A Jeep crossing a high-altitude mountain pass on the Alpine Loop in Colorado.

The Best Overlanding Trails and Routes in the US

Best Overlanding Trails

Overlanding is the perfect blend of off-road exploration and self-reliant travel, offering a chance to discover stunning landscapes, connect with nature, and embrace adventure. Across the United States, countless trails and routes cater to every skill level, from beginner-friendly desert crossings to advanced mountain treks.

What makes a great overlanding route? It’s the combination of scenic beauty, accessibility, opportunities for camping, and a touch of challenge to keep things exciting. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best overlanding routes in the U.S., complete with GPS coordinates, preparation tips, and essential details to plan your trip.

Top Overlanding Trails

1. Mojave Road, California

  • Overview: The Mojave Road is a 140-mile journey through the Mojave Desert, tracing a historic trade route used by Native Americans and pioneers.
  • Highlights: Lava tubes, dry lake beds, and landmarks like the Mojave mailbox.
  • Route Details:
    • Starting Point: 35.0350° N, 116.0881° W (Near Afton Canyon)
    • Ending Point: 34.8492° N, 114.6169° W (Near Colorado River)
    • Difficulty: Moderate. Deep sand, rocky sections, and washouts require 4WD and off-road tires.
    • Best Season: October to April for cooler weather. Avoid summer due to extreme heat.
  • Camping: Dispersed camping is allowed along the route. Bring plenty of water and pack out all waste.

2. White Rim Trail, Utah

  • Overview: This 100-mile loop in Canyonlands National Park offers jaw-dropping views of mesas, canyons, and the Colorado River.
  • Highlights: Shafer Trail switchbacks, Gooseberry Canyon, and Island in the Sky vistas.
  • Route Details:
    • Starting Point: 38.4692° N, 109.8511° W (Shafer Trailhead)
    • Ending Point: 38.4692° N, 109.8511° W (Loop Trail)
    • Difficulty: Moderate. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are required, and permits are mandatory.
    • Best Season: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Camping: Designated sites along the trail require reservations. Check with the park for availability.

3. Alpine Loop, Colorado

  • Overview: Winding through the San Juan Mountains, this 65-mile trail combines high-altitude adventure with stunning mountain vistas.
  • Highlights: Engineer Pass, Cinnamon Pass, ghost towns like Animas Forks, and wildflower meadows.
  • Route Details:
    • Starting Point: 37.9706° N, 107.5586° W (Ouray)
    • Ending Point: 37.8601° N, 107.6160° W (Lake City)
    • Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. 4WD is essential, especially for tackling Engineer and Cinnamon Passes.
    • Best Season: Summer through early fall (July–September) when the snow has melted.
  • Camping: Dispersed camping is available along the route. Check weather conditions before heading out.

4. Dalton Highway, Alaska

  • Overview: The 414-mile Dalton Highway, also known as the Haul Road, is one of the most remote and challenging overlanding routes in the U.S. It connects Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, crossing the Arctic Circle.
  • Highlights: Arctic tundra, the Brooks Range, and wildlife such as caribou and bears.
  • Route Details:
    • Starting Point: 64.8378° N, 147.7164° W (Fairbanks)
    • Ending Point: 70.2558° N, 148.3378° W (Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay)
    • Difficulty: Difficult. Long stretches without services, unpredictable weather, and gravel roads demand thorough preparation.
    • Best Season: Summer (June–August) for passable roads and manageable weather.
  • Camping: Designated campgrounds and dispersed camping along the highway. Bring bear-proof containers.

5. Trans-America Trail (TAT)

  • Overview: The TAT is a 5,000-mile coast-to-coast route starting in Tennessee and ending in Oregon. It offers a mix of gravel roads, off-road tracks, and scenic byways.
  • Highlights: Appalachians, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific Coast.
  • Route Details:
    • Eastern Start Point: 35.6732° N, 88.0853° W (Tellico Plains, TN)
    • Western End Point: 43.7154° N, 123.3831° W (Port Orford, OR)
    • Difficulty: Varies by section. Eastern portions are easier, while western sections include rugged terrain.
    • Best Season: Spring and fall to avoid extreme weather. Adjust timing based on region.
  • Camping: Mix of public campgrounds, dispersed sites, and hotels in small towns.

Tips for Overlanders

Best Seasons for Each Trail

  1. Mojave Road: October to April to avoid the summer heat.
  2. White Rim Trail: Spring and fall for ideal temperatures and clear skies.
  3. Alpine Loop: July to September when high passes are snow-free.
  4. Dalton Highway: June to August for easier travel and the midnight sun.
  5. TAT: Spring and fall depending on the section, with mid-summer being best for higher elevations.

Essential Gear for Overlanding

  1. Recovery Gear:
    • Traction boards (e.g., MAXTRAX).
    • High-lift jack and tow straps.
    • Winch with at least a 9,500 lb. capacity.
  2. Navigation Tools:
    • GPS devices like Garmin Overlander or Gaia GPS.
    • Offline maps (downloaded beforehand).
    • Paper maps as a backup.
  3. Camping Equipment:
    • Rooftop tent or ground tent.
    • Sleeping bags rated for the weather.
    • Portable stove, cookware, and a cooler.
  4. Vehicle Prep:
    • All-terrain or mud-terrain tires with a full-size spare.
    • Skid plates and rock sliders for underbody protection.
    • Extra fuel and water storage for remote areas.
  5. Safety Gear:
    • First-aid kit.
    • Satellite communication device (e.g., Garmin inReach).
    • Fire extinguisher and emergency signaling tools.

Planning Your Overlanding Adventure

Before heading out, here are a few planning tips:

  1. Research Permits: Some trails, like the White Rim Trail, require permits. Check with local land management agencies.
  2. Check Weather Conditions: Snow, rain, and mud can dramatically alter trail difficulty.
  3. Join Communities: Overlanding forums and social media groups are great for sharing advice and real-time updates.
  4. Practice Leave No Trace: Protect the environment by minimizing your impact. Pack out all trash and avoid creating new trails.

Conclusion

The U.S. is a haven for overlanding enthusiasts, with trails that cater to every level of experience. Whether you’re navigating the desert expanses of the Mojave Road or the remote wilderness of the Dalton Highway, these routes promise adventure, challenge, and unforgettable memories.

Call to Action: Have you traveled any of these overlanding trails, or do you have a favorite route not mentioned here? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and start planning your next adventure today!

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