The top 15 OHV Jamborees in Utah
By Lynn R. Blamires
I believe that you will not see the real Utah unless you get off the highway and into the backcountry. I prefer exploring off-highway trails in a UTV. With more than 80,000 miles of OHV trails in Utah, the main challenge is finding them.
Utah’s annual ATV jamborees help riders discover unique backcountry trails. These events showcase local scenery and routes. Utah hosts more jamborees than any other state. Here is information on the 15 top jamborees offered:
The Moab RedRok Rally
Moab is famous for its slickrock trails, and the RedRok Rally is the best way to explore them. These trails are easy to follow, marked by the black tires on the machines that ride them. Trails offered have names like Hell’s Revenge, Metal Masher, Poison Spider, and Steel Bender.
Rides offered range from mild to wild and are guided by well-qualified guides. Machines are inspected to ensure requirements are met for each trail, and riders are briefed on challenges to be encountered. This rally is held in April, with details and registration available on their website below.
The Red Rock Jamboree – Kanab
Kanab hosts the Red Rock Jamboree, highlighting Kane County’s scenery. Kanab, known as “Little Hollywood,” has been featured in over 200 westerns and films. Trails follow routes seen on the silver screen.
Guides lead you through Kanab’s red-rock backcountry, revealing dinosaur tracks, Anasazi rock art, dunes, slot canyons, arches, vistas, and pioneer sites that are rarely accessible unescorted.
Held in April, the Red Rock Jamboree features 15 scenic rides. Registration includes meals and a commemorative T-shirt. The event is limited to 150 riders and fills quickly. Details and registration are at https://utazatvclub.org/events.
The Outlaw ATV Jamboree – Vernal
Vernal has a rich outlaw history. Butch Cassidy’s gang frequented Uintah County. Explore ghost towns and areas where dinosaurs once roamed.
It’s the perfect launch point for backcountry exploration. Guides take you on your choice of one of 23 jamboree trails, featuring archery, shooting, pioneer history, Moonshine Arch, mining, outlaw sites, ghost towns, and even a food-tasting tour of restaurants in Vernal.
Registration is a value—most meals are included. You get a jamboree T-shirt and raffle tickets. The Outlaw Jamboree is held at the end of May. Register at the link below.
The Beaver County ATV Jamboree
Beaver sits between the Mineral Mountains and the Tushar Mountains. This jamboree lets you explore the unique features of both. Ride sections of Beaver County’s 290 miles of OHV trails, and you’ll want to return for more.
The Mineral Mountains west of Beaver are known for 28 miles of rugged granite formations, famous for rockhounding, especially smoky quartz, beryl, and obsidian. These mountains are replete with evidence of the Anasazi age and the coke ovens of early mining in the nearby Frisco Mountains.
The Tushar Mountain trails on the east side will put you above the timberline on top of the world. This is part of the Paiute ATV Trail System, where you will enjoy trails through tall pines, past mountain lakes, and meadows of beautiful wild flowers on your way to the top. Held in June, the event registration and information are available on their website below.
The Sanpete County jamborees
There are six jamborees in Sanpete County that will immerse you in the breathtaking beauty of the Manti La-Sal Mountains on the Arapeen ATV Trail System. Two are sponsored by Manti City, one by Mt. Pleasant City, and three by the county. They are Relaxed, friendly rides for riders 50 and older who enjoy good trails, great conversations, and lasting connections.
The Manti Mountain Summer and Fall UTV runs are held in early July and mid-September. These two-day events are a great value because they include almost all your meals and a jamboree T-shirt for a reasonable price. The three county-sponsored events are: The Arapeen Sunset UTV Ride, a night ride in June; a two-day Skyline Circuit Ride in July; and a one-day Arapeen Autumn UTV Ride at the end of September. The Mt. Pleasant Poker Run is free to the public. Information for all of these events can be found on the website below.
The National ATV/UTV Jamboree
This jamboree, held in Fillmore, is the longest-running ATV event in America. Held in June, it showcases mountain trails above Fillmore, including sections of the Paiute ATV Trail System and unique desert features in the lava fields west of town. More information on this June event is available at the website below.
The Paiute Trail Jamboree
Held in Marysvale, the middle of the Paiute Trail System, this August jamboree is free; you only pay for meals. With over 2000 miles of trail, the Paiute Trails offer much more than just thrilling off-road adventure. These trails include historic Native American sites, historic mining sites & Mormon pioneer heritage. Register at the website below.
The Bryce ATV Rally
One of the most famous routes included in this jamboree is the Casto Canyon Trail, which gives you the feeling of being in Bryce Canyon while riding outside of Bryce Canyon. The Paunsaugunt Trail System skirts the national park, offering stunning views of Bryce Canyon, and includes the beautiful Tropic Reservoir. This jamboree is held in August. Find registration and trail information on their website.
The Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree
Richfield is the headquarters for this jamboree, which is considered the heart of the Paiute Trail System. Held in September, this event will allow riders to explore the nuances of these amazing trails. The Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree attracts hundreds of ATV and UTV enthusiasts from across the country.
This September jamboree offers a diverse range of trails for riders of all skill levels, from beginner-friendly paths to challenging technical trails. The event also features vendor expos, live music, a light parade, and evening entertainment. Registration includes 5 days of guided rides, 1 T-shirt per registered rider, 1 swag bag per registered rider, 4 days of continental breakfasts, tickets to the closing dinner, eligibility for prize raffles each morning, and a chance to win a UTV.
There will be 86 different trails to choose from on the Paiute, Gooseberry, and Great Western Trail Systems. You will want to come back each year to ride them all. Registration and jamboree details are available on the Richfield, Utah, website below.
The San Juan ATV Safari
This September jamboree combines 16 marked trails that offer a contrast between rides through the middle of this beautiful red-rock country and rides high on forested mountain trails. You will see multiple arches and scenic wonders. There are archaeological sites along many of the trails, including the River House Ruin, Newspaper Rock, and other Native Rock Art sites.
San Juan County is rich in Utah pioneer history. You might see the remains of the historic Barton Trading Post along the famous Hole in the Rock Trail, or on the steep San Juan Hill that the pioneers had to negotiate. You will ride trails created by mining that was done in the area decades ago. Find more information and register at the San Juan ATV Safari website below.
These 15 jamborees will pack your OHV riding season with fun and adventure. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down, and take time to review each of these online. The backcountry is calling, don’t put it on hold.
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