The Best Overlanding Routes in America
If you have a hankering for an off-road adventure, these demanding drives deliver.
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Ethan Gulley/Wildsam Magazine
So, you’ve bought the rugged rig, purchased all of the necessary gear, and even honed your off-road driving skills. But now that you’re feeling ready to hit the trail, where exactly should you take your 4×4 vehicle for a true overlanding adventure? Never fear, there are some plenty of outstanding places to explore your newfound passion, as the US is home to some of the best overlanding routes in the world. Here are a few of our favorites that are guaranteed to get your heart pumping and take you to some truly remote places.
Photo Credit: Boreas Campers
The Best Overlanding Routes in America
Photo Credit: Bureau of Land Management
The Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway (Colorado)
A great option for beginner and expert overlanders alike, the Alpine Loop wanders for 63 miles through Colorado’s breathtaking San Juan Mountains. Its relatively short length means it can be accomplished in a day, but those who like to take their time can spend two or three days exploring this backcountry wonderland between Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City. Along the way, you’ll pass by deserted mines, through ghost towns, and around gorgeous alpine meadows while climbing above 12,800 feet. A 4×4 vehicle with plenty of ground clearance is required, as are hardcopy maps. There is no cell service in this wilderness area.
The Mojave Road (California)
An ancient route first pioneered by Native Americans, the Mojave Road is one of the truly iconic overlanding routes in America. The road is 150 miles in length and passes through some of the most remote regions of its namesake desert. Sections of the trail are technically demanding, requiring both a skilled driver and a properly equipped vehicle. Four-wheel drive is a must, as are proper off-road tires, good ground clearance, and under-vehicle protection. Those adventurous enough to make the trek will discover abandoned outposts and mines, endless sand dunes, and a starkly beautiful landscape that seems determined to these their mettle. The full route usually takes about three days to complete.
Image Courtesy of jose1983/Getty
The Northern Arizona Traverse (Arizona)
For veteran off-roaders, this 188-mile trail is a relative walk—or drive—in the park, offering little in the way of technical challenges. But it does wander deep into the Arizona wilderness, providing exceptional access to a remote part of the country that few people ever see. The drive starts in the town of Dewey-Humboldt and continues all the way to the rim of the Grand Canyon, providing epic views of that natural wonder en route. The perfect place for those looking to cut their teeth in the overlanding space, this beautiful road builds skills and confidence, while delivering everything you would expect from an overlanding adventure. Budget 4-6 days to cover the entire route, as you’ll definitely want to soak in the experience.
Trans-Wisconsin Adventure Trail (Wisconsin)
Stretching 600 miles north-to-south across the entire state of Wisconsin, this overlanding route is easily one of the best in the Midwest, particularly in the fall. The trail connects Hazel Green in the south with Bayfield in the north, passing through verdant farmland, the dense trees of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and along the shores of Lake Superior along the way. Most of the route is relatively easy to drive, although there are some sections that require technical skills, an AWD vehicle, and good ground clearance. There are few road signs along the way, so backcountry navigational skills are a plus. Still, it is possible to make good time on this route, allowing drivers to traverse the entire trail in as little as 3-4 days. Dedicated campsites are a nice bonus.
Photo Credit: Ethan Gulley/Wildsam Magazine
The Georgia Traverse (Georgia)
Developed by a dedicated adventurer looking for a way to cross the state of Georgia using mostly off-road trails, this outstanding route has grown into the Deep South’s premiere overlanding journey. The 390-mile drive starts at Georgia’s border with Alabama and continues all the way to the South Carolina state line, dipping in and out of North Carolina and Tennessee along the way. A moderate challenge for experienced drivers, the Georgia Traverse does include several river crossings, which can become quite challenging following heavy rains. Otherwise, it is mostly an adventurous drive through thick forests and backcountry Jeep trails that interconnect to form one amazing experience that should be on every overlander’s bucket list. We even wrote about it for Wildsam magazine, with our writer completing the traverse in a Storyteller Overland van.
High Water Mark Trail (Arkansas)
Beautiful, wild, and remote, this 140-mile overlanding route wanders deep into the Ozark National Forest, with the Ozark Mountains looming overhead. That picturesque backdrop can be a bit distracting, especially when traversing some technical sections of the trail, which include some light rock crawling, river crossings, narrow roadways, and treacherous mud bogs. Larger vehicles may struggle with some of the tighter obstacles, but generally this is a moderately difficult drive with little traffic and plenty of sights to see. Allow yourself 3-4 days to take it all in, with autumn being the optimal season to explore this underappreciated part of the country.
Photo Credit: Bureau of Land Management
El Camino Del Diablo (Arizona)
The so-called “Devil’s Highway” earned its nickname when Spanish conquistadors ventured north out of Mexico in the 1540s, searching for a lost city of gold. They found only heat, misery, and hardship on this route, which continues to be a challenge even in the 21st century. Water is scarce along this 130-mile road, and in the summer, temperatures routinely climb well above 100ºF. But the path takes adventurous overlanders deep into the Sonoran Desert, where, if you look closely, life abounds amidst the often otherworldly landscapes. Bring plenty of water, an updated map, and a spare tire or two, as this journey can be equal parts rewarding and punishing. Those who out maneuver El Diablo will likely be back to explore even more of the legendary route.
Death Valley National Park (California)
Death Valley National Park has more than 250 miles of backcountry roads stretching across its rugged landscapes, giving overlanders a chance to explore far off the beaten path. As the hottest place in the Western Hemisphere, the conditions there will test both driver and vehicle, but it offers opportunities for adventure unlike anything found anywhere else. The desert is both desolate and beautiful, with some truly stunning vistas. But, it is also harsh and unforgiving, making it absolutely essential that travelers bring plenty of food and water and extra equipment to keep their rigs running while venturing into the wild. An emergency satellite SOS device is also strongly recommended. A full traverse of the desert requires roughly 3-5 days to complete.
Photo Credit: National Park Service
The Maze District Adventure Route (Utah)
This 246-mile route through some of the most remote regions of Canyonlands National Park is not for the faint of heart. While the entire trail runs along vehicle-accessible roads, it features plenty of technical challenges, including sections that are both steep and rocky. This combination of technical driving and remote landscapes makes this a mostly solitary experience, rewarding overlanders with plenty of splendid isolation in some of the most dramatic and stunning landscapes the American West has to offer. Be sure to give yourself a minimum of six days to complete this rigorous drive and come prepared with emergency supplies, including extra fuel, spare tires, and plenty of food and water. A backcountry permit is required for this truly epic off-road expedition.
The Enchanted Rockies Trail (New Mexico and Colorado)
Epic in size and scope, The Enchanted Rockies Trail will keep most off-road explorers occupied for weeks at a time. This interconnected network of overlanding routes measures over 1,200 miles in length, with 800 of those miles completely off-pavement. The various roads and offshoots cross through nine national forests and two national parks stretching from Queen, NM, all the way to Estes Park, CO. The trail takes drivers deep into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where the views are utterly fantastic. Much of the route is easy to drive and doesn’t require much in the way of technical skills. But some of the roads are much more challenging, especially as weather conditions change throughout the year. Be sure to bring all of the necessary supplies you’ll need for self-rescue and communications, as this is about as remote as you can get in the lower 48.
These are our picks for the best overland routes in America, but the good news is there are plenty more that we didn’t have time to mention. Just look around, and chances are you’ll find some amazing trails to drive and explore not far from where you live. Better still, there are new routes being planed, built, and shared all the time.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
