Top 10 Off-Road Trails in the USA

For off-road enthusiasts, the USA offers an incredible range of trails, from rocky mountain passes to desert landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a technical challenge or a scenic 4×4, this list covers the top 10 off-road trails nationwide. Each trail offers a unique adventure, from the legendary Rubicon Trail to Moab’s famous red rock routes. Before heading out, ensure your vehicle is properly equipped to handle the terrain, paying special attention to routes for high-clearance vehicles only. Now, let’s dive into the best trails to help you pick your next off-road adventure.

Chihuahua Lake Trail, Colorado

Some consider the Chihuahua Lake Trail near Dillon, Colorado, the most challenging off-road trail in the USA. This 7.4-mile out-and-back trail is difficult, so it’s best for more experienced off-roaders, and a vehicle with high clearance is strongly recommended. 

The area is also popular for hiking, so you will likely come across other people. On your way up, about 2 miles up Peru Creek Road, a sign will say, “No motor vehicles past this point.” You can hike from there to the lake or take the 4WD road that continues to the right. Dogs are welcome here but must be on a leash. This is a seasonal route only, as the trail is closed from November 23 to May 20 or until the roads dry out. 

Moab Trails, Utah

Moab is an incredibly popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, with many different trails that meander through the desert’s stunning red rock canyons. One of the reasons it’s so popular is that the trails range from beginner to highly technical routes for experienced off-roaders. 

Some trails are so long you can make a whole day or a multi-day adventure of it. Some popular trails include Hell’s Revenge, a complex and technical 14-mile route with gorgeous views, adrenaline-pumping ledges, and several popular, optional obstacles to test your skills, including Hell’s Gate and the Escalator. 

For a milder route, you can try the 18-mile Shafer Trail, which has more adrenaline-pumping cliff-side roads and incredible views. The Poison Spider Mesa is another one to check out, with 36 miles of amazing views through Moab and many terrains to tackle, including flat sandy sections and intense waterfall climbs. 

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Loch Lomond Trail, Colorado

For something more moderately challenging, the 4.6-mile out-and-back Loch Lomond Trail near Empire, Colorado, is a popular shared hiking and OHV route high in the Rocky Mountains, with Loch Lomond Lake sitting at 11,200 feet. As a result, seasonal snow closures occur, and the upper half of the route is only open from the middle of July to the middle of October. You need a high-clearance 4WD to reach the lake. 

People often camp in the area, so expect to see others while you are out and bring along your tent or pop-up if you want to spend the night. Its high elevation offers excellent views of the mountains, wilderness, wildlife viewing, and seasonal wildflowers. Dogs are welcome on a leash. All vehicles must be street legal or registered through Colorado State Parks’ OHV Registration Program. Motorized vehicles are restricted to routes designated for their use. 

Broken Arrow OHV Route, Arizona

The Broken Arrow OHV route is a popular 3.4-mile moderately challenging route near Sedona, Arizona. While the trail is accessible all year round, the best season to visit is October through May, as the summers get hot. It’s popular for its stunning red rock formations, the 90-foot sinkhole known as the Devil’s Dining Room, vibrant wildflowers, wildlife viewing, and birding opportunities. The trail meanders through junipers, red granite mesas, and forests before ending with a fantastic view of a lush valley in the distance between towering red rock cliffs. Note that dogs are not allowed on this trail.  

Bridal Veil Falls via Black Bear Pass Road, Colorado

This 5.0-mile trail near Telluride is a moderately challenging route that takes under 3 hours to complete. The area is very popular for hiking and mountain biking, and dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Due to snowpack and winter conditions, the road is closed from October through May 15, so it’s a popular summer destination. The road itself will require a high-clearance 4WD or OHV to be able to navigate the terrain. You’ll take a series of notorious switchbacks to Bridal Veil Falls, with a gorgeous viewpoint at the top of the ridge. From there, you can drive back or continue along the footpath to the falls. 

Rubicon Trail, California

The Rubicon is another one often said to be the most challenging off-road trail in the USA. It is also considered a historical icon and a right of passage for Jeep enthusiasts nationwide; most hard-core Jeepers have this one on their bucket list. It stretches 22 miles from Georgetown to Lake Tahoe. 

It offers a variety of fun but incredibly challenging obstacles to test your skills, including lots of enormous rocks to climb or get around. You need 35” or taller off-road tires, skid plates, and traction devices to complete it successfully. However, there are bypass routes for vehicles that cannot make it on the main trail. While the road is open all year, it may be impassible in winter due to snow and ice. 

There will be so much to see and do on this route that you’ll want extra power to charge your phone for all your photo opportunities. When choosing a power bank for camping, look for something compact and lightweight. The EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank offers wired and wireless charging and is about the size of your phone, so it won’t take up much space. 

Middle St. Vrain Trail, Colorado

Middle St. Vrain is a 6.2-mile trail near Lyons, Colorado, that is moderately challenging and takes about 2 ½ hours. It’s also popular for camping and hiking, but you should still enjoy solitude on your journey. You also have the option to continue to the nearby Coney Creek OHV Trail, which is a more challenging route and adds another 6 miles of excitement to your journey. 

The access roads here are seasonal, so you must visit from May through October. The trailhead to Middle St. Vrain lies at the west end of Camp Dick Campground, with tent sites and sites for RVs up to 45 feet long, making it a perfect weekend destination. You can bring your pups along if they remain on a leash. 

What makes a campground the best depends on your camping style. If you bring your RV, ensure it fits in the campground and that you have all the essential RV gear. Otherwise, off-roaders might want to sleep in the backcountry in a tent or pop-up on your vehicle. No matter what you choose, bring one of the EcoFlow Portable Power Stations to keep all your essential devices charged and run camping lights at night. 

Death Valley National Park, California

Death Valley National Park is famous for having the highest recorded temperature on earth. Located in the Mojave Desert’s Great Basin, near the Nevada border, this is also a popular destination for experienced off-roaders. OHV driving is prohibited in the National Park to protect the delicate environment, so always stay on designated roads only. The Echo Pass and Inyo Mine Loop is a challenging 7.3-mile route with various terrain, including sand and technical obstacles. The Echo Canyon to Overlook is a moderately complex 6.1-mile route, and the Big Four Mines Road is a relatively easy 15.9-mile route for beginners and vehicles with moderate ground clearance to develop their skills. 

Red Canyon (AKA Peek-a-Boo Canyon), Utah

Red or Peek-a-Boo Canyon near Kanab, Utah, is a moderately challenging 8.2-mile route. You will enjoy traversing deep sand through the desert surrounded by junipers, pinion pines, and cacti. Then, you will reach a slender slot canyon that you can 4×4 into, a rarity for these unique canyons that form from water erosion in small cracks in the earth. 

This one is accessible by 4WD, and you can enjoy the beautiful rippled and fluted sandstones in hot orange, warm reds, and cool browns from the comfort of your seat. While this area is accessible all year round, the most popular time to visit is from March through June, before the summer heat. This shouldn’t be confused with another Peek-a-Boo slot canyon in the Escalante area. 

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Hollister Hills SVRA, California

Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreational Area (SVRA) was California’s first SVRA and remains very popular. It is located in the Gabilan Mountains, about an hour south of San Jose, and offers 200 miles of off-road trails. You’ll traverse deep canyons, rolling hills, and seasonal creeks with elevation changes from 660 to 2,425 feet, providing plenty of opportunities for developing and challenging your skills in various terrains. With so many trails to explore, plan to spend at least a few days in the area. There are also miles of hiking and mountain bike trails to explore when you take a break from driving. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The USA has some of the best off-road trails, from rugged rock climbs to scenic desert drives. Whether tackling the infamous Rubicon Trail, exploring Moab’s breathtaking terrain, or navigating the sandy paths of Red Canyon, each destination provides an unforgettable experience. Before you hit the trails, ensure your gear is adventure-ready and your vehicle has the right amount of clearance for the rough terrain. Bringing along a compact and powerful portable power station, like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 + 45W Solar Panel, ensures you stay connected and powered up, no matter how remote your journey takes you. Get ready, gear up, and enjoy the adventure.