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UTV Offroad Adventures Red Rock UTV Fest

Cottonwood, AZ - April 11–13, 2025

Story and Photos by Kim Krause (April 2025)

The popular Red Rock UTV Fest rolled into Cottonwood, Arizona the weekend of April 11–13, 2025, bringing offroad adventure, scenic rides, and an amazing community together for another unforgettable experience. Cottonwood is conveniently located about 100 miles north of Phoenix and 60 miles southwest of Flagstaff, making it the perfect central hub for exploring Arizona’s red rocks and mountain trails. Hosted by UTV Offroad Adventures, the event welcomed over 120 participants and nearly 65 SXSs, all eager to experience the beauty of Sedona, the Mingus Mountains, and the surrounding Verde Valley.

Camping was available at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds, which offered both power hookups and dry camping. For those not camping, there were plenty of lodging options including hotels and Airbnbs located throughout the Cottonwood area.

All event activities—including check-in, registration, ride selections, meals, raffles, and awards—were hosted at the Krow Sports Bar in Cottonwood. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and top-notch food, Krow served a hearty breakfast both Saturday and Sunday mornings, as well as a delicious Saturday night dinner, providing the perfect home base for offroaders all weekend long.

Friday Night Kickoff – Check-In & Mix and Mingle

The weekend officially began Friday night at the Krow, where guests checked in, picked up swag bags, grabbed event T-shirts, and signed up for poker and their preferred ride group. It was a great opportunity to mix and mingle, reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people, and browse the UTV Offroad Adventures gift shop while gearing up for a weekend of offroad fun.

Two Epic Rides – Sedona or Mingus Mountain

Participants had the option to choose between two scenic, action-packed trail rides: the Sedona Ride and the Mingus Mountain Ride—each covering over 60 miles of gorgeous Arizona terrain. Riders who stayed the full weekend got to experience both trails, one on Saturday and the other on Sunday.

Sedona Ride

The Sedona Ride was divided into several small groups, giving everyone a more personal ride experience through the area’s iconic red rock landscapes. Riders tackled the Diamondback Gulch Trail, soaked in panoramic views of Sedona, and encountered rocky climbs, steep drops, and pockets of lush greenery. Along the way, riders spotted cows, explored scenic sites like Honanki, Outlaw Trail, and Robbers Roost, and cruised along the Powerline HOV Trail. The route also offered scenic glimpses of Jerome off in the distance.

Mingus Mountain Ride

The Mingus Mountain Ride offered a mix of thrilling challenges and peaceful beauty. Riders ascended into lush green forests via rocky switchbacks, passed through open grazing land, and were greeted by pine trees, squirrels, and cool mountain air—a comfortable 70 degrees at the top. The trail included smooth forest roads, pine needle-covered paths, and narrow ledges offering breathtaking overlooks.

A scenic stop in the quaint town of Cherry allowed guests to visit the old fire department and cemetery, adding a touch of local history to the ride. Riders paused for lunch under the pines, with views stretching across Sedona and the distant San Francisco Peaks. The trail continued through Jerome, where participants were free to explore the town’s haunted restaurants, historic bars, and quirky shops. The journey wrapped up with a descent through Clarkdale and back into Cottonwood.

Saturday Night – Group Dinner, Poker, Prizes, and Recognition

Following the day’s rides, everyone gathered back at the Krow Sports Bar for a hearty meal and a fun-filled evening. Riders turned in their poker cards, with part of the proceeds going to the Christmas Tree Angels through the Salvation Army. The poker winner took home over $500, while the rest went toward helping families in need during the holiday season.

The night was full of raffles, prizes, and recognitions, including the always-popular Dumbass Award, plus special shoutouts for the oldest female driver—83 years old and oldest male driver -75 years old, the youngest driver, and those who traveled the farthest to attend. This year at the Red Rock UTV Fest, participants came from Illinois, California, Georgia, Texas, and all over Arizona, proving once again that offroad adventures know no borders.

Cottonwood, Sedona & the Mingus Mountains – The Ultimate Offroad Combo

With its scenic beauty, small-town charm, and central location, Cottonwood proved the perfect launching point for an unforgettable weekend. Whether it was carving through the red rock trails of Sedona or climbing into the cool pines of the Mingus Mountains, each ride delivered stunning views, unique terrain, and plenty of adventure.

With an awesome mix of nature, camaraderie, and fun, the Red Rock UTV Fest was a huge success.