Arches National Park
Before departing for the Azores, I had one last trip planned. My son (Matt), my Son-in-law (Matt) and I took my Bronco to the high altitude desert of Moab Utah.
We left a day early to make a short visit to Arches National Park.
I included the photo of Pine Tree Arch because it was an out of the way peaceful spot. Most of the the other arches were crowded with people climbing all over them.
The Matts enjoying Pine Tree Arch.
Ford Bronco Off-Roadeo
When you purchase a new Bronco, you are given the opportunity for an Off-Roadeo event sponsored by Ford. There are several location around the country. Since I am living in Colorado, Moab, Utah seemed like the best choice.
The day started with an orientation where Ford experts show you specific features of the Bronco as they affect off-roading. Like, the height of the bumpers and how they affect the vehicle’s ability to clear obstacles.
Afterwards, using Ford supplied vehicles, a Ford guide takes a group of 6 Broncos through… in this case… the high altitude desert.
Since I have a 2-door, I selected a 2-door. Unfortunately, my personal Bronco has one feature that the event Bronco did not have. However, I still learned how to use it since all the 4-door vehicles had that feature.
The guide teaches safe practices, techniques to overcome obstacles, the vehicle capabilities and how to use them. We all stayed in communication using walkie talkies supplied by the event.
Ford Guide Explaining Safe Off-road Habits
The guide leading our group started with simple instructions… how to adjust your seat for best visibility. How to adjust your mirrors so you can see your rear tires as you complete an obstacle to ensure you were where you wanted to be.
At the more difficult obstacles, the guide had us all get out as he showed us the more technical features and explained how we were to try and maneuver through it. He also provided safety tips… such as always try to keep at least three points on the ground. In this case, dropping one front wheel at a time rather than going straight over it.
We spent the day driving off-road in the high altitude desert of Moab. A really nice lunch was provided at a very scenic location; overlooking the Colorado River.
Overlooking The Colorado River
This Bronco is about to descend a steep decline.
A Steep Decline
The photo below shows my son driving the Bronco down the same 32 degree grade. His shoulder harness is holding him and arms arms pressing against the steering wheel to keep him in the seat! Our Ford Expert guide is walking along to ensure everything is done safely.
Matt Driving Down a 32 Degree Decline With the Ford Expert Guide Observing.
The route we took had several obstacles all of different types so we could learn going up over an obstacle, down, avoiding rain ruts, staying in gullies. The experience was more thorough than I had expected when signing up.
Several Broncos From Our Group on the Trail
Another Steep Decline
We also stopped along the way at several scenic spots. So, it wasn’t all about driving off-road.
One unique spot was this set of caves used by Native Americans thousands of years ago.
Ancient Native American Caves
Inside an Ancient Native American Cave
Not all arches are confined to Arches National Park!
Our Group Visiting An Arch
Event the trip back to the Ford Headquarters was very scenic
A Scenic Drive Returning to the Off-Rodeo Headquarters
As an added surprise, our day ended with a meal provided by Ford back at the headquarters. I didn’t know we were getting dinner. So, the chef provided buffet was an amazing surprise!
This was followed by a relaxing campfire to top off an absolutely fabulous day!