Trans-America Trail West Section

The Trans-America Trail’s western section picks up where the Great Plains end and the real adventure begins, threading 2,500 miles of dirt, gravel, and two-track from Colorado’s high country to the Pacific Ocean. This isn’t just a trail — it’s a carefully researched anthology of America’s best backroads, linking ghost towns, mining districts, and forgotten highways through the Rockies, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert. The route tackles legendary passes like Imogene and Engineer in Colorado, skirts the edge of Death Valley, and finishes with a triumphant roll through California’s Central Valley to the coast.

Moderate difficulty overall but with expert sections that’ll humble cocky drivers, especially in Colorado’s alpine zones above treeline. Any high-clearance vehicle can handle most of it, though 4WD is essential for the technical bits. Best run west to east in late spring through early fall, avoiding winter snow in the mountains. GPS tracks are available through the TAT organization, and the route is designed for self-supported travel with regular resupply opportunities. This is overlanding at its finest — a month-long journey that captures the essence of American adventure travel and connects you to the country’s pioneering spirit.