Event Recap | Trail Hero 2023, Day Three (2024)

Day 3 atTrail HeroRevealed the Truth

Finding Peace at the Fallen, Shopping Options in Vendor Row and Suffering a Slow Mechanical Death to Reach Crawler Heaven

Sunrise struck the sand with a special kind of energy today. As the third day of Monster Energy Trail Hero, presented by Greater Zion, was set in motion, attendees were in store for the most action-packed schedule. Wind continued to sweep across the wide, desert valley, triggering allergies and chapping lips, while also providing much-needed relief from harsh rays and rising temperatures. With its final, and largest, charity Access trail ride slated for the morning; the event’s “Hero 4 the Day” Veterans Ride showed a turnout that dwarfed already impressive numbers from earlier this week, and an even wider variety of vehicles.

The caravan ventured down the Fallen, which included a variety of obstacles for participants to attempt at will, if not, an easy work-around. With plenty of spotters at the ready to guide the more adventurous drivers, taking small detours to tackle that assortment of challenges proved extremely popular. Everything from RZR’s to full-size trucks were hopping off ledges, crawling over steep grades, and everything in between. It was quite a sight to see this mixed group of wounded, retired, or active military band together to circumnavigate these awesome, and anxiety inducing, blockades. Teaming up on something that at its core is accomplished alone.

Crossing this kind of textured terrain puts in perspective just how diverse Sand Hollow is. Having the chance to go from dunes to slickrock as well as the more predictable sandstone which is the source of that remarkable range of vivid red colors that make the park so visually striking. With the massive convoy continuing onwards toward the final destination, the Fallen Memorial, spirits were high as they moved along the entire trail. They knew where they headed was special. Not just for its beauty but for its meaning, a shrine to those who were lost in service, placed for eternity in a sacred circular outcropping of crags where their loved ones can come spend time with them, if only for a sandwich and a quiet word.

Continuing the expedition after lunch, the ride finished with hugs and high fives and promises to not “wait so long this time” to see each other. And soon, many turned their tires toward the quiet roar in the distance. Participants were already starting to flock in long lines through the tunnel towards Finals at the famous BFGoodrich Trail Breaker Rock Crawl competition. With even more gargantuan tasks ahead, deconstructed rubber-footed metal monsters cued up at the base of Chutes and Ladders. From within the cavities of their stifling tubular cages, these purpose-built vehicles are captained by the evil geniuses who dreamt them up for the sole motive of rock domination.

Across the floor of the third stage, these insect-like silhouettes scattered, which signaled the recovery team into action. Frantic efforts with multiple winches, hands, and steering inputs were stalled by the canyon’s interference from all sides. One recuperation at the second stage drew incredible interest. A crawler had become wedged in an especially narrow segment of the chasm which required careful management of a steep drop. But this initial attempt with a winch lodged the vehicle further into the abyss, so a second winch from another retrieval buggy was brought into use.

However, even the various descents from the recovery teams were visions to behold, as particularly bulky machines dared to cross slim, unthinkable sections to no avail. And after a spectacular effort from the crew, the embedded crawler was finally dislodged to significant fanfare. It was almost as loud as their reaction to cars which actually reached the Finish, surmounting sheer cliffs for a triumphant end to their nail-biting run.

Attendees once again roosted in any available scrap of shade, natural or otherwise, observing attempts at obstacles and subsequent recoveries with equal vigor. The excitement would swell and fade with each event, owing to the now brutal heat by midday. With shelter from the sun becoming a scarce commodity, crowds gathered around various coolers containing Monster and Water like animals finding a watering hole in the Sahara, while those working the course could be witnessed receiving underhand lobs of bottles at request.

Later in the day, with the setting sun, there were plenty of trails to be explored and sand dunes to be ridden. Looking out over the evening light’s glistening dance over the water in the distance, and the orange light making even more fascinating colors in sandstone features was the perfect background for a last run in the natural lighting. Feeling sand at speed in a SXS was a welcome change of pace from some of the slower trail rides the week had in store and provided the perfect opportunity for many to finally open the throttles up and pick up some speed.

Nightfall was accompanied by the official opening of the Trail Hero Music Festival, as well as the earnest opening of vendor row. The fair-like atmosphere was joined with the usual assortment of food and beverage classics, with a wide variety of industry staples offering a full gamut of services and supplies. Having names like Matt Farris back on the docket was surely a compliment to the headliner, Uncle Kracker, who – amongst a list of opening performances – drew a crowd out to Hurricane, Utah in droves. Even the gate for the entrance to Sand Hollow State Park was clogged with trucks and pleasure crafts making a dash to the festival grounds.

Colored LEDs and rotating spots threw a glowing rainbow into the audience as they swayed and cheered and sang their hearts out. Special moments on-stage reminded us that family is the driving force for so many who choose four wheels over two, dirt over pavement, nature over the movies. A bond formed with everyone who unwittingly found common ground as they all soaked in the rhythms tonight, absorbing the energy that buzzed through the venue. It was the magical end of a jam-packed day and the precise beginning of a weekend-long party.

As today’s events have drawn to their conclusion, stay tuned here and on our social channels for continuing coverage!Follow along on our social channels: Instagram@UTVSportsMagor Facebook atUTV Sports.

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Check Out Day Three