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!
Jeff Ross, ccernigo

Rank 0

Feb 25, 2025

#20
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 1/2 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.)

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.

Thank you for all of that information! Making lots of notes!
timhood

Rank V

Feb 26, 2025

#21
Thank you for all of that information! Making lots of notes!

I remembered a couple of other things, which I added to my prior post and am including here:

I forgot a couple of other things: 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 interests 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. 😊

Rank 0

Feb 26, 2025

#22
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.

Thank you! I love all of this info!

Rank I

Mar 02, 2025

#23
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.

Bronco Off-Roadeo will not take you into either of the National Parks to my knowledge so be sure to have time to explore on your own!
Deano Bronc, Jakob1972

Rank I

Mar 02, 2025

#24
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.

I was in and out in less than 48 hours so I definitely need to go back!
Deano Bronc, Jakob1972

Rank I

Mar 02, 2025

#25
@ashbyreese, congratulations on going to the Moab OR site. An excellent choice! And everything @BuckYeah said!🤣

Thanks!!!

Rank I

Mar 02, 2025

#26
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.
Epic pics!!!
THE Buckeye Bronco

Rank I

Mar 02, 2025

#27
Thank you for the review! We are going there in late June! Can't wait!

You're going to have a blast!

Rank I

Mar 02, 2025

#28
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!

Good question! The Lodge was under renovation, including the lobby, lounge, and restaurant. Check-in was at the Bronco Off-Roadeo Lodge. The signage was clear, but I still drove past it, thinking surely that wasn’t what they meant—ha!
Breakfast was also served at the Bronco Off-Roadeo Lodge. I arrived after dark and was assigned to one of the last cabins, meaning I passed several under-construction, unlit guestrooms. It was very dark out there! If possible, I recommend checking in before dark or arriving with someone to help get your bearings. Ladies Day is going to be a blast!

Rank I

Mar 02, 2025

#29
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?" 😂

Ohhh! I love a roadtrip so do share!

Rank I

Mar 02, 2025

#30
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
Incredible photo!!! I left Arches on Friday night as the sun set assuming it closed at dusk and found out later it's open 24/7. I wanted to go back Saturday night to see the stars but it was very cloudy!

Rank I

Mar 02, 2025

#31
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!

This is great advice! Thanks! I work full time and am in grad school full time so I literally flew in Friday and out Sunday for Off-Roadeo. I remember wishing I could've spent a week there but my schedule just doesn't allow right now! Looking forward to going back!

Rank I

Mar 02, 2025

#32
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.

This is awesome. Saving for my next trip!
Sven, Deano Bronc

Rank 0

May 16, 2025

#33
Coming in late, September, super excited!
Sven, TK1215

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