Munds Park Mountain Fun Run

Photos and story by Kim Krause

UTV Offroad Adventures hosted another unforgettable weekend at the Munds Park Mountain Fun Run, September 19–21, 2025. Munds Park, a small community in northern Arizona located about 20 miles south of Flagstaff and just west of Mormon Lake, served as the perfect basecamp. Nestled at roughly 7,000 feet elevation in cool pine forests, it offered an ideal setting for a weekend filled with trail riding, camaraderie, and fun. The area is known for its scenic backcountry trails, which wind through dense pine forest, over rolling hills, past meadows with free-ranging cattle, and along rocky offshoots that challenge riders’ skills while offering spectacular views. Many trails are lightly trafficked, giving a sense of adventure and exploration, with wildlife sightings including turkeys and deer. The weekend brought a hint of fall, with cooler temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s, crisp mountain air, and signs of the changing season all around—hunters in the distance, cattle grazing, and deer and turkeys moving through the forest.

The event kicked off Friday with check-in and registration at Pinewood Bar & Grill, which served as the hub for all activities throughout the weekend. Riders picked up swag bags and event T-shirts, reconnected with friends, and prepared for two days of high-country adventure.

Saturday morning began with breakfast at Pinewood before the group set out on a 110-mile round-trip ride. The pristine trails were in perfect condition—damp forest roads from a fresh rain kept the dust down, and the mix of smooth forest tracks, tighter rocky offshoots, and open stretches showcased the beauty of northern Arizona. Lunch was enjoyed at the breathtaking Edge of the World, where riders took in sweeping views of Sedona’s famous red rock formations, including Jenga Rock, a striking backdrop that highlighted the contrast between the lush forest and desert vistas.

The group returned to Pinewood that evening for dinner, awards, and plenty of laughs. Highlights included the Dumb Ass Award, given to the rider who left their post before they should have while blocking a turn, almost sending others the wrong way. The confusion happened because there was a vehicle identical to the sweep vehicle in our group who passed the rider, but of course no flag was waved—which is the sweep car’s signal—leading the rider to think it was safe to leave their post. Luckily, no one got lost, but the story quickly became a source of good-natured entertainment. Saturday’s festivities also featured raffles, with lucky participants taking home prizes, and the poker run winner was recognized and presented their prize. Additional honors included the Oldest Rider Award (age 73) and the Farthest Traveled Award for a rider from Texas.

Sunday began with another breakfast at Pinewood, followed by an 80-mile round-trip ride. Riders explored more of the region’s beautiful trails, climbing as high as 8,400 feet at the Mormon Lake trailhead, traversing forested ridges, open meadows, and winding paths that led to the Blowhole Cave, a fascinating lava tube tucked away in the forest near Mormon Lake. Several participants ventured into the cave, enjoying its nice, cool interior, a refreshing contrast to the late-morning sun outside. Along the way, the group stopped at the Mormon Lake Lodge Steakhouse and Saloon for a delicious lunch, enjoying great food and conversation before looping back to Munds Park. With puddles from Saturday night’s rain keeping the trails fun and dust-free, the crisp fall air and colorful northern Arizona scenery created a perfect backdrop for the final miles of the weekend.

The Munds Park Mountain Fun Run was everything UTV Offroad Adventures is known for: challenging and scenic trails, a welcoming community, and plenty of stories to take home. Between the forested routes, wildlife encounters, early-fall ambiance, laughter, and friendships, it was a weekend to remember in Arizona’s high country. 

Don’t miss the next adventure—visit utvoffroadadventures.com for details and registration.