5 Awesome Off-Roading Destinations In The United States

Nicknamed the Switzerland of America, Ouray, Colorado is the most scenic off-road destination you can possibly find. Also known as the “outdoor recreation capital of Colorado,” Ouray is located within the San Juan National Forest areas, making it a paradise for mountain bikers.

There are miles of roads and trails to explore here, and the picturesque meadows and towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains will take your breath away.

"It’s also an adventure playground with world-class fishing, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking in all directions," notes Outside.

If you're looking to get away from the summer heat, the Ocala National Forest in Florida is the best place to escape the hot weather.

This wild heaven is "packed with endless mazes of sand pine, natural lakes, and rivers fed by crystal clear springs," Outside poetically describes Florida's second-largest and most visited natural forest.

Its 500 natural lakes and ponds provide a refreshing oasis to the weary traveler who comes in search of natural beauty. And let's not forget about its remarkable system of trails perfect for both ATVs and OHVs.

Lovers of the great outdoors are enchanted with the Mendocino National Forest in California for one unique reason: this is the only national forest in California that's not traversed by a single paved road or highway.

This makes it "an especially serene nature experience," per Rhino USA.

Mendocino is an ideal camping site, with hundreds of miles of off-roading trails and spectacular views. And, if you fancy a secluded site to put your ATV or OHV in gear, there's no better place than this.

"The Mendocino National Forest offers the opportunity for a myriad of adventures, from hiking and biking to off-roading and wine tasting, and while it’s close to the San Francisco Bay Area, it still manages to be one of the state’s least-visited national forests," explains Trips To Discover.

If you're aching for the genuine backcountry experience, you'll find it in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho.

Here you can enjoy some truly "epic riding" on the over 200 hundred miles of ATV and motorcycle trails that follow the South Fork of the Boise River, as well as take in the magnificent scenery of Sawtooth National Forest.

"Think technical singletrack with steep pitches, sheer drop-offs, narrow switchbacks, and lots of rock scrambling," says Outside. "Bring your camping and fishing gear — or set up at the Baumgartner Campground, which has a hot-springs-fed soaking pool.

Trips To Discover heartily recommends it as well.

"In addition to off-road opportunities, the region offers great fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, and wildlife watching, with more than 300 species calling this forest home, including deer, elk, black bear, coyote, and beaver."