Gila Monster UTV Fest

Desert To Pines in Globe, AZ

Written and Photographed By LeeAnn Nix and Jim Smith of Drone 30 and Michelle Ramos-Marks (May 2021)

Founded in 1876, this small mining camp became a mining town. They called it Globe, named from a silver nugget shaped like, you guessed it, a globe. Mining primarily silver in the earlier years then moving into copper ore as the mineral of choice. As you drive into Globe you can see working mines all around you.

Located in the heart of Gila County this quaint town is filled with old west history. With the location of Globe being so remote to neighboring towns it has had its share of violent conflicts with the Apache Indians. Massacres, murders, stage robberies, and many other stories to tell. Surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, Pinal Mountains and the Salt River there is ample opportunity for adventure and wonderment. Go from desert to pines in no time, truly surprising at every turn.

This UTV event was held April 16-18, 2021 and the adventure began immediately. Spring winds and a slight chill in the air lead way to a more than remarkable night ride on Friday night. All of that went away as we rode into Johnson Ranch with horses there to welcome the party. Through the rolling hills of ranchland the winds calmed and gave us gorgeous views of the desert night skies. The moon is incredible as always. My all time favorite part is watching the line of blinking, pulsing and flashing lights from the back of the pack. Looks like a night parade winding through cactus, trees and hills. An incredibly fun and enthralling experience you will have to witness for yourself.

Saturday and Sunday are the longest rides of 40+ miles. The 7 Mile Wash Loop led by Kellie and Donny Goss was incredible. Taking us down the old highway through tight rock formations, up and down incredible hills and ending at the Salt River for lunch. The views overlooking the river were nothing short of amazing. We even had a slight rain shower which calmed the dust a bit and had cattle and horses watching us from afar. The Pinal Mountain Doke Loop was led by Julian and Alycia Lee and was an experience of another kind. Through small parts of town, into a wash, under concrete and steel bridges leading us atop rolling hills. The views of the town of Globe and the mines are beautiful from here. Then suddenly we were in the mountains filled with pine trees and mountain air. What an experience and the views are so incredible! Once on top you can see all of Central Arizona. Breathtaking!

Breakfast and dinner were provided by Chez & Dez Cook Shack, a new food truck to Globe. The food was remarkable to say the least. Their menu does not disappoint. From breakfast burritos, carne asada, smoked brisket, pork, red and green chili, burgers and fries and much more! Check out their Facebook page to see where they are serving up next. A must stop on your next visit to Globe.

Saturday nights start off right with poker hands at vendor booths, music, dinner, and a very large cornhole tournament. Vendors for this event included CST Tires, The US Forest Service, Auto Glass and Country Financial. The guys and gals from the Forest Service joined in on the cornhole fun for the evening and had a blast. Mingle with everyone, meet new and old friends and get your tickets ready for the raffles! Have your chance at the 50/50 raffle, win a generator sponsored by Country Financial, and witness the many donations to the Phoenix Children's Hospital. There are endless prizes to be won and the festivities go well into the night. Never a dull moment to be had here.

The hard work and efforts that go into creating these events could not be made possible without the many volunteers, sponsors and behind the scenes helpers. Their efforts are greatly appreciated!

A special thanks to the town of Globe for the warm welcome and to the Mayor of Globe, Al Gameros, for speaking at our Saturday night festivities. The Gila River Fairgrounds was the perfect venue.

Adventure awaits at every turn in Arizona. UTV Offroad Adventures is there to make sure you have fun, stay safe and make memories for a lifetime! For information for ALL Arizona upcoming UTV events visit UTVOFFROADADVENTURES.COM. Check out our Facebook pages and YouTube page for pictures, videos and see for yourself why this is the best ride group in Arizona!

We hope to see you all at the upcoming Cherry Creek UTV Fest, happening in Young, AZ, April 30-May 2, 2021. Come explore the beautiful Tonto National Forest, experience the working life of a cowboy at Cherry Creek Lodge, fish a little and ride some amazing trails with us.