Outlaws And Overlooks UTV Adventure

May 2-4, 2025 - Apache Junction To Young, AZ
Story and Photos by Kim Krause

UTV Offroad Adventures hosted an unforgettable journey through the heart of central Arizona with its Outlaws & Overlooks UTV Adventure, held May 2-4, 2025. This exclusive event featured an intimate group of 21 participants across 15 vehicles - every one of them a returning adventurer, adding a special sense of community to the weekend.

The adventure began Friday afternoon with check-in at the Rusty Buckle Saloon in Apache Junction. Many riders stayed the night at the nearby Best Western, and the group enjoyed dinner and mingling at the saloon to kick things off.

The surrounding region, including the Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks, and a chain of stunning desert lakes—Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Saguaro Lake, and Roosevelt Lake—offered breathtaking sights throughout the weekend. Wildlife sightings added to the excitement, with groups spotting grazing cattle, javelina, deer, and even a rattlesnake along the trails.

Saturday: Apache Junction to Young via Four Peaks Trail

Saturday's ride took the group from Apache Junction to the historic town of Young, AZ, via the legendary Four Peaks Trail. Towering over the eastern skyline of the Valley, the Four Peaks are a defining landmark in the Mazatzal Mountains, rising over 7,600 feet. The trail itself provided a rugged ride, panoramic views, and a true sense of remote Arizona beauty.

The offroad trails featured on this leg of the journey were a mix of rocky climbs, winding forest paths, and wide desert washes. The terrain demanded focus and skill but rewarded riders with stunning scenery and a strong sense of adventure.

Lunch was held at the rustic Butcher Hook in Tonto Basin. Along the way, riders stopped at old cabins and historical points of interest that brought Arizona's pioneer past to life.

Saturday night’s accommodations were truly special. The group stayed at the Cherry Creek Lodge; a working cattle ranch nestled in the Tonto National Forest. Reserved exclusively for UTV Offroad Adventures, the lodge offered a warm, welcoming atmosphere, home-cooked meals, and serene surroundings. Raffles were held after dinner, and the poker winner generously donated their winnings back. The oldest participant, age 79, was an inspiration to the group. Of course, the “dumb-ass” award was presented and graciously accepted its recipient.

Sunday: Return via the Scenic Apache Trail

Sunday’s return journey to Apache Junction was just as thrilling, taking riders back through the offroad trails between Young and Apache Junction. This section of the ride traversed remote backcountry tracks, with terrain that gradually shifted from dense pine-covered hills to rocky desert canyons. Riders navigated through narrow, winding paths with stream crossings and boulder-laden sections, making for an exciting and dynamic ride. The landscape provided ever-changing views of Arizona’s rugged backcountry, including isolated cabins and sweeping vistas.

Once the group reached the Apache Trail (SR-88), the terrain became even more challenging and scenic. The Apache Trail is one of the most famous scenic routes in Arizona, with its narrow, twisty roads, steep climbs, and dramatic drop-offs. Originally built in the early 1900s to aid the construction of the Roosevelt Dam, the Apache Trail had been closed for nearly five years due to storm damage and washouts, making this partial reopening even more exciting for the group.

The Roosevelt Dam, which was completed in 1911, stands as a monumental engineering feat. At the time of its completion, it was the largest masonry dam in the world, and it played a critical role in Arizona's water storage and flood control. The dam created Roosevelt Lake, the first major reservoir built on the Salt River. It is still in use today, providing vital water to the region, and it remains a testament to the engineering capabilities of its era.

As the group ascended and descended along the Apache Trail, they encountered tight switchbacks, stunning rocky formations, and breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. The trail’s colors and rock formations varied dramatically, from vibrant reds and oranges to the cooler grays and greens of the rocky outcrops. With every turn, there was a surprise—be it a scenic overlook, a dramatic cliffside view, or a peaceful water crossing.

Along the way, the group passed the impressive Roosevelt Dam, one of the largest single-span bridges in the U.S., offering a perfect opportunity for photos and a break. Afterward, a relaxing lunch at Dam Grill & Chill by Roosevelt Lake offered a chance to recharge before heading toward the final stop at Tortilla Flat, a quirky ghost town known for its wooden sidewalks and dollar-bill-covered saloon.

For more information, visit utvoffroadadventures.com.