Skip to main content

Forget the Beaten Path: Extreme Off-Roading Destinations Around the World

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Overlanding, mudding and off-roading are just a few of the terms used to describe the adventure of taking your vehicle off the beaten path.

The term “off-road” can be a little misleading in that most, if not all, vehicles would be quickly rendered obsolete by obstacles like boulders, logs, trees, and mud in a true bushwhacking scenario. However, man-made off-roading trails and roads are no walk in the park. Terrain can be difficult and dangerous, and should only be attempted by skilled drivers who are capable of navigating extreme geography and weather (and preferably have experiencing dealing with breakdowns, as calling road-side assistance is not an option).

Here are four extreme off-road destinations around the globe to consider for your next adventure.

West Virginia, United States

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Named after the famous family feud that took place over a hundred years ago, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System was created by the West Virginia Legislature to drive tourism in the state. There are hundreds of miles of trails in this continually expanding project that offer options for beginners as well as those seeking the ultimate test of skills. The trails are open 365 days a year to ATVs, dirt bikes, and utility vehicles (UTVs). The organization that oversees the development of the system projects that there could be as much as 2,000 total miles of trails once all are finished and linked in this nine-county project.

Sahara Desert, Africa

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Extreme heat and topography top make Africa an off-roader’s dream, from Casablanca to Cape Town. The Sahara Desert covers the northern part of the second largest continent and spans from east to west. Most of this largely inhospitable terrain provides ample locations for other-worldly adventures. The Rallye Aicha des Gazelles is a women-only event that is 100 percent off-road and pits teams of two racing across the desert landscape of Morocco.

Baja California, Mexico

Image used with permission by copyright holder

While many tourists flock to the beaches to whale-watch in the Sea of Cortez, the peninsula also offers world-class off-roading. Races like the Baja 1000 are one of the wildest ways to experience the desert landscape. If this beyond your skillset, there are options outside the numerous race events taking place across the region. Whether you prefer dirt bikes, ATVs, quads, or UTVs, there is something for every level of rider. And, when done, return to any of the resorts along the coast to rest and recover.

Utah, United States

Moab trip with Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Image used with permission by copyright holder

No off-roading list is complete without including Moab, a mecca for outdoor adventure-seekers. The region in southeastern Utah offers some of the best mountain biking in North America. Additionally, the trails that are so unique for bikers are equally exciting for overlanders. The beautiful sandstone landscape, which makes for a dramatic backdrop in this unique desert setting, has something for beginners and experienced off-roaders.

Editors' Recommendations

Clay Abney
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Clay Abney is a PR guru and freelance writer living in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, where he spends his…
Learn to tie the clove hitch for when you need a secure, adjustable knot
The clove hitch is one of the most useful knots to have at your disposal in the outdoors
A clove hitch tied to a fixed point

The clove hitch knot is among the most useful outdoor knots you can learn. This fully adjustable bind has endless uses and can be tied either freestanding or around an object. Being fully adjustable means you won't have to completely retie the knot in your system if you want to adjust the tension of your rope.

Read more
8 healthy benefits of hiking you need to know
Start hiking and enjoy the mental and physical benefits right away
Two people hiking together

Hiking is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the U.S. However, it’s more than just a full-body workout; it’s also an excellent opportunity to spend time in nature, clear your mind, and improve your sense of well-being. In addition, hiking is a fully adjustable workout, and you can start on an easy trail and work your way up to full-blown mountain hiking no matter how long your progress takes!

It’s an activity that can be done just about anywhere. Because the prime hiking season in the national parks around the U.S. varies based on climate and affordability, you can easily adjust your hiking plans to match the seasons and see some beautiful areas throughout the country. It’s a great way to meet nature at its level and a perfect excuse to shut out the noise of the modern world.

Read more
ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 is the first real off-grid AC and it’s discounted right now
Zero Breeze Mark 2 real off-grid AC being carried

Last summer, and most of last year, really, was one of the hottest on record. This year looks to be just as hot, so you'll need a reliable way to cool down. The problem with that is that air conditioners are expensive. They're expensive to install and run, and if you're living off-grid, you can pretty much forget about AC at all — until now, anyway. ZERO BREEZE has introduced the first truly off-grid air conditioner that's ultra-portable — at only 16.5 pounds — and battery-powered. The 24-volt battery can last up to eight hours in sleep mode, perfect for extended off-grid use or van-living. You can even connect solar panels or plug it into DC or AC outlets to boost battery life, if and when available. The handheld and lightweight design works exceptionally well for easy transportation and travel, so you can bring the Mark 2 wherever your adventures take you. Use code SPRING15 at checkout through ZERO BREEZE for a limited time to get 15% off your purchase — good from March 15 to March 21.
Buy Now
 
What can the ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 do for you?

Summer can be hot and clammy, and it can even get miserably wet if you live in a humid climate.  One of the trade-offs of staying off-grid is that you're living more efficiently, which also means you're interested in cutting down on power usage and comparable utilities. Even if that's not your goal, and you're just out for an adventure, you'll have to make the same concessions. The wilderness is, well, the wilderness. But with the Mark 2, a portable, battery-powered AC unit, you can cool off anytime, anywhere.

Read more