Lake Powell SXS Extravaganza

What a Weekend!
Photos & Story by Kim Krause

UTV Offroad Adventures hosted another unforgettable weekend at the Lake Powell SXS Extravaganza, held October 10–12, 2025, at the beautiful Lake Powell Gateway RV Resort in Big Water, Utah. The event included two full days of off-roading, bringing together riders from across the Southwest to experience some of the most scenic and diverse terrain Utah has to offer.

A huge thank you goes out to our incredible hosts, Ray and Heather, owners of the resort, for being so accommodating and making everyone feel at home. The Lake Powell Gateway RV Resort is a hidden gem, located just minutes from the shores of Lake Powell and the entrance to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. With spacious sites, clean facilities, and panoramic views of the colorful desert cliffs that surround Big Water, it’s the perfect home base for off-road enthusiasts looking to explore southern Utah’s backcountry.

Big Water itself sits along the Utah–Arizona border, a quiet desert town that opens up into some of the most scenic riding country in the Southwest. The area is known for its red and white rock formations, towering cliffs, twisting slot canyons, and wide-open trails that seem to stretch endlessly across the desert floor.

Friday kicked off with check-in at the resort, where guests picked up swag bags, visited with old friends, and made new ones. Laughter filled the air as trailers rolled in from all directions - riders came from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Oklahoma, and even New Jersey - ready for a weekend of adventure.

Saturday morning began with a hearty breakfast at the resort, catered by Chef Dawn with Party in a Box Catering. The aroma of fresh coffee and hot breakfast burritos set the perfect tone for the day ahead. In total, 44 SXSs lined up, split into two groups for an 80-mile round-trip ride through some of Utah’s most stunning terrain.

The night before had brought steady rain, which meant no dust — but it also added a welcome element of adventure and surprise. Riders didn’t know exactly what the trails would look like until they were on them, and that unpredictability only made the experience better.

Saturday Ride One Highlights

Ride One wound through the Cottonwood Canyon area, an off-road paradise filled with natural wonders. The route included Lower Hackberry, Cottonwood Narrows, and the awe-inspiring Grosvenor Arch - a massive double arch named after National Geographic editor Gilbert Grosvenor. Rising dramatically from the desert floor, Grosvenor Arch is one of Utah’s most striking natural landmarks and made for a perfect group photo stop.

The trail itself was a dynamic mix of sandy washes, rocky climbs, and winding paths that led through an ever-changing landscape. Riders encountered old cabins, hoodoos, and brilliantly colored rock formations - reds, whites, and golds blending together beneath the fall sun. After the rain, muddy water crossings and small creeks added splashes of fun and challenge to the day’s ride.

The fall colors were at their peak, painting the canyon walls and cottonwood trees in vibrant yellows and oranges. Every turn revealed another postcard-worthy view, reminding everyone why this region is such a favorite among adventure riders.

Saturday Ride Two Highlights

Ride Two took a completely different route, showcasing another side of Utah’s desert beauty. The group climbed into higher elevations and open plateaus, where amazing overlooks offered panoramic views stretching for miles. Riders could see the colorful layers of the Grand Staircase, the distant waters of Lake Powell, and the sweeping canyons carved deep into the landscape.

The trail offered a mix of terrain - smooth sandy sections, tight rocky turns, and stretches that followed the edge of dramatic cliffs. After the previous night’s rain, some areas were still damp, adding a touch of mud and plenty of laughs as riders navigated through puddles and creek crossings. The ever-changing scenery - from narrow slot canyons to open desert vistas - kept everyone wide-eyed from start to finish.

By the time the groups rolled back into camp, there was that familiar feeling of accomplishment and contentment that only comes from a full day on the trails. Then came the cleanup - a post-ride ritual of spraying off layers of red Utah mud from every fender and wheel well. What might have been a chore turned into a group event, with hoses spraying, jokes flying, and plenty of laughter echoing around the resort. The sight of gleaming (or at least less muddy) SXSs lined up afterward was almost as satisfying as the ride itself.

Saturday Evening Gathering

Thanks to Getaway RV Park, owner Ray was able to secure the Big Water Gymnasium for the group dinner, which turned out to be the perfect spot to stay out of the wet and cold after a long, fun day on the trails. The evening featured dinner, awards, sponsor highlights, and introductions, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax, laugh, and share stories from the day’s adventures.

Riders shared food, laughter, and plenty of good-natured teasing — including the presentation of the Jackass Award, which went to the rider who, while loading his SXS into the back of his truck, managed to tip it off the ramp and onto its side. Luckily, no one was hurt, and the story instantly became part of the weekend’s lore.

The evening also included the always-popular poker run, which added an extra layer of excitement to the event. This year’s poker winner, Machele Crawford, showed incredible generosity by donating her share of the winnings back to our charity, Christmas Tree Angels, helping to spread even more joy beyond the weekend.

Sunday

Sunday kicked off with another delicious breakfast at the Lake Powell Gateway RV Resort, once again catered by Chef Dawn and her Party in a Box Catering team. Riders gathered over hot coffee and hearty plates before gearing up for another day of exploration. The weather was perfect, and the rain had let up, making the trails spectacular for off-roading.

The Sunday ride covered 80 miles round trip and was an all-day adventure, giving everyone plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery. Along the way, riders spotted lots of deer on the trails, adding to the magic of the experience. The peaceful wildlife sightings, open landscapes, and clear skies made for a perfect wrap-up to an unforgettable weekend.

Until next time - keep the tires spinning and the adventures rolling.

Check out utvoffroadadventures.com for the next one!