Northern California offers unique off-roading destinations for you to visit, but other parts of the country feature equally great locations for getting the 4×4 dirty. The trails and deserts in the country’s southern regions are known for their challenging terrain and beautiful scenery. If you’re up for a road trip for your next vacation, check out this list of the best off-roading locations in the American Southwest.
Palm Springs, California
If you want to stay in-state for your off-roading vacation, consider Palm Springs, in Southern California. The area is mainly known for its relaxing resorts, but the surrounding terrain is rugged and ripe for exploration. You can experience the canyons of the San Andreas Fault and even purchase a guided 4×4 tour here. There are also plenty of interesting desert-dwellers to spot on your adventure.
Sedona, Arizona
Pheonix is a culturally rich metropolis with a fun nightlife that’s worth visiting at least once. But just two hours north of the city, you’ll find Sedona, an expansive area with challenging terrain and massive natural structures made from red sandstone rocks. The most famous of these structures are Coffee Pot Rock, Castle Rock, and the three guardians of the Seven Sacred Pools. Don’t forget to drive through the historic Soldier’s Pass and Dry Creek Basin.
Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is only a short distance from Las Vegas, located in the Mohave Desert. This off-roading paradise features some of the best trails Nevada has to offer. There’s a scenic route out of Vegas with amazing views of the Wilson Cliffs. For more excitement, attempt the thrilling trails at Rocky Gap. If you’re down to go even farther, Valley of Fire State Park is a sight to be seen; it’s about 50 miles away from the city.
Use this list of the best off-roading locations in the American Southwest to plan a fantastic 4×4 getaway. Remember to always have a recovery plan in place, especially when you’re venturing into the wilderness with your own vehicle.
