2024 Top 5 Off-Road Adventures in the United States

In the previous articles, we took a detailed look at the trim levels of each Make. Have you already picked the pickup truck that is best for you? Now, it's time to get behind the wheel of your new vehicle for some fun activities. For those who love adventure, off-roading is an essential activity for them. But where to go off-roading is always overwhelming for many new adventurers.

In this article, our MOSTPLUS team members have compiled a list of the top 5 off-road destinations in the United States based on their own off-roading experiences. Read on, whether you’re interested in exploring ancient petroglyphs, discovering ghost towns, or driving through volcanic landscapes, we hope this list inspires your next off-road adventure.

NO.5 Sears Point

• Location: Located near the Gila River in Arizona.

• History: Rich in history, once a major travel route from 500 AD to the 1800s.

• Main attractions: Ancient petroglyphs and remains (possibly old ranch houses).

• Road conditions: Good gravel road, but poor conditions after rain.

Sears Point, nestled between Phoenix and San Diego, offers an off-road adventure with a rich historical backdrop. Often overlooked by those cruising along Interstate 8, this area reveals a treasure trove of ancient history once you venture beyond the arid landscape towards the Hila River. Since 500 AD, the Hila River has been a vital travel route, and Sears Point was integral to the Butterfield Stage Coach route in the 1800s.

The main draw here is its hidden archaeological gem: prehistoric petroglyphs etched into the cliffside by cultures long before Columbus's arrival. These ancient markings, left by the Hohokam and Paiutes, offer a glimpse into a world dating back 10,000 years.

Reaching Sears Point involves traveling along Avenue 76 East, a well-maintained dirt road accessible via Google Maps. During the journey, you might spot remnants of an old structure, possibly an abandoned ranch house, adding to the area's historical allure.

While Sears Point may not boast the most exhilarating drive, its significance lies in its connection to ancient cultures and its role in historic travel routes. For history enthusiasts and those keen on exploring prehistoric art, Sears Point is a rewarding destination that enriches the understanding of the region's past.

NO.4 Robbers Roost

• Location: Near Sedona, Arizona.

• Main attraction: The famous "Robber's Hideout" (or "Wizard's Cave"), a historical hideout for bandits and cattle thieves.

• Road conditions: Good forest road, with a rough last section.

• Activities: Hiking and caving, with spectacular views.

Robbers Roost, a renowned off-road destination near Sedona, Arizona, captivates visitors with its breathtaking views and intriguing history. Popular on Instagram as the Shaman’s Cave or The Hideout Cave, this location offers both natural beauty and historical intrigue.

The adventure to Robbers Roost begins on well-maintained forest roads, providing stunning vistas of Sedona’s landscape, especially magical in spring when the mountain tops are dusted with snow. Along the way, we enjoyed the scenery so much that we had a leisurely picnic lunch amidst the picturesque backdrop.

As you approach the trailhead, the journey becomes more rugged, demanding a vehicle with higher clearance. Most visitors opt to park and hike the final stretch, which, while short, includes challenging sections with steep drop-offs.

The cave’s rich history adds to its allure. Legends suggest that cattle rustlers and outlaws used Robbers Roost as a hideout due to its strategic vantage point for spotting any approaching law enforcement. Additionally, there are signs that the cave may have served as a ceremonial site for the ancient Ancestral Puebloans.

With its combination of striking views and historical significance, Robbers Roost offers a memorable experience for those seeking both adventure and a deeper connection to the past.

NO.3 Mojave Volcanoes

• Location: Mojave Desert.

• Main attractions: volcanic cones, abandoned volcanic mines, small lava caves.

• Road conditions: Rugged volcanic rock sections.

• Activities: Explore volcanic ruins and lava caves.

At number 3, the Mojave Volcanoes stand out as a mesmerizing destination within the Mojave Desert. This area, marked by a field of cinder cones, offers a strikingly lunar landscape that captured our curiosity after seeing its intriguing satellite imagery.

The terrain is characterized by black basalt rock formations, reminiscent of Hawaii's volcanic features. During our visit, we climbed one of the cinder cones and discovered a historical cinder mine. This site, once used to extract and crush cinders for landscaping and road treatment in Northern California, was eventually shut down but remains a fascinating relic of the past.

Our exploration felt like a journey to a newly terraformed Mars, enhanced by the discovery of a small lava cave that added an element of adventure to the experience. While the route might not be the most thrilling in terms of driving excitement, the unique volcanic landscape and the remnants of the old mining operation make the Mojave Volcanoes a captivating destination for those interested in geology and history.

NO.2 Sego Ghost Town

• Location: Sego Ghost Town, Utah.

• Main attractions: Old hotel, school and company store, murals and petroglyphs.

• Road conditions: Paved first, then dirt.

• Activities: Explore ghost town ruins and murals.

Sego Ghost Town, nestled near Thompson Springs, Utah, is our fourth pick for an off-road adventure. The journey begins on paved roads before shifting to dirt, blending historical exploration with off-road excitement.

Our first stop was Thompson Springs, a historical hub once linked to Sego via a railroad. We explored remnants like an old hotel and a 1907 schoolhouse, offering a glimpse into the town's storied past.

Continuing to Sego, we encountered a once-thriving coal mining town. Here, we found captivating pictographs created by the Utes, Fremont, and other cultures. These ancient markings provide a hauntingly beautiful look into the spiritual and cultural practices of their creators.

The drive through Sego Canyon, with its stunning vistas and remnants of the American Fuel Company Store, made for a memorable experience. The enduring stone structures of Sego Ghost Town stand as a testament to its historical significance, making this route a compelling addition to our top five list.

NO.1 Crown King

• Location: Near Phoenix, Arizona.

• Main attractions: Historic gold mining town, CK's Bar

• Road conditions: Easy at first, gradually becoming rugged and scenic.

• Activities: Historical exploration and casual dining.

Crown King, Arizona, claims the first spot on our list for its captivating blend of historical intrigue and scenic beauty. This route guides you to a former gold mining town that offers a unique off-road adventure.

Starting from Interstate 17, the journey takes you through Bumblebee, once a bustling stagecoach stop, and then to Cleeter, a town with roots stretching back to the 1800s. As you ascend to Crown King, the drive is defined by its dramatic switchbacks and panoramic views, tracing the path of the Crown King Branch railroad, an engineering marvel completed in 1904 and famously dubbed Murphy’s Impossible Railroad.

Upon arrival in Crown King, you’re welcomed by its historic charm. A highlight of our visit was the Crown King Saloon, an authentic relic from 1906, where you can unwind with a beer and a burger after a day of off-roading. The combination of historical significance and breathtaking scenery makes the drive up to Crown King a must-experience for anyone exploring the Phoenix area.

Conclusion

That wraps up our list of the top five off-road adventures of 2024. Each of these routes offered a unique blend of history, scenery, and adventure, making them memorable highlights of our off-roading year. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient petroglyphs, discovering ghost towns, or driving through volcanic landscapes, we hope this list inspires your next off-road journey.

If you’re not quite ready to go off-roading yet, or if you’re gearing up for your off-roading adventure, rest assured that we’ve got top-notch products like bumpers that are tough enough to handle anything you might encounter on your off-road adventure.