Beyond its crowded coastlines, California offers millions of acres of public land for overlanders. The state’s diverse geography—ranging from temperate rainforests and volcanic plateaus to high-altitude granite peaks and desert playas—is categorized into six primary regions. This breakdown and accompanying video guide are designed to help travelers choose the perfect destination for anything from a weekend escape to a multi-week expedition.

We were just looking through all of our old emails and articles and realized we hadn't done a featured routes article in quite some time. And just because it may be cold, dark, and snowy in your locale, there's plenty of places to explore during the winter months! . In Search of Solitude? Overlanding and outdoor recreation in general has absolutely exploded since Covid hit 5 years ago. And those once hidden gems seem to have been discovered by the weekend warriors. But, if yo

Traversing the rugged topography of the Ontario Highlands, the Bush Chicken is a 730-mile loop composed of 60% gravel and 40% pavement. This guide details the track from the dense forests of Haliburton to the Ottawa Valley, highlighting key discovery points and surface conditions. Prepare for a mix of scenic backroads and technical terrain through this diverse geological province.

There's a particular flavor of sanctimonious bullshit that's infected the overlanding community, and honestly, I'm tired of pretending it's not ridiculous. You know the type - the adventure purists who've appointed themselves the Supreme Court of What Counts , complete with arbitrary rules, minimum requirements, and a smugness that could fuel a small power grid. According to these self-appointed judges, your week-long backcountry trip through the Rockies doesn't qualify. Your

The Verdict Up Front:   If you're tired of trash bags sliding down your spare or disintegrating after a season or two, the Blacksmith Camping 4WD Wheel Bag justifies its premium price. It's not flawless, but the Australian poly-cotton fabric and sleeve design solve the two most frustrating problems with wheel-mounted trash bags. Blacksmith Camping wheel bags are made from Aussie poly-cotton in their Adelaide workshop. Who Is Blacksmith Camping? Blacksmith Camping probably is

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Dive into the heart of the Great Basin on the Northern Nevada Treasure Trail, highlighting the incredible mineral history that defined this region. Beyond the ghost towns and mining relics, the trail rewards explorers with unique geological stops, including Tufa Cave, the Blue Wing Playa, and the bizarre rock formations of Elephant Land. If your idea of adventure involves endless desert solitude and horizon-to-horizon vistas, this rugged track is a must-do experience.

Let me paint you a picture of authenticity in 2025: A $90,000 Land Cruiser with a custom paint job in some aggressively earthy shade that probably has a name like "Tactical Sage" or "Desert Warfare Tan," seventeen sponsor decals, a YouTube handle plastered across the rear window in letters large enough to be seen from the International Space Station, and enough electronic equipment in the cab to run a small television production company. This magnificent beast is piloted by a

We drove into the wilderness to escape our screens, then paid one of the world's richest billionaires to bring them with us. This satirical look at overlanding's satellite internet obsession explores how Starlink and similar services are killing boredom, destroying campfire culture, and turning backcountry trips into just another place to doomscroll. Spoiler: we told ourselves it was for the kids, but we're the ones who can't disconnect.

Adventure riders have been exploring the backroads and dirt trails in the San Jacinto Mountains for years, and the Idyllwild Adventure Tour is one of the best routes in the area. This 80% dirt route climbs over 7,000 feet through desert lowlands, chaparral hills, and pine forests with incredible views. Accessible from Southern California in just a couple of hours.

Let's talk about the absolute fever dream that is modern overlanding culture. We've somehow collectively decided that the best way to...

Mendocino Grand Circuit If you'd like more information about the 315 mile Mendocino Grand Circuit, be sure to visit the Route Guide Page ....

Just a few shorts hours from Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area, the Mendocino National Forest is beloved by those who know its splendor. The crowds tend to flock to places like Lake Tahoe, the high Sierra, and Big Sur, leaving the Mendocino splendidly wild-- just the way we like it! Route Overview Trip Length & Season Adventure Rating: Epic Trip Length:   315 miles, 3.5-6 days Season: Late May - November (season may open earlier/later depending on snow levels. A

The Lost Coast has always been Northern California's answer to those seeking something wilder than the well-worn paths of Big Sur or Highway 1. Rugged beaches where Roosevelt Elk outnumber tourists, ancient redwood groves that feel like cathedral halls, and ridgelines so steep they drop straight into the Pacific—this is the California that refuses to be tamed. Released in August 2025, the Lost Coast 4x4 Loop (affectionately known as the LoCo Loop) delivers 328 miles of everyt

With its redwood forests, spectacular mountains, and rugged coastline, the Lost Coast might just be the quintessential NorCal adventure!

Digital Mapping Files

Explore Montana's classic overlanding route. 555 miles connecting Missoula, Helena, and Anaconda together by way of 12 mountain passes.

Let's be honest, you've probably seen it. Someone posts a picture of their tricked-out rig—roof top tent deployed, traction boards...

An interactive map from the Wilderness Collective shows public lands at risk of being sold. As outdoor enthusiasts, we know the heartbeat...

Venture beyond the familiar with the Nord-Taiga Traverse, one of North America's most exceptionally remote overland routes. Explore Quebec's untouched taiga, where industrial gravel roads lead to far-flung outposts and the chances of seeing other travelers are incredibly slim. This guide details your passage through truly wild, unforgiving terrain.