ATV Adventures: Seventh Annual Red Rock Jamboree – Abra Kanabra
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- Winding through the red rock canyons of Kane County at the Red Rock Jamboree.
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- One of the many remarkable rock formations you will see at the Red Rock Jamboree.
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- An off-camber section on one of the trails offered at the Red Rock Jamboree..
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- One of the many remarkable rock formations you will see at the Red Rock Jamboree.
The magic and beauty of Kanab will open to the OHV community with the start of the Red Rock Jamboree on April 29, 2026. A week earlier than last year, this is the seventh jamboree hosted by Kane County and the UT/AZ ATV Club. Registration opens January 16, and the jamboree runs April 29 – May 2.
This is one of the first jamborees of the year, and rides fill up early. Registration opens at 8 a.m., so be ready to pick from a list of 15 rides that showcase the splendor of Kanab’s canyons. Coordinate your rides with your family and friends – those riding together should register at the same time.
This jamboree opens the beauty of Kanab’s red-rock country to you. You will see treasures in the backcountry you would not find on your own. Guides will take you to hidden gems like dinosaur tracks, fascinating Anasazi rock art, dunes, slot canyons, rock alcoves, scenic vistas, and historic pioneer sites.
The first day of the jamboree is a travel day. Riders will check in, pick up registration packets, swag bags, meal tickets, and raffle tickets. Guides will be available to discuss details of the trails being offered and help you become more acquainted with the itinerary.
The BLM enforces strict limits on the number of machines per ride. Once the limit is reached, the ride is closed. The rides you choose when you register will be the ones you ride at the jamboree. To give you a better idea of what the backcountry of Kanab has to offer, here are some descriptions of the trails being offered:
Peekaboo Slot Canyon
If slot canyons fascinate you as much as they do me, this is a ride for you. Because of its popularity, they are doing two rides each day. This ride offers many great photo opportunities as you view the White Cliffs in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. You will take a short walk through the two-part Peekaboo Slot Canyon and see the intricacies of the canyon. You will see Moqui steps used to climb the sheer rock face to granaries and homes high on the cliff walls, which are carved into the walls of the slot canyon.
Hoodoo Run
The Hoodoos that spawned the name of this ride are found in Brown Canyon. The ride starts from Johnson Canyon Road and proceeds to the Cowboy Cave Petroglyphs. After circling the Pinnacles, the ride passes some fantastic views at Cutler Point and then heads into Brown Canyon. I love a good Hoodoo, but the draw for me is a chance to see the Native American water glyphs featured on this ride. I have written about these before, and they are fascinating.
Cottonwood Canyon
Riding up Cottonwood Road through the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, you will pass by several areas of interest on the way to the famous Grosvenor Arch. This is a very scenic ride with views of the Cockscomb with its incredible, colorful rock formations. I took this ride last year, and I would like to retake it.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
If riding dunes excites you, this is a ride for you. This Adrenaline-fueled, more challenging, fast-paced experience features winding washes and challenging whoops. An orange safety flag is required, and machines with a minimum of 1000cc engines are needed. A hot dog lunch is provided before you take on the ultimate challenge – scaling Competition Hill.
Warriors Walk
This ride features mystery and history. Experience spectacular views of Zion National Park, Canaan Mountain, and Elephant Butte. Warrior’s Walk is a long, rock-lined path. Legend suggests it was a path for young warriors in a traditional ceremony about which little is known. It is considered sacred, offering a connection to ancient tribal rites. Local history about the Canaan Mountain and the Shunesburg Mail Drop will be discussed. A visit to the Moccasin Mountain Dinosaur Track site is also included.
These are only five of the 15 rides being offered at this year’s jamboree. I have been on most of them, and they are some of my favorites. Kanab is a great place to visit in the spring, thanks to its movie-making history, spectacular scenery, and mild weather.
The jamboree season looks to be better than ever in Utah this year, and I couldn’t be more excited. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down, get out of the cold, and into the Abra Kanabra in Kane County. I will see you there.
Lynn R. Blamires can be reached at quadmanone@gmail.com.
