Robb Hannawacker
Although fees and permits are required, it’s worth exploring these famed National Parks in a 4x4.
Off-roading trips are what wheeling is all about. While Canada has its share of iconic trails that are all worth exploring, trekking to the Southeastern or Southwestern U.S. will lead to a number of popular National Parks - from Moab to West Texas - where you can run hard and enjoy a variety of adventures way off the beaten path.
Many U.S. National Parks prohibit the use of 4×4s on the trails and backcountry roads, but a select few allow them on designated routes. By doing a little homework in advance you can set out for some pretty wild trips.
Before you leave you’ll need to secure the required permits and once at your destination, be sure to tread lightly, stay on designated trails, and follow park rules and regulations. It’ll be worth it as you’ll experience the National Park System like never before from your off-road vehicle.
A bureau of the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service has managed the National Park System in the United States since 1916, which consists of more than 400 areas and 34 million ha (85 million ac).
The National Park Service determines which areas allow off-roading based on plant life, wildlife habitats and an area’s susceptibility to erosion and other damage. The National Park Service sets rules and regulations individually for each park, so it’s best to review these details well before you visit.
You can plan your trip(s) by checking out www.nps.gov. To assist with your process, we’ve done some of the legwork and provided a handful of National Parks with specific trails that allow off-roading.
According to the National Park Service, the following trails allow 4x4 vehicles on a limited basis under the rules and regulations of each route and park.
NPS Chris Wonderly
White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park.
Canyonlands National Park/White Rim Road
Moab, Utah
To enjoy Canyonlands National Park’s off-road trails, you’ll need to obtain a day-use permit. There isn't a fee when you obtain one from the visitors centre and day permits are limited to 50 per day. Another permit (for a fee) is required if you want to camp in the park. Due to Canyonlands’ popularity, permits for the White Crack and Murphy Hogback Campgrounds sell out fast.
Also, plan to be off-grid so load up with plenty of food, water, necessary gear, and fuel as services are not available. Plated dirt bikes are allowed, but keep in mind that ATVs, UTVs (even pets or fires) are not.
When it comes to hitting the dirt, this access road is ideal for novices as most of the route is easy, but there are some challenges along the way including what NPS describes as a narrow shelf that ascends the Murphy Hogback. Be sure to call ahead to determine current conditions or go to the visitor centre when you arrive at the park.
Managed By: Canyonlands National Park
Accessible With: High clearance 4×4s, SUVs and dirt bikes
Trail Length: 88.1 mi (142 km)
Vehicle Width Accessibility: Full Width
Dates Open: All year
Terrain: Sand
Difficulty (1-10): 3
Fee Required: Yes
Permit Required: Yes
License Plate Required: Yes
NPS Patrick Myers
Great Sand Dunes National Park is stunning in the fall with towering, colourful Aspens.
Great Sand Dunes National Park/Medano Pass Road
Mosca, CO
Approximately five hours to the east in Colorado is Great Sand Dunes National Park. Convenient roadside camping is allowed but only at the 21 numbered campsites, which start 8 km (5.2 mi) from where the road begins near Piñon Flats Campground. Keep in mind access to sites in your rig is only from late spring to the fall, pending snow, creek, and road conditions.
Medano Pass Road is a tough 35 km (22 mi) road connecting Great Sand Dunes with the Wet Mountain Valley and Colorado State Highway 69. Accessible in the warmer months only by offroad rigs, it leads to Medano Pass at an elevation of 3,060 m (10,040 ft) and Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.
You’ll love crossing deep sand, traversing Medano Creek (nine times), and driving through bighorn sheep country. Plan two to three hours to run its entire length. You may also want to visit in the fall to admire the seasonal foliage. A fee is required when entering or leaving the park at the main southside gate.
Managed By: Great Sand Dunes National Park
Accessible With: High clearance 4×4, dirt bikes
Trail Length: 35 km (22 mi)
Vehicle Width Accessibility: Full-width
Dates Open: All year. The road may close when creek crossings are flowing high or are frozen; when snow is very deep; if the road may potentially cause damage to offroad vehicles.
Terrain: Sand
Difficulty (1-10): 4
Fee Required: Yes
Permit Required: Yes
License Plate Required: Yes
PJ Gal Szabo
Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park/Geology OHV Tour Road
Twentynine Palms, CA
The 29 km (18 mi) Geology Tour Road leads through Pleasant Valley, a dirt and sand road that traverses past a variety of geological features and many points of interest. A round trip takes approximately two hours and provides access to scenic pullouts, hiking trails, and climbing routes.
Managed By: Joshua Tree National Park
Accessible With: Overland, high clearance 4×4s, SUVs, ATVs, dirt bikes
Trail Length: 29 km (18 mi)
Vehicle Width Accessibility: Full-width
Terrain: Sand, dirt, deep ruts
Difficulty (1-10): 1
Fee Required: Yes
Permit Required: Yes
License Plate Required: Yes
Death Valley National Park/Inyo Mine-Echo Pass
Death Valley, CA
Off-roading in Death Valley National Park includes running the popular Inyo Gold Mine/Echo Pass trail. While rated as easy, it’s a little rocky in areas but stock 4×4 SUVs will have no problem getting to this point. The second part is rated easy-to-moderate due to more rocks, steep ledges, and a tight passage. An experienced driver in a stock vehicle with lockers and high clearance should be able to get through.
Managed By: Death Valley National Park
Accessible With: Stock rigs, high clearance 4×4s
Trail Length: 24 km (14.7 mi)
Vehicle Width Accessibility: Full width
Dates Open: All year
Terrain: Uneven, rutted dirt trail with loose rocks, sand, erosion, and washes
Difficulty (1-10): 5
Fee Required: Yes
Permit Required: Yes
License Plate Required: Yes
Josh Duke
Being in remote areas, be sure to be prepared and ensure your rig is in top shape to handle some of the terrain.
Big Bend National Park/Black Gap 4×4 Trail
West Texas
This 4x4 trail consists of wide-open views of Texas and Mexico. It’s accessible by most offroad vehicles but there are areas where larger rocks may be challenging for compact, lower AWD vehicles. Like many trail systems, it’s very remote so be prepared and bring extra food, water, fuel, plus essential safety and recovery gear.
Managed By: Big Bend National Park
Accessible With: Overland, high clearance 4×4
Trail Length (mi): 8.5
Vehicle Width Accessibility: Full-width
Open Dates: All Year
Surface Type: Uneven, rutted dirt trail with potential for loose rocks and sandy washes.
Difficulty (1-10): 3
Fee Required: Yes
Permit Required: Yes
License Plate Required: Yes
Enjoy The National Parks
To keep the trail systems open and accessible to off-roaders, always do your part by being good environmental stewards and leaving the lightest footprint possible. Remember to double-check with the National Park Service website at nps.gov to ensure each trail is open, operating, and ready to enjoy.
Article courtesy of onX Offroad, the creator of off-road maps and GPS technology that are designed for powersports and overlanding enthusiasts to explore 885,139+ km (550,000+ mi) of motorized trails and 345 million ha (852 million ac) of public land. The company also leads initiatives to protect and expand access to public land and promote stewardship opportunities. www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app