An Overlander’s Deep Dive: The Top USA Overlanding Routes & How to Plan Them
The United States offers a staggering diversity of landscapes for overlanding. From the vast, sun-baked deserts of the West to the high-altitude passes of the Rockies and the dense, muddy forests of the East, there is a lifetime of adventure to be had.
- Epic cross-country overlanding routes
- The Trans-America Trail (TAT)
- Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDRs)
- Minimum recovery kit for any route
- Iconic regional overlanding routes
- The Mojave Road (California)
- The White Rim Trail (Utah)
- The Alpine Loop (Colorado)
- The Georgia Traverse
- The Rubicon Trail (California)
- The Magruder Corridor (Idaho / Montana)
Think of this page as your “shortlist and strategy” for US routes. Instead of just dropping a list of trail names, we’ve pulled together the context you actually need to make decisions: how long each route really takes, what kind of vehicle and driver they suit, when snow or heat becomes a trip-killer, and where to find official maps and updates.
Whether you’re stitching together a multi-week Trans-America Trail adventure or flying in for a long weekend on the Alpine Loop, use this guide alongside our tools and skills articles here on Overland Gear Guide. Skim the overview, pick a region and difficulty that fits, then dive into the maps, contacts, and minimum recovery kit notes before you commit the time off work and fuel budget.
Epic Cross-Country Overlanding Routes
These are the “bucket list” long-distance journeys that define American overlanding and can take weeks to complete.
1. The Trans-America Trail (TAT)
Description: This is the “big one”—a world-famous, coast-to-coast route designed almost entirely on dirt, gravel, and forest roads. It’s a non-technical journey that focuses on seeing the “real” rural America.
Location: Starts in Nags Head, North Carolina, and ends in Port Orford, Oregon.
Estimated Time: 3 – 5 weeks
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. It’s not technically difficult, but its length and remoteness require self-reliance.
Key Waypoints: Nags Head, NC -> Tellico Plains, TN -> Corinth, MS -> Ozark, AR -> Lake City, CO -> Moab, UT -> Baker, NV -> Port Orford, OR. (Note: The official route changes and includes many more intermediate points).
Planning & Intel
The Route: The TAT is the life’s work of Sam Correro, who has spent decades curating a route that avoids pavement as much as possible. It is not a static line; it is constantly being updated to deal with closures and new opportunities. This trail is a collection of public-use roads, from farm lanes and gravel roads to forest service tracks.
Maps & Navigation: This is not a route you can just “Google Map.” Navigation for these types of overlanding routes is based on official GPX tracks and digital maps.
Official Source: The only official source for the complete, up-to-date TAT is from the founder’s website. You must purchase the GPX tracks to navigate the route successfully.
Website: https://www.transamtrail.com/
Permits & Access: No permits are required, as the entire route uses public roads. However, you must be aware of seasonal closures (snow in the Rocky Mountains) and temporary closures (washouts, fire). The best time to run the western mountain states is typically late June to early September.
Key Contacts: The route is self-supported. Your primary contacts will be local US Forest Service ranger districts or BLM field offices for the area you are currently in.
2. Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDRs)
Description: This is a collection of north-to-south overlanding routes (one for each state) created by the non-profit BDR organization. They are meticulously mapped and designed to take you through the most scenic and remote public lands.
Location: Popular routes include Utah (UTBDR), Colorado (COBDR), Arizona (AZBDR), Washington (WABDR), and the Mid-Atlantic (MABDR).
Estimated Time: 5 – 10 days per state.
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard. Some sections can be very challenging, especially in Colorado and Utah, with “hard” alternate routes available.
Key Waypoints (Example: UTBDR): Monticello, UT -> Blanding, UT -> Moab, UT -> Green River, UT -> Price, UT -> Duchesne, UT -> Garden City, UT (near Bear Lake).
Key Waypoints (Example: COBDR): Four Corners Monument -> Telluride, CO -> Lake City, CO -> Salida, CO -> Leadville, CO -> Steamboat Springs, CO -> Wyoming Border.
Planning & Intel
The Route: The BDR organization creates a new route in a new state each year. They are designed for dual-sport motorcycles but are excellent for any 4×4 or overland vehicle. The routes prioritize scenic, unpaved roads.
Maps & Navigation: BDR makes navigation incredibly easy.
Official Source: The BDR website offers free GPX tracks for all of their routes. They also sell a high-quality waterproof paper map for each route, which is highly recommended.
Website: https://ridebdr.com/
Permits & Access: No permits are required, as the routes use public land and roads. Like the TAT, you must be self-sufficient and prepared for seasonal closures, especially snow at high elevations (CO, WA, UT) and flash floods in the desert (AZ, UT).
Key Contacts: Your main contacts will be the local US Forest Service and BLM field offices for the state you are in. The BDR website also provides route condition updates.
Minimum Recovery Kit for Any USA Overlanding Route
No matter which of these routes you choose, a baseline recovery and safety kit turns a potential rescue call into a routine self-recovery. As a rule of thumb, pack the following as a minimum for every trip:
- Well-maintained vehicle (fluids, belts, hoses, brakes, tyres all checked before departure).
- Full-size spare tyre, jack, wheel wrench, and a plug/patch kit.
- Quality kinetic or static recovery strap rated for your vehicle weight.
- At least two soft shackles (or rated bow shackles) and safe recovery points front and rear.
- Tyre deflator and accurate gauge, plus a portable air compressor.
- Shovel, heavy-duty gloves, and basic hand tools.
- First-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and at least one LED headlamp.
- Offline maps/GPS, paper backup, and a means of emergency communication wherever possible (GMRS, inReach, Zoleo, etc.).
- Water surplus (at least one extra day more than your plan) and basic shelter options if you’re delayed.
For a more detailed breakdown, use our Recovery 101 primer and the starter kits in the sidebar, which align closely with what we recommend for these routes.
Iconic Regional Overlanding Routes
These are shorter, classic trails that are famous for their scenery or historical significance.
1. The Mojave Road (California)
Description: A historic 140-mile wagon trail that cuts through the stunning and remote Mojave National Preserve. It’s a classic desert overlanding experience with river crossings, lava tubes, and historical mailboxes.
Location: Barstow, California, to Laughlin, Nevada.
Estimated Time: 2 – 3 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The terrain is not difficult (some sandy sections), but it is extremely remote, with no services, no water, and no cell signal.
Key Waypoints: Near Barstow, CA (Start) -> Afton Canyon -> Zzyzx -> Soda Dry Lake -> Rock Spring -> Mojave Mailbox -> Fort Piute -> Near Laughlin, NV (End).
Planning & Intel
The Route: This is a true desert adventure. You will be driving through a vast, protected landscape, passing the famous “Mojave Mailbox,” rock formations, and lava tubes.
Maps & Navigation: A GPX track is highly recommended, though the route is generally well-marked.
Permits & Access: No permits are required to drive the road. Dispersed camping is allowed in existing, previously disturbed sites. The best time to go is fall through spring (October – April). It is dangerously hot in the summer.
Key Contacts: The route is managed by the National Park Service.
Mojave National Preserve: https.www.nps.gov/moja/
Visitor Center / HQ: (760) 252-6100
Road Conditions: Check the NPS website for road conditions, especially the western portion which can flood.
2. The White Rim Trail (Utah)
Description: A breathtaking 100-mile loop that runs along the edge of the “Island in the Sky” mesa in Canyonlands National Park. It offers some of the most iconic desert views in the world.
Location: Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
Estimated Time: 2 – 3 days
Difficulty: Moderate. It’s not technically extreme (a stock 4×4 with good clearance is sufficient), but it is remote, and a permit is required.
Key Waypoints (Loop): Shafer Trail Switchbacks (Entrance) -> Musselman Arch -> Airport Campground -> White Crack -> Murphy Hogback -> Hardscrabble Hill -> Mineral Bottom Switchbacks (Exit).
Planning & Intel
The Route: This is one of the most beautiful drives on Earth. The 100-mile loop follows a shelf road below the top of the mesa, with stunning views of the Colorado and Green Rivers.
Maps & Navigation: The route is a single, well-defined loop. A map from the visitor center is usually sufficient, but a GPX file is good for peace of mind.
Permits & Access: This is the most critical part.
Permits are mandatory for all overnight and day-use trips.
Overnight permits are available in a lottery 4 months in advance.
Day-use permits are available online, one day in advance.
These permits are extremely competitive and sell out almost instantly. You must plan this trip months in advance.
Key Contacts: This is managed by the National Park Service.
Official NPS Page: https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/whiterimroad.htm
Permit Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/ (Search “Canyonlands National Park Permits”)
Canyonlands Visitor Info: (435) 719-2313
3. The Alpine Loop (Colorado)
Description: This route is the quintessential Colorado Rockies experience. It takes you over multiple high-altitude passes, including Engineer Pass (12,800 ft) and Cinnamon Pass (12,640 ft), passing ghost towns and stunning alpine tundra.
Location: A loop connecting Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City, Colorado.
Estimated Time: 1 – 2 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard. The high altitude and narrow, rocky shelf roads can be challenging and are not suitable for all drivers or vehicles.
Key Waypoints (Loop): Lake City, CO -> Engineer Pass -> Ouray, CO (connects via highway) -> Animas Forks (Ghost Town) -> Cinnamon Pass -> Silverton, CO (connects via highway) -> Lake City.
Planning & Intel
The Route: A high-elevation loop on rough, rocky roads. It’s famous for its mining history (the Animas Forks ghost town is a must-see) and its stunning, wide-open alpine views.
Maps & Navigation: The route is very popular and well-marked. A good local map or GPX file is essential.
Permits & Access: No permits are required. This route is absolutely seasonal. The passes are only open from roughly late June/early July to late September/early October. Always check road conditions before going.
Key Contacts: The route is managed by the BLM and local counties.
BLM Gunnison Field Office: (970) 642-4940 (for Cinnamon Pass)
BLM Alpine Loop Info: https://www.blm.gov/visit/alpine-loop
Silverton Visitor Center: (970) 387-5654
Ouray Visitor Center: (970) 325-4746
4. The Georgia Traverse
Description: The premier overlanding route in the Southeastern United States. This 390-mile journey uses a network of forest service roads to cross the Appalachian Mountains of northern Georgia.
Location: Runs from the South Carolina border to the Alabama border.
Estimated Time: 3 – 5 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. A great introductory route with beautiful forest scenery, some mud, and water crossings.
Key Waypoints: Near Clayton, GA (SC Border) -> Dillard, GA -> Suches, GA -> (Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest) -> Dalton, GA -> Near Alabama Border.
Planning & Intel
The Route: A user-created route that has become a classic. It connects multiple national forests and highlights the best of the southern Appalachians, with lush forests and scenic vistas.
Maps & Navigation: There is no “official” entity. Navigation is 100% GPX-based. You can find the files on various community forums (like Expedition Portal) or route-sharing websites.
Permits & Access: No permits are required. The route is open year-round, but be prepared for mud and potential snow/ice at higher elevations in winter. Check for forest service road closures.
Key Contacts: The route passes through the ChattahoocheE-Oconee National Forest.
Official USFS Site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/conf/
Supervisor’s Office: (770) 297-3000
5. The Rubicon Trail (California)
Description: This is one of the most famous 4×4 trails in the world. It is not a typical overland route but an extreme technical challenge. It’s included here for its fame, but it requires a highly modified vehicle (lift, large tyres, lockers) and expert-level skills.
Location: Near Lake Tahoe, California.
Estimated Time: 2 – 3 days (The route is only ~22 miles long, but it’s very slow).
Difficulty: Extreme.
Key Waypoints (Obstacles): Loon Lake Staging Area (Start) -> The Gatekeeper -> Granite Slab -> Little Sluice -> Rubicon Springs -> Cadillac Hill -> Tahoma (Lake Tahoe).
Planning & Intel
The Route: This is a world-renowned rock-crawling trail. It is a slow, methodical, technical challenge from start to finish. Do not attempt this unless you are an experienced 4×4 driver with a highly capable rig.
Maps & Navigation: The trail is well-defined. Most navigation is “line of sight,” but a map is useful for identifying major obstacles and campgrounds.
Permits & Access: No permits are required, but there are camping and fire restrictions. The trail is managed by El Dorado County and the Rubicon Trail Foundation.
Key Contacts:
Rubicon Trail Foundation: https://rubicontrail.org/ (Best source for trail conditions)
El Dorado National Forest: (530) 622-5061
6. The Magruder Corridor (Idaho / Montana)
Description: A 101-mile remote dirt road that connects two of the largest wilderness areas in the lower 48 (the Selway-Bitterroot and the Frank Church-River of No Return). It’s a true “get away from it all” experience.
Location: Elk City, Idaho, to Darby, Montana.
Estimated Time: 1 – 2 days
Difficulty: Moderate. It’s not technical, but it is very remote, high, and can be blocked by snow well into July.
Key Waypoints: Elk City, ID (Start) -> (Magruder Ranger Station) -> Magruder Mountain (High Point) -> Nez Perce Pass -> Darby, MT (End).
Planning & Intel
The Route: A historic and exceptionally remote road that winds through high-mountain forests and meadows. It’s a place of solitude and history, with high passes and beautiful views.
Maps & Navigation: A good forest service map or GPX file is essential.
Permits & Access: No permits are required. Access is highly seasonal. The road is often not clear of snow until mid-July. Always call the ranger districts before attempting.
Key Contacts: The route is co-managed by two national forests.
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests (Idaho side): https://www.fs.usda.gov/nezperceclearwater (Red River Ranger District: (208) 842-2245)
Bitterroot National Forest (Montana side): httpsB://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot (West Fork Ranger District: (406) 821-3269)
USA Overlanding Routes FAQ
Do I need special permits for most USA overlanding routes?
Many classic routes like the TAT, BDRs, Mojave Road, Alpine Loop, Georgia Traverse, and Magruder Corridor do not require special driving permits, but some routes inside national parks (like the White Rim Trail) have strict day-use and overnight permit systems. Always check NPS, USFS, or BLM pages for the latest rules before departure.
What’s the best “first big route” for new overlanders?
The Georgia Traverse, some of the easier BDR sections, or shorter segments of the TAT make excellent introductions. They balance adventure with bail-out options and services. The Rubicon Trail is not a beginner route.
When is the best season for these routes?
Desert routes (Mojave Road, parts of TAT/BDR in AZ/UT) are best in spring and autumn. High-elevation routes (Alpine Loop, Magruder, COBDR) typically run from late June/July through September. Forest routes like the Georgia Traverse can be run most of the year, with extra care for winter weather.
Can I run these routes solo?
Many people do, but solo travel increases risk. Choose easier routes, carry a solid recovery kit and a satellite communicator if possible, and share your itinerary with someone at home. Technical trails like the Rubicon are best tackled with experienced groups.
What else should I read after this guide?
For border crossings and long multi-country trips, see Crossing Borders in the sidebar. For breakdowns and recovery techniques, Overland Repair & Recovery is invaluable. To plan long-term routes and daily logistics, Overland Navigator plus our online Overland Expedition Planner make a powerful combo.
