats, Yetis, shirts, and more.

Our lead guide, Jamie, welcomed us with tons of energy—his enthusiasm for off-roading and Broncos was contagious. Our second guide, Chuck, was just as knowledgeable and engaging.

We kicked off the day with an introduction session, where we learned about the Bronco’s capabilities and got to know each other. I thought I had traveled the furthest from Florida, but a guy from Alaska had me beat!

There were 10 total vehicles, and since I was solo, I chose to ride in the lead Bronco with Jamie. Best decision ever! I had a front-row seat to his Bronco knowledge and local insights, which he also shared with the rest of the convoy over the walkie-talkies throughout the day.

This was not a casual trail ride—it was a true off-road adventure, tackling rock crawling, sand, snow/ice, and mud. Since I was in the lead Bronco, I got to demo every obstacle first—which was both exhilarating and terrifying!
At the major obstacles, we’d all get out and talk through them then watch the first few Broncos tackle them. Jamie and Chuck provided phenomenal instruction, making even the most daunting sections feel doable.

Jamie also kept us engaged all day over the walkie-talkies, sharing local history, fun facts about the terrain, and insights into the Bronco’s capabilities. It was like having a personal tour guide and an off-road instructor rolled into one!

At 12:30 PM, we stopped for lunch, which consisted of sandwiches, grapes, pickles, chips, and cookies. After refueling, we hit the trails again, testing out every GOAT mode and learning how to use lockers effectively.

One of the coolest things we learned? How to use cruise control for off-roading. I had no idea that existed.

The views were jaw-dropping all day long. Every bend in the trail revealed something new—massive red rock formations, snow-capped peaks, and vast desert landscapes.

Our guide estimated that we covered 18-25 miles, with speeds ranging from 1 MPH to 25 MPH, making for an epic mix of technical and fun driving.

We ended back at the Bronco Lounge with a complimentary dinner from Red Cliffs Lodge restaurant “The Cowboy Grill.” It was the perfect way to swap Bronco stories and photos with the group, grab some last-minute merch, and reflect on an unbelievable day.
By the time I got back to my cabin, I was completely exhausted—but in the best way possible.

Bronco Off-Roadeo Moab exceeded every expectation. The guides were incredible, the trails were both challenging and fun, and the scenery was unreal. Whether you’re a first-time off-roader or an experienced trail driver, this is a must-do experience for any Bronco owner.

If you get the chance—GO. You won’t regret it!

Great write up. This seems to be the experience everyone has at a BOR. we still correspond with our BORT trail guide Amy (Ace) Clouds two years later. Great people.
Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery
ashbyreese, Chief Ron
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Feb 16, 2025

#5
@ashbyreese, congratulations on going to the Moab OR site. An excellent choice! And everything @BuckYeah said!🤣
ashbyreese, Sven

Reality Show Host

Feb 16, 2025

#6
I also think visiting Arches National Park is a MUST if you're heading to Moab. The scenery is incredible—like a vast, alien landscape with a big sky—unlike any place I've ever been.

I also agree with @Jakob1972 about maximizing your time while in the area AND it will give you all the inspiration you need to want to come back!
Chris here. I drive a 2-door Velocity Blue 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands with Sasquatch, Lux, a 2.7L V6, and an automatic transmission. It’s fun.

"Stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
ashbyreese, Sven

Rank IV

Feb 16, 2025

#7
That's a great review. We did ours there too and had the same wonderful experience.
We drove our bronco there and then spent a week on trails there. Amazing place.
ashbyreese, BuckYeah

Rank II

Feb 17, 2025

#8
Thanks for the review. I did mine in April '23. Awesome experience. Like you, I was solo and had the instructor ride with me. It was great to learn how capable these vehicles truly are.
ashbyreese, BuckYeah

Gladesmen

Feb 17, 2025

#9
Oh I also love all the shots of the Everglades. When we stopped by to check out the Moab BOR last July we noticed they had about 4 of them.
Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery
ashbyreese, BuckYeah

Rank 0

Feb 17, 2025

#10
Thank you for the review! We are going there in late June! Can't wait!
ashbyreese, BuckYeah

Rank 0

Feb 17, 2025

#11
Love Moab!

Check out Field Station Moab for a place to stay. Field Station hotels are what I would call "if REI made hotels".
22 min to Moab Off-Roadeo
Moab Field Station
ashbyreese, BuckYeah

Rank 0

Feb 19, 2025

#12
Great write up and loved the pics! You said that Red Cliffs was undergoing renovations. Did this hinder anything while you were there? Headed there in May for Ladies Day so just checking!
ashbyreese

Rank V

Feb 20, 2025

#13
From the moment I took delivery of my 2024 Outer Banks on 12/20/2024, I knew I had to experience Bronco Off-Roadeo. With five locations to choose from, Moab was the obvious choice—not only is it one of the most legendary off-roading destinations in the world, but it was also the only state of the five I hadn’t visited yet...
If you get the chance—GO. You won’t regret it!

Excellent review! The only thing I would have done differently, is I would have told you to fly into SLC and drive from there and hit some legendary sites and sights along the way. It's about 3 1/2 hours, and I can understand if you didn't have time to cover more ground--just another reason to come back! 😀

I remember my first time in Utah: "You want fry sauce with that?"

"Fry sauce? What is fry sauce?" 😂
ashbyreese, Deano Bronc

Rank 0

Feb 21, 2025

#14
Excellent review! The only thing I would have done differently, is I would have told you to fly into SLC and drive from there and hit some legendary sites and sights along the way. It's about 3 1/2 hours, and I can understand if you didn't have time to cover more ground--just another reason to come back! 😀

I remember my first time in Utah: "You want fry sauce with that?"

"Fry sauce? What is fry sauce?" 😂

I am doing just that in May. Mind sharing your ideas?
ashbyreese

Annapolis Bronco

Feb 21, 2025

#15
We just did our 2nd off roading in Moab past weekend. So much to do. Gemini Bridges, Fisher Towers, and this year we camped overnight in Canyonlands driving the White Rim trail, about 60 mi in total. Yes, 25F overnight but our friends fashioned up a diesel heating system - cozy. You need to get an entry permit and camping permit and they fill up in spring/fall but we practically had the White Rim trail to ourself...

And a 2nd vote for Field Station Moab as place to stay - Lobby looks like an REI store and cool outdoors vibe, friendly staff....

I should post more pics but here's one of Airport tower we took at 10p at night with moon reflection and stars, so cool...

We did the OR in Hill Country TX which was a lot of fun too. We drove out from MD both years as part of skiing trip with this diversion. So many people never use their Bronco off road which is a waste of a lot of fun!

Canyonlands night sky.jpg
i
THE Buckeye Bronco, ashbyreese

Rank V

Feb 21, 2025

#16
I am doing just that in May. Mind sharing your ideas?

Love to! First, what level of off-roading are you willing to do? How do you feel about heights? What about heights but you aren't near the edge? How much time do you have? I'll recommend some things near Moab, and also some things further away.
ashbyreese
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Feb 21, 2025

#17
The thing to remember about Moab is that right up front, plan on numerous return trips! There is so much to see and do, you can’t do it all in one trip. Moab, and all of Utah offer so much to see and do!
Jakob1972, ashbyreese

Rank 0

Feb 21, 2025

#18
Love to! First, what level of off-roading are you willing to do? How do you feel about heights? What about heights but you aren't near the edge? How much time do you have? I'll recommend some things near Moab, and also some things further away.

Well, I’m attending the OR so will have a rental (a suv) taking me from SLC to Moab. I’m staying 5 nights. So 2 before and 2 after.
ashbyreese, Deano Bronc

Rank V

Feb 25, 2025

#19
Well, I’m attending the OR so will have a rental (a suv) taking me from SLC to Moab. I’m staying 5 nights. So 2 before and 2 after.

OK, so coming from SLC, there are a lot of options, some of which aren't exactly on the way, so given your time, I'll focus on things that are easily accessible. I would recommend visiting Dead Horse Point State Park, which is not far from Moab, and also Canyonlands National Park. If your SUV has decent ground clearance, you can take the Shafer trail (from Canyonlands, it's Shafer Basin Road/Potash Road that takes you down the side of the canyon wall (the roads are wide, so you aren't driving on the edge of the cliff, but if anyone in your group has issues with heights, maybe skip this part and see my "Option 2" below. On Shafer/Potash, you can get a view of the Colorado river at Gooseneck overlook, see Thelma and Louise Point (where the car goes over the cliff at the end), see the potash ponds, Elvis rock, stop and hike to see dinosaur tracks and petrglyphs, hike to Corona arch if you want.

Option 2 is you can take Potash Road from Highway 191 just north of Moab and go as far as the Gooseneck overlook and turn around if you don't want to do the canyon wall ascent.

If you visit Canyonlands, I recommend a pre-dawn drive to Mesa Arch (about 15 minutes from the north entrance and a relatively flat 1/3 mile hike/walk to the arch). Viewing the sunrise through the arch is very much worth the experience even if you're not a morning person.

A bit of a detour, but can be arranged on your drive back would be a stop at Goblin Valley State Park. If you've ever seen Galaxy Quest, this is where they filmed the scenes where they are on Mars. It really does seem like another planet here. You are free to walk among and even climb the rock formations. If you are into it, see if there are any night sky programs going on when you'll be visiting. This area is a dark sky area, so on clear nights, you can see many more stars than you remember exist. 😊

And since you're heading in that direction, you can check out Fruita and Capitol Reef (though it will be too early to pick your own apples), and if it's your thing, you can do glamping in covered wagons in Torrey. (Just skip the on-site restaurant there, it sucks. But I would recommend a great Mexican restaurant nearby called Chak Balam.)

Oh, a couple of other things I forgot: from Canyonlands, heading west from Canyonlands, it's not too far out of the way to check Fremont Indian State Park and Museum. There are some great displays of petroglyphs, some of which are easy, generally level hikes to get to, and the museum has a nice display of artifacts and some multimedia presentations. It's a worthwhile stop if that sort of thing is of interest to you. Then, you can continue further west and when you get to I-15, you can check out Cove Fort, a pioneer fort and farm containing a cabin, barn and blacksmith shop, among other things. (Full disclosure: I haven't been here yet, but my wife has more than once!) If seeing how life was in the mid 1800s sounds interesting, you can't go wrong for the price: free. 😊

Those are some ideas to get you going. Let me know if you are wanting to be in other areas or are looking for other suggestions.
ashbyreese, Deano Bronc

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