The Mountain Valley Stampede: Where Rodeo Tradition Meets Mountain Majesty
Under the vast Utah sky, with the Wasatch Mountains standing sentinel in the background, the Mountain Valley Stampede is set to deliver three unforgettable days of world-class rodeo action. Mark your calendars for July 31 through August 2, 2025, as Heber City transforms into the epicenter of western sports excellence at the state-of-the-art Wasatch Event Center.
A Premier PRCA Sanctioned Event
The Mountain Valley Stampede isn't just any rodeo—it's a PRCA-sanctioned competition that draws top talent from across the nation. With $160,000 in prize money on the line, competitors will bring their absolute best to the arena, creating the perfect storm of skill, determination, and raw courage that defines professional rodeo.
As part of the Wilderness Circuit, this event serves as a crucial stepping stone for cowboys and cowgirls chasing championship dreams. Points earned here could make the difference between qualifying for the Circuit Finals or watching from the sidelines—raising the stakes and intensifying every ride, rope, and race.
Seven Events, Countless Thrills
From the moment the first gate cracks open until the final buzzer sounds, the Mountain Valley Stampede delivers non-stop action across all seven classic rodeo disciplines:
Bull Riding – Often called the "most dangerous eight seconds in sports," bull riding pits man against beast in a heart-stopping battle of wills. Watch as cowboys attempt to stay mounted on 2,000 pounds of bucking, spinning fury. The crowd holds its collective breath with each explosive buck and twist, erupting into cheers when the eight-second whistle blows.
Barrel Racing – The arena dust will fly as skilled horsewomen and their equine partners navigate the cloverleaf pattern at breakneck speeds. In this race against the clock, mere hundredths of a second separate victory from defeat, making every turn a critical moment of athletic precision.
Tie-Down Roping – A showcase of timing, coordination, and teamwork between cowboy and horse. After giving the calf a head start, ropers burst from the box, throw their loop, dismount, and secure the calf with remarkable efficiency—all while the clock ticks relentlessly.
Team Roping – The only true team event in rodeo pairs a header and heeler in perfect synchronization. Working in harmony, they'll attempt to rope a steer's horns and hind legs in the shortest possible time, demonstrating the practical ranching skills that birthed this sport generations ago.
Steer Wrestling – Witness the raw power and technique of the "bulldoggers" as they leap from horseback onto a running steer, using strength and leverage to bring the animal to a halt. This event combines speed, timing, and sheer physical prowess in spectacular fashion.
Saddle Bronc Riding – Often called rodeo's classic event, saddle bronc riding traces its lineage directly to the working ranch cowboys who broke horses for a living. The rhythmic spurring motion, controlled strength, and balance required make this perhaps the most technical of all rodeo events.
Bareback Riding – With only a rigging to hold onto, bareback riders endure bone-jarring impacts while maintaining proper form through their bronc's explosive jumps and kicks. The combination of physical punishment and technical requirements makes this among the most demanding eight seconds in sports.
Beyond the Competition: A Full Western Experience
The Mountain Valley Stampede delivers far more than just competition. Each performance begins with a stirring tribute to American heritage during the opening ceremonies, featuring a patriotic salute, precision horseback flag presentations, and the national anthem echoing through the arena.
Between the main events, prepare to be dazzled by specialty acts featuring some of the most talented performers in western entertainment. Gravity-defying trick riders, precision roman riding teams, and comedy acts keep the energy high while giving competitors a moment to prepare for their next event.
Young fans will delight in the crowd-favorite Mutton Bustin' competition, where pint-sized cowboys and cowgirls (typically ages 4-7) test their mettle by riding sheep. Their determination and courage—often matched only by their adorable tumbles—never fail to bring the house down.
Family-Friendly Entertainment Beyond the Arena
The Mountain Valley Stampede extends well beyond the confines of the competition arena. The Wasatch Event Center grounds will transform into a western wonderland featuring:
The Stampede Marketplace – Browse western wear, handcrafted jewelry, custom leather goods, and authentic western art from talented vendors and artisans. Whether you're looking for your first pair of boots or adding to your collection of western memorabilia, you'll find treasures to take home.
Kids' Corral – Young buckaroos can enjoy face painting, mechanical bull rides scaled for smaller cowboys and cowgirls, roping dummies for practicing their skills, and petting zoos featuring gentle farm animals ready for some attention.
Taste of the West Food Court – Satisfy your appetite with everything from classic barbecue and Dutch oven cooking to modern food truck fare. Sweet treats, refreshing beverages, and hearty meals ensure no one goes hungry during the festivities.
Live Music Stage – Before and after each rodeo performance, tap your boots to the rhythm of western and country music performers keeping the atmosphere lively and authentic.
Secure Your Seat for the Action
The Mountain Valley Stampede consistently sells out, making advance ticket purchases essential for those who don't want to miss the action. Tickets for this premier rodeo event will go on sale beginning May 31, 2025, and will be available for purchase right here on this page.
Several seating options will cater to every preference and budget:
General Admission – Perfect for families and groups who want flexibility in their seating choices. Special rates will be available for children, seniors, and military personnel.
Reserved Seating – Secure your specific seat location in advance, ensuring you have the exact vantage point you prefer for all the action.
VIP Packages – Elevate your rodeo experience with premium seating, exclusive access areas, and special amenities that make your visit to the Mountain Valley Stampede truly memorable.
Box Seats – Ideal for corporate outings or large family groups, these premium sections offer comfortable seating and excellent views of all the arena action.
Chute Club – For the ultimate rodeo enthusiast, these exclusive seats put you right behind the bucking chutes where you can feel the thunder of hooves and witness the intense preparation of competitors moments before they burst into the arena.
Multi-Day Packages – Experience the full three-day extravaganza with special pricing for those attending multiple performances. Each day brings different competitors and unique moments, making every performance a fresh experience.
Family Packs – Special bundles designed to make bringing the whole family more affordable while ensuring everyone has a great seat for the action.
Group Rates – Special pricing for larger groups makes the Mountain Valley Stampede the perfect outing for church groups, company team-building, youth organizations, and extended family gatherings.
For those requiring accessible seating options, the Wasatch Event Center offers excellent accommodations with companion seating available. Early reservation of these spaces is recommended as they are limited.
Plan Your Visit
The Wasatch Event Center provides ample parking for rodeo attendees, with designated areas for standard vehicles, oversized trucks, and RVs. Accessible parking spaces are available near the main entrance for those with appropriate placards.
Inside the venue, you'll find clean restroom facilities throughout the grounds, first aid stations staffed by medical professionals, and ATMs for your convenience. The facility is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways throughout.
A Community Celebration
The Mountain Valley Stampede represents more than just a sporting event—it's a celebration of western heritage and community spirit. Local businesses throughout Heber City welcome rodeo fans with special promotions, western-themed decorations, and genuine mountain west hospitality.
This rodeo also serves as a centerpiece of the annual Wasatch County Fair, meaning your visit can extend beyond the rodeo grounds to enjoy carnival rides, agricultural exhibitions, talent shows, and more family-friendly activities throughout the week.
Join the Tradition
Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan who can tell a flank strap from a latigo at twenty paces, or a first-timer curious about this uniquely American sport, the Mountain Valley Stampede offers an authentic western experience that connects our modern world to the skills, values, and traditions that built the American West.
When the summer sun warms the Wasatch Mountains and the scent of sage mingles with arena dust, there's no better place to be than the Mountain Valley Stampede. It's more than a rodeo—it's a celebration of western spirit that will leave you with memories to last until next year's bucking chutes open once again.
Mark your calendars for July 31-August 2, 2025, and prepare for three days of world-class rodeo action in the heart of Utah's mountain country. The countdown to the Mountain Valley Stampede has begun!