Off road trails have become a popular American pastime, and no season calls for it more than summertime. To celebrate the beginning of summer, there is no better way than to jump in your off road vehicle and hit one of these beautiful destinations.

7 U.S. Off Road Trails to Try This Summer

These  off road routes may not be the Dakar Rally, but they still offer the chance to get out and appreciate the beauty of nature. Which trail are you going to check out?

1. Alpine Loop Trail: Colorado

The Alpine Loop starts in Silverton, Colorado and winds 63-miles through the breathtaking San Juan Mountains. The entire loop takes around four to six hours. Along the way you’ll pass by seven ghost towns and have plenty of opportunities for camping and hiking. This is the perfect trail to hit if you are looking for a mid-length route with beautiful mountain views of the Rockies. Just some words of wisdom, this is not a place to visit in the winter!

 

2. White Rim Trail: Utah

Located in Canyonlands National Park, White Rim Trail is one of the most scenic routes. Plan on taking two days to run the 98.9-mile White Rim Trail. It offers a little bit of everything, along the way you’ll see Utah’s legendary rocks, Indian ruins, and views of the Colorado and Green Rivers. If you are feeling ambitious the White Rim Trail can be travelled by mountain bike too - just make sure you have plenty of water!

 

3. Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Idaho

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is in central Idaho. Not only will you find the perfect off roading trails that run hundreds of miles, but some of the most breathtaking views in the country. In addition, the region offers great hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and wildlife watching with more than 300 species calling this forest home.

 

4. Hidden Falls Adventure Park: Texas

Located an hour away from Austin, Hidden Falls Adventure Park is 250-miles of off road treasure. The trail offers something for every type of off-road enthusiast from ATVs to motorcycles to Jeeps--the classic overlanding rig. Along the way you’ll see the perfect scenery that includes waterfalls and natural springs that are perfect for taking a dip on a hot day.

 

5. Black Hills National Forest: South Dakota

The beautiful, lush Black Hills of western South Dakota cover more than 600-miles of off road routes for 4x4 enthusiasts. The off roading trail includes everything from grassy plains to heavily wooded trails and some challenging rock crawling, leaving you feeling like you’ve visited multiple destinations. You’ll experience 11 reservoirs, 1,300-miles of streams, and 13,000 acres of wilderness making this a thrilling and scenic over-roading trip.

 

6. The Rubicon Trail: California

California’s Rubicon Trail is a 4x4 wonderland and among the best of the trails in the United States. Going through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the view of the mountains is not a sight to be missed. Although the trail is only 22 miles long, the Rubicon cuts through the El Dorado National Forest as well as the Tahoe National Forest and boasts some extremely challenging terrain. Navigate the technical terrain using a MicroMobile along with one of our handheld two-way outdoor radios for your spotter. As the rugged trail ends, you and your crew can take a swim and relax at Lake Tahoe.

 

7. Ozark-St Francis National Forest: Arkansas

Image from Adventure Motors KC & kcSNOWrunner

The 1.2 million-acre Ozark-St. Francis National Forests in northwestern Arkansas offers endless opportunities for adventure. It is home to more than 1,000-miles of trails dedicated to off-road vehicle use. Driving these old forest roads can range from easy to extremely difficult. In some place drivers will share the trail with hikers, bikers, and equestrians.