United By Bronco and Why You Might Want to Attend in 2026

Mar 07, 2025
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In the iconic landscape of southern Utah, near Zion National Park, outside the small town of Hurricane, the United By Bronco event roared to life once again. This year, it brought together over 300 Broncos of all generations and models, for a weekend of off-roading, camaraderie, and all things Bronco. What started in 2022 with just 80 Broncos has grown into a much-anticipated Bronco event and one you just might want to consider for next year. 

For the last couple of years, I’ve heard about this event and wanted to attend, it just hasn’t fit in our calendars but we’re sure going to try for next year. I know many Bronco Nation members have been and we would love to hear more about your experiences in the comments. What do you like about UBB?

The UBB event is organized by Mariah and Jesse Ornelas, who grew up with Broncos and the off-roading lifestyle. When they heard about the Gen 6 launching, they wanted to share their passion and bring together all generations of Bronco enthusiasts—from classic early models and Bronco IIs to the modern Gen 6 Broncos, Bronco Sports, and now Bronco Raptors. Their goal was to create a welcoming space where owners could come together and unite, regardless of whether they preferred rock-crawling on Sand Mountain or simply cruising the scenic streets of Hurricane and picturesque areas near Zion. You may have met Mariah or have seen her classic 1968 Bronco with horns named “Scrappy”, which is her daily driver. The couple also own a Bronco buggy formerly owned by off-road racer Loren Healey and love taking it on challenging rock trails.

An Event for Everyone and Every Bronco

From Thursday, February 27th, to Saturday, March 1st, 2025 this event attempted to offer something for every Bronco owner, from difficult trails for seasoned off-road veterans or those who simply enjoy the Bronco lifestyle. While some attendees tackled difficult trails each day, others opted for easier routes or even participated in a street cruise. This event is designed with inclusivity in mind—whether you wanted to push your Bronco to its limits or just take in the sights, there was a place for you.

For those who preferred spectating over driving, United By Bronco also had a lineup of exciting extras:

  • Vendor Night – A unique feature of the event, the vendor showcase happened one night only, allowing vendors to hit the trails during the day instead of being stuck behind booths.
  • The "Chute" Match – A showdown at the famous Chute obstacle on the Double Sammy trail, where drivers tested their Broncos' skill and capability.
  • The "Grudge" Match – A sand-based challenge where Broncos competed head-to-head in a high-energy test.
  • Night Trail Run – A chance for participants to show off their light bars, rock lights, and other nighttime gear on a dedicated night trail adventure.

The Trails of Sand Hollow

A major highlight of United By Bronco is the access to Sand Hollow’s off-road trails. Each day, participants could choose from a range of trail difficulties, keeping the group sizes intentionally small to ensure a good experience. From scenic, beginner-friendly routes to technical rock-crawling challenges, there was a guided trail for every skill level.

For those planning events for next year, the official United By Bronco trail guide provides an excellent overview of what to expect. Some of these trails are the same ones we guided on during the Winter 4x4 Jamboree back in January. 

Looking Ahead to United By Bronco 2026 – The 5th Anniversary!

With next year marking the 5th anniversary of the event, expect even bigger and better things! While the exact dates are still pending, late February 2026 is the likely timeframe, and registration will officially open on November 15th. If you're thinking about joining, make sure to mark your calendar—this event will fill up fast!

And for us Bronco Sport owners, there are rumors of something special planned specifically for us next year. Stay tuned!

Whether you're a die-hard off-roader or just love the Bronco brand, it seems like United By Bronco has something for you. If you’ve never attended a Bronco event, please consider one, you’ll never believe how much fun it is to wheel with like-minded people and learn more about your Bronco. If you missed it this year, like we did, start planning for 2026, you won’t want to miss the 5th anniversary!

For more details and updates, visit unitedbybronco.com.

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