Ford Bronco Off-Road Adventures: A Recap

The 2024 Moab Rocky Mountain Adventure was a four-day, three-night journey that traveled overland through the rugged beauty of Moab and the Rocky Mountains. This opportunity was offered to a group of up to 10 Bronco owners, allowing them to experience some of the most iconic off-road terrain in the world while providing guides, gourmet meals, and private camp sites for four days and three nights. 

This trip was designed for owners of all skill levels, with trail ratings of 3-5, providing a challenging yet accessible adventure for all types of Broncos and drivers’ experiences. 

This particular event was part of the Ford Bronco Off-Road Adventures that offered Bronco owners three overlanding options: the Emigrant trail in Nevada, the Eagle Nest in New Mexico, as well as the Moab Rocky Mountain Adventure.

One of our own Bronco Nation members, Greg Murray, attended the Moab Adventure and shared some of his photos and personal experiences with me just before I left for the Rebelle Rally. 

Although we are moving into the winter season, I thought it would still be fun to provide Greg’s recap of the trip and perhaps open up discussion for next year’s adventures. Is this type of overlanding trip something you’d be interested in? 

Day 1: Tuesday, September 10 – Raven’s Rim & Hell’s Revenge 

The adventure kicked off on Tuesday at Raven’s Rim Zip Lines, right off main street in Moab and below the rim holding the famous Hell’s Revenge trail. The Broncos got the chance to drive the private 4x4 route, which normally only allows side by sides loaded with guests access to a 350-acre area that offers a zip line adventure.  

Upon reaching the top, a well-organized camp was set up for the group, complete with a meal tent, portable showers, restrooms, and a cook tent provided by American Safari, who also hauled in the food. Everyone was responsible for setting up their own tents, which added to the sense of adventure. 

The group, made up of couples and individuals, along with their guides, gathered around the campfire to unwind, and get the chance to know each other better before settling down for the first night sleeping under the stars.

Day 2: Wednesday, September 11 – Hell’s Revenge & Ophir Pass 

The next morning, after coffee and a hot breakfast, the Broncos got to conquer the legendary Hell’s Revenge trail. The group successfully completed the full trail, navigating its infamous obstacles and enjoying the breathtaking views of Moab’s red rock landscape. Afterward, the convoy made their way along Sand Flats Road, towards Colorado. A last-minute change to drive Ophir Pass was implemented because Imogene Pass was closed, something that can regularly happen due to the constantly changing weather and trail conditions in the San Juan Mountains. 

The guides were experienced and familiar with alternate routes, so there was minimal disruption to the trip. 

The group encountered a Jeep club already at the top of the pass and then passed them on the descent, driving along a narrow shelf road. Stops along the way highlighted the features of the Bronco when tackling obstacles and showcased vehicle recovery techniques. Lunch was held along the route giving participants time to talk to guides about their vehicle experiences and share their learnings with their fellow Bronco owners.

The group then continued to Wolf Springs Ranch, a peaceful, less windy spot where another well-equipped campsite awaited them. Participants were encouraged to take ownership of their equipment and setup, trade tips and help the group as a whole. Each day followed a fairly consistent rhythm: depart at 8 a.m., arrive at camp by 4 p.m., and enjoy a delicious dinner by 6 p.m. S’mores and stories were served around the campfire with the guides and fellow overlanders until we retired to our tents in preparation for another full day of adventure.

Day 3: Thursday, September 12 – Telluride & Red Mountain

On Thursday, the group ventured out to Telluride via Ophir Pass, taking in the wild scenery of Colorado’s high country. After a 90-minute stop in Telluride that allowed everyone to take in the sights, they set off towards Red Mountain. 

The highlight of the day was crossing over Red Mountain, a particularly challenging section with steep switchbacks and a gate that required a key to access. 

Some participants were initially concerned about the difficulty of the terrain, but the expert guides, Pearse Umlauf and Ty, were on hand to guide them through the tough spots, ensuring everyone felt confident. After reaching the summit, everyone took in the spectacular view and took some pictures. Pearse explained how this mountain was not accessible to the public and was accessed through negotiations with Bronco Off Road Adventures. The reality was probably none of us, or the guides, would ever be here again.

After conquering Red Mountain, the group set up camp partway down the mountain, with more support tents and amenities in place. The final night of the adventure was spent here, enjoying the stunning surroundings and reflecting on the journey so far.

Day 4: Friday, September 13 – Ouray & Return to Moab 

The last day of the trip took the group down to paved roads where everyone said goodbye until next time. Greg headed through the picturesque town of Ouray before making his way back to Moab and his waiting RV.

Trip Highlights:

• Stunning landscapes, including mountain lakes and wildlife sightings (deer were spotted on the trail).
• A full recovery class and safety briefing ensured all participants were well-prepared for the adventure ahead.
• GMRS radios were used for communication, keeping everyone in sync as they navigated the trails.
• Expert guidance was provided by two experienced trail guides, Pearse Umlauf and Ty, with James serving as the tail gunner. The group also had the benefit of a Ford Performance Bronco leading the pack, along with a regular Bronco as a backup.
• High-quality food, comfortable camp setups, and great camaraderie made for a fantastic off-road adventure.

As the only two-door Bronco in the group, Greg took pride in driving the trails alongside the other 4 door Broncos, including several couples and solo travelers. 

The team’s positive spirit and the exceptional support staff made for a memorable experience, with everyone talking about the next adventure.

Overall, the Moab Rocky Mountain Adventure was a true test of off-roading skills, but it also offered moments of serenity and beauty in the heart of the Rocky Mountain wilderness, from desert to mountains. 

The trip was a perfect blend of adventure, newly found friendships, and natural wonder—a true celebration of the Ford Bronco and the spirit of exploration. Stay tuned to see if these adventures will be offered again in 2025.