Utah's Rodeos: Where Cowboy Culture Still Reigns
This summer, dive into the heart of the American West and witness the exhilarating tradition of Utah's rodeos.
If you’re thinking of the American West, Utah probably comes to mind. Wide open spaces, high adventure and, perhaps most iconically, cowboys. Before Latter-day Saint pioneers arrived, men on horseback were already driving cattle through the region, making cowboys an integral part of Utah's identity.
Today, the sport of rodeo is alive and well in Utah. When spring arrives, riders and ropers across the Beehive State saddle up for a variety of festivals celebrating the horsemanship, competition and culture that have made Utah so iconic. The best part? These rodeos are family-friendly events, meaning aspiring cowpokes of all ages can come be a part of the fun.
Pony Express PRCA Rodeo & Derby
Eagle Mountain, Utah (June)
The first major event of the season is the Pony Express PRCA Rodeo & Derby, named for the daring mail delivery system that ran through the rodeo’s host town, Eagle Mountain. Part of the town’s Pony Express Days celebration, the events of the rodeo are complemented by a carnival, parade and demolition derby.
Though not far from the metropolitan center of Salt Lake City, the Pony Express is one of the most complete for those seeking the full Wild West experience. Cowboys compete in events like steer wrestling, bareback bronc riding and barrel racing to test their mettle. The PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) has awarded the Pony Express “Rodeo of the Year” in the Wilderness Circuit, further cementing this rodeo as a must-visit.
Held at the Utah State Fairpark, this event features thrilling bull riding, barrel racing and more, celebrating Utah's pioneer heritage.
Photo: Courtesy of Utah Days of '47 Rodeo
Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo
Salt Lake City, Utah (July)
If you’re not from Utah, you likely haven’t heard of Pioneer Day. For the uninitiated, the statewide holiday celebrates the 1847 arrival of Mormon pioneers to the territory with parades, carnivals, and, of course, rodeos. Taking place at the Utah State Fairgrounds in Salt Lake City, the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo plays out over five days and culminates in a “Gold Medal” round that features the best of the West riding, roping and wrangling in heart-stopping competition.
Aside from its size, the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo is notable for how participatory it is. At the Frontier Fun Zone (where admission is free), kids (and adults!) can meet members of the Lakota Tribe, engage with traditional pioneer practices and ride a mechanical bull. Kids can also ride a pony and sign up for mutton busting, a rodeo sport that involves riding sheep.
Strawberry Days Rodeo
Pleasant Grove, Utah (June)
Continue south along the Wasatch Front and you’ll come across Pleasant Grove, a small town that hosts the state’s oldest rodeo. Part of the city’s Strawberry Days Festival, the Strawberry Days Rodeo is now in its second century. Also sponsored by the PRCA, the Strawberry Days rodeo features classic events like bull riding and calf roping as well as the “Cash Cow,” an event where kids 10 and under attempt to grab money taped to a small cow.
Community is the central theme of Strawberry Days, as folks are invited to participate in events like a pickleball tournament, an art show and an esports tournament while also participating in theme nights. With a little something for everyone, visitors to Strawberry Days will leave with a sweet taste in their mouth.
St. George Lions Club Dixie Roundup
St. George, Utah (September)
Towards the end of the season, rodeo aficionados can head south to St. George, Utah, where the local Lions Club will be holding their Dixie Roundup. Over the course of three days, the cowboys of the red rock desert test their mettle in classic rodeo events.
In addition to typical PRCA events, each night of the rodeo features a one-night-only event. The rodeo also features a “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night, which raises funds to battle breast cancer. The rodeo also raises funds for the St. George Lions Club, which sponsors local 4-H clubs, college scholarships and sports teams to better their community.
Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo
Ogden, Utah (July)
Pioneer Day isn’t just celebrated in the state capitol: Head north to Ogden for a rodeo with the flavors of northern Utah. Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo is one of the biggest in the state, and features amazing displays of horsemanship all of its three nights. With non-traditional events like a kids rodeo, Ogden’s Pioneer Days also feature a Miss Rodeo competition and a celebration of the National Day of the Cowboy.
This is one of the biggest rodeos in the state, so buy your tickets in advance. A new feature of the rodeo is the Bulls, Broncs & Bands event, which includes a rough stock-only rodeo and a full-scale concert.
Experience the incredible bond between rider and horse at the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo.
From lightning-fast barrel racing to skillful roping events, witness the power and precision of these equestrian athletes.
Bull riding is a key event where cowboys test their skills against bulls, always a highlight for the crowd.
Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Rodeo
Spanish Fork, Utah (July)
The city of Spanish Fork may seem unassuming at first, but Fiesta Days Rodeo sells out tickets year after year. Some of the finest bulls and broncs in the West can be found here, as the PRCA continually awards Frontier Rodeo Stock as the Animal Provider of the Year.
The rodeo features classic rodeo competitions like barrel racing and tie down roping while also highlighting rodeo clowns, rodeo royalty and even a bullfighter. You won’t want to miss this hidden gem of Utah rodeos.
Ute Stampede Rodeo
Nephi, Utah (July)
There are many excellent rodeos in Utah, but few have the excitement of the Ute Stampede Rodeo. Beginning in 1934, the residents of Nephi organized the Ute Stampede to highlight the bravery and skill of local athletes as well as the joy in community.
Alongside the rodeo, a carnival and a pair of parades, a big highlight of the Ute Stampede is the classic car show. Check out all kinds of horsepower from across central Utah at this not-to-miss rodeo.
Utah's Own Rodeo
Salt Lake City, Utah (September)
The Utah State Fair is one of the best parts of summer, so it makes sense that one of the state's biggest rodeos is a part of it. Between the cotton candy, roller coasters and prize-winning hogs, cowpokes from across the state compete to go to the National Finals Rodeo in December.
Three days of rodeo kick off the fair in the Days of ‘47 Arena, allowing fans to cheer on their favorite cowboys in a stadium that can hold 10,000 people. For people who can’t get enough all-American excitement, return to the fairgrounds the following weekend for the Day of “Wreck”oning Demo Derby.
There’s no doubt about it: Utah is cowboy country. From elite bronc riders competing for national championships to local kids getting a taste of mutton busting, the spirit of the American West lives strong here. Each rodeo across the state allows visitors a classic American experience while providing plenty of options for family members whose interests may be less equine in nature.
This summer, saddle up your cowpokes and strap on your spurs — nothing says “yeehaw” like a day at the rodeo.
West Desert Ramble & The Pony Express
This itinerary is a three-day adventure along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in Utah's West Desert. Visit Simpson Springs, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Gold Hill and more.
Highlights
- Camp Floyd State Park Museum
- Fish Springs Wildlife Refuge
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Historic Wendover Airfield
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