America's 7 Best Off-Road Destinations For An Ultimate Adventure
Daring and gumption are the primary ingredients needed to embark on these seven nail-biting trails, where risk-takers feel the most at home. In many cases, OHVs will need to be equipped with a high clearance to overcome impossible terrain, and hikers need to stay sharp to brave the temperamental elements. In return, the perseverant are rewarded with sights and experiences of Mother Earth that they will cherish in their old age. Make no mistake; these off-road destinations top the charts every year for a reason.
Druid Arch Trail, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
An otherworldly region with pillars carved by an artistic mother Earth, Druid Arch Trail is a national treasure of hiking indulgence. Open year-round, this 10-mile out & back route offers different challenges and opportunities to explore. Scrambling and canyoneering are common activities here, and visitors strongly advise coming with shoes with some grip; that 43% slippery grade will not forgive the unprepared. Most importantly, the views will haunt your subsequent day-to-day life, forcing you to return and witness their majesty. These sights are not for free; this is a hike for veterans. Long, steep, and tight passages warrant bringing a friend and a first aid kit. No pain, no gain.
Knik Glacier, Palmer, Alaska
The power of ice and earth resonates here, where the lucky few descend into a 38-mile camping extravaganza. Mountain bikers, hikers, and OHV are at home here, in the solitude of the Alaskan frontier. The rain is unforgiving, so come prepared and bring a winch; those riverbeds are a blast when the depth is not underestimated. The views bring shivers to those who witness them, and not because of the cold. Moose sighting is a common thrill here, as are the fields of ancient glaciers continuing along their slow march. Stay on the well-traveled paths and go with a group to be safe, but those that survived Knik Glacier tend to rate it ten-outta-ten.
Echo Pass and Inyo Mine Loop, Death Valley, California
Crank that AC, or you might melt in heat that has reached 134°F in the heart of Death Valley. The name is accurate because running out of fuel on some abandoned stretches of road can spell disaster. On the flip side, strips like the Echo Pass and Inyo Mine Loop offer abundant visual awards and stimulating excitement. Jaw-dropping rock arches dot the area, set against the backdrop of rolling peaks. Ancient wooden mining sites harbor an air of mystery, sparking nostalgia for an era we never experienced. Gorges weave their way through these untamed trails coated in light shrubbery and baked-red stones. Better yet, the crowds are thin here, which means you must exercise extreme caution while going through the infamously tight "ledge." Bring a spotter.
Bar Island Trail, Bar Harbor, Maine
Accessible only within a low tide, this rocky sandbar trail brings guests to a cairn-decorated New England Island off the coast of Bar Harbor. Surrounded by Acadia National Park, the area compliments the coastal views that Acadia is legendary for. Tranquil groves dot the island's center and are a popular destination to enter by horseback. Bring a warm getup to counter brisk winds, and if you linger for over an hour and 15 minutes… be prepared to wade through ocean water. Children are great to bring here, as the trail is beginner friendly and filled with pools of starfish, crabs, and urchins. Even deer inhabit this peaceful place, picking out greenery amongst the vibrant vegetation. The sunsets are to-die-for, so this is an ideal quick trip for romantics.
Paint Gap Road, Big Bend National Park, Texas
Horizons as a concept were invented in Texas, where one glance can take your vision hundreds of miles away, in all directions. The gorgeous auburn-painted views on Paint Gap Road in Big Bend National Park are almost overwhelming. At 7.6 miles, a 3-hour "out & back" route time is common, leaving plenty of time and space to explore. Some gaps prove narrower than others, which demands a slow and steady response with high clearance. Desert critters are not as skittish as they could be, giving ample opportunity to take pictures of mule deer and turkey vultures. If you survive until the end, the lovely Dripping Spring provides a waterhole abundant with wildlife.
Crystal City Road #314, White River National Forest, Colorado
This vista-abundant stretch will leave you speechless. Soaring mountain peaks under crisp blue skies paint this region, and Crystal City Road brings you through the best of it. An abandoned log mill sits on the edge of a waterfall as if it were torn out of another era. The trails are moderately challenging, with rocks and steep inclines that tend to pose problems for beginners. It is a 4-hour commitment to cross the 9 miles of #314, so plan your day out wisely and plan on packing a lunch. Wildflowers and wildlife can be experienced side-by-side, albeit dogs must remain on leashes. A high clearance will enable you to stride over mud patches easily and water crossings, so come prepared, and the journey will be smooth sailing.
Vortex Springs Jeep Trails, Westville, Florida
A daring stretch of challenging paths, Vortex Springs is the perfect place to test your mettle or at least your suspension. Let the air out of your tires to overcome the rockiest of difficulties in this jungle overgrowth that is not afraid to push back. Collapsed bridges lie adjacent to felled trees, creating a beautifully dynamic background during a woodland rush. Pillars of roots support the forest canopy above in sections where the water level has decreased. Registering at the Dive Shop by the entrance is mandatory, and guided tours are offered for those who refuse to leave a stone unturned. Deepwater sections are known as the major trials, so the local advice is to "bring friends."
In an era where industrialization has all but conquered the globe, the wanderer in all of us craves a close encounter with the wild. Each of these trails represents the opportunity to do just that and more. Bringing a group of friends to these adventurous regions will guarantee a camaraderie that lasts a lifetime. More importantly, having the support of others on these routes will increase the chances of a longer lifetime in the first place.
