The Definitive Overlanders Guide to California

California is often defined by its crowded coastlines and iconic landmarks, but for the overlander, the real story is found in the millions of acres of public land tucked between the pavement. The sheer diversity of the state is its greatest asset, offering everything from rain-drenched temperate rainforests and volcanic plateaus to high-altitude granite spires and sun-scorched desert playas. To make the state's massive geography more digestible, we’ve broken California down into six regions. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a multi-week expedition, the following breakdown and the accompanying video guide will help you identify which corner of the Golden State best fits your next adventure.

The North Coast

The North Coast is defined by its refusal to be tamed, anchored by the legendary Lost Coast 4x4 Trail where the King Range rises so abruptly that Highway 1 was forced inland. But this region is far more than just a rugged shoreline; it is a massive network of temperate rainforests, wild coastlines, and high-elevation ridgelines encompassing the Mendocino, Six Rivers, Smith NRA and Redwood National and State Parks. You can trace the roots of modern overlanding along the Mendocino Backcountry Discovery Trail—the original segment of the California BDT established in 1996—which offers a classic route through oak-dotted grasslands and 7,000-foot peaks. Further north, the Steelhead Adventure Trail and Redwood Coast Adventure Trail provide a stark contrast, leading you through the serpentine soils and emerald waters of the Smith River NRA and the towering old-growth groves of Redwood National Park. From the wild trails along the Lost Coast, the wide scenic ridge roads of the Mendocino NF, the North Coast offers a sense of isolation and frontier independence that is increasingly rare in the West.

Southern Cascades & Klamath Mountains

This region is one of the wildest areas in the state, offering a massive spectrum of terrain and ecology that shifts dramatically as you travel east. In the west, the Shasta-Trinity BDT takes you through the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion and the heart of the Trinity Alps, eventually leading to Mt. Shasta. The route navigates a labyrinth of steep, emerald-clothed canyons and craggy granite monoliths—a landscape that feels entirely disconnected from the rest of California. Moving inland, the landscape undergoes a violent transition into the volcanism of the Southern Cascades. The Lassen BDT serves as the literal meeting point where the serpentine and granite of the Sierra Nevada gives way to the black lava fields and snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Cascades. This transition culminates on the Modoc BDT, where the dense timber disappears into the wide-open basalt flows and high-desert plateaus of the northeast corner. Whether you’re navigating the technical lava rifts near Hat Creek Rim or looking up at the massive silhouette of Mt. Shasta from the volcanic barrens of the Modoc plateau, this region delivers a sense of geological drama and isolation that is unmatched.

Central Sierra

The Central Sierra is the historic heart of California’s mountain heritage, defined by the legacy of the 1849 Gold Rush and an incredible density of rivers and alpine lakes. This region is anchored by a network of Backcountry Discovery Trails that trace the original footsteps of pioneers and miners. The Plumas BDT offers a journey through the "Northern Sierra," where the terrain is less rugged but rich in pioneer history and deep forest solitude. As you move south, the Tahoe BDT shifts the focus toward water, passing an impressive volume of crystal-clear high-country lakes like Bowman, Sawmill, Faucherie, and Meadow Lake. For those seeking more technical, rocky terrain, the Lost Sierra 4x4 Trail provides a rugged alternative through the ridges north of Downieville, while the Eldorado BDT continues the journey through the dense timber and deep river canyons of the Mother Lode, featuring a number of moderately technical jeep trails. Whether you’re overlooking the North Fork American River from Big Valley Bluff or exploring the historic quartz veins of the Sixteen to One Mine, the Central Sierra offers the perfect blend of lakeside camping, alpine vistas, jeep trails and deep California history.

Eastern Sierra

The Eastern Sierra is where the landscape grows significantly more rugged and the "High Sierra" feel truly takes over. This is a region defined by majestic granite spires, stark rain-shadow scenery, and rocky, high-altitude tracks that offer staggering vertical relief. The Eastern Sierra Traverse serves as the definitive way to experience this scale, tracing the base of the Sierra escarpment and climbing into the clouds to reveal some of the best vehicle-accessible views of the high peaks in the state. Whether you’re navigating the loose, technical climbs around Coyote Flat or exploring the glacial-carved basins of the high desert, the Eastern Sierra rewards those who seek out its unforgiving terrain. And for those looking for a reason to return, the Mammoth Adventure Loop (coming 2026) is slated for release later this year—a new route centering around the volcanic wonders of Mono Lake and the alpine beauty of the Mammoth Lakes basin and surrounding mountains.

Southern California Deserts

This region is a massive expanse of public land that encompasses the Mojave, the Sonoran Desert to the south, and a high-latitude slice of the Great Basin in the far north. It is the premier cold-weather destination for overlanders in the Golden State, offering mild temperatures and an almost endless network of tracks. Historic routes like the Mojave Road and the daunting 740-mile East Mojave Heritage Trail provide a deep dive into the "magical and mythical" landscape of the Mojave National Preserve, following ancient trading paths and crossing vast dry lake beds.

Further north, the Death Valley Adventure Route and the Trona Desert Trail offer a starker, more alien experience—where you can transition from the "out-of-this-world" tufa spires of the Trona Pinnacles to the technical, high-clearance challenges of trails like Mengel Pass Steele Pass, and Echo Canyon. To the south, the Anza-Borrego Discovery Trail and the Joshua Tree Adventure Route showcase the transition into the Sonoran Desert, defined by deep sandy washes, mud palisades, and hidden palm oases. Whether you’re exploring the narrow slot canyons of the badlands or airing down for the soft sands of the Mojave, this region offers a sense of freedom and solitude that makes it a mandatory pilgrimage for any California explorer.

Central Coast

The Central Coast is a region of hidden gems, where connecting long-distance overland routes requires a bit of "insider" knowledge. This is where you’ll find the Coastal-Carrizo Adventure Trail, a true sea-to-sky experience that begins at the edge of the Pacific before climbing the "California Riviera" via the bumpy dirt of West Camino Cielo. From the boulders of Lizard’s Mouth to the panoramic views atop McPherson Peak, this region offers a dramatic transition from coastal chaparral to the rolling grasslands of the Carrizo Plain.

Further north, the Big Sur Adventure Route allows you to explore the rugged ridgetops overlooking the ocean, providing views that are typically reserved for those on foot. For a completely different flavor, the New Idria Adventure Route takes you into the interior of Monterey and San Benito Counties. This area is a stark, moon-like landscape centered around the historic (and toxic) mercury mines of New Idria and the unique serpentine barrens of Clear Creek. Whether you're navigating the steep, off-camber sections of Tremblor Ridge or tracking through the oak-studded hills of the Los Padres NF, the Central Coast proves that some of California’s best overlanding is hidden right in plain sight.

Tying it All Together

While each of these six regions offers a lifetime of exploration on its own, the real magic of overlanding California is the ability to link these diverse landscapes together. You can start your morning overlooking the Pacific on a Big Sur ridgetop and end it in the high-desert rain shadow of the Sierra, or transition from the emerald forests of the North Coast to the volcanic barrens of the Modoc Plateau in a single day’s drive. Regardless of where you point your tires, remember that these tracks demand respect—both in terms of vehicle preparation and land stewardship. Watch the full video and review the route guides for specific details on seasonal timing, vehicle requirements, and the exact route highlights that make each of these regions a world-class destination.