Popular Off-Road Trails in US

1. Bloody Basin, Sheep Bridge. Phoenix, AZ
Sheep Bridge at end of trail is an impressive sight. Bridge spans wide Verde River with a 476-ft. walkway. Original bridge, built in 1943, was rebuilt in 1989 to look like the old bridge. Today the bridge is used for pedestrian traffic only. A hidden concrete-enclosed hot spring is purportedly located in thick brush just north of the west side of the bridge. (Author’s note: We didn’t know the location of the hot spring at the time of our visit, and couldn’t find it. Later, online, we found the location. We hope to return someday to get pictures.) Side trips at Wpts. 02 and 03 lead to interesting archaeological sites. Side trip at Waypoint 03 also has a long cliff area with petroglyphs.

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2. Camp Creek Road. New River, AZ
This well-graded road takes the traveler past a number of points of interest, recreation sites, and 4WD trails that lead up into the Tonto National Forest. The entire length of the road is well maintained, although its popularity means the route is often washboardy. Special Attractions: Winding trail with many moderately steep hill climbs and descents; Views of Grays Gulch and New River Mesa; Interesting stone and timber cabin. This trail is graded dirt but suitable for a normal passenger vehicle. It usually has gentle grades, is fairly wide, and has very shallow water crossings (if any).

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3. Black Bear Pass. Ouray, CO
This is one of Colorado’s most spectacular 4WD roads, but it also is dangerous. The wildflowers are fantastic as you climb to 12,840 feet, and the view of the box canyon occupied by Telluride is awesome. You will cross Ingram Falls on the descent, then pass Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s longest (350 feet).

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4. Dome Plateau ATV Trail. Moab, UT
Great riding area with many legal side roads to explore. Very scenic with terrific arches and one outstanding overlook of Colorado River. Explore giant wind caves at Caves Spring (on foot) and an old mining camp with two well-preserved cabins. Rocky and steep in places. Novice riders may find some steep ledges challenging. Much of route is easy. Parts of main route can be impassable when wet. Some very difficult side roads.

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5. Bulldog Canyon. Apache Junction, AZ
A permit is required for this trail. It’s easy to obtain and free. Carry it with you at all times. This is a highly sensitive area and subject to closure. The trail passes through scenic Sonoran Desert with views of Goldfield and Superstition Mountains. Several short, steep rocky climbs that require careful tire placement and some driving skill. Suitable for aggressive stock SUVs with high ground clearance. Go with a friend and carry a tow strap.

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6. Cleghorn Ridge Trail. Cajon Junction, CA
Cleghorn Ridge is an open ridge top that runs between Silverwood Lake and I-15. The trail is actually two separate trails that parallel each other and intersect frequently. The route mapped here is the easier of the two. The roughly graded dirt road is suitable for high-clearance 2WD vehicles in dry weather, even though it is rockier and lumpier than a lot of other 2-rated trails. Special Attractions: Choice of two trail standards following the same route— one easy, one moderate to very difficult; Ridge top trail giving views over Mount Baldy; Silverwood Lake. Stock vehicles are likely to be damaged and may find the trail impassable. This tail is for highly skilled, experienced 4-wheel drivers only.

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7. Pilot Rock Road. San Bernardino, CA
This route covers the most scenic part of F. S. Road 2N33, which actually starts farther east from a point northwest of Lake Arrowhead. The starting point described here is convenient for anyone completing Cleghorn Ridge. You can also run this route in the opposite direction and continue east on F.S. 2N33 to Pilot Rock near the Pinnacles. Those looking for a difficult trail can drive F.S. Road 2N17X which you’ll pass as you complete this route. A Forest Adventure Pass is required if you stop to recreate. The first half of the trip is mostly uphill and is steep and rutted in places. The last half is downhill and easy. Suitable for stock 4x4 SUVs with high ground clearance. Good for ATVs and dirt bikes.

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8. Pole Hill. Estes Park, CO
This small 4-wheel-drive area is one of the best-kept secrets in northern Colorado. Connected loops offer a variety of terrain that is fun to drive. Great camp spots with incredible views of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park in the distance. A short drive from Estes Park. ATVs are allowed on all marked roads after you pass through residential area. Limited parking at start of trail. Steep and rocky in places, although worst spots can be bypassed. One section is narrow with a small water crossing. Suitable for high-clearance, aggressive, stock SUVs. No major obstacles.

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It's not all. The second part (9-15) here.

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