Story and photos by Kim Krause | September 11–13, 2026
Nearly 10,000-foot mountain trails, volcanic lava fields, golden aspens and spectacular red-rock overlooks. The 2026 Duck Creek SXS Adventure delivered all of that and more during a three-day gathering in southern Utah.
Organized by UTV Offroad Adventures, the September 11–13 event brought together side-by-side enthusiasts from across the country for two days of guided riding through some of Utah’s most diverse terrain.
With 41 SXSs divided between two groups, approximately 166 miles of riding, and a few unforgettable stories along the way, Duck Creek proved to be an incredible destination for our latest adventure.
Duck Creek Village
Duck Creek Village: Our Base Camp
Located high in southern Utah’s Dixie National Forest, Duck Creek Village is surrounded by towering pines, aspen groves, volcanic formations, open meadows and mountain lakes.
We based our adventure at Hot Mama’s Pizza and Brew, which served as our headquarters for registration, ride staging and Saturday evening festivities.
Riders arrived Friday from several states and settled into cabins, vacation rentals and dispersed campsites around the area.
Friday evening was an opportunity to meet fellow riders, reconnect with friends and decide which of the two planned routes to tackle first.
Everyone would have an opportunity to experience both routes over the weekend.
Saturday: Into the Utah High Country
Saturday began with a 7:30 a.m. drivers meeting at Hot Mama’s Pizza and Brew. With temperatures around 63 degrees, conditions were nearly perfect for a day in the mountains.
After checking radios and reviewing the day’s plans, our two groups headed out with 22 SXSs in one group and 19 in the other.
Our destination was the spectacular high country surrounding Brian Head.
Fall colors starting to show
Brian Head: Riding Toward 10,000 Feet
As we climbed into the mountains, the scenery changed constantly.
Massive lava fields and volcanic rocks gave way to open meadows, rolling hills and forests of towering evergreens.
At elevations approaching 10,000 feet, we began seeing the first signs of fall. Yellow leaves were appearing among the aspens, adding splashes of gold to the mountain landscape.
Wildlife was abundant, too. Throughout the ride, we spotted deer, turkeys, cattle and sheep.
The trails offered plenty of variety, including rocky sections, water crossings and switchbacks that required drivers to pay attention.
We traveled through areas near Mammoth Cave before reaching an incredible 360-degree overlook at approximately 8,200 feet.
It was the kind of place where everyone wanted to stop, climb out of their SXS and take in the view.
Panguitch Lake
Technical Trails and a Descent Toward Panguitch Lake
One of Saturday’s more challenging sections came during a steep descent from approximately 9,500 feet.
The trail became narrower and rockier, requiring careful line selection and a slower pace.
This was definitely a low-and-slow section rather than somewhere to rush.
After navigating the technical terrain, we continued toward Panguitch Lake, where the group stopped for lunch and shared stories from the morning.
There was still plenty of riding ahead.
Red Rocks, Hoodoos and Canyon Country
As the afternoon continued, the landscape transformed again.
We traded high-elevation forests for dramatic red-rock formations, towering canyon walls and hoodoos.
Additional water crossings and winding trails kept the ride interesting as we explored the area’s remarkable geology.
One of the things that impressed us most about Duck Creek was how quickly the surroundings changed.
One minute we were riding beneath tall pines and aspens. A short time later, we were surrounded by volcanic rock or looking across deep red-rock canyons.
Then, almost before we knew it, we were climbing back into the forest.
Our route required very little pavement to complete the loop back toward Duck Creek Village, passing several lakes and more beautiful mountain scenery along the way.
By the time we returned, Saturday’s adventure had covered approximately 96 miles.
Saturday Night: Dinner, Awards and a Fundraiser
After a full day on the trails, everyone gathered at Hot Mama’s Pizza and Brew for dinner, awards, raffles and poker.
It was an opportunity to relax, catch up with the other riders and celebrate another successful day of exploring.
Of course, no adventure is complete without at least one story that will be remembered long after the event.
The Wrong Group Award
One of our riders managed to create a particularly memorable moment during the weekend.
While riding with her assigned group, she encountered another group of SXSs traveling in a different direction.
Instead of staying with her group, she followed the other one!
Apparently, they looked like the right people at the time.
Her unexpected detour earned her the weekend’s appropriately named “Dumb Ass Award.”
Thankfully, she took the award in good humor, giving everyone another story to laugh about at dinner.
Poker With a Purpose: $535 Raised
Saturday’s poker game also provided an opportunity to help someone in need.
A portion of the poker pot, along with additional donations, was collected to help Garrett, a 26-year-old facing the need for a kidney and pancreas transplant.
By the end of the evening, our group had raised $535 to help with his medical expenses.
It was a meaningful reminder that the friendships and community surrounding these adventures extend well beyond the trails.
Sunday: Fog, Wildlife and Strawberry Point
Sunday morning brought an entirely different atmosphere.
We woke to thick fog and temperatures around 61 degrees. Instead of the clear mountain views we had enjoyed Saturday, the landscape was wrapped in clouds.
As the morning progressed, the fog gradually lifted, revealing more of the surrounding countryside.
Wildlife was once again a highlight. We spotted numerous deer, a herd of antelope and more turkeys along the route.
Cloudy conditions and scattered mud puddles added another dimension to the day’s riding.
Strawberry Point
Strawberry Point: Spectacular Red-Rock Views
One of Sunday’s highlights was Strawberry Point.
The colorful rock formations and expansive views made this one of the most memorable stops of the weekend.
Photographs can capture some of the beauty, but there is nothing quite like arriving at an overlook in your SXS and seeing the landscape stretch out in front of you.
From Strawberry Point, we continued onto the Harris Rim Loop connector.
The trail became tighter, and careful line selection was once again important.
It was another section where slowing down and enjoying the trail was the right approach.
Sunday’s route covered approximately 70 miles, bringing our two-day riding total to nearly 166 miles.
Riders From Across the Country
One of the things we enjoy most about UTV Offroad Adventures is the variety of people who participate.
For Duck Creek, riders traveled from Tennessee, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, California and Utah.
We also had an 81-year-old woman riding with us, proving that the enjoyment of exploring the backcountry doesn’t have an age limit.
Different states, different backgrounds and different SXSs all came together for a shared adventure.
Duck Creek SXS Adventure: By the Numbers
- Event dates: September 11–13, 2026
- Location: Duck Creek Village, Utah
- Saturday ride: Approximately 96 miles
- Sunday ride: Approximately 70 miles
- Total riding: Nearly 166 miles
- SXSs: 41, divided between two groups
- Highest elevations: Approaching 10,000 feet
- Fundraiser: $535 raised for Garrett
Duck Creek
Planning Your Own Duck Creek UTV Adventure
Duck Creek Village offers access to an impressive variety of southern Utah landscapes, from high-elevation forests and volcanic terrain to rocky trails and scenic overlooks.
Our weekend demonstrated just how much variety riders can experience while using the village as a base camp.
For anyone considering a similar adventure, a little preparation goes a long way.
Bring plenty of water, a spare tire, a spare CVT belt and basic tools. Start each day with a full tank of fuel and carry reliable communications equipment.
Weather can change quickly in the mountains, and trail conditions may vary with elevation and recent precipitation.
Always verify current trail access, seasonal restrictions and applicable OHV regulations before heading out. Stay on designated routes and respect the surrounding public lands.
For additional information about the organized ride, visit the 2026 Duck Creek SXS Adventure event page.
More Than Just 166 Miles of Riding
We expected Duck Creek to be beautiful, but the sheer variety of terrain exceeded our expectations.
Over two days, we explored mountain forests, lava fields, rocky technical trails, red-rock country, canyons and scenic overlooks.
We watched the aspens begin their fall transformation, encountered wildlife and experienced everything from clear mountain mornings to fog and muddy trails.
But the riding was only part of what made the weekend special.
It was also about meeting new people, sharing stories over dinner, laughing about unexpected adventures and coming together to help someone in need.
Those are the experiences that keep us looking forward to the next ride.
Join a Future UTV Offroad Adventure
The Duck Creek SXS Adventure may be over, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore new destinations with UTV Offroad Adventures.
The organization hosts guided SXS adventures that bring riders together to discover scenic trails, experience new destinations and enjoy the camaraderie of the off-road community.
To learn more and explore upcoming events, visit the UTV Offroad Adventures event calendar.
Until the next adventure, keep the wheels turning!
Story and photos courtesy of Kim Krause and UTV Offroad Adventures.
