The second day of Trail Hero opened quite like yesterday, however, the key differences were in the details. The air was slightly warmer, jackets were traded out for T-shirts, and jeans were abandoned in haste. Having another action-packed day ahead, we set off on the Adult Access Ride which offered grand adventures to special needs adults. And this year offered a brand new route.

But with the higher temperatures came the wind. Not a detracting element, but certainly kicking up its fair share of dust while keeping participants cool in the warmer temps. Starting our journey again from the Lonny Boy’s parking lot, participants excitedly picked their vehicle of choice for the day’s journey. With a more diverse selection of vehicles today than yesterday, there was no shortage of options.

Headed uphill on the Toquerville Falls trail, there was a lot of visible and audible excitement from the passengers as they witnessed the incredibly picturesque route featuring views of St George and all of Hurricane and Sand Hollow. The sandstone and dust that has so far plagued boots and lungs alike this week were absent, traded out for a more bleached white earth tones and a bone-dry atmosphere. With the gorgeous deep reds and oranges in the distance, we headed up to the peak of the trail for a quick break.

From the outlook at the cell towers, you could see just how far from Sand Hollow the group had gone, and the change was remarkable. It felt like an entirely different experience to what was experienced so far this week, with terrain that was alien in appearance at this point. The wind was also a force to contend with at the peak, with many scrambling to don extra layers or keep hats on their heads.

Descending back down from the peak and re-joining the fire road towards our ultimate destination, the lumbering pace of the group kicked up quite the dust cloud, and without the wind’s force it quickly laid a fine silty coat of white on every surface it touched – be it vehicle or human. The reprieve was soon provided by a glimpse of our destination in the distance: the waterfall. Stopping for lunch perched above the falls, phones and cameras came out quickly to capture the impressive sight, as well as the obligatory walks over the shallow top. The water was a perfect kind of cold for the day and cleaned many boots as they traversed it to find better angles of the multi-tiered feature.

Our next stop for the day was certainly a crowd favorite, especially as the inaugural official run in a long-standing competition for the ballsy (or crazy). The Maxxis Roxxilla SXS shootout saw racers challenge the same slot canyon gauntlet that held yesterday’s LCQ action – but this time using UTVs with different gates. The competition saw both man and machine pushed to, and past, the limit – with many broken axles, wheels, and egos falling victim to the many obstacles ahead.

The crowd turnout was even more impressive than yesterday’s LCQ as well. Throngs huddled in the shade within the canyon walls, and even more piled on top of the edges, craning their heads over to observe this test of physics, metal, and willpower. The sight was reminiscent of the opening to 2001: A Space Odyssey on an aesthetic level – and each attempt at the canyon resulted in a bone being lofted skywards.

Losing an axle, or a belt, or some other important part, proved a death blow for many drivers, with SXSs making horrific squeals and crunches as they were driven on by seemingly uncaring conductors. More focused on the result than the journey. Seeing debilitating failures on the final climb, which was key to completing the route, became a heart-wrenching blow to each unlucky driver’s odds at conquering the canyon – and the audience made it known.

As competitors made their run, with the same 15-minute time restrictions, bodywork was quickly and dramatically destroyed. Roofs resting on rocks, UTVs laying on their sides clawing for grip on the canyon walls, and the same recurrent erosion of rubber against warm sandstone. The visual impact was more akin to an animalistic fight for survival than any kind of motorsport you might find on the pavement. And with the crowd cheering and jeering at every attempt, their expressions reverberating off the sticky walls, the audio track was more akin to a football game in Seattle.

Later in the day, the Conquered Trailz Social Mixer & Glow party drew attendees to the main stage for music as well as an illuminated atmosphere. With Stinger Off-Road holding a raffle and shooting out swag from a T-Shirt cannon made it a worthwhile investment for those who had any energy left to attend. As the sun set, the bonfire also started, casting flickering shadows across the crimson. 

For others, the night ended with the Gala, to thank those who have done the behind the scenes work to put on Trail Hero for the last nine(!) years, this off-roading edition of a prom drew a variety of appearances. Ranging from the neon to the more traditional and everything in between, attendees were treated to Tacos and Churros, as well as the (graciously) well-stocked bar.

Today featured the best action yet, but tomorrow – as it always does – holds even more in store. With the legendary Trailbreaker competition, the public opening of vendor row, and the first night of the Trail Hero Music Festival, featuring Uncle Kracker. Stay tuned here and on social media for continuing coverage! Follow along on our social channels: Instagram @UTVSportsMag or Facebook at UTV Sports.