Mesquite To Bar-10 Ranch Grand Canyon Overnight Adventure

Hosted By UTV Offroad Adventures

Story and photos by Kim Krause (October 2025)

Our Mesquite to Bar-10 Ranch Grand Canyon Overnight Adventure was one for the books! Base camp for the weekend was the CasaBlanca Resort and Casino in Mesquite, Nevada - a vibrant desert town known for its palm-lined streets, golf courses, and friendly casino atmosphere. It was the perfect launching point for a weekend of breathtaking trails, good food, and even better company.

A total of 22 side-by-sides rolled out Saturday morning after breakfast at the casino, ready for adventure. The route featured a little bit of everything - rocky climbs, tight switchbacks, and flowing dirt roads that wound through canyons and desert washes. Riders navigated dry creek beds, slickrock sections, and sandy flats, surrounded by brilliant fall colors and incredible 75-degree weather. The day’s ride climbed from low desert terrain with cactus and red rock up to high-country pine forests, showcasing 360-degree views of mesas and mountains along the way. Old corrals, cattle guards, and wildflowers dotted the trail, adding a touch of history and color to the journey.

By afternoon, the group arrived at the Bar 10 Ranch, where we had the entire ranch to ourselves. Guests checked into their cozy covered wagons, took hot showers, and relaxed before the dinner chimes sounded. Dinner featured beef raised right there on the ranch - truly farm-to-table - and the meal did not disappoint. Several recognitions and awards were presented, followed by a birthday celebration and a champagne toast to newlyweds Jim and his bride Erin, who chose the trails of the Grand Canyon over the beaches of the Bahamas.

The night continued with a bonfire, music, jokes, and stories under a sky full of stars. It was the kind of evening that reminds us why we ride - friendship, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Sunday morning, we filled up the SxS units with fuel at the ranch before heading out for another incredible day. We started with a short ride to the Whitmore Canyon Overlook, where the group took in epic views of the Grand Canyon - a perfect picture stop and one of the highlights of the weekend.

The second day’s route offered an entirely different kind of terrain - rolling hills, grassy meadows, and winding trails through Maple Canyon - before continuing through Black Rock Mountain, Fresher Cabin, Cougar Springs, and a natural running creek, surrounded by brilliant fall colors as we climbed back up through the mountains. We also stopped at the historic Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse (built in 1916) and passed through parts of the Paiute Wilderness and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, each offering a glimpse into the rugged backcountry.

To wrap up the day - and the weekend - riders descended through Elbow Canyon, one of the most exciting and technical sections of the entire trip. The steep, rocky switchbacks challenged drivers and machines alike, rewarding everyone with incredible views of the Mesquite Valley as we made our final descent back into town.

Both riding days covered about 90 miles each, with completely different routes and landscapes, making this one of the most diverse and scenic adventures we’ve done. While our group traveled by SxS to the ranch, others arrived by private plane, landing right on the airstrip beside the Bar 10 Ranch - a unique sight and reminder of just how special this remote destination is.

Our riders came from Arizona, California, Utah, and Missouri - with 76 years young being the oldest driver and Missouri representing the farthest travelers.

Congratulations to Susan Schiveley of Innovative Property Solutions, our poker run winner, who graciously donated her winnings to our chosen charity the Salvation Army Christmas Tree Angels, spreading the spirit of giving as we head into the holiday season.

From planes landing beside the trail to panoramic canyon overlooks, hearty ranch meals, and incredible camaraderie - this adventure had it all.

Join us next year for an even better adventure as we’ll be staying two nights at the Bar 10 Ranch, giving everyone an extra day to explore the area and enjoy all the amazing amenities the ranch has to offer.

Check out utvoffroadadventures.com for more rides, photos, and upcoming events!