Top 5 Trails in the U.S. For Off-Roading

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The United States has some of the best off-roading trails in the world, from sand dunes to rocky hills and mountain cliffs. Whether you’re new to off-roading or consider yourself an expert, these top five off-roading trails offer something for you. From Utah’s Arches National Park to Table Mesa Road, get ready for an exciting adventure as we explore some of the top places to go off-roading.

Badge of Honor Trails + Adventure Guides 

The Jeep® Badge of Honor program encompasses trails across the nation that are mapped out for you to explore. Use the app to access trail maps, information, difficulty ratings and user photos. As you check in and complete each trail, you’ll earn points to level up. Most importantly, you’ll be rewarded with badges for your vehicle that include the trail’s location and a picture of the state it’s in. All five of the trails below will earn you a badge.  

The new 2024 Jeep Wrangler will offer the Adventure Guides feature with trails vetted by Trails Offroad, LLC, that allows users to view and edit trail data, create and manage trail events and more. Adventure Guides is standard but will require an All-Access Membership1 to fully unlock its offerings. Use these tools to explore your favorite trails across the U.S. 

No matter what trails you decide to explore, have fun—but most importantly, be safe. It is important to always take the necessary precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.2 Review our safety blog for more information on how to stay safe and have fun on the trails. 

Trail Difficulty Levels 

It’s also important to note trail difficulty levels and what they may indicate. Always heed the warning that all ratings are subjective and that conditions can change. Here’s an explaination of the Badge of Honor trail rating system:

  • 12 | Easy: Ideal for beginners and novices. 
  • 3–5 | Moderate: Suitable for beginners and novices. 
  • 6–7 | Demanding: More challenging but applicable to all skill levels. 
  • 8–9 | Very Challenging: NOT suitable for beginners. 
  • 10 | Most Difficult: Expert-level off-roaders only. 

Check out the Jeep Badge of Honor app for more information on these trail difficulty ratings. 

1. Moab, Utah (Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park)

Moab, Utah is one of the top off-roading destinations in the U.S. Home to over 2,000 miles of trails, it’s no surprise that it’s a favorite for off-roaders. 

One of the most popular trails in the region is Hell’s Revenge—a 6.5-mile trail with a 3-6-level difficulty rating. This challenging trail features rocky climbs, steep descents and tight switchbacks—perfect for testing your skills. 

Fins and Things is a 10-mile-long Moab trail with a slightly lower difficulty rating of 3–4, offering sidehills, sand, slickrock and impressive scenery. 

If you really want to push it to the limits, Pritchett Canyon (Level 7–9) and Cliff Hanger (Level 6–7) trails are available as well. 

2. Big Bend National Park, Texas

This off-roading paradise offers trails of varying difficulty, from desert and mountain paths to more challenging routes. 

Black Gap 4×4 Trail is one of only two Badge of Honor Trails in Texas. Located at Big Bend National Park, it connects Black Springs Road with River Road, offering a nice balance between beginner and expert levels. 

While it falls moderately at a 4–6-level difficulty rating, Black Gap is considered “un-maintained,” making it less ideal for beginners.  

3. Ocala National Forest, Florida

Ocala National Forest is the second largest National Forest in Central Florida, home to an 81-mile trail system that’s open year-round.  

These well-maintained trails are great for beginner off-roaders thanks to their level 1–4 difficulty ratings. While cars are not recommended, stock SUVs and trucks are welcome—leaving plenty of room for upgraded rigs. 

The trails are largely made of dirt, but there are still muddy, sandy areas and narrow passings that keep the ride engaging.  

4. Holly Oaks ORV Park, Michigan 

Located just north of Detroit, Holly Oaks ORV Park covers 106 acres of former sand and gravel mines. 

This park offers fun obstacles with steep hills, water crossings, deep mud pits, rock crawls and a purpose-designed concrete peak covering 9,000 square feet. Its mandatory trails have a 3-level moderate difficulty rating, with optional roads ranging up to 8 (severe). 

If you want to take the more casual route, try The Haul Road—a scenic access road used for park exploration.

5. Table Mesa Road, Arizona 

Table Mesa Road is an easy-to-navigate Level 1 path, descending about 450 feet with no significant obstacles. 

This trail is good if you just want to have a relaxing outing with no major hurdles. It’s also free to drive and does not require a permit. 

If you’re seeking a challenge, though, the Terminator trails are available—if you’re not risk-adverse. 

Disclaimers 

1Vehicle must be enrolled with [Brand] Connect, have an active subscription to Off-Road Pages+ Package, and be in an active and usable cellular range. Adventure Guide trails available only in the United States and limited coverage in Canada. Upgrade to Adventure Guides All-Access Membership, provided by Trails Offroad, LLC.

2Always drive within your ability and experience level and consistent with conditions.

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