Moab, Utah, is a legendary destination for off-road enthusiasts, known for its breathtaking red rock landscapes and challenging trails. In 2025, Ford made a bold statement at its inaugural Bronco Stampede event, held during the Easter Jeep Safari from April 12-20, by showcasing two custom Bronco project vehicles: the Bronco Off-Roadeo: Arches Project Vehicle and the Bronco Off-Roadeo: Cliffhanger Project Vehicle. These one-off concepts, built on the 2025 Bronco Badlands platform, highlight the incredible customization potential of the Bronco and pay tribute to Moab’s iconic terrain. Displayed at Hi Performance Ford and the Spanish Trails Arena, these vehicles stole the spotlight with their rugged upgrades and unique designs, proving that Moab isn’t just for Jeeps.
A Nod to Moab’s Natural Wonders
Ford’s design team drew inspiration from Moab’s stunning geography, particularly the red rock arches of Arches National Park and the demanding Cliffhanger trail south of the city. The Arches and Cliffhanger project vehicles reflect the region’s beauty and ruggedness, wrapped in a distinctive matte protective film that mirrors the factory-applied matte clear film available on production Bronco four-door models. This clay-colored finish, accented with vibrant Code Orange details, evokes the slick rock terrain that defines Moab’s trails. Subtle Easter eggs, like petroglyph-inspired graphics and GPS coordinates for local trails, add a personal touch that connects these concepts to the Moab experience.
The Bronco Stampede, a three-day event for Bronco owners nationwide, marks Ford’s first dedicated off-road showcase in Moab. Held alongside the 59th annual Easter Jeep Safari, which attracts over 20,000 off-road enthusiasts, the Stampede offered ride-and-drive opportunities on a custom off-road course at Hi Performance Ford and trail rides organized by Bronco Nation at the Spanish Trails Arena. Ford’s presence in Moab underscores its commitment to the off-road community, supported by initiatives like the Bronco Wild Fund and Tread Lightly, which promote trail preservation.
Bronco Off-Roadeo: Arches Project Vehicle – The All-Around Adventurer
Image credit: Ford
The Bronco Off-Roadeo: Arches Project Vehicle is designed as the ultimate all-around option for exploring Moab’s diverse trails with up to five passengers. Built on the four-door Bronco Badlands platform, this concept starts with a solid foundation, featuring beadlock-capable wheels and front and rear locking differentials for superior traction. Ford elevated its off-road prowess with 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KDR2+ tires mounted on 17-inch Method wheels, ensuring it can tackle nearly any surface.
Practical upgrades include a Warn Zeon 10-S winch mounted to the front bumper, perfect for navigating tricky situations, and Rigid auxiliary lights wired into the Bronco’s switchgear for enhanced visibility. A light bar atop the windshield adds extra illumination for night drives. The Arches concept also sports a power-operated soft top, emphasizing the Bronco’s open-air design that connects drivers to the outdoors. A Ford Performance exhaust system enhances the sound of the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine, which delivers 300 horsepower straight from the factory—plenty of power for off-road adventures.
Visually, the Arches stands out with its double arch graphics and Code Orange roof rail accents, a nod to the iconic stone formations of Arches National Park. Ford’s design team, led by Justin Sorum, saw a connection between Moab’s geologic arches and the Bronco’s airy aesthetic, making this vehicle a stylish yet capable companion for trail touring. While not available for purchase, many of the Arches’ components, such as the winch, wheels, and exhaust, can be sourced from Ford Performance, Ford Accessories, or third-party vendors, allowing owners to replicate its look and performance.
Bronco Off-Roadeo: Cliffhanger Project Vehicle – Built for the Toughest Trails
Image credit: Ford
For those seeking a more extreme off-road experience, the Bronco Off-Roadeo: Cliffhanger Project Vehicle delivers. This two-door Bronco Badlands-based concept is engineered for low, slow, and technical obstacles, inspired by the grueling Cliffhanger trail known for its demanding terrain. Ford’s team pushed the limits by equipping the Cliffhanger with the largest tires ever fitted to a Bronco: 40-inch BFGoodrich Baja T/A Evo 3.0S racing tires paired with 18-inch beadlock-capable Method wheels. These massive tires provide unmatched grip and clearance, ideal for crawling over rocks and navigating tight trails.
To handle the increased demands of such large tires, Ford replaced the stock suspension with Fox Live Valve shocks, which offer superior articulation and impact absorption for a smoother ride on rough terrain. Custom fender flares, similar to those on the Bronco Raptor, accommodate the wider track and enhance the vehicle’s aggressive stance. Like the Arches, the Cliffhanger features a Warn winch, Rigid auxiliary lights, a windshield-mounted light bar, and a Ford Performance exhaust for a throaty roar.
The Cliffhanger’s design is bolder, with tube-frame doors from Ford Performance featuring knock-off petroglyph graphics on the inside, adding a rugged, open-air feel. Code Orange accents and Uranium arch graphics give it a distinctive look, while a rear seat delete maximizes cargo space for gear-intensive adventures. The matte clay-colored wrap ties it to the Arches, creating a cohesive aesthetic that celebrates Moab’s landscape.
Ford emphasizes that the Cliffhanger is a showcase of what’s possible with the Bronco platform. While it’s not for sale, enthusiasts can purchase many of its parts, including the Method wheels, Fox shocks, and tube doors, to build their own trail-conquering machine. The Cliffhanger’s upgrades make it a dream for hardcore off-roaders who want to push their Bronco to the limit.
Bronco Off-Roadeo: A Core Part of the Bronco Experience
Both the Arches and Cliffhanger concepts are part of Ford’s Bronco Off-Roadeo program, a unique offering that comes with every Bronco, Bronco Sport, or Bronco Raptor purchase. Available at five locations across the U.S.—Moab, Utah; Tennessee; Texas; Nevada; and New Hampshire—the Off-Roadeo is a guided off-road driving experience designed to teach owners of all skill levels how to safely navigate challenging terrain. In Moab, participants explore natural trails like Dome Plateau, rated a 4 by Red Rock 4 Wheelers, under the guidance of expert instructors.
The Off-Roadeo emphasizes responsible off-roading, with lessons on trail etiquette, vehicle capabilities, and environmental stewardship. Ford’s commitment to the program is evident in its expansion to non-owners, who can book a half-day adventure for $795. The experience has proven popular, with over 24,000 owners and nearly 45,000 total participants since its launch in 2021. Ford reports that 8.3% of guest households who attended between September 2022 and June 2023 purchased a Ford vehicle, often a Bronco, highlighting the program’s impact on sales.
Stealing the Show in Moab
Ford’s decision to debut the Arches and Cliffhanger at the Bronco Stampede during Easter Jeep Safari is a strategic move to challenge Jeep’s dominance in Moab. While the Safari, now in its 59th year, is a Jeep-centric event, Ford’s presence with two show-stopping concepts and an engaging off-road experience proves the Bronco is a serious contender. The Arches and Cliffhanger showcase the Bronco’s modular design, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles for both style and performance.
Visitors to Moab from April 15, 2025, through the end of the week had the chance to see these concepts up close at Hi Performance Ford on U.S. 191, where a makeshift off-road course demonstrated the Bronco’s capabilities. Trail rides at the Spanish Trails Arena offered a taste of Moab’s iconic trails, from sandy washes to rocky climbs. The Bronco Stampede’s blend of concept reveals, hands-on experiences, and community engagement made it a must-visit for Bronco fans and off-road enthusiasts alike.
Why the Arches and Cliffhanger Matter
The Bronco Off-Roadeo: Arches and Cliffhanger project vehicles are more than just eye-catching concepts—they’re a testament to the Bronco’s versatility and Ford’s commitment to the off-road lifestyle. By showcasing what’s possible with aftermarket and Ford Performance parts, these vehicles inspire owners to customize their Broncos for their own adventures. The Arches is perfect for those who want a reliable, all-purpose off-roader, while the Cliffhanger appeals to thrill-seekers tackling the toughest trails.
Ford’s focus on Moab, a mecca for off-roading, reinforces the Bronco’s place in the competitive off-road market. The Bronco Stampede, combined with the Off-Roadeo program, creates a community-driven experience that goes beyond selling vehicles—it builds a lifestyle. As Ford continues to innovate and engage with enthusiasts, the Arches and Cliffhanger concepts set a high bar for what a Bronco can be, both on and off the trail.
For those planning a trip to Moab or dreaming of their own custom Bronco, the 2025 Bronco Stampede and its standout concepts are a reminder that adventure awaits—just bring your Bronco and a sense of wonder.
