There’s nothing like driving off the beaten path, and off-roading takes that to the next level. To some, driving on a muddy, bumpy road sounds like a nightmare. There’s another group though that thinks the bumpier the drive, the better. Off-roaders enjoy rough rides, scenic routes in nature, and the overall challenge of mastering rocky terrain. 

If off-roading is your thing, we have gathered some of the coolest off-roading trails in the U.S. Before making any plans though, make sure you have the proper off-roading equipment and that you check the hours of operations of the trails. Some of the trails may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area⏐Corvallis, Oregon

Siuslaw National Forest consists of two popular off-roading trails, Sand Lake Recreation Area and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The latter is known for being one of the largest, controlled sand dunes in the world. You’ll enjoy the beautiful views of the expansive dunes, as well as the nearby forest and ocean.

Polihale Ridge Road⏐Kauai, Hawaii 

Polihale Ridge Road is a remote, bumpy pathway that’s accessible by most vehicles but its recommended for four-wheel-drive ones. The unpaved road will lead you to the striking Na Pali Coast. This area is typically open year-round and attracts visitors for other activities including camping and kayaking. 

Munro Trail ⏐Oahu Hawaii 

Another popular Hawaiian destination for off-roading is the Munro Trail. You’ll get plenty of ocean views here too, as well as total forest immersion. This gorgeous trail is something straight from Jurassic Park.

Dalton Highway ⏐ Alaska 

If you are an off-roader, you are probably familiar with Dalton Highway. This route is over 400 miles long and is considered as one of the dangerous, isolated highways in the U.S. If you are up for this kind of journey, be sure to bring an outdoor survival gear kit just in case of emergencies.

Imogene Pass⏐Telluride, Colorado 

Imogene Pass is another excursion you shouldn’t take lightly. It’s the highest pass in the San Juan Mountains. This terrain is ideal for the most experienced drivers and in a typical year, the best time to go is between July and September.

Corral Canyon OHV Area⏐San Diego, California 

The Corral Canyon area offers over 50 miles of OHV trails and stunning mountain ranges. This off-roading trail varies in difficulty so it appeals to all types of drivers. Along with the expansive trails, you can also enjoy a secluded camping trip at the nearby campgrounds. 

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

The Lake Havasu City area is a driving distance that’s perfect for a weekend adventure. You can explore canyons, sand dunes, and the open desert. Another selling point of this trail is the opportunity to see abandoned mining towns.

Barnwell Mountain OHV Area⏐Gilmer, Texas 

The Barnwell Mountain recreational area offers almost 2,000 acres of fun for OHVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. This a site that’s perfect for families as well as experienced off-roaders. Barnwell also has old camping sites, plus designated RV spaces.