The United States is a dream destination for off-roading lovers, offering endless public lands and incredible adventures across diverse landscapes. With millions of acres of accessible public land, the call of the wild beckons adventurers seeking to explore breathtaking scenery and challenging terrains, making it a premier hub for off-road exploration unlike anywhere else.
Deciphering the “best” states for off-roading amidst such an abundance of incredible locations can indeed be a daunting task. Our selection process was guided by four crucial attributes designed to identify standout states for your next adventure: the sheer Number of Trails, ensuring a vast array of opportunities; the Quality of Trails, focusing on well-maintained and mapped routes; the Ease of Access, ensuring the majority of trails are readily available to off-roaders; and finally, Trail Difficulty, guaranteeing a diverse range from beginner-friendly paths to advanced, heart-pounding challenges. While no single method can perfectly capture everyone’s definition of “best,” as off-roading encompasses everything from singletrack dirt biking to side-by-side driving and 4×4 overlanding, these parameters provide a robust framework.
It’s important to remember that the joy of off-roading comes with the vital responsibility of preserving these precious lands for generations to come. We are staunch advocates of responsible trail stewardship, encouraging every off-roader to “tread lightly” and diligently review and adhere to each state’s unique rules and regulations. As your tires leave the asphalt for a dirt, sand, or muddy surface, a special kind of magic unfolds, a feeling that draws us back time and again. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover some of the most exceptional states for off-road enthusiasts, complete with insights into the trails and additional activities that await.
1. **Utah**Utah has undeniably cemented its reputation as a sportsman’s paradise, a true mecca for off-roading enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. Its rugged, varied, and strikingly beautiful terrain calls out to those seeking adventure. With the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) overseeing over 22 million acres of public lands—comprising about 42 percent of the state—Utah offers an incredible array of choices for off-roaders, boasting thousands of miles of trails and roads suitable for vehicles ranging from basic two-track routes to highly advanced singletrack challenges.
Utah’s off-road scene is incredibly varied, from the vast Bonneville Salt Flats to the unique, grippy sandstone of Moab’s Slickrock area, and the sandy expanses of the Little Sahara Sand Dunes. Moab, in particular, draws crowds for its stunning red desert beauty and proximity to iconic national parks like Canyonlands and Arches, perfect for an extended adventure.
Utah’s commitment to the off-road community is evident in its open invitation to explore this vastly beautiful state. For those seeking serious rock crawling action, Potato Salad Hill offers an exhilarating challenge, often drawing a crowd for a unique spectator experience. However, if the desert and large crowds aren’t quite your preference, the state is also home to countless hidden gems, such as the Arapeen ATV/OHV trail, which promises a more tranquil and less pressured riding experience. Utah also stands out with an impressive 1,124 off-road trails, placing it second in the nation for trail quantity. It also leads with 726 easy off-roading trails and 74 difficult ones, ensuring a perfect match for every skill level.
Moreover, Utah shines in its seasonality, with its trails being optimal across multiple times of the year. It ranks second for spring (930 trails), first for summer (980 trails), second for fall (1,095 trails), and second for winter (407 trails), making it a year-round destination for adventurers. Whether you’re navigating the iconic trails of Cliff Hanger, Poison Spider, or the renowned Fins & Things in Moab, or simply cruising along a scenic two-track, Utah’s off-roading opportunities are simply boundless. The state is truly a testament to the diverse and captivating experiences public lands can offer, inviting you to create lasting memories.
2. **Colorado**Nestled in the majestic heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is a state that truly comes alive for off-roaders, offering a staggering array of opportunities. With the formidable spine of the Rockies carving its path from north to south through the center, residents and visitors alike enjoy effortless access to a myriad of off-roading and backcountry exploration possibilities. The Centennial State is unequivocally a destination spot for off-road enthusiasts, particularly those diehard Jeep owners, and it’s easy to grasp why once you begin to traverse its many beautiful trails.
Colorado is a paradise for motorcycle trail riders, boasting world-class high-alpine singletrack, especially around Crested Butte, and it also offers thousands of miles of challenging two-track routes for four-wheelers, including some of the highest mountain passes in the nation.
Traversing Colorado’s off-road trails offers a uniquely intimate way to experience its breathtaking wildlife and scenic vistas, often surpassing what typical tourists encounter on highways and in National Parks. Some trails, such as Imogene Pass, will push both vehicle and human limits as they ascend to elevations of 12,000 feet or more, delivering unparalleled panoramic views. The state provides a mix of dedicated private ORV parks and public BLM-managed areas, like the Sheep Springs OHV Area. Many opportunities are concentrated in the central part of the state, near Denver and Colorado Springs, which also offer convenient access to food and lodging after a demanding day on the trails.
With an impressive 838 off-roading trails, Colorado ranks third nationally and provides a balanced mix of 486 easy and 94 difficult trails, with optimal conditions in summer and fall, making routes like the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway and the demanding Imogene Pass ideal for ATVs, UTVs, and 4x4s.
3. **California**California, a state of immense size and staggering diversity, stands as another top-tier destination brimming with options for off-road enthusiasts. From the arid expanses of Death Valley National Park in the southeast to the coastal wonders of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area mid-coast, the Golden State presents myriad opportunities to indulge in off-road enjoyment across one of the most varied landscapes in the Lower 48. Its sheer geographical scale translates directly into an extraordinary range of off-road experiences.
The state’s varied terrain means adventurers can choose between flat desert opportunities in the south and navigating through mountainous green forests in the north. California is home to several popular State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs) that are specifically designed to allow off-road enthusiasts to tackle differing terrains. Oceano Dunes, for instance, offers incredible dune and sand riding experiences, while Ocotillo Wells is celebrated for some of the finest desert riding in the state. For those seeking legendary challenges, the Rubicon Trail is famously one of the most iconic off-road trails in the world, and the Fordyce Creek Trail offers one of California’s most demanding experiences.
While California offers an abundance of trails, it’s also one of the strictest states when it comes to emission laws and trail access regulations. Therefore, thorough review of all rules and regulations well in advance of planning your trip is absolutely essential to ensure a smooth and compliant adventure. Most of these SVRAs and popular off-road areas have nearby campgrounds, serving as ideal home bases for extended exploration. Additionally, often a State Park or National Forest is close by, providing further opportunities to immerse oneself in breathtaking natural beauty beyond the trails.
With 616 off-roading trails, California ranks fourth in the nation for quantity. It also boasts 65 difficult trails and 534 trails optimal for spring, along with 325 for winter, demonstrating its versatility across seasons. The state also has a high technical rating, averaging 3.6 out of 10 for difficulty, indicating a prevalence of more challenging routes. Whether you’re aiming for extreme rock crawling, high-speed desert runs, or scenic forest paths, California delivers a comprehensive and thrilling off-roading experience, provided you come prepared and respect its stringent environmental policies.
4.Arizona, a state famed for its dramatic deserts, canyons, and mountains, invites off-roaders to explore vast public lands from the Grand Canyon to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the Sonoran Desert, offering a spectrum of experiences from scorching desert trails to cooler high-mountain adventures.
While Arizona is often pictured as a desert state, and many off-road areas are indeed dry and dusty, a major advantage is their proximity to major cities like Phoenix and Tucson, making it super easy to access dozens of staging areas for an authentic Southwestern riding experience with ATVs, UTVs, and 4x4s.
For tailored exploration, consider Arizona’s Seven Springs OHV area, Sycamore Creek, and Wildcat Pass, or the stunning red rocks of Sedona for 4×4 adventures, with the Apache Trail and the Backway to Crown King offering challenging yet beautiful routes for all skill levels.
Arizona leads the nation with an astounding 1,169 off-roading trails, offering more opportunities than any other state. It also features a significant 719 easy trails and 49 difficult ones, catering to a wide spectrum of skill levels. The state truly shines in its year-round off-roading potential, leading in optimal trails for spring (1,098), fall (1,120), and winter (561), and ranking second for summer (705). This makes Arizona an exceptional destination for off-roading no matter the season, ensuring that the treasures of the American Southwest are always accessible for those eager to explore.
5. **Michigan**For those in the Midwest who cherish pristine forests, shimmering lakes, and expansive wilderness, Michigan is an undiscovered gem that truly deserves attention. Tucked away in the heart of the region, this state offers an abundance of state forests and thousands of miles of off-road recreational opportunities, catering to every experience level. Michigan challenges the common perception of a typical off-roading destination, revealing a landscape rich with diverse terrain perfect for exploration.
The state is distinctly divided, with its northern half bordering Canada, affectionately known as the “Upper Peninsula” or “UP.” This region, home to only 3% of Michigan’s total population, is a veritable haven for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy hunting, fishing, and camping. The UP provides year-round recreational opportunities, including thrilling snowmobiling and tracked UTV driving during the winter months, transforming its deep forests into a snowy playground. This wild, untamed expanse is crisscrossed by thousands of trails where you can genuinely get lost for days, riding uninterrupted in the majesty of nature, especially if you venture all the way up to the Keeweenaw Peninsula.
The Lower Peninsula, while more populated, also offers remarkable off-roading experiences. Its western shores boast beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, featuring impressive sand dunes in certain areas that provide exhilarating riding. No matter your preferred type of off-roading—be it dirt biking, ATV, ADV, or 4×4—Michigan presents a wide variety of terrain. You’ll encounter lush rolling hills, dense forests, intriguing swamps, and numerous other environments waiting to be explored. A fantastic example in the Lower Peninsula is the St. Helen ORV Trail, and for an unforgettable sand dune experience, Silver Lake State Park’s Off-Road Vehicle Area on the shores of Lake Michigan is an absolute must-visit.
While Michigan may fly a bit under the radar compared to some Western states, its thousands of miles of off-road recreational opportunities, particularly in the Upper Peninsula where cities and development thin out, are undeniable. The state features the Seven Hour Plane Crash Trail, an impressive 245 miles long, making it one of the longest off-road trails in the U.S. This hidden gem offers not only extensive riding but also picturesque settings for camping, ensuring a comprehensive outdoor adventure for those willing to venture north.
6. **Texas**It would be simply impossible to compile a list of premier off-roading states without including the Lone Star State. Texas, steeped in a rich outdoor tradition, bursts with opportunities to engage your vehicle in four-wheel drive and experience an immense amount of fun. Its sheer size and diverse geography mean that adventurers will discover a little something for everyone, whether their passion lies in mudding, rock crawling, or simply speeding down an intricate, winding trail system.
The landscapes of Texas are as varied as its culture, offering everything from hilly forests to arid, dry desert environments, catering to whatever type of scenery you prefer for your off-road excursions. The state is exceptionally well-equipped with dedicated off-road parks, specifically designed for testing your vehicle’s capabilities in a controlled and challenging environment. Many of these parks are strategically located close to major cities, making access incredibly convenient for day trips or weekend getaways. For example, Hidden Falls Adventure Park is situated just outside Austin, while Northwest OHV Park is easily accessible from Fort Worth, providing readily available adventure for urban dwellers.
Beyond the dedicated parks, Texas offers incredible scenery that transcends mere granite rock parks. Adventurers can encounter challenging dirt trails, beautiful hills, and even stunning waterfalls with their tough streams and crossings, all contributing to the state’s immense appeal. The terrain can be remarkably varied, presenting difficult climbs and deep creek crossings that will truly test your vehicle and skill. One of our favorite spots, Trees Ranch Offroad, near Kerrville, embodies this diverse and challenging environment, offering a genuine taste of Texas off-roading.
Texas shines with the longest average off-roading trail length in the country at 20.4 miles, featuring epic routes like the Texas Traverse, which spans hundreds of miles for multi-day overlanding trips, all within a state that warmly welcomes 4WD vehicles and boasts a thriving off-roading culture.
7. **Montana**Welcome to Big Sky Country, a truly perfect place to embark on an off-road adventure in your pickup, Jeep Rubicon, UTV, or four-wheeler. Montana’s vast, untamed wilderness and stunning landscapes offer an experience that is both exhilarating and deeply immersive. The farther north you venture in the state, the wilder and more untouched the environment becomes, promising a true escape into nature for those seeking solitude and rugged exploration.
Much of Montana’s off-roading opportunities lie within Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, which generally offer some of the most permissive off-road access policies among federal agencies. This makes it a prime destination for adventurers seeking extensive networks of trails. Notable areas include the Blacktail Wild Bill ORV Trails, meticulously owned and maintained by the USDA, and the Fresno OHV Trail, along with the Glendive OHV areas, both expertly managed by the BLM. These sites provide diverse terrain and numerous routes for exploration.
Montana offers an exceptional option for those who love to combine off-roading with other outdoor activities, especially at the Pipestone Off-Highway Vehicle area near Butte, which spans 30,000 acres with 75 miles of trails perfect for camping, hiking, and hunting.
Montana ranks fourth in the nation for easy off-roading trails with 438 routes, and while specific overall trail numbers aren’t detailed, its extensive trail networks across vast BLM lands and wilderness areas make it a prime destination for both challenging expeditions and peaceful backcountry escapes.
