Thanks to the United States’ diverse terrain, it offers many fantastic destinations for a challenging, fun-filled off-road adventure. You will not only put your driving skills to the test when tackling difficult terrains, but you can breathe in a beautiful backdrop of remote and scenic trails.
If you are looking for inspiration for your next adventure, here are three of the best off-road destinations in the US.
- Hidden Falls Adventure Park, Marble Falls, Texas
Off-road enthusiasts must make their way to Hidden Falls Adventure Park, which is an hour’s drive from Austin, Texas. Providing 240 miles of marked trails, there are routes for pickup trucks, jeeps, ATVs, and motorcycles.
It doesn’t matter if you want solid sections or soft dirt; you won’t be disappointed once you arrive at Hidden Falls Adventure Park. When you’re not making your way across its diverse terrain, you can enjoy a spot of hiking, fishing, or mountain climbing. Plus, it offers beautiful waterfalls and natural springs to enjoy a cool dip on a hot day.
- Imperial Sand Dunes, Yuma, Arizona
If you haven’t done so already, it is time to add Imperial Sand Dunes to your off-road bucket list. The likes of Lawrence of Arabia and Scorpion King were filmed in the middle of this beautiful desert and not in the Sahara, which the movies would have you believe.
The eastern edge stretches out for a whopping 40 miles, making it the largest mass of inland sand dunes in the United States. If you visit during summer, expect temperatures to reach up to 120 degrees, which provides a brutal climate that rivals other US desert conditions. If you’re not careful, you could get lost in the dunes and end up across the Mexican border.
You will need a good understanding of your route before you visit, as well as a dependable lift kit to enjoy greater ground clearance and tackle large rocks and other obstacles. However, different kits will offer different benefits, which is why you should make an informed choice before you buy. If you own a Toyota 4Runner, for example, read this guide to 4runner lift kits, which covers everything from coilovers to leaf springs.
- Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced off-roader or beginner; you will find trails to match your experience level at Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota. With over 600 miles of trails to choose from, you can tackle rocky climbing sections, grassy plains, or miles of woodland. Most trails link to “Roads Open to All Vehicles,” which provides 500 miles of loop route options for varying lengths and difficulties.
When you are not sitting behind the wheel, you can enjoy a spot of wildlife watching, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, biking, or swimming. It is the perfect outdoor adventure for those who want to grow their off-road skills while encountering beautiful animals, such as buffalo, elk, mule deer, and the pronghorn antelope.
