With a perfect combination of off-road adventures, camping, star gazing, and just endlessly traveling away- Overlanding provides plenty of opportunity for avid adventurers.
With so many picturesque trails in the United States, it is certainly difficult to pick the best from the lot. That is why we have created this comprehensive list featuring the best Overlanding trails in the U.S.
Overlanding In The U.S.
The US is one of the top Overlanding options for adventurers near and far. Several reasons attribute to this popularity. First, if you already live in the US, you wouldn’t need to travel uncharacteristically long distances. Next, you will have plenty of access to the latest infrastructure and any other gear/item you would need for the journey. Finally, and most importantly, you have excellent long-distance routes that are worth traveling to.
But what are the top Overlanding routes in the US? How long does it take to travel there? Let’s find out.
Rubicon Trail
The Rubicon Trail located near South Lake Tahoe in California is a historic and incredibly popular Overlanding route, that is primarily known for its scenic delights. The trail was first discovered by the Native Americans when they attempted to travel across the Sierra Nevada. Since then, it has transformed and evolved as one of the most iconic Overlanding routes across the globe.
The route was later re-discovered by Mark Smith during the mid-fifties and that marked its new role as an Overlanding route. The trail stretches across 22 miles and comes with plenty of obstacles that you need to navigate along. The scenery, of course, is rewarding to say the least. You will find beautiful mountains, stellar lakes, and impeccable scenic views that will keep you engaged throughout the tour.
To charter the Rubicon trail, you will need a sturdy vehicle that is at least 4×4. It should have proper tires with 35”, proper tow zones, and designated skid plates among others. An ideal option for this trip would be the Toyota Tacoma series. This is an excellent car that will help you charter the most difficult terrains.
Depending on the vehicle you use, it can take you anywhere between 6 to 8 hours to an entire day. To travel the entire trail, may take you even longer. That is why, if you are heading out for an Overlanding adventure here, pack the necessities and make sure you have everything you would otherwise need for the trip.
Valley of the Gods Road
If you are looking to enjoy the beauty and bounties of the Southwest, you might want to head to Utah for this incredible Overlanding adventure. Located about 7 and 1/2 miles north of Mexican Hat, Valley of the Gods Road is around 17 miles in length and can take you anywhere between a few hours to two entire days to complete the trail.
When Should You Travel the Valley of the Gods Road?
While you can head out for this Overlanding adventure at any point, the ideal timeline would be the Spring and Fall months. So, if you are planning a trip try to accommodate it within the March to June window. Alternatively, you can also try Overlanding the trail between September and October.
The unique aspect of this trail lies in the fact that it is extremely short. But don’t let the distance fool you because the Overlanding experience is remarkable, to say the least. Entering the spot is easy and you will barely find any barriers on the journey.
We also loved the amazing track of this Overlanding trail. It contains a perfect combination of dirt and gravel, allowing all vehicles to move conveniently. The area is also easily accessible and is located near the prettiest attractions of Utah and Colorado.
The Dalton Highway, Alaska
If you’re up for taking challenges, you might want to check out this iconic and unique trail. The Dalton Highway trail is known for its quaint vibe. So, if you seek solitude and are looking forward to enjoying some alone-time, this might be one of your best bets. With that said, you need to consider the quality of the terrain, which, as previously mentioned, isn’t as favorable.
Indeed, the trail will be primarily laden with gravel and you would find it incredibly difficult to charter the land unless you have a quality Overlanding vehicle. So, if you have decided to try this route, it is best to get your vehicle right away.
Where is the Dalton Highway Trail?
The trail stretches across 400 miles and it starts from Livengood and goes right up to the end of the iconic Deadhorse. Even before it was popular as an Overlanding trail, the area previously operated as a service road that helped move along the Trans-Alaskan line. It overlooked beautiful sceneries like the lofty Brooks mountain range and the azure blues of the Yukon River that goes right up to the majestic Arctic Ocean.
True Beauty Off the Grid
However, as previously mentioned, this is dangerous terrain and unless you take the necessary precaution, it won’t be as fun as you would want. Once you reach the trail, you will no longer have any cellphone reception. Naturally, your WIFI services won’t work, and you would need to rely on plain-old maps. But leaving this aside, the trail promises you the true beauty of the wilderness. The journey is amazing and depending on your vehicle, speed, and other conditions, it may take you a few months to finish the trail.
The Continental Divide Trail
When it comes to US-based Overlanding trails, The Continental Divide is one of the top contenders. This is a spectacular and long-running route that stretches from the borders of Canada and goes right up to Mexico. On your way, you get a chance to cross and witness some beautiful National Parks including (but not limited to) the Yellow Stone Park and the Tetons Park.
Navigating the Continental Divide Trail
The trail stretches throughout the US starting from the north to the south. It also comes with an interesting history. When the trail was first conceptualized, Overlanding was still not as popular. Tom Collins ideated and produced the trail in the late ’80s and because he used a camera to document the entire tour, many have been able to understand the stretch and direction of the trail.
Technical Expertise Required
As you would probably guess, the route is super long, and it stretches more than 1394 miles. Just like any other route of a similar length, it would take you months to cover it. Additionally, you will find a wide range of hurdles and difficulties that need to be dealt with extremely technically. So, unless you have the technical expertise to embark on such adventures, it is best to think twice before heading out.
In case you are heading for such a challenging trail for the first time, read up about it, carry the correct gear, and make sure you have physical maps because mobile reception won’t work there.
Pan American Highway
Are you unafraid of tackling the most difficult Overlanding challenges? If yes, you might want to travel to the Pan American Highway. This is an excellent Overlanding route that connects multiple roads stretching up to the different continents of America. The biggest highlight? The whole trail stretches 19,000 miles which means you will need several months to cover the entire trail. Of course, this can be faster depending on your speed and the condition of the road.
Well, Not Technically Only the US
As you start the trail, your beginning point would be Northern Alaska and it will take you up to the lowest tip across the Southern borders of America. You will find plenty of beautiful sceneries as you cross paths. And this isn’t limited to the rich and dense wildlife. From deserts to beautiful tundras, and unique wildlife species- you will find it all. This is one of those trips that you have once in your entire lifetime, so make sure you are geared and prepared for the adventure.
Save Your Vacation Time!
When it comes to the timeline, it is difficult to boil down to a specific number. This entirely depends on your driving speed and the way you approach this adventure. Usually, the people traveling by this route have taken anywhere from nine to 10 months to a whopping two years. That is why it is even more crucial to employ a quality heavy-duty vehicle. Your comfort is what matters and without the right 4X4, it is difficult to travel through such a challenging trip.
The Darien Gap
While heading out make sure you are familiar with the Darien Gap that you would find in South America. This is a tiny section centered around Panama with some parts of Columbia. Here, you may need to get your vehicle shipped. That is why it is crucial to make the necessary preparations beforehand.
Final Thoughts
America boasts some spectacular and incredible Overlanding routes. With the nation itself covering around 2,500 to 3,500 miles, you will have your fair share of fun while chartering the beautiful long-distance locations. Depending on the trail, you choose, you might even need an entire month to travel across a specific route. Your experience will be unique, and you will enjoy the best kind of diversity as you move along.
