The Most Unrivaled Off-Road Trails in Southwest US Right Now!

Written by dave.abbett in Travel,Unrivaled Trails Of The U.S.

Unrivaled Off-Road Trails in Southwest US

If you are a true off-roader, then you love exploring new trails, terrains, and tracks with every opportunity you get. The United States is quite big, and exploring it without a plan will be fruitless. That is why we have divided the states into regions where you can find impressive trails [https://passportoverland.com/best-overlanding-trails-in-the-u-s/] to horn your off-roading skills.

This guide looks at the off-road trails found to the southwest of the United States. This region covers Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Stay tuned to find out the trails where you can marvel at.

Off-Road Trails in Colorado

Colorado offers off-roaders several adrenaline-pumping off-road trails. There is no better place to try your Overlanding ventures than Colorado because of the mountainous terrain, pristine landscape, and gorgeous sceneries. Experience rocky terrain and steep hills along with the Wagon Wheel Trail System. You can also glimpse the fantastic Rocky Mountains by riding the Alpine Loop.

Wagon Wheel Trail System

This trail system entails the “Wagon Wheel OHV Trails – West” in Rangely and “Wagon Wheel OHV Trail – East” in Meeker. Both trails are situated in OHV-friendly communities. In the Meeker trail system, you will encounter several trailheads and access points. You can enjoy the North Fork Campground on the northern part of the trail. However, the camp is quite popular, so you need to make reservations before you head over there.

To the south, you will discover Meadow Ridge Campgrounds and Meadow Lake. Be informed, the trail is forested and has some rocks, water crossings, and steep hills. However, the tracks are ideal for novice off-roaders and open in late May.

Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

If you are looking for eye-catching views of the Rocky Mountains, then this 65-mile trail is what you are looking for. The byway encompasses Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass. A ride or drive via these mountain passes rewards you with striking Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn Peaks views.

This is among the few Colorado trails that pass through several ghost towns that were mining communities back in the day. Trails are moderately challenging, with trails for experts such as Poughkeepsie Gulch and Black Bear Pass. Dirt bikes, motorcycles, 4X4, UTV, ATVs, and jeeps can enjoy these lush trails. You need a permit to ride or drive via these trails.

Golden Horseshoe Trail System

The trail system encompasses over 6,000 acres of trails for off-roaders. Most of the trails here are 4×4 roads entailing hard-packed rocks and terrains. You will also come across singletrack trails that have loamy loose dirt. The White River National Forest maintains these gorgeous trails with Summit Country Off-Road Riders. There are no entry, riding, parking, or camping fees, but you should have a Colorado OHV sticker.

Off-Road Trails in Utah

The state of Utah is popular for the mountains, ridges, and canyonlands that offer picturesque views all over the state. Its rocky terrain and sandy desert make it one of the sought-after trail systems in the country. All skill levels can thrive in Utah with the high elevations, deserts, and scorching summers.

Hells Revenge Trailhead

This trail is for experienced off-roaders and not beginners. Here you have just 6.5 miles of trail to complete in 2 or 3 hours, but mind you, the trail is hazardous. Do not stray from the markers that mark the trails. The Bureau of Land Management asks the off-roaders to take good care of the water sources here and the plants.

Bountiful Peak ATV Trail

It is a downhill and uphill adventure covering around 50 miles of gravel road. Watch out for rattlesnakes as you experience the trail and expect to come across obstacles such as large rocks. There are no fees for entry, and the trail is open for almost any off-road vehicle. If you are an experienced off-roader, go for the Old Ward Canyon. Strive to get to the highest point to catch stunning views of Salt Lake City.

Paiute ATV Trail

It is a 275-mile long trail in Utah. Some people say it is among the perfect ATV trails in the US. Main routes are marked so you cannot get lost, and there are more than 1000 miles of side trails in this area. Its main loop will take you around 25 hours which is why many off-roaders love to cover it in three or four days.

Mill Canyon OHV Trails

Marvel at the 75 miles of OHV trails, even though some claim you would only cover 43 miles alone. Mill Canyon trails are not marked, and since you will be going through the wilderness, you can expect to come across wildlife.

Strawberry OHV Trail System

Found just outside Herber City at the Strawberry Reservoir is the Strawberry OHV Trail system. The singletrack mountain track cuts through a National Forest. Follow this route to experience incredible views. This trail is ideal for novice riders. There are camping amenities in the trail system if you fancy camping.

Off-Road Trails in Arizona

The Grand Canyon State is popular for the mountain ranges, hot desert climate, and unique canyons. Its landscapes and breathtaking views are worth every single minute of your time, especially if you fancy off-roading. For easy and short rides for beginners, try the Broken Arrow Trail. Consider the Chiva Falls trail to experience hill climbs and rocky terrain for tougher trails.

Broken Arrow Trail

Running for around 2.8 miles inside the Coconino National Forest is one of the greatest off-road trails in Arizona. The stunning trail is open for all vehicles, bikers, mountain climbers, and hikers. The beginners can get tour guides that will be with you all trail long. Even though popular and short, the trail is rated moderate difficult due to the steep area known as “The Steps.”

White Pocket

The white pocket is regarded as the most beautiful trail to explore. Tucked in Marble Canyon, the trail is ideal for all off-road levels, whether you are experienced or a novice. Families with dogs can also enjoy memorable moments on this trail. There is also a camping site if you wish to spend more time exploring the stunning state of Arizona.

While it may be easy to explore this trail with any off-road vehicle, it would help if you came with a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance. Many vehicles get stuck in the sand at the last part of the trail.

Arizona Peace Trail

Many trail systems take just a day to conquer, but the Arizona Peace trail is different. You need about five days to complete the loop. The 675-mile long track sprawls across several cities and counties. Off-roading institutions and government agencies maintain this long trail. That means you will come across many motel accommodations and restaurants along the way. This is your route if you are searching for an itinerary that passes via abandoned mines and ghost towns.

Queen Valley/Montana Mountain OHV

Desert or mountain trails? If you cannot choose between the two, Queen valley or Montana Mountain is calling out your name. It encompasses 43.8 miles inside the White Canyon Wilderness in Arizona. Such off-road trails are ideal for early mornings since the trip will consume several hours.

Strive to get to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and desert. Bring along your favorite 4×4 vehicle to explore this trail.

Off-Road Trails in New Mexico

Many people fall in love with this state because of the stunning landscape and gorgeous weather. From the forested mountains to the desert terrain, there are many attractions to explore in New Mexico. If you are looking for scenic 4×4 tours, make sure you visit Red River.

Red Sands OHV Area

Head over to the Red Sands OHV area for an exciting off-road itinerary. You will experience wide-open and hard-packed trails for off-roading. You will come across mesquite coppice dunes covering more than 100 miles of trails. The trails are quite easy to navigate, and the site also offers camping activities to visitors.

Quebradas Back Country OHV

If you want to gain confidence off-roading, then this trail is what you need. Begin at the main part that is quite easy and well-maintained with captivating sceneries. Expert off-roaders can try the side trails for fun and more exciting rides with lots of rocky obstacles and sand climbs.

This place is elegant for camping and sightseeing. If you are adventurous and love exploring new places with your off-road vehicle, then head over to New Mexico.

Red River Off-Road

If you want an adrenaline rush experience, visit the Red River off-road in New Mexico. The trails are great for every off-roader, whether a novice or experienced off-roader. From this trail system, you can also catch breathtaking views of the surrounding.

Hackberry Lake Dunes Complex

Enthusiasts looking for off-road trails full of topographic features should try the Hackberry Lake Off-highway. The area covers more than 55,000 acres, and the trails are ideal for almost all off-road vehicles. This complex is located to the Southeast of New Mexico and is open for exploration all year round.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the trails and facilities here, such as extensive parking areas and campgrounds. The area is free for everyone, so you can visit and explore more about New Mexico.

Final Thoughts

Off-road enthusiasts can marvel at the southwest US area by touring the trails in this area. These states offer picturesque views of the surroundings to off-roaders alongside well-maintained tracks. Visit the Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona states to find out more about the trails in these states.

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