The Most Unrivaled Off-Road Trails in the West Right Now!

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

Unrivaled Off-Road Trails in the West

There is nothing as thrilling as driving on a less traveled road full of gravel, sand, or rocks to an off-road enthusiast. Off-roaders love exploring and challenging their off-roading skills with every new adventure they come across. If you love exploring new regions with your overland vehicle, then this guide is for you.

It prospects the area to the west of the country. The Off-Road Trails in the West include the states of Washington, California, Oregon, and Nevada. Read on to find the brilliant off-road trails found in these stunning states.

CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON OREGON NEVADA
Holcomb Creek OHV Ahtanum State Forest Oregon Dunes
Nat’l Recreation Area 		Lucky Strike OHV Trail
Lake Hughes Truck Trail Bradley Trails ORV Area Browns Camp OHV Trail Valley of Fire OHV Loop
Rainbow Basin – Barstow Evans Creek ORV Area Shotgun OHV Trail System Alamo Road
Pioneertown La Dee Flats OHV Seven Magic Mountains
North Barr Trailhead

Off-Road Trails in California

California should be your next destination if you are looking for new overlanding adventures for an intense adrenaline rush. The state is full of exciting trails to challenge you as an off-roader. Its geography brings out all the glamor to off-roaders since it offers a perfect mix of pristine beaches, vast deserts, and exorbitant forests. You can explore the Los Angeles trails or the phenomenal trails to the state’s south.

Holcomb Creek OHV

The trail encompasses an 8-mile long track filled with boulders to challenge even the experienced off-roaders. You will also come across a water crossing that makes the trail even more exhilarating. During winter, snow piles up to make the track more challenging. However, it is advisable to check in with the area to ascertain the conditions before coming with your off-roading truck.

Lake Hughes Truck Trail

It is among the easiest trails in Los Angeles, California, even for novice riders. The track is about 19 miles long and rewards off-roaders with panoramic views of the lake as you drive through a quiet dirt road. There are certain sections of the trail with some elevation, so be prepared. Bear in mind that this trail does not have any campgrounds, so carry anything necessary you may require for the itinerary.

Rainbow Basin – Barstow California

The trail is relatively easy to be considered a trail in the first place, but it is perfect for first-time off-roaders. The gorgeous dirt road traverses in the Rainbow Basin, where you will encounter geologic formation along the Calico Peaks mountains. The basin is found around 8 miles to the north of Barstow off Irwin Road. The trail will reward you with breathtaking surroundings due to the astounding colored rock formations.

Pioneertown, California

Found in Yucca Valley off route 62 is the popular Pioneertown. The town typically started as a film picture set but converted to a concert venue and tourist stop. That is when western films began to decline in popularity. Did you know that Roy Rodgers was one of the original investors in this town?

This western haven is among the finest places to go off-roading in California. Trails here are ideal for novices. Tracks in Yucca Valley connect to the Big Bear Mountain. Following this trail, you are sure to enjoy breathtaking sceneries on flat fire roads. There are also restaurants along the way, such as Pappy and Harriet’s, that hosts a wide range of musical guests.

Check out our review of the best in California here.

Off-Road Trails in Nevada

Nevada is a vast state with many exciting itineraries for off-roaders, especially in Las Vegas. Vegas is prominent for grand casinos, world-class entertainment, and beautiful city lights. The town also bears some of the stunning spots in Nevada, with alluring mountains, lakes, canyons, and deserts. The terrain in this state makes it a prime place for off-roaders who wish to test their skills.

Lucky Strike OHV Trail

It is also known as Lucky Strike Mine OHV road and covers around 24 km. The trail is found in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and is one of the most adored off-road trails in Las Vegas, Nevada. The track seems boring and easy up to the 10-mile mark, where things get interesting.

Lucky Strike OHV trail is a favorite playing ground for off-roaders because of the gradual challenging trail. The trail becomes even more difficult during winter because of the snow.

Valley of Fire OHV Loop

The initial part of this loop is quite manageable. The Valley of Fire OHV Trail Loop covers around 37.8 km, and it is advisable to drive via the sandy parts. However, the second part of the loop becomes nerve-wracking with dicey options involving intimidating rock crawling. The loop entails several climbs, but you should be fine if you have a high clearance off-road vehicle.

Alamo Road

It is a phenomenal trail that allows off-roaders to experience sensational desert sceneries in the National Desert Wildlife Refuge. With this road, you have the opportunity to explore other tracks that wind up the mountains and go into the canyons. The area has unrestricted camping meaning off-roaders can aim for the higher elevations to escape the scorching Vegas valley heat.

Seven Magic Mountains

Before it was pronounced an off-road park, this site was a public art installation inspired by Ugo Rondinone, a renowned Swiss artist. Following this trail will lead you to the colorful 30-foot stacked boulders. The boulders are located in the Ivanpah Valley next to the Goodsprings mountains and McCullough.

Mojave Desert

This incredible off-road park in the Mojave National Preserve is found in Las Vegas, Nevada. The park features alluring cinder-cone volcanoes, canyons, spring wildflowers, old mines, and military outposts. Most off-roaders love taking the loop to Barstow from Vegas. Experienced off-roaders fancy the detour to the Kelso Dunes or Valley of Fire as the trail guarantees an impressive experience.

Off-Road Trails in Oregon

Oregon is famous for its natural landscape entailing elaborate forests, windswept dunes, and pristine rivers. Oregon also offers off-roaders various terrain to experience unique adventures. You can marvel at the sandy Oregon Dunes or check out the trails in Tillamook Forest. Whether you are experienced or a novice off-roader, the trails in Oregon will offer you much-needed excitement.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The recreation area has more than 40 miles of terrain for off-roaders to explore. Here you are going to experience a mix of sand and steep hills. You will come across high dunes such as the Banshee Hill, towering around 500 feet. All overland vehicles are allowed in this park found to the north of Coos River.

Guests that do not have personal ATV can rent at the premises. Oregon is dotted with dunes meaning off-roaders can have an excellent time here. All OHVs must have a visible and bright flag as they marvel at the dunes.

Browns Camp OHV Trail

Browns Camp is located in the Tillamook State Forest and offers overlanders a moderate trail. The trail features scenic views of the surroundings and a waterfall. If you are looking for a spectacular holiday weekend, you can visit this forest to enjoy stunning camping grounds, among other amenities. Off-road vehicles allowed here include sides by sides, quads, dirt bikes, and 4-wheel drives.

Shotgun OHV Trail System

The trail system offers off-roaders 34 miles of well-maintained tracks. With this trail, you can enjoy a perfect mix of challenging terrain ideal for experienced off-roaders. Expect to come across several steep hills, mud, and loose dirt on this trail. Water crossings, among other obstacles, are also present in the trail system.

La Dee Flats OHV Staging Area

Off-roaders can marvel at the 35 miles of pure and breathtaking views and a lush forest. Most of the tracks here are forest service trails, and some are pretty challenging. Its terrain is full of loose dirt and dotted with water crossings, steep hills, and mud. Some regions of the trail may have serious puddles, but it should be fun to navigate.

North Barr Trailhead

North Barr is a sensational area to spend quality time with friends and family. Marvel at the unbelievable views of Cascade Mountains as you challenge your off-roading skills. The trailhead is open any day but the ideal time to venture here is from the beginning of October to May. Any skill level off-roader can enjoy quality time here and horn their skills.

Off-Road Trails in Washington

Washington’s national forests, mountains, and wide-open spaces offer endless off-road opportunities to enthusiast off-roaders of all skill levels. Some trails in this state are less forgiving, while others are pretty beginner-friendly.

Washington rewards off-roaders and hikers with phenomenal sceneries of the state, which is why you should visit here and explore the trails.

Ahtanum State Forest

This fascinating forest has over 70 miles of trailheads to explore. You can expect to come across sand, dirt, steep hills, berms, and rocks on the way. There are campgrounds in the forest from where you can easily access the tracks. Even though these campgrounds have picnic tables, bring your water since there are no water sources. Anyone can explore the trails and the campgrounds, and no fee is charged for the facilities.

Bradley Trails ORV Area

The area features around 8 miles of loose dirt trails that could turn out slippery and muddy during the rainy season. Bradley Trails ORV is open to the public, and you can expect to come across steep hills and rocky paths in your exploration. Most tracks are for the amateurs, but you will also find expert and novice trails. Campgrounds are located at the Elochoman Slough Marina.

Evans Creek ORV Area

This area has several names, such as Toimie Creek, Carbon River Valley, August Peak, Pock Peak, and Snoqualmie Ranger. This park features more than 45 miles of trails that range from adventure-filled trails to easy single tracks. The trails reward users with striking views of Mt. Rainer.

You need to have a Northwest Forest Pass to camp or ride in this park. Campsite amenities available here include a fire ring, vault toilets, a water pump, and picnic tables.

Take Away

If you are looking for unmatched off-road trails in the western side of the country, then you can consider the Oregon, Nevada, Washington, and California states. Explore the alluring off-road trails here as you enjoy the marvelous views.

Check Out Our “Unrivaled Trails” Series

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