The Bronco Safari in Vernal, Utah, which began June 11 and running through the 14th is shaping up to be another fun event for Ford Bronco owners and one you might want to add to your list in the future. Hosted by the Utah Bronco Club at the Vernal Rod and Gun Club grounds, this gathering promises some adventurous off-road experiences in the scenic Uintah Basin. This will be the event’s second year in Vernal, having relocated from Moab, where the event took place for several years.
Where is Vernal, Utah?
Vernal is a town about 175 miles east of Salt Lake City and has a population of just over 10,000. It’s only about 20 miles west of the Colorado state line but getting there is a bit of a drive. Compared to well-known off-roading meccas like Moab or Sand Hollow that are relatively close to major interstates, Vernal is nestled almost perfectly in the middle between interstates 70 & 80.
The elevation in Vernal is 5300 ft and considered a high desert climate. Days in June can exceed 100 degrees but normally are in the 90’s with overnight lows around 60, so pack accordingly.
Expected Participation
In 2024, the event drew fewer Broncos to Vernal than the event did in Moab in 2023. This is likely due to it being the first year in Vernal, a date change to June, and a bit of uncertainty regarding permit approvals. While specific 2025 numbers aren’t published yet, organizers are anticipating a modest increase in the turnout of Broncos and this event traditionally has a large grouping of early Gens, as the event existed before the launch of the Gen 6.
Trail Rides & Activities
The website does not list the offered activities and schedule but mentions that they will be distributed to registered drivers and vendors once finalized. There is also a trail page, based on permit approvals, that offers guided trails, rating from 3-10 on a 1-10 scale. Since the easiest trail requires 31” tires as a minimum, the Bronco Safari is not recommended for Bronco Sport owners.
The website does also link out to Facebook pages for both Bronco Safari and Utah Bronco Club as resources to find out more information but it appears that neither page has been updated recently.
It appears that the link on the website is for an old version of the Bronco Safari page, here is an updated page with current posts from members at the event.
Based on previous years, it is likely that there will be:
- Guided trail runs This year, the permit request was for 13 different trail runs with difficulty levels of 3-10.
- Show & Shine gathering, with prizes for various categories of Bronco.
- Event headquarters offering the mandatory trail stickers, registration packs, and support from the Utah Bronco Club.
- Vendor Show this may be combined with the Show & Shine gathering. The vendor page on the website does look to be updated and lists about 30 vendors. Some are favorites of mine so maybe worth checking out!
- Raffle with prizes donated from many of the vendors.
Why Every Bronco Owner Should Attend a Bronco Event
Even if Vernal is too far away or your timeline is too late for this event, every Bronco owner is missing out if they don’t attend a Bronco event. Check out the Bronco Nation event page and make plans to register for one that appeals to you. I’m always surprised that first time attendees didn’t realize the social connection and new friends that can be made from sharing in a common interest. In fact, we still have friends from the first Bronco Safari that we attended.
Also, if you’ve attended the Bronco Off-Roadeo but are looking to expand or practice some of those skills, going to an event that offers guided trail rides is a great next step in your off-roading adventure. Start with an easy trail and go from there, you might surprise yourself at how competent you and your vehicle are in the different terrains.
Bronco Nation Owner Testimonials From 2024
We have had some Bronco Nation members attend Bronco Safari in Vernal and give a report with some photos.
Nogame24, after returning from 2024:
“We just got back from Bronco Safari in Vernal, UT and had an absolute blast … The trails were harder than I expected, but I am glad I ventured into harder trails than normal …
EriktheCarbonizedGray on his first run:
“It is a big mountain biking mecca… off‑roading is a big draw. I feel like this is what Moab must have been like in the ‘70s and early ‘80s before crowds started going there and it became, ‘Moab.’”
Want To Go?
If you can’t attend this year, watch for early registration on the Bronco Safari page for 2026. If you’re headed that way but haven’t signed up, it looks like registration is still open, with or without a Utah Bronco Club membership.
Did you attend the Bronco Safari since it’s been in Vernal? Comment below on what you like or wished was different about this event.
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