Exploring North America’s great outdoors through overlanding offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and serenity. If you’re a beginner, selecting the right trails can make a significant impact on the quality of your journey.
Here, we present six beginner overland trails in North America that offer stunning landscapes, manageable terrains, and unforgettable experiences.
While these 6 trails merely offer a glimpse of the variety of untamed landscapes across the United States and Canada, they offer beginning overlanders wonderful overlanding experiences.
If you’re new to overlanding, check out this list of skill-level appropriate overlanding trails to consider as you begin to plan your next adventure.
1. Valley of the Gods Road, Utah
The first of our beginner overland trails is Valley of the Gods Road. Nestled north of Mexican Hat, Utah, the Valley of the Gods Road provides a perfect introduction to overlanding.
This 17-mile loop, surrounded by awe-inspiring sandstone formations, offers a unique glimpse into the region's natural beauty.
The trail is mostly a dirt and gravel path, accessible to high-clearance vehicles but not overly challenging, making it ideal for newcomers.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 17 miles
- Recommended Duration: 2 hours - 2 days
- Best Time to Go: Spring (March-early June) and Fall (September-October)
This route's accessibility and proximity to major landmarks such as Monument Valley and the Grand Staircase-Escalante, make it one of the best beginner overland trails in North America.
The landscape is also a photographer's dream, with towering rock formations and expansive views that change dramatically with the shifting light of day.
A leisurely pace allows explorers to soak in the serene environment, with numerous spots that are perfect for picnics or short hikes.
2. The Alpine Loop, Colorado
Number two on our list of beginner overland trails is The Colorado Alpine Loop. For those of you who feel ready to take on a bit of a challenge, the Alpine Loop in Colorado is a fantastic option.
This 63-mile trail traverses the breathtaking San Juan Mountains and passes through the historic mining towns of Ouray and Silverton.
The route includes two high mountain passes, Engineer and Cinnamon, each offering panoramic views and a taste of the region's rich mining history.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 63 miles
- Recommended Duration: 5 hours - 2 days
- Best Time to Go: Late June to September (snowfall dependent)
A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended for all beginner overland trails, including this one, as some sections are rocky and steep.
The route is dotted with remnants of old mines and ghost towns, providing a fascinating glimpse into Colorado's past.
Wildlife sightings are common, and the alpine meadows burst into a riot of colors with wildflowers in late summer. The loop can be completed in a day, but taking an extra day allows for camping under the stars and exploring the surrounding areas more thoroughly.
3. Drummond Island, Michigan
The next on our list of beginner overland trails is an offroad challenge for overlanders based in the Midwest.
Drummond Island in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers an accessible yet adventurous overland experience. Known for its rugged terrain and beautiful scenery, the island features a network of off-road trails that are perfect for beginners looking to test their skills.
Of course, overlanding excursions in this area should not be attempted during winter, but this terrain offers a great summer/spring destination for overlanders.
Trip Details:
- Distance: Approximately 40 miles of trails
- Recommended Duration: 1-2 days
- Best Time to Go: Late Spring to early Fall
The island's trails include a mix of dirt and rocky paths suitable for 4WD vehicles. Drummond Island is home to diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, wetlands, and stunning shoreline views.
The trails vary in difficulty, with some sections offering a moderate challenge due to mud and rocks, especially after rainfall.
The island also offers numerous campsites and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring local wildlife.
The tranquil environment and scenic beauty make it a fantastic destination for overlanders seeking a peaceful yet adventurous getaway.
4. The Dempster Highway, Yukon/Northwest Territories, Canada
Number four on our list of beginner overland trails is the Dempster Highway. For those looking to experience the wilds of Canada, the Dempster Highway offers an unforgettable journey.
This 457-mile gravel road stretches from Dawson City, Yukon, to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way.
Keep in mind that if you’re a U.S. citizen, you will have to plan for the additional hurdles that come with crossing an international border.
Be sure to acquire a valid U.S. passport and bring appropriate forms of identification with you during your trip. You may also need to consult with your insurance company to make sure your vehicle is still insured in Canadian territories.
While most insurance companies support international trips across the Northern border, it’s always a good idea to check before you head out on your journey, even when exploring beginner overland trails.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 457 miles
- Recommended Duration: 3-5 days
- Best Time to Go: Late June to September
The Dempster Highway is known for its rugged beauty, with stunning views of mountains, tundra, and the Mackenzie River.
While the road is gravel, it is generally well-maintained, making it accessible to high-clearance vehicles. However, conditions can change rapidly with weather, so it's crucial to be well-prepared with supplies and emergency gear.
Wildlife sightings are common, including caribou, grizzly bears, and even the elusive Arctic fox.
The journey is a test of endurance and preparation, offering a unique opportunity to experience the remote wilderness of Canada's north. Before going on your trip, be sure to do your research on the terrain as well as the wildlife you may be encountering.
While we’re listing this trip on our list of the 6 best overland trails for beginners, during certain times of year, this area can present some unique challenges.
Obtaining as much information as you can about an area before you plan to travel there is always a good idea.
5. The Mojave Road, California
Stretching 147 miles through the Mojave National Preserve, the Mojave Road offers an intriguing mix of history and adventure. This fifth option on our list of beginner overland trails follows an ancient path used by Native Americans and later by early settlers, providing a journey through time as well as the desert landscape.
Though the terrain may not offer too many challenging landscapes to traverse by vehicle, this area is very hostile to humans. Before departing, be sure to get your vehicle fully cleared for travel by an automotive professional.
Additionally, you will need to develop a thorough contingency plan for gasoline reserves and food and water.
This is one place you don’t want to run into engine trouble! While all these trails are suitable for beginners, it’s very important to remember that overlanding in general does come with risks.
Always plan for the worst before embarking on your overland journey.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 147 miles
- Recommended Duration: 2-4 days
- Best Time to Go: Spring or Fall
A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is necessary on this trail, as the route includes sandy washes, rocky sections, and potential water crossings.
The trail is dotted with historical sites, including old forts and petroglyphs, offering glimpses into the area's rich cultural past. The desert's stark beauty, with its unique wildlife and plants, it provides a stunning backdrop for this journey.
Though it makes our list of beginner overland trails, it's a trail that requires careful planning and preparation, especially in terms of water and fuel, but also offers a rewarding experience for those ready to tackle it.
6. The Georgia Traverse, Georgia
The last installment on our list of beginner overland trails is the Georgia Traverse. This Southeastern wilderness area is a 390-mile overland route that offers a diverse array of landscapes, from lush forests to rolling hills.
The trail runs from the South Carolina state line at Burrells Ford to the Alabama border at Chattoogaville, passing through several states and national forests.
If you’re an overlander located in the South, experiencing this overland trail is a must.
Keep in mind this region is quite mountainous and experiences a large amount of rainfall. You’ll want a reliable vehicle to travel this landscape.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 390 miles
- Recommended Duration: 4 days
- Best Time to Go: Spring, Summer, or Fall
This route is largely off-pavement, consisting of a mix of county, state, and forest service roads. While most sections are moderate, a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially during rainy seasons when roads can become muddy and challenging.
The landscape offers numerous opportunities for camping and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. It's a great example of how even beginner overland trails can provide both challenges and beauty.
If you’re looking to experience a longer overland journey, there are plenty of spots for hiking, fishing, and exploring local wildlife.
Let’s Review
These six beginner overland trails offer a perfect blend of adventure and accessibility for beginners looking to get their feet wet in the world of overlanding.
Each trail presents unique challenges and stunning landscapes, providing a memorable experience for any beginning overland enthusiast.
If you’re looking to start your journey as an overlander, give one of these trails a try and experience adventure from the red rock formations of Utah, to the historic trails of the Mojave, or the diverse landscapes of Georgia.
These beginner overland trails are the perfect starting point for your overlanding adventures.
So pack your gear, prepare your vehicle, and set off on an unforgettable journey through some of North America's most beautiful and diverse terrains!
