Oregon
EasyLakeview to Glass Buttes — High Desert Obsidian Country Road
Obsidian hills, sage desert, and zero crowds.
Trail Type: Scenic Drive
Oregon
EasyFort Rock Valley Road — Christmas Valley to Fort Rock State Natural Area via High Desert Basin
A volcano rising alone from Oregon's ancient lake bed.
California
ModerateChimney Peak Backcountry Byway — Canebrake Road to Chimney Peak via Lamont Peak Divide
Southern Sierra desert ridge with zero crowds.
California
ModerateBunny Flat to Sand Flat — Mount Shasta Volcanic Rim Road
Shasta's flanks, pumice, and zero mercy.
USA
EasyTranscontinental Railroad Grade Road — Promontory Summit to Golden Spike NHS
Where the golden spike met the great desert.
California
ModerateRacetrack Valley Road — Death Valley’s Sailing Stones and Grandstand Loop
Washboard, sailing stones, and brutal beauty.
USA
EasyWedge Overlook Road — San Rafael Swell Canyon Rim
Utah's Little Grand Canyon — no crowds, no guardrails.
Oregon
ModeratePainted Hills to Picture Gorge — John Day River Basin Backcountry Loop
Fossil beds, painted badlands, and empty Oregon rangeland.
USA
ModerateCottonwood Canyon Road — Tooele County Salt Flats to Simpson Springs via Pony Circuit
Bryce to Kanab through empty mesa and canyon country.
Oregon
EasyAlvord Desert Playa to Fields Station — Steens Mountain East Escarpment Base
A mile-high fault wall and an alkali desert floor.