Beyond the Pavement: 5 Bronco Off-Roadeo Weekend Itineraries

For those who want to adventure even further off the pavement, Bronco Off-Roadeo is a four-wheel boot camp to learn essential off-road techniques.

Over one session, participants receive expert instruction from professional guides. They get behind the wheel of Bronco Badlands and Bronco Sasquatch SUVs, learning to confidently navigate challenging boulder fields, deep, technical ruts, and flowing water crossings, all while utilizing G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes.

Participation in a full-day Off-Roadeo session is included with the purchase or lease of a new 2024 or newer Bronco or Bronco Sport. Bronco Raptor owners who have a 2024 or newer can receive unforgettable desert-conquering-meets-rugged-rock-crawling adventure in the Nevada desert at Raptor Valley, available exclusively at Bronco Off-Roadeo Nevada. For those new to off-roading, Ford provides a Bronco for a four-hour Half-Day Adventure where participants can confidently build off-roading skills.

Bronco Off-Roadeo operates from five locations across the United States: the rugged hills of Texas, the vast, open expanse of the Nevada desert, the iconic red rock formations of Moab, the lush, wooded trails of New Hampshire (seasonal), and the varied, picturesque landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.

Check out our sample weekend itineraries for each of our Bronco Off-Roadeo locations.

MOAB, UTAH: The "Moab Multi-Sport & Bronco Unleashed" Itinerary

Friday Evening: Arrival, Hike, & Stargazing Immersion

• Afternoon (3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.): Arrival & Corona Arch Hike
• Arrive in Moab and check into your accommodation.
• Immediately head out for your first adventure: Hiking the Corona Arch Trail. This popular 3-mile round trip hike (moderate difficulty) leads to the stunning Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch. It's located off Potash Road (Highway 279), west of Moab. Allow 2-3 hours for the hike and travel.

• Evening (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.): Dinner in Moab
• Head back to Moab for a well-deserved dinner. Choose from one of Moab's diverse dining options. You'll want something hearty after your hike!

• Night (8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.): Stargazing at Dead Horse Point State Park
• After dinner, drive to Dead Horse Point State Park (about 45 minutes from Moab). This is an International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the most incredible stargazing opportunities in the world. Find a good pull-off or viewpoint, turn off your car lights, and let your eyes adjust. The sheer number of stars, including the Milky Way, will be breathtaking. Bring a blanket or chairs, and perhaps a warm drink.
• Note: Check sunset times and moon phases for the best dark sky experience.

• Late Night: Return to your accommodation in Moab for a good night's rest before your big Bronco day.

Saturday: Bronco Off-Roadeo - The Main Event!

• Morning (7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.): Fuel Up
• Enjoy a solid breakfast at your accommodation or grab something quick from a local cafe like Love Muffin Cafe or Red Rock Bakery. You'll need energy for the day ahead.

• Bronco Off-Roadeo
• Half-Day Adventure (Non-owners) - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Full Day (Bronco and Bronco Sport Owners) - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Late Afternoon (5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.): Relax & Recharge
• After an adrenaline-filled day, you'll likely be tired but buzzing with excitement. Head back to your accommodation to clean up, relax, and share stories of your off-road adventures.

• Evening (6:00 p.m. onwards): Casual Dinner & Reflection
• Enjoy a more relaxed dinner in Moab. Perhaps try a different restaurant or revisit a favorite. You might want to keep it low-key after a full day of off-roading. Take time to reflect on the day's epic driving.

Sunday: Mountain Biking, Paddleboarding & Departure

• Early Morning (7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.): Mountain Biking at Amasa Back
• Grab a quick, early breakfast. Pick up your pre-booked mountain bike rentals (if needed).
• Head to the Amasa Back Trail Network (also accessible via Potash Road, past the Corona Arch trailhead). This network offers a range of trails from intermediate to advanced, with incredible views of the Colorado River and surrounding canyons. Depending on your skill level and time, you could ride the Jackson Trail, HyMasa, or the classic Amasa Back trail itself. Allow 3-4 hours for riding and travel.

• Late Morning/Lunch (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.): Quick Lunch
• Return your bikes and grab a quick, casual lunch in Moab - a sandwich, burrito, or something easy before your next activity.

• Early Afternoon (1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.): Paddleboarding on the Colorado River
• Head to one of the many outfitters in Moab that offer paddleboard rentals or guided tours on the Colorado River. You can choose a calm section of the river for a leisurely paddle, enjoying the towering red rock canyon walls from a unique perspective. Many outfitters will drop you off upstream and pick you up downstream. Allow 2-3 hours for the activity, including shuttle time.

• Late Afternoon/Evening:
• Depending on your travel plans, you can enjoy one last early dinner in Moab, or hit the road, filled with incredible memories of your action-packed Bronco Off-Roadeo weekend in Moab!

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: The "Nevada Desert & Water Adventure" Itinerary

Friday: Arrival, Red Rock Exploration, & Vegas Vibes

• Afternoon (2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.): Arrival & Check-in
• Arrive at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Pick up your rental car and head to your Las Vegas hotel. Consider a hotel on the western side of the Strip or in Summerlin for slightly easier access to Red Rock Canyon.

• Late Afternoon (3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.): Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, Hike, & E-Mountain Biking
• Drive to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (approx. 20-30 minutes from the Strip).
• Scenic Drive: Enter the 13-mile scenic loop (timed entry reservations may be required during peak season, check NPS website). Take your time driving through, stopping at viewpoints like Calico Hills, Sandstone Quarry, and High Point Overlook.
• Hiking: Choose a short, accessible hike. Options include:
• Calico Tanks Trail: Moderate, 2.5 miles roundtrip, with some scrambling and rewarding views.
• Lost Creek Canyon Trail: Easy, 0.7 miles roundtrip, leads to a seasonal waterfall.
• Ice Box Canyon Trail: Moderate, 2.6 miles roundtrip, offers cooler temperatures and a unique microclimate.
• E-Mountain Biking: If you've rented e-bikes (many shops in Vegas offer rentals and can advise on trails), explore designated trails just outside the scenic loop, such as portions of the Cottonwood Valley Trail System (like the Late Night Trail or the Blue Diamond trails). These offer fantastic desert singletrack with the assist of an e-bike.

• Evening (6:30 p.m. onwards): Dinner & Relaxation in Las Vegas
• Head back to Las Vegas. Enjoy a well-deserved dinner. Whether you prefer a casual eatery, a celebrity chef restaurant, or something with a view, Vegas has it all.
• Relax and prepare for your big Bronco day tomorrow. You might opt for a low-key evening after your active afternoon.

Saturday: Bronco Off-Roadeo - Unleash the Bronco!

• Morning (7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.): Fuel Up & Depart for Off-Roadeo
• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe.
• Drive south from the Las Vegas Strip (approx. 30-45 minutes) to the Bronco Off-Roadeo facility on Mt. Potosi near Jean, Nevada.

• Bronco Off-Roadeo
• Half-Day Adventure (Non-owners) - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Full Day (Bronco & Bronco Raptor Owners) - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Late Afternoon (5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.): Return & Recharge
• After an adrenaline-filled day, drive back to your Las Vegas hotel. You'll likely be tired but buzzing with excitement. Take some time to relax, shower, and clean up.

• Evening (6:30 p.m. onwards): Casual Dinner & Vegas Entertainment (Optional)
• Enjoy a well-deserved dinner. You might opt for a more relaxed dining experience tonight.
• If you still have energy, consider a more laid-back Vegas activity: a walk along the Strip to see the lights or a casual show, recounting your off-road adventures.

Sunday: Kayaking, Lake Mead, & Departure

• Early Morning (7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.): Kayaking & "Caving" at Emerald Cove
• Grab a quick, early breakfast. Drive southeast from Las Vegas (approx. 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic) toward Hoover Dam and then to Willow Beach, Arizona (on the Arizona side of the Colorado River, just south of the dam).
• Emerald Cove: This is a popular spot for kayaking. Rent kayaks (or join a guided tour) at Willow Beach Marina. Paddle upstream on the calm, emerald-green waters of the Colorado River. The "caving" here refers to exploring the stunning Emerald Cave (a small grotto that glows emerald green when the sun hits it right) and other smaller grottoes and beaches accessible only by water. Allow 3-4 hours for the kayaking experience, including rentals/briefing.

• Late Morning/Lunch (12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.): Lunch & Relaxing at Lake Mead
• After kayaking, head to a nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area spot. You could visit a beach like Boulder Beach or Lake Mead Parkway Beach.
• "Soaking" Interpretation: Here, you can relax by the water, dip your toes in, or even go for a swim in the lake. This provides a refreshing way to "soak" in the desert environment without the strenuousness of a hot springs hike. Enjoy a packed lunch or find a casual spot nearby.

• Afternoon (1:30 p.m. onwards): Departure
• Head back towards LAS (approx. 45 minutes).
• Return your rental car and depart from Harry Reid International Airport, filled with incredible memories of your action-packed Nevada adventure!

GILFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE: The "Lakes Region Adventure & Bronco Thrills" Itinerary

Friday: Arrival & Gunstock Adventure Park Immersion

• Afternoon (2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.): Arrival & Check-in
• Arrive in the Lakes Region. Consider staying in Gilford, Laconia, or Meredith - all offer good access to Gunstock. Check into your accommodation.

• Late Afternoon (3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.): Gunstock Mountain Adventure Park - Aerial Tree Top Exploring, Ziplining & Mountain Coaster
• Head straight to Gunstock Mountain Resort. This is the perfect time to dive into the adventure park!
• Aerial Tree Top Exploring: This is an aerial ropes course with varying difficulty levels. It can take 2-3 hours, so start this one first.
• Ziplining: After the ropes course, experience the thrill of ziplining down the mountain. Gunstock offers multiple zipline tours, from shorter rides to longer, more exhilarating options.
• Mountain Coaster: Finish your adventure park session with a ride on the Mountain Coaster - a unique, gravity-fed ride that allows you to control your speed as you wind through the trees.
• Tip: Purchase a package deal for these activities if available, and book your time slots in advance.

• Evening (6:30 p.m. onwards): Dinner & Lakes Region Charm
• Head to dinner in a nearby town. Gilford has some good options, or explore the dining scenes in Laconia or Meredith. Enjoy a meal with views of Lake Winnipesaukee, or a cozy pub atmosphere.
• Relax and prepare for your big Bronco day tomorrow.

Saturday: Bronco Off-Roadeo - Unleash the Beast!

• Morning (7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.): Fuel Up & Short Drive to Off-Roadeo
• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation. Since the Off-Roadeo is at Gunstock, it's just a quick drive or even a walk if you're staying very close.

• Bronco Off-Roadeo
• Half-Day Adventure (Non-owners) - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Full Day (Bronco Owners) - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Late Afternoon (5:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.): Relax & Recharge
• After an adrenaline-filled day, you'll likely be tired but buzzing with excitement. Head back to your accommodation to clean up, relax, and share stories of your off-road adventures.

• Evening (7:00 p.m. onwards): Casual Dinner & Lakeside Leisure
• Enjoy a well-deserved dinner. You might opt for a more relaxed dining experience tonight. Consider a spot with outdoor seating or a lake view. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll by Lake Winnipesaukee if you're staying nearby.

Sunday: Hiking a Lake Region Peak & Departure

• Morning (7:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.): Hiking a Lake Region Peak (Mount Major)
• Grab an early breakfast. Head out for your hike. Mount Major is an excellent choice for a "Lake Region Peak" hike. It's located just south of Gunstock (in Alton Bay) and offers incredible panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains from its summit.
• The hike is moderate, about 3.7 miles round trip with around 1,100 feet of elevation gain, and typically takes 2-3 hours. There are a few different trails to the top, so consult a map before you go.
• Tip: Arrive early for parking, especially on a weekend. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes.

• Late Morning/Lunch (12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.): Casual Lunch
• After your invigorating hike, grab a casual lunch in Alton Bay, Gilford, or Laconia.

• Afternoon (1:30 p.m. onwards): Explore & Depart
• Depending on your departure time, you could:
• Spend a little more time by Lake Winnipesaukee - perhaps visit a public beach or park.
• Browse the shops in Meredith or Wolfeboro.
• If you missed any Gunstock activities on Friday and still have energy, you could potentially squeeze in another ride or activity.
• Head toward your departure point, filled with incredible memories of your action-packed New Hampshire adventure!

MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE: The "Smoky Mountain Bronco & Adventure" Itinerary

Friday: Arrival & Subterranean Exploration

• Afternoon (2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.): Arrival & Check-in
• Arrive at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville or drive directly to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. Check into your accommodation.

• Late Afternoon (3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.): Experience the Tail of the Dragon
• Unleash your inner adventurer on the legendary Tail of the Dragon, an exhilarating 11-mile journey featuring an incredible 318 curves designed for true driving enthusiasts.

• Evening (6:30 p.m. onwards): Dinner & Relaxation in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg
• Drive back to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.
• Enjoy a well-deserved dinner. This area offers a wide range of options, from Southern comfort food to steak houses.
• Take a relaxed evening to prepare for your big Bronco day tomorrow.

Saturday: Bronco Off-Roadeo - Unleash the Beast!

• Morning (7:30 a.m.- 8:00 a.m.): Fuel Up & Short Drive to Off-Roadeo
• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe.
• Head to the Bronco Off-Roadeo Tennessee facility in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area.

• Bronco Off-Roadeo
• Half-Day Adventure (Non-owners) - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Full Day (Bronco and Bronco Sport Owners) - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Late Afternoon (5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.): Relax & Recharge
• After an adrenaline-filled day, you'll likely be tired but buzzing with excitement. Head back to your accommodation to clean up, relax, and share stories of your off-road adventures.

• Evening (6:30 p.m. onwards): Casual Dinner & Entertainment
• Enjoy a well-deserved dinner. You might opt for a more relaxed dining experience tonight. If you have energy, catch a local show or enjoy a walk around the lively towns.

Sunday: Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Multi-Sport Day & Departure

• Very Early Morning (6:30 a.m.- 7:30 a.m.): Fuel Up & Head to Cades Cove
• Grab a quick, early breakfast. You'll need it for this packed day!
• Drive toward the Cades Cove Loop Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Access it via the Townsend entrance for potentially less traffic, or via Gatlinburg (longer drive through the park).

• Morning (7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.): Cycling Cades Cove
• Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile scenic drive. While it's typically closed to vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from early May to late September for cyclists and pedestrians, on Sunday it will be open to vehicles.
• Rent bikes near the entrance to Cades Cove (or bring your own). Cycling the loop with vehicle traffic is still possible, but be aware and share the road. This is a beautiful way to see the valley's historic buildings and wildlife. Allow 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and stops.

• Late Morning (11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.): Horse Riding at Cades Cove
• Head to the Cades Cove Riding Stables (located within the loop). You absolutely must book your horseback riding session in advance, as slots fill up quickly. Enjoy a guided trail ride through the stunning Cades Cove landscape.

• Lunch (1:00 p.m.- 1:45 p.m.): Picnic or Quick Bite
• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic areas in Cades Cove or grab a quick bite at the Cades Cove store.

• Early Afternoon (1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.): Fishing at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• With your Tennesse fishing license in hand, find a spot along one of the park's many streams or rivers for some catch-and-release fishing. Popular spots include the Little River (near Elkmont) or within Cades Cove itself. Even a short 1-hour session can be incredibly peaceful and rewarding.

• Mid-Late Afternoon (3:00 p.m. onwards): Departure
• Begin your drive out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and head toward your departure point (e.g., Knoxville airport or your next destination).

HORSESHOE BAY, TEXAS: The "Texas Hill Country Bronco & Multi-Sport Adventure" Itinerary

Friday: Arrival, Subterranean Wonders, & Lakeside Fishing

• Afternoon (2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.): Arrival & Check-in
• Arrive at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) or drive directly to the Texas Hill Country. Check into your accommodation in Horseshoe Bay, Marble Falls, or the Burnet area.

• Late Afternoon (3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.): Caving at Longhorn Cavern State Park
• Head north to Longhorn Cavern State Park in Burnet, Texas (approx. 30-40 minutes from Horseshoe Bay). Take a guided tour through this historic and beautiful underground riverbed. Tours typically last 1.5 hours. It's a fantastic way to cool off and see a unique geological feature.

• Late Afternoon (5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.): Hiking at Inks Lake State Park
• Just a short drive from Longhorn Cavern is Inks Lake State Park. Take an easy to moderate hike here. The park offers several miles of trails, including the popular Loop Trail, providing beautiful views of the lake and unique pink rock formations. Aim for a 1-hour hike to stretch your legs after the cave.

• Evening (6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.): Drive & Check-in (if not already in Horseshoe Bay)
• Drive to your accommodation in Horseshoe Bay.

Saturday: Bronco Off-Roadeo - Unleash the Texas Beast!

• Morning (7:30 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.): Fuel Up & Head to Off-Roadeo
• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
• Head to the Bronco Off-Roadeo Texas facility in Horseshoe Bay. It's conveniently located right there!

• Bronco Off-Roadeo
• Half-Day Adventure (Non-owners) - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Full Day (Bronco Owners) - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Late Afternoon (12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.): Fishing at Lake LBJ
• After an adrenaline-filled day, you'll likely be ready for a moment of relaxation. Drive on over to Lake LBJ! Head to a public access point, fishing pier, or if your accommodation has lake access, cast a line for some evening fishing. Lake LBJ is known for bass, catfish, and crappie.

• Evening (3:00 p.m. onwards): Casual Dinner & Reflection
• Enjoy a well-deserved dinner. You might opt for a more relaxed dining experience tonight. Reflect on the day's incredible driving and prepare for another active day tomorrow.

Sunday: Mountain Biking Thrills & Departure

• Morning (7:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.): Mountain Biking at Spider Mountain & Reveille Peak Ranch
• Grab an early breakfast. Head north to Burnet, TX (approx. 30-40 minutes from Horseshoe Bay).
• Spider Mountain Bike Park: Start your day here for some lift-served downhill fun. It's Texas's only lift-served bike park, offering trails for various skill levels. You can get a lot of riding in quickly.
• Reveille Peak Ranch: If you prefer cross-country riding or want to extend your biking, head to Reveille Peak Ranch, also in Burnet. It offers miles of challenging and scenic singletrack.
• Tip: Rent bikes in advance from a shop in Austin or closer to the parks. Check Spider Mountain's operating days/hours, as they can vary.

• Late Morning/Lunch (1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.): Casual Lunch
• Enjoy a casual lunch in Burnet or grab something quick on your way back toward Austin.

• Afternoon (2:00 p.m. onwards): Departure
• Begin your journey toward Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) or your next destination, filled with incredible memories of your action-packed Texas Hill Country adventure!

Kelsey Gerken is Bronco marketing strategy manager at Ford.