Backcountry Discovery Route
Epic Mexico-to-Canada backcountry traverse
The Backcountry Discovery Route threads 2,400 miles of dirt from the Mexican border to British Columbia, staying off pavement wherever possible through five states of raw Western landscape. Starting in Crazy Cook Monument’s Chihuahuan Desert, the route climbs through New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness, Utah’s slickrock country, Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness before hitting the Canadian line. Each section demands different skills — from navigating wash crossings in the Southwest to high-altitude alpine passes that close with October snow.
This is serious backcountry requiring self-sufficiency and navigation skills; GPS tracks are essential since much of the route follows unmarked forest service roads and mining tracks. Adventure motorcycles and capable 4WDs handle most sections, but some narrow single-track segments favor two wheels. Plan weeks to complete the full route, or tackle individual state sections. Fuel and resupply points are mapped but sparse — carry extra gas and water. The payoff is an intimate tour through America’s most remote and spectacular country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 2400 mi / 3862 km |
| Duration | 3-4 weeks |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11000 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Dual-sport motorcycle or capable 4WD |
| Nearest town | Multiple towns |
| Land manager | Multiple agencies |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | ridebdr.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock truck or SUV run the full AZBDR/COBDR sections, or do I need a built rig?
A capable stock 4WD with decent clearance (8+ inches) can handle most BDR segments, but sections of the COBDR and MTBDR have rocky shelf roads and loose climbs that will punish low-clearance or open-diff rigs. Skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a locker or limited-slip make a real difference — plan your specific state segments and check current conditions before committing.
What months are actually drivable for the full Mexico-to-Canada run?
May through early October is the realistic window — high-elevation passes in Colorado and Montana can hold snow into June and see early snow again by September. Southern segments in Arizona and New Mexico can be brutally hot in July and August, and monsoon season adds mud and flash flood risk from mid-July onward.
Do I need permits to drive the BDR, and are there fees for camping along the route?
No single permit covers the entire BDR — it crosses BLM, USFS, state, and private land, each with their own rules. Most dispersed camping on BLM and Forest Service land is free with a 14-day stay limit, but some segments pass through fee areas or require fire permits depending on current conditions and state.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I actually expect?
The Colorado segment (COBDR) is widely considered the most technical, with high-altitude passes topping 12,000 feet, loose shale climbs, and narrow shelf roads with serious exposure. Expect airing down, slow crawling speeds, and sections where a mistake puts your rig off a cliff — it's not beginner territory.
How far apart are gas stations, and what's the longest stretch without fuel?
Some segments in Nevada, Idaho, and Montana have gaps of 100+ miles between reliable fuel stops — the Nevada BDR in particular is notorious for long empty stretches through remote high desert. Run a full tank leaving every town and carry a rotopax or auxiliary fuel if your rig drinks more than 20 MPG; don't assume the small town on the map still has an open station.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.