The Overlanding Bucket list - top 5 overlanding routes in the united states

Every state in the US has some beautiful places that would be amazing to explore and go on an overland adventure in and although traveling to them all would be amazing, it would definitely be quite the challenge. We have complied a list of the top 5 overlanding routes in the United States that you will definitely want to add to your bucket list.

Black Bear Pass, Colorado

The Black Bear Pass has more to it than it looks, most people who have done this trail state that it’s pretty intense and takes some off-road skill to be able to maneuver your vehicle along the multiple switchbacks. The best time to visit is July - October where weather conditions are pretty nice. Although these are the best months to visit, the trail is closed a majority of the year due to harsh weather conditions that lead to unpredictable landslides at any moment.

Dalton Highway, Alaska

Photo by Jake Allen, Alaska DOT&PF

The Dalton Highway, made popular by the show “Ice Road Truckers” is a dirt and gravel road that leads through the remote wilderness of Alaska. The whole trail takes on average 11 - 18 hours to complete you were to not make any stops. Since it is in Alaska, there can be some harsh road conditions along this trail such as ice and snow that can make it a little difficult to traverse for some overlanders.

Halfway through the highway you will come upon Coldfoot, which has lodging areas, but they can be pretty pricey. Coldfoot got its name from travelers getting “cold feet” from seeing the prices and going back even though they were already halfway through the highway if that gives you any clues about the lodging prices.

Mojave Road, California

This historic road is a sight like no other and an overlanders oasis… well technically sandpit. The trail is considered easy to moderate but does have some more complicated obstacles you may come across. Driving through the desert, you are likely to see ghost towns, Joshua Tree forests, and of course, lots and lots of sand. The Mojave Road trail is easily one of the most famous overland routes in the United States.

High Water Mark Trail, Arkansas

Home sweet home, the High Water Mark Trail in my home state of Arkansas isn’t too well known but has some beautiful scenery and makes an overall amazing Overlanding experience. The trail makes its way through the Ozark Mountains using mainly national forest service roads and very little pavement. This trail can be traversed with a 2 wheel drive vehicle, it is recommended to drive a 4x4 or have a friend with one handy because the trails can be pretty muddy due to the rain and humidity in the south.

The trail also features waterfalls that run year long and water crossings to clean all that dirt off your rig. If you choose to go alone, I would definitely bring some recovery gear such as traction boards or a winch due to the Arkansas trails being notoriously muddy.

Georgia Traverse, Georgia

This route across Northern Georgia consists of mainly national forest service roads but does have a few pavement spots. The trails are designed for east to west travel and have directional markings along the trails that you can follow, but it is also encouraged if you would like to follow different trails in different directions to make your own route and see the beauty that the Georgia Traverse trail offers. The Georgia Traverse trail is very well mapped out with waypoints so that you can get a full understanding of the route you are wanting to take so it is an amazing spot for beginning overlanders.