There are few better ways to see the wonders of the natural world and catch an adrenaline rush than off-roading. What’s most surprising is that off-road driving is a relatively new large-scale phenomenon.
From 1995 to 2006, the number of off-road vehicles and enthusiasts has tripled in the U.S. If you’ve recently gotten into off-roading, but don’t know where to go driving, we’ll show you some of the best spots in the world below.
1. Death Valley National Park, California
There is nothing more exciting than hopping in your Jeep or onto your ATV and careening through the rocky, dusty roads and beaten paths of Death Valley National Park. This is one of the largest National Parks in the world, made up of over 3.4 million acres of desolate, but magnificent and beautiful wilderness.
This park is filled with dozens of canyons, rocky hills, and desert-like terrain that’ll be a joy to tear through on four wheels. If come here after dusk, you will definitely need driving lights (click here for more info).
2. Black Bear Pass, Colorado
If you’re looking for a little more danger, Black Bear Pass in Colorado is the off-roading trail for you. Right outside of Telluride, this old mining trail is known for its precarity. The trail snakes down a very steep cliff face, is made up of loose shale, and is just 8 feet wide.
The trail goes a mile-high up from sea-level, and one side of the trail is barrierless. There is just a 1,000+ foot drop on the other side.
So grab your extra knobby tires and get ready to white-knuckle the steering wheel the whole drive up and down the mountain.
3. Transfagarasan Road, Romania
Want to feel like you’re on Mars here on Earth? Look no further than Transfagarasan Road in Romania, which winds through the untouched wilderness of the Bucegi mountains.
The Road winds through these burnt-orange mountains for nearly 90 kilometers. The trail is marked by hairpin turns, steep slopes, and precarious terrain. As a plus, you’ll also pass by Poenari Castle whose famous owner, Vlad Tepes, was the inspiration for Dracula.
4. Moreton Island, Australia
If beach terrain is more your thing, then slide on over to Moreton Island in Australia. Now, Australia is known for its tourist-filled, overcrowded beaches, but you won’t find that on Moreton Island’s untouched coasts and forest-filled interior.
This tiny island has over 60 kilometers of roads, so you’ll be able to explore it thoroughly.
5. Sawtooth, Idaho
Lastly, we come back to the U.S. to visit Sawtooth, Idaho. Here, driving through the wild roads of Sawtooth feels like sitting in a Bob Ross painting. The roads wind through picturesque flowering fields sitting at the base of towering mountain ranges.
Along the way, there are tons of hot springs and swimming holes to hop into to cool off (or heat up).
Now That You’ve Seen These Off-Road Driving Destinations…
Be sure to check out the rest of the vacation destinations we love! No matter whether your hobbies include off-road driving or just chilling on the beach, we’ve definitely got a vacation recommendation you’ll be sure to enjoy.
