New Mexico
DifficultGila Cliff Dwellings Back Road — Upper Gila River Canyon and TJ Corral Road
Mogollon ruins and a river that wants your rig.
Surface: Sand
California
ModerateCalico Hills to Teutonia Peak — Mojave National Preserve Desert Crest Road
Mojave's quiet interior on your own terms.
California
DifficultCoyote Canyon Road — Anza-Borrego Desert Palm Oasis to Alcoholic Pass
De Anza's canyon, still wild and unforgiving.
Alabama
ModeratePinhoti Trail Road — Talladega National Forest Backcountry
Southern Appalachian dirt the crowds skip.
USA
ModerateComb Wash Road — Cedar Mesa to San Juan River via Bears Ears Corridor
Ancient ruins, red walls, and a river finish.
USA
DifficultCoyote Gulch to Red Breaks — Grand Staircase-Escalante Desert Circuit
Utah canyon country at its most unforgiving.
California
ModerateCoyote Wash to Pinnacles — Anza-Borrego Desert Jeep Trail
Desert canyon water crossings and bighorn country.
California
ModerateCinder Cone Volcanic Loop — Lassen Volcanic National Park Backcountry
Painted dunes and black cinder in volcanic solitude.
Arizona
ExpertTinajas Altas Pass Road — Cabeza Prieta Desert Crossing
The Devil's Highway. There's a reason for that name.
Colorado
DifficultMedano Pass Primitive Road — Great Sand Dunes to Wet Mountain Valley
Sand, creek crossings, and a Sangre de Cristo crossing.