Don’t let a little cold weather keep you inside this winter. Off-road enthusiasts have plenty of options for heading off the beaten path any time of year. As long as you’re geared up with winter weather essentials like off road LED lights to brighten the way through snow and fog, you’ll be able to keep riding all season.
There are plenty of great winter off-road driving destinations across the United States, ranging from classic American overland trails to expansive off-road systems in national parks. Here are five can’t-miss destinations to choose from for your next winter off-road outing.
Rubicon Trail – California: Looking for an iconic trail with stunning scenery? Look no further than the 22-mile Rubicon Trail, which runs from Georgetown, California to nearby Tacoma. Located just west of Lake Tahoe, this trail is serious business. The Rubicon Trail Foundation recommendations several modifications to stock Jeeps to be able to handle the difficult terrain, including a lift kit, larger tires and a rock guard. For winter riding, drivers are advised to check the weather and trail conditions and venture out only in the best-equipped vehicles. Add off road LED lights to be ready to navigate through snow and fog.
Mojave Road – California: Plan multiple days to take on this desert route, which is open year-round. The 140-mile road travels a historic Native American trade route through California’s Mojave National Preserve. Most drivers spend two to four days trekking this road, which is sandy in most places and crosses multiple mountain range areas.
St. George – Utah: Stock up on lifts kits denver before you head west to St. George, Utah. This area has several Jeep and off-road trails that spread across national conservation areas and forests. Southern Utah is home to the state’s best options for off-road adventuring.
Black Hills National Forest – South Dakota: Gear up with boise truck accessories, then venture out to the Badlands. The Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail System in South Dakota has over 3,600 miles of roads and 600 miles of trails, with almost 150 miles open to any type of vehicle. It’s all set in a stunning national forest that covers 1.2 million acres in western South Dakota. Drivers are advised to check conditions and pack a map before heading out into this expansive trail system.
Wagon Wheel Trail System – Colorado: With about 250 miles of trails that range in difficulty, Colorado’s Wagon Wheel Trail System covers scenic mountain trails across the northwestern part of the state. The eastern part of the trail system includes 16 inter-connecting loops and runs through the White River National Forest. The western portion offers 360 miles of loose gravel trails. Difficulty levels on the trail run from beginner to expert, with access from Meeker and the Flat Tops Scenic Byway.
Before you head out on a winter off-road exploration, outfit your truck or Jeep with off road LED lights to make sure you can see where you’re going in tough weather conditions and lower light. Look for a trusted auto parts provider to make sure your vehicle will be ready to take on anything.