With summer heating up, it’s time to put your off-road truck or Jeep to good use and explore new regions of the U.S. The off-road market is quickly heating up as more drivers decide to leave the pavement behind.
We’ve also seen more local, state, and national parks dedicating public lands to the art of off-roading. In fact, this industry is expected to be worth $28 billion by 2024.
As the weather heats up, now is the time to embark on a thrilling off-road adventure in your lifted truck or Jeep. Here are the five best places to visit for an off-road vacation.
Moab, Utah
Few places on the map have as many off-road trails as the city of Moab, Utah. This sprawling desert and mountain region is full of challenging trails that will give even the most experienced drivers a run for their money.
From the Moab Rim Trail to the Poison Spider Mesa Trail, there are so many opportunities to explore the desert mountains. You’ll experience your fair share of rock crawling, desert racing, and stunning vistas with panoramic views of the desert.
There are plenty of campgrounds in the area if you prefer to sleep under the stars, but you can also find some hotels in the town of Moab. You won’t have to drive too far to reach the trails, considering most are just a few minutes outside of the downtown area.
You can reach Sand Flats Recreation Area, Arches National Park, and many others in no time at all. With so many trails to explore, you can easily spend an entire month in Moab and never see the same piece of rock twice.
Calico, California
Looking for a history lesson during your off-road vacation? Head over to Calico, California for a journey through history. This town was known for its once fruitful silver mine until it went bankrupt in the 1880s.
Miners dug hundreds of tunnels in the mountains, many of which now boarded up. However, the remnants of the town remain. Walter Knott purchased the town in the 1950s and restored some of the original buildings.
Today, it’s known as a local ghost town, filled with old sheds, train tracks, lodges, and mining facilities that have since gone extinct. You can cruise all over the desert in your off-road truck or Jeep while learning a thing or two about the history of California and the town of Calico.
Try camping out in the ghost town, taking part in a ghost tour, or exploring miles of open trails. It’s sure to be an off-road vacation you’ll never forget.
Marble Falls, Texas
If you live in the area or you’ve been meaning to visit the city of Austin, make sure to swing by Marble Falls, Texas where you’ll find Hidden Falls Adventure Park. The park lives up to its name and it’s one of the best places to go on an off-road vacation.
You’ll find dozens of streams, lakes, springs, and waterfalls across this vast stretch of wilderness. If you get too hot, feel free to pull over and take a refreshing dip in the water.
The park features all kinds of different scenery, including steep hills, gorges and ravines, rocky pathways, and acres of woods. So, there will be plenty of sights to keep you occupied.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Preserve is also nearby if you’re anxious to see some creatures in the wild. After you’ve had your fill of off-roading, you can follow the Colorado River all the way to Austin.
Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
Black Hills National Forest is every outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. This sprawling national park has something for everyone, including those who love to leave the pavement behind.
The park features over 500 miles of “Roads Open to All Vehicles”—a network of roads that weave throughout the entire park, connecting you to over 600 miles of off-road trails. These trails vary greatly in terms of their difficulty and length.
You can climb up the sides of mountains, cruise through open fields, and explore acres of dense forests. Overall, the park features 13,000 acres of wilderness, 11 reservoirs, and 1,300 miles of streams.
There are dozens of campsites in the park, or you can stay in a hotel in Sturgis, Rapid City or Hot Springs, South Dakota for more comfortable accommodations.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
We’ve saved the best for last. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a national park inspiring more awe and wonder than the Grand Canyon. If you’re a serious off-roader, you’ll want to drive to the bottom of the canyon, which tends to be the holy grail of activities for those who visit the park with a lifted Jeep or truck.
Use a trail called Diamond Creek to get to the bottom of the canyon. It starts in a small town called Peach Springs, Arizona off Route 66. You’ll need a permit to access this road with your off-road truck, but it’s more than worth it.
You can get a permit from the nearest city hall or the hotel you’re staying at. You can even camp at the bottom of the canyon if you acquire the right permit.
To get to the bottom, you’ll need to make your way down a series of steep hills and cliffs. Stick to the 25 mph speed limit as you make your way to the bottom.
You’re bound to see plenty of wildlife and scenery on your way. You’ll need plenty of ground clearance to make it the entire way, so consider upgrading to a larger lift kit before you depart.
Ready for the Road
You have plenty of options when it comes to places to go on an off-road vacation. Make sure your truck or Jeep is ready for the road ahead by investing in a lift kit and installing new all-terrain or mud-terrain tires.
Upgrade your shocks for a smooth ride and stick to the trail to make sure you don’t get lost in the middle of anywhere. Happy off-roading! Here are some tips, checks, and preparations to make your car ready for a long trip.
