Story and Photos by Kim Krause
UTV Offroad Adventures hosted the Southern Arizona Peace Trail Run from November 8-10, 2024, with 34 UTVs joining from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, California, and beyond. This event took participants through the southern section of Arizona’s iconic 675-mile Arizona Peace Trail, covering a 375-mile round trip through the rugged desert landscape, offering a memorable adventure filled with challenging terrain and breathtaking vistas.
The Arizona Peace Trail is a designated off-road route that spans across the western Arizona desert, linking a series of historic mining towns, remote desert landscapes, and scenic vistas. The trail covers a total of 675 miles, making it one of the longest off-road routes in the U.S. It’s known for its diverse terrain, which ranges from wide-open desert flats to rocky hills, deep washes, and narrow, twisty trails. It provides participants the opportunity to experience some of the best off-roading in Arizona, showcasing the beauty of the Sonoran Desert while challenging drivers with its unique terrain.
This event completed UTV Offroad Adventures’ exploration of the Arizona Peace Trail for 2024, following the northern section of the trail in March.
Day One on the AZPT at Don’s Cactus Bar
Thursday, November 7:
Participants checked in at Don’s Cactus Bar in Salome and enjoyed a pre-ride briefing. Riders met their guides, reviewed the itinerary, and prepared for the exciting adventure ahead.
Day 1: Friday, November 8
The adventure began with a hearty breakfast at Tio G’s before the group departed on the 130-mile ride to Wellton, Arizona. The terrain on Friday’s ride was varied and thrilling, offering a perfect mix of iconic desert landscapes, rocky washes, sandy trails, and dry riverbeds. The trail wound through narrow, twisty paths, rocky hillsides, and challenging washes that required some skillful maneuvering. The desert offered stunning views, with participants traversing open desert flats and expansive vistas, allowing for a unique off-road experience.
After completing the ride, participants checked into the Microtel Inn & Suites in Wellton. The evening featured a fun raffle and dinner at Desert Penguin Bar & Grill.
Day 2: Saturday, November 9
Saturday’s ride covered approximately 170 miles from Wellton to Quartzsite. The trail took the group through a variety of terrain, including desert flats, rocky outcrops, and rugged, winding paths. One of the most exciting parts of the day was the “Good, Bad, and Ugly” portion of the trail, a challenging and thrilling section of the route run at night. This segment took participants through particularly rugged terrain, including steep inclines, tight corners, and deep washes. The “Good” part was characterized by fast, wide open areas, providing participants with a bit of freedom to really open up their UTVs. The “Bad” section tested their skills with rough, uneven surfaces and rocky terrain, requiring careful navigation and patience. Finally, the “Ugly” portion lived up to its name, with treacherous paths and challenging obstacles that really put drivers to the test. Despite the difficulty, the group powered through and embraced the adventure, all while under the desert stars.
The group made stops at Martinez Lake and Fisher’s Landing, taking in the peaceful surroundings before continuing on their journey. Upon arriving in Quartzsite, participants went straight to Silly Al’s for a well-deserved dinner and then headed to the Super 8 hotel to relax after an exciting day.
Day 3: Sunday, November 10
Sunday morning began with a breakfast at the Snowbird Café & Ice Creamery, followed by the poker winner announcement. A portion of the winnings was donated to the Salvation Army Christmas Angels charity. The fun “Dumb Ass Award” was given for the weekend’s best mishap, and the farthest traveler was recognized—a group of 7 participants from Texas who made the long journey to join the event.
The final ride of the weekend covered about 80 miles back to Salome, taking participants through Bouse and offering more of the stunning desert terrain, with wide-open spaces and rocky hills that kept the excitement high. The peaceful, winding trails and the smooth desert flats made for a perfect end to the adventure.
UTV Offroad Adventures would like to thank all the participants for making the Southern Arizona Peace Trail Run a memorable experience. We look forward to more exciting adventures with this amazing off-road community!
In 2025, UTV Offroad Adventures will host both the northern and southern sections of the Arizona Peace Trail, offering participants an even more comprehensive off-road experience.
For more information on upcoming events, visit www.utvoffroadadventures.com.
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