The United States is home to some of the most diverse terrain on earth. So if you can get into a capable SUV and experience so some those back roads off-roading, where would you go?
We’ve got two great suggestions for you. While you’re at take some time to experience the awesomeness of the natural surroundings
From the scorching deserts in the west to the humid swamps in the southeast, America has a little bit of everything when it comes to natural landscapes.
One thing that these areas all have in common is that they’re perfect for exploring with a trusty 4×4 truck or SUV. With that in mind, we want to share a list of some of the best off-road trails across America you should experience as soon as you can.
California: Yosemite Off-Road Trails
The rugged foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains are home to Yosemite National Park’s extensive network of off-roading trails.
The park is so car-friendly that it’s one big adventure park. The Yosemite Valley Floor Loop Road is an 11-mile off-road adventure that will take you across the smooth dirt roads of the valley, which was once home to a river.
The Wawona Road is another popular off-roading trail in Yosemite National Park. The road is 16 miles long and takes drivers to the South Fork of the Merced River. The road is mostly smooth dirt, but there is a short, steep section of the road that is rockier.
The Forest Service Road near Wawona is another Yosemite off-roading trail that leads to the South Fork of the Merced River. The Forest Service Road is also a 16-mile off-road trail that has a few rocky sections that are higher than the Wawona Road.
Colorado: 4×4 Trail to Maroon Bells
This 14-mile off-road trail to the Maroon Bells is one of the most famous 4×4 trails in Colorado, and it’s not one to miss.
The trail takes drivers from the road to two 14,000-foot mountains that are covered in aspens in the fall. The 4×4 trail to the Maroon Bells is only open from mid-June to mid October, so make sure to check the trail’s hours before going.
You’ll start the trail on the road to the Maroon Bells, but eventually, you’ll reach a point where you have to park your vehicle and hike the rest of the way to the lakes.
The trail is 9.7 miles round trip and has an elevation of 10,150 feet, so it’s best to visit this trail in late summer when it isn’t too hot. If you’re visiting in the fall, you’ll get to see the aspens changing colours.
