Exploring 10 Iconic Trails Across the West

Looking to add to your offroad trail bucket list? You've come to the right place. Check out these iconic offroad trails across the western United States. If you want to get these checked off your list, browse through our in-depth Trail Guides for details on obstacles, dispersed camping locations, difficulty ratings, trail-cam videos, and more. Start a 7-day free trial to unlock every detail on each trail in our nationwide library.

The Rubicon Trail

The Rubicon Trail, located west of Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras of California, is one of the most popular offroad trails in the country. It is 16 miles of pure, rugged, and rocky terrain. Originally a stagecoach route in the 1800s, it became famous in 1953 with the inaugural "Jeepers Jamboree."

Known for its scenic beauty, the trail features large granite boulders, steep inclines, narrow passageways, and water crossings. At a minimum, you must have 33" tires, a suspension lift, undercarriage protection, a winch, and a locking differential. However, you’ll find that having 35" (or larger) tires and dual lockers will make a big difference in your overall trail experience and how difficult you find certain lines.

If you are considering attempting this trail, be prepared for a multi-day journey with a solid plan in place, as the area is very remote and lacks cell service.

For an adventure tale of tackling the Rubicon check out "How I Completed The Rubicon Trail with 31-Inch Tires and No Lift" Part 01 and Part 02 on the Trails Offroad™ blog.

Mojave Road

The Mojave Road is a historic Native American trade route turned pioneer path and now stands as a popular trail in the southwestern United States.

Stretching 135 miles through the Mojave Desert Preserve and Lanfair Valley, the trail offers a non-technical yet adventurous journey across sandy roads and rocky patches. Mojave Road's most significant challenge is the Watson Wash drop-in, with wet weather posing additional risks.

Traversing this iconic route typically takes three days, allowing ample time to enjoy the desert scenery and side excursions. Proper permits are required for larger groups, and fuel is best purchased in Laughlin, Nevada, or Baker, California.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California offers something new with each visit.

From Blair Valley's high elevations to the surreal Badlands and Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves, the park caters to both 2WD and 4WD vehicles. The Jeep Badge of Honor Trail, Pinion Mountain Road, challenges even seasoned drivers. Check out our Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Region page where we highlight over 70 different trails within the park!

It’s important to note that summer temperatures are guaranteed to exceed 100 degrees (F), and flash floods are common during the rainy season, so make sure to plan accordingly and check the weather before planning your trip. The park's allure peaks during the super bloom, when wildflowers cover the desert, attracting visitors from around the world.

Hell's Revenge

Hell's Revenge in Moab, UT is easily a top contender for 'Most Iconic' trail in the U.S.

Offroaders around the world flock to Hell's Revenge trail for its slickrock terrain and thrilling obstacles, such as Hell's Gate, The Hot Tubs, The Escalator, and the Tip-over Challenge. This iconic trail can be tackled by stock high-clearance vehicles with a 4-low transfer case as the harder obstacles can be bypassed.

Like many of the popular trails in the immediate area, Hell's Revenge is well-marked with paint and signage, and you can easily exit the trail at different waypoints. Located within the Sand Flats Recreation Area, it requires a daily fee, with penalties for off-trail driving. An annual pass is available for frequent visitors to this adrenaline-pumping destination.

This one is a must-do for everyone exploring Moab, even if you choose to watch others tackle the more extreme obstacles.

Fins & Things

If Hell's Revenge is more difficult than you're looking for, Fins and Things could be a great alternative. Also located in the Sand Flats Recreation Area near Moab, Utah, Fins and Things is a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail known for its Navajo Sandstone slickrock formations and stunning views of the La Sal Mountains.

The trail features steep inclines and declines and blind obstacles, making it challenging for stock high-clearance SUVs but manageable with a small lift and larger tires. The trail is mostly one-way, so make sure to follow the signage and black tire marks on the rock to travel safely, and don't forget to use Follow Mode in your Trails Offroad™ mobile app to help guide you in the right direction!

Imogene Pass

The amazing, picturesque Imogene Pass connects the historic towns of Telluride and Ouray, Colorado, and traverses a towering elevation of 13,114 feet.

The trail is rocky and narrow but offers some of the most spectacular views, especially on the challenging descent towards Ouray. On the north side, you will encounter water crossings that shift seasonally depending on snowmelt.

Imogene Pass, like much of the San Juan Mountain Range, is steeped in mining history. Remains of immense mining structures can easily be spotted along the way as the last remaining vestiges of the incredibly prosperous gold and silver mining era in southwestern Colorado.

Black Bear Pass

Black Bear Pass is renowned for its infamously dangerous shelf roads and 1,000-foot drop-offs. Similar to Imogene Pass, Black Bear Pass also serves as a connector, running between Silverton and Telluride, Colorado.

Climbing to 12,840 feet in elevation, Black Bear Pass offers breathtaking views down into the mountain town of Telluride and passes the 365-foot Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in the state. Descending the famed switchbacks into Telluride is one-way and downhill only, demanding 100% of your attention and driving skill.

This trail is not for the faint of heart, requiring a well-maintained high-clearance 4x4, a steady driver, and a dependable spotter.

Broken Arrow

Located in Sedona, Arizona, Broken Arrow is a popular offroad trail known for its stunning red rock formations and moderate driving challenges. The trail consists of sand, dirt, and sandstone, with sections that can become impassable in wet weather. As a mix of obstacles and simple dirt roads, Broken Arrow is well-marked but can get crowded, especially on weekends. As some sections are one-way only, be cognizant of the direction you travel.

Box Canyon (Florence)

Box Canyon is located in northeast Florence, Arizona. This scenic offroad trail winds through a narrow canyon and features rocks of all sizes, colorful vegetation, and historical petroglyphs.

Generally suitable for stock 4-wheel drive vehicles, the trail can change with each rainstorm, adding to its mild rocky challenges. Box Canyon is a straight-through trail that connects to a network of trails in the Florence Junction area, making it a popular spot for a full weekend of adventure. 

Before heading out, know that traveling through the canyon requires an Arizona State Trust Land permit. So make sure to pick one up!

Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway

Stretching approximately 103 miles through southern Idaho and southeastern Oregon, the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway offers a journey through pristine and remote landscapes.

Starting in Jordan Valley, Oregon, and ending in Grandview, Idaho, the trail features dramatic elevations, stunning geological formations, and rich historical significance.

This route is suitable for stock high-clearance 2WD vehicles in good weather conditions, but you should know that this trail will require caution due to its rugged and remote nature. Travelers should be well-prepared with essential recovery gear and supplies!