10 Best Overlanding Routes in the American Southwest
The American Southwest is overlanding paradise. Remote deserts, stunning canyon country, high-altitude mountains, and sparse population mean endless possibilities for multi-day backcountry expeditions. We have spent over 300 days on Southwest trails over the past five years, and these 10 routes represent the very best combination of scenery, challenge, and accessibility. Whether you are a seasoned 4x4 driver or exploring overlanding for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable Southwest adventure.
Table of Contents
- Routes at a Glance
- 1. White Rim Trail (Utah)
- 2. Mojave Road (California)
- 3. Alpine Loop (Colorado)
- 4. Hole in the Rock Road (Utah)
- 5. Trans-America Trail SW Section
- 6. Rimrocker Trail (Colorado/Utah)
- 7. Shafer Trail (Utah)
- 8. El Camino del Diablo (Arizona)
- 9. Mogollon Rim (Arizona)
- 10. Great Divide Basin (Wyoming)
- Planning & Preparation
- FAQ
Routes at a Glance
| Route | Distance | Difficulty | Days | Best Season | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Rim Trail | 100 mi | Moderate | 3-4 | Mar-Nov | Canyon views, technical rock |
| Mojave Road | 140 mi | Moderate | 3-4 | Nov-Mar | Desert history, solitude |
| Alpine Loop | 65 mi | Moderate | 2-3 | Jul-Sep | High altitude, wildflowers |
| Hole in the Rock | 62 mi | Easy-Mod | 2-3 | Mar-Nov | Historic route, scenic views |
| Trans-America SW | 2,800 mi | Moderate | 21+ | Apr-Sep | Ultimate adventure, multi-week |
| Rimrocker Trail | 48 mi | Challenging | 2-3 | May-Oct | Technical, mountain scenery |
| Shafer Trail | 17 mi | Moderate | 1-2 | Mar-Nov | Cliff views, technical sections |
| El Camino del Diablo | 140 mi | Challenging | 3-4 | Nov-Feb | Remote desert, extreme conditions |
| Mogollon Rim | 110 mi | Moderate | 3-4 | Jun-Oct | Forest scenery, cooler temps |
| Great Divide Basin | 150 mi | Easy-Mod | 3-4 | Jun-Sep | Vast plains, wildlife viewing |
1. White Rim Trail, Utah — Classic Four-Day Loop
The White Rim Trail encircles the Island in the Sky mesa in Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah. This iconic route combines technical rock sections with breathtaking canyon vistas that rival any overlanding destination on Earth. The 100-mile loop can be completed in three days of aggressive driving or four days of relaxed camping.
Route Highlights
The trail offers four distinct sections: rocky terrain on the northeast edge, fine sand on the south side, river crossings near the Green River, and technical slickrock climbs on the west side. You will camp in remote locations with panoramic views across to Monument Valley and the Henry Mountains.
Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements
While marked as moderate, the White Rim features some challenging sections. High-clearance 4x4 is essential. A full-size truck or SUV is better than smaller vehicles. Ground clearance of 8+ inches and articulate suspension help on the rocky sections. Recovery gear and a winch are recommended, though not absolutely essential.
Permits & Planning
A permit is required from Canyonlands National Park and spots are lottery-based during peak season. Reserve your permit 4-6 months in advance. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle. Bring at least 50 gallons of water per person for the full loop.
Best Season
March through May and September through November offer ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Summer heat (120 F+) is dangerous. Winter snow can close sections unpredictably.
Estimated Cost
Park entrance: $30. Permit: $30. Fuel: $100-150 (varies by vehicle). Supplies: $80-150. Total: $240-360 for a group.
2. Mojave Road, California — Desert History & Solitude
The Mojave Road is one of California's most remote overlanding routes, crossing the heart of the Mojave Desert from Baker to Fort Irwin. The 140-mile trail follows historic trade and military routes, passing Fort Soda, Zzyzx Springs, and numerous historic mining sites. This is true desert exploration: few other vehicles, minimal services, and vast empty landscape.
Route Highlights
Historic sites include a preserved desert inn, abandoned mining camps, and military outposts. The landscape shifts from sand dunes to rocky bajadas to salt flats. Stargazing is exceptional due to minimal light pollution.
Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements
Moderate difficulty with mostly sandy and rocky terrain. High-clearance 4x4 is essential. The road can be washboard in places but does not require extreme articulation. Standard overlanding setup with recovery gear is adequate.
Permits & Planning
No permits required on most of the route, though portions cross military land near Fort Irwin. Check current access status before your trip as military restrictions can change. Water sources are rare; bring 50+ gallons per vehicle.
Best Season
November through February is ideal. Summer temperatures exceed 120 F and are unsafe. Spring and fall can be pleasant but water becomes more critical.
Estimated Cost
No entrance fee or permit. Fuel: $120-180. Supplies and water: $100-150. Total: $220-330 for a group.
3. Alpine Loop, Colorado — Wildflower Scenery
The Alpine Loop near Lake City, Colorado is a stunning high-altitude route that reaches 12,600+ feet and offers incredible mountain scenery. The loop combines the Engineer Pass Road and the Cinnamon Pass Road, creating a scenic and challenging route through the San Juan Mountains. Summer wildflower displays are exceptional.
Route Highlights
Alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers (July-August), 12,000+ foot passes, historic mining cabins, and panoramic mountain vistas. The loop passes through Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass, two of Colorado's iconic jeep roads.
Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements
Moderate to challenging at high altitude. The terrain features rock ledges, cliff-edge sections, and stream crossings. 4x4 with high clearance is essential. ATVs and smaller vehicles frequent these roads, but larger trucks offer more stability. Vehicle weight can be a concern on cliff sections.
Permits & Planning
No permits required on public land portions. The route crosses both Forest Service and private property. Camp only in designated areas. Alpine conditions can change rapidly; bring jackets even in summer.
Best Season
July through September is the only viable window. Early July may have snow; late September brings early storms. Peak wildflowers are mid-July through August.
Estimated Cost
No entrance fee or permit. Fuel: $60-100. Supplies: $60-100. Total: $120-200.
4. Hole in the Rock Road, Utah — Historic Four-Wheel Route
The Hole in the Rock Road is a legendary historic route connecting Escalante, Utah to Glen Canyon. The 62-mile round-trip route follows an 1880s wagon road built to access a remote gold mine. While no longer a hole-in-the-rock crossing (that was destroyed by dam construction), the route remains a stunning desert overlanding experience.
Route Highlights
Historic sites including the original Hole in the Rock notch, remote canyon camping, petroglyphs, and access to Lake Powell. The landscape features colorful badlands, narrow canyons, and wide-open desert vistas.
Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements
Easier than most Southwest routes. High-clearance 4x4 is recommended but even some 2x4 vehicles attempt it. The road is sandy and rocky but does not feature extreme technical sections. Smaller vehicles are acceptable.
Permits & Planning
No permits required. The road is open year-round, though spring runoff can create water hazards. Camp anywhere on BLM land outside restricted areas. Water sources are limited; bring adequate supplies.
Best Season
March through May and September through November offer ideal weather. Summer heat is intense. Winter can be beautiful but roads may be impassable after rain.
Estimated Cost
No entrance fee. Fuel: $50-80. Supplies: $40-70. Total: $90-150.
5. Trans-America Trail (Southwest Section)
The Trans-America Trail is a 5,600-mile route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts using primarily backroads and 4x4 trails. The Southwest section spans from West Texas through Arizona and California, covering over 1,200 miles of the most remote terrain in North America. This is an expedition-level undertaking requiring significant preparation.
Route Highlights
The Southwest section includes desert crossings, mountain passes, historic mining towns, and protected wilderness areas. Sections overlap with famous routes like the Mojave Road and Trans-Pecos Trail. The route is designed to avoid highways and stick to rural roads and trails.
Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements
Moderate to challenging depending on which sections you undertake. Full 4x4 recovery system essential. Vehicle reliability is critical as remote sections offer no services. Plan for multi-day stretches without resupply opportunities.
Permits & Planning
Numerous permits required across multiple jurisdictions. Research specific sections before departure. The official Trans-America Trail website provides detailed route maps and current permit information. A detailed guidebook is essential.
Best Season
April through September for Southwest sections. Route planning depends heavily on which leg you are attempting. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most stable weather.
Estimated Cost
Extremely variable based on route length and group size. Budget $5,000-10,000 per person for a 3-week Southwest expedition including permits, fuel, food, and supplies.
6. Rimrocker Trail, Colorado/Utah — Technical Mountain Challenge
The Rimrocker Trail is one of the most challenging and scenic overlanding routes in the Southwest, connecting Moab, Utah to Cisco, Utah via a high-altitude cliff-edge route. The 48-mile route features dramatic slickrock sections, steep descents, and technical rock obstacles. This is not a beginner route.
Route Highlights
Spectacular cliff-edge driving with panoramic views across canyon country, slickrock sections that test vehicle articulation, historic remnants of old mining operations, and genuine remote wilderness.
Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements
Challenging terrain demands full 4x4 with high clearance and good articulation. A winch is strongly recommended. Experienced drivers only. The route features ledge driving that is intimidating and unforgiving. Spotter assistance is valuable on difficult sections.
Permits & Planning
No permits on BLM land. However, portions may be closed seasonally. Check current conditions before departure. The route is sometimes impassable after heavy rain.
Best Season
May through October is viable. Late spring and early fall offer the best weather. Late October brings early snows that close higher sections.
Estimated Cost
No entrance fee. Fuel: $80-120. Supplies: $60-100. Total: $140-220.
7. Shafer Trail, Utah — Cliff-Edge Technical Drive
The Shafer Trail is a shorter but intense route near Moab, famous for its narrow ledge sections and dramatic cliff-edge driving. The 17-mile trail descends from the Island in the Sky down to the Colorado River bottom, offering heart-pounding technical sections and unforgettable scenery.
Route Highlights
Narrow ledge sections with stunning vertical drop-offs, dramatic switchbacks, technical rock sections, and views down to the Colorado River. The trail is more intense than its length suggests.
Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements
Moderate-challenging depending on your comfort with exposure. High-clearance 4x4 essential. Excellent vehicle control and driver confidence required. The trail is often one-way; check current conditions for closure announcements.
Permits & Planning
Day-use only; no overnight camping allowed on the trail. Parking is limited at the trailhead. Park entrance fees apply. Check BLM website for closures, especially after rain.
Best Season
March through May and September through November offer ideal driving conditions. Summer heat can be dangerous in this exposure. Winter snow and ice close the trail.
Estimated Cost
Park entrance: $25-30. Fuel: $15-25. Total: $40-55 for a day-use trip.
8. El Camino del Diablo, Arizona — Extreme Desert Route
El Camino del Diablo (The Devil's Road) is one of North America's most remote and challenging desert overlanding routes. The 140-mile trail crosses the heart of the Sonoran Desert from Ajo, Arizona to Yuma, Arizona, passing through virtually uninhabited territory with extreme conditions and virtually no services.
Route Highlights
True remote wilderness experience with minimal other vehicles, stark desert beauty, historic stage route, and challenging driving conditions. This is overlanding at its most primitive and adventurous.
Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements
Challenging. The route features deep sand, washboard sections, rocky bajadas, and stream crossings. High-clearance 4x4 with good articulation essential. A reliable vehicle is critical; mechanical failure in this location is genuinely dangerous. Winch and full recovery gear essential.
Permits & Planning
No permits required, but the route crosses federal land and is monitored. Water sources are extremely limited. You must carry 15-20 gallons of water per person and have verified that water sources exist before departure. Check current border security situation before traveling near the Mexican border.
Best Season
November through February is the only viable window. Summer temperatures exceed 130 F and are unsuitable for overlanding. Spring brings unpredictable rainstorms. Fall temperatures drop too quickly.
Estimated Cost
No entrance fees. Fuel: $100-150. Water and supplies: $100-150. Total: $200-300.
9. Mogollon Rim, Arizona — High-Altitude Forest Route
The Mogollon Rim Route is a scenic high-elevation route through northern Arizona's ponderosa pine forests. The route follows the edge of the Colorado Plateau, offering cooler temperatures, stunning forested scenery, and excellent camping. This is the ideal summer overlanding destination to escape desert heat.
Route Highlights
Alpine forest scenery, cooler temperatures, clear mountain air, excellent camping at higher elevations, and access to remote hiking trails. The landscape is dramatically different from typical desert overlanding, offering diverse terrain and vegetation.
Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements
Moderate difficulty. High-clearance 4x4 recommended but not always essential. The terrain features rocky sections and occasional stream crossings but no extreme technical sections. Well-maintained vehicles in good condition can manage this route.
Permits & Planning
No permits required on Forest Service land. Camp anywhere in designated areas. Water is more abundant at higher elevations than in desert overlanding, but verify sources before relying on them.
Best Season
June through October only. Winter and spring bring snow that closes higher sections. Peak season is July-August when temperatures are comfortable.
Estimated Cost
No entrance fees. Fuel: $70-100. Supplies: $60-100. Total: $130-200.
10. Great Divide Basin, Wyoming — High Plains Overlanding
The Great Divide Basin is a remote high-altitude (7,000-8,000 ft) plateau in south-central Wyoming offering vast open spaces, minimal traffic, and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The 150-mile loop provides a different overlanding experience from typical rocky canyon country.
Route Highlights
Wide-open plains, excellent wildlife viewing (antelope, elk, wild horses), vast starry skies, high desert scenery, and genuine remoteness. The landscape is dramatically different from Southwest canyon terrain.
Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements
Easy to moderate. Most of the route is passable with high-clearance 2x4 or basic 4x4. Terrain is primarily sandy and rocky but lacks extreme technical sections. This is an accessible route for less experienced overlanders.
Permits & Planning
No permits required on BLM land. Camp anywhere in designated areas. Water sources are sparse at higher elevation; bring adequate supply. Wind can be intense; ensure camp is well-secured.
Best Season
June through September is viable. July and August are ideal with warmest temperatures. June and September can see early/late snow. Winter is too cold; spring is too wet.
Estimated Cost
No entrance fees. Fuel: $80-120. Supplies: $60-100. Total: $140-220.
Planning & Preparation Tips
Essential Gear for Southwest Overlanding
- Recovery equipment: traction tracks, recovery strap, winch (vehicle-dependent)
- Water: 15-20 gallons per person minimum
- Navigation: detailed maps, GPS unit, compass
- Tools: basic mechanics toolkit, tire repair supplies, spare tire(s)
- Communication: satellite messenger device or PLB for emergencies
- First aid: comprehensive kit with blister treatment, snake bite kit
- Lighting: flashlights, headlamps, vehicle lights for night driving
- Camping: high-quality shelter, sleeping bags rated for altitude/season
Leave No Trace Principles
Pack out all trash. Human waste must be buried 200 feet from water sources. Minimize campfire use; pack a camp stove instead. Do not cut vegetation. Camp in previously used sites to minimize impact. Stay on established routes to prevent erosion.
Water Management
Never rely on a single water source. Verify water availability before your trip. Carry a water filter for emergencies. Learn to recognize natural water sources and assess quality. Desert water sources can be unreliable; always overshoot your water estimate.
Vehicle Preparation
Service your vehicle before any Southwest trip. Change oil, top off fluids, check battery condition, inspect brakes and suspension. Ensure spare tire is properly inflated. Carry extra fan belts, hoses, and gaskets. Consider a pre-trip inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 4x4 for all these routes?
Most routes require 4x4. Hole in the Rock Road and Great Divide Basin are possible with high-clearance 2x4 vehicles. All other routes demand true 4x4 capability. High clearance and good tires matter as much as the drivetrain.
What is the best first-time overlanding route?
Hole in the Rock Road or Great Divide Basin are ideal for beginners. Both offer easier terrain and less technical challenge than other Southwest routes. Build skills and confidence before attempting White Rim or Rimrocker Trail.
Can I do any of these routes solo?
Technically yes, but not recommended. Travel with at least one other vehicle for safety. Remote breakdowns in solo vehicles can be genuinely life-threatening. Group overlanding is standard practice in the Southwest.
How much water do I really need?
A minimum of 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and cooking. Add 2-3 additional gallons per person for emergencies and unexpected delays. In extreme heat (El Camino del Diablo), double these estimates. Never rely on found water sources exclusively.
What is the easiest trail for beginners?
Great Divide Basin is the easiest: minimal technical sections, lower difficulty rating, and more forgiving terrain. Hole in the Rock Road is the second-easiest. Both offer genuine backcountry overlanding without extreme challenge.
Do I need permits for all these routes?
Only White Rim Trail requires a permit (lottery system). Other routes on BLM/Forest Service land do not require permits. Always verify current access restrictions before departing, as closures and restrictions change.
When is the absolute best season for Southwest overlanding?
April-May and September-October offer ideal weather across most Southwest routes. Avoid summer (heat) and winter (snow and cold). Spring offers wildflowers; fall offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
