Top 6 'Backcountry-Access' 4x4 Overland Routes to buy for your Moab adventure this year. - Goh Ling Yong
Moab, Utah. The name alone conjures images of fiery red rock arches, vast canyon landscapes, and the kind of rugged adventure that defines American off-roading. For decades, it has been the undisputed mecca for 4x4 enthusiasts, a place where slickrock trails meet endless sky. But beyond the bustling trailheads and the well-documented routes lies a deeper, more immersive Moab experience—one that requires more than just a capable rig. It requires a spirit of adventure.
Many visitors experience Moab through a windshield on a paved road or on a few of the more famous, crowded day-trip trails. There's nothing wrong with that, but to truly understand the soul of this place, you have to push further. You have to venture onto the routes that serve not just as a challenge, but as a multi-day passage into the heart of the wilderness. These are what we call 'Backcountry-Access' routes: overland journeys that trade crowds for solitude and unlock a side of Canyonlands country most people will never see.
These trails are about more than just conquering obstacles; they're about vehicle-supported exploration. They lead to remote campsites with mind-bending views, ancient ruins tucked into canyon walls, and a profound sense of isolation. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe the best adventures start where the pavement ends. So, we've curated a list of the top six backcountry-access 4x4 routes you need to consider for your Moab adventure this year. Get your maps out—it's time to plan a real expedition.
1. The White Rim Road
The Granddaddy of Moab Overlanding
If there is one quintessential multi-day 4x4 trip in the United States, the White Rim Road is it. This 100-mile loop snakes its way through Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky district, tracing a natural sandstone bench hundreds of feet below the mesa top but hundreds of feet above the Green and Colorado Rivers. This isn't a technically difficult trail; you won't find extreme rock crawling here. Its challenge lies in its remoteness, its scale, and the mandatory self-sufficiency it demands.
The journey takes you through a geological wonderland. You'll descend the thrilling Shafer Trail switchbacks, crawl past Musselman Arch, and navigate iconic sections like the steep, rocky inclines of Murphy Hogback and the narrow shelf of Hardscrabble Hill. The scenery is relentless, with every turn revealing another jaw-dropping vista of canyons, buttes, and river bends. This is a slow-burn adventure, best experienced over two or three days, allowing you time to soak in the immense silence and camp under a blanket of brilliant stars.
- Pro Tips:
- Permits are mandatory and non-negotiable. Both a day-use permit and overnight camping permits are required and must be booked far in advance through the official National Park Service website. Popular seasons (spring and fall) fill up the day they are released, often four months in advance.
- Fuel is critical. There are no services of any kind on the 100-mile loop. Ensure your vehicle has the range to complete the trip comfortably, and carrying extra fuel is highly recommended, especially for less fuel-efficient rigs.
- Pack everything. This includes all your water (at least one gallon per person, per day), food, firewood (if allowed and in a fire pan), and a robust emergency kit. You are truly on your own out there.
- Best Campsites: For the most epic views, try to snag a spot at White Crack, which sits at the southernmost point with 360-degree views, or Murphy Hogback, which offers incredible sunrise and sunset vistas from its elevated perch.
2. Elephant Hill & The Needles District
Technical Driving to Unlock a Hiker's Paradise
While the Island in the Sky district is known for its grand vistas, the Needles district of Canyonlands is a more intimate and complex landscape of sandstone spires, grabens, and hidden canyons. And the key that unlocks its backcountry is the formidable Elephant Hill trail. This route is short but packs a serious technical punch right from the start, making it one of the most challenging Park Service-maintained roads in Utah.
The trail begins with a steep, tight, and rocky climb. You'll immediately face off-camber sections and ledges that require precise tire placement. The trail's most famous features are a series of switchbacks so tight that you are forced to back down some of them. Once you conquer the hill itself, the trail leads you deep into the Needles, giving you access to incredible backcountry campsites and trailheads for iconic hikes, like the one to the Confluence Overlook, where the Green and Colorado Rivers merge. Driving Elephant Hill isn't just about the trail; it's about earning your access to one of the park's most stunning and secluded areas.
- Pro Tips:
- Vehicle Size Matters: This trail is not for full-size trucks or long-wheelbase vehicles. The tight switchbacks are designed for smaller vehicles like Jeep Wranglers, old Broncos, or Tacomas. Check the NPS website for current size restrictions.
- Airing Down is Essential: The combination of slickrock and loose, sandy sections means that airing down your tires is crucial for both traction and ride comfort.
- Plan a 'Hike and Drive' Combo: The best way to experience this area is to use the trail as a jumping-off point. Drive in, set up camp at a site like Devil's Kitchen, and spend the next day hiking to landmarks like the Joint Trail or the Confluence Overlook.
- Permits Required: Just like the White Rim, you need a day-use or overnight permit for Elephant Hill. These are also highly competitive, so book in advance.
3. Lockhart Basin
The Rugged, Remote Connector
For the seasoned overlander looking for a true point-to-point backcountry challenge, Lockhart Basin is the answer. This 50-mile route connects the Needles district to Moab, running through a remote and rugged basin between the Abajo Mountains and Canyonlands National Park. This is not a maintained park road; it's a rough, raw, and often lonely track that will test your vehicle's suspension and your navigation skills.
The trail consists of long, sandy washes, rocky shelves, and relentless bumpy sections that can slow your pace to a crawl. The reward for your effort is unparalleled solitude and a unique perspective on the back side of Canyonlands. You'll pass Lockhart Canyon and witness incredible rock formations far from any crowds. This route feels like a true expedition, a throwback to the early days of desert exploration. It's the kind of journey that reminds you just how vast and untamed this part of the world still is.
- Pro Tips:
- Go with a Group: Due to its remoteness and challenging nature, it's highly advisable not to run this trail alone. A second vehicle provides a crucial safety net for recovery and potential mechanical issues.
- Navigation is Key: The trail can be faint in sections, particularly in the washes. A reliable GPS with up-to-date tracks is essential. Don't rely on cell service—there is none.
- Expect a Full Day: While it's only about 50 miles, do not underestimate the time it takes. The slow, technical terrain means this is a full-day commitment, so start early and be prepared to potentially finish in the dark.
- Check Conditions: The washes in Lockhart Basin are prone to flash floods. Never attempt this route if there is rain in the forecast.
4. The Kokopelli Trail (Utah Section)
A Legendary Route with Infamous Obstacles
The full Kokopelli Trail is a 142-mile epic that connects Loma, Colorado, to Moab, Utah. While completing the entire thing is a bucket-list achievement, the Utah section near Moab contains some of its most famous—and infamous—challenges, making for an incredible backcountry adventure in its own right. This part of the trail takes you through diverse terrain, from the scenic Onion Creek Narrows to the dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River from Top of the World.
The main event for many is Rose Garden Hill, a notoriously difficult and long stretch of steep, off-camber ledges and loose rock that requires a capable vehicle and a skilled driver. Conquering it provides a serious sense of accomplishment and leads you into the beautiful Professor Valley. The Kokopelli offers a perfect mix: challenging rock crawling, fast-paced sandy sections, and scenic graded roads, all while following the path of the mighty Colorado River.
- Pro Tips:
- Know the Bypasses: Many of the most difficult obstacles on the Kokopelli, including Rose Garden Hill, have easier bypasses. Know your vehicle's and your own limits. There's no shame in taking the easier route to enjoy the scenery.
- Share the Trail: The Kokopelli is a world-famous mountain biking and dirt biking route. Be courteous, yield the right-of-way, and keep your speeds down, especially around blind corners.
- Dispersed Camping: This route offers fantastic opportunities for dispersed camping along the Colorado River and in the surrounding valleys. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and use existing sites whenever possible.
5. Top of the World
The Destination is Worth the Drive
Some trails are about the journey; this one is all about the destination. Top of the World is an out-and-back trail that culminates in one of the most iconic and photographed viewpoints in all of Moab. The trail itself is a moderately challenging climb featuring a series of rock ledges that get progressively larger and more difficult as you get closer to the top. A stock high-clearance 4x4 with a skilled driver can make it, but vehicles with larger tires and a small lift will have a much easier time.
The real prize is the overlook at the end. A massive sandstone slab juts out over the cliff edge, providing a dizzying, panoramic view of Fisher Valley, Onion Creek, and the La Sal Mountains. It's the perfect spot to park your rig, break out the camp chairs, and soak in a view that feels, quite literally, like you're on top of the world. It’s a half-day trip that delivers an experience as grand as any multi-day epic.
- Pro Tips:
- The Ledges are the Test: The main challenge is a series of 2-3 foot rock ledges. Good tire placement and a steady throttle are key. A spotter can make a huge difference in navigating them without damage.
- Go for Sunset: While beautiful at any time, the view from Top of the World at sunset is truly unforgettable. Just be prepared to navigate the ledges on the way back down in the twilight or dark. Bring good off-road lights.
- It Gets Crowded: This is a popular trail. To avoid the crowds and get that perfect photo on the rock ledge, try going on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons.
6. The Moab Trifecta: Poison Spider, Golden Spike & Gold Bar Rim
A Full-Day Rock Crawling Immersion
This isn't an overland route in the traditional sense of a point-to-point journey to a remote campsite. Instead, this is a "Backcountry-Access" route that unlocks access to a world-class, deep-country rock crawling experience. Linking these three legendary trails—Poison Spider Mesa, Golden Spike, and Gold Bar Rim—creates a full-day, 20+ mile adventure that will push even modified rigs and experienced drivers to their limits.
You'll start by climbing the scenic switchbacks of Poison Spider Mesa, passing Little Arch along the way. Then you'll hit the connectors on Golden Spike, tackling infamous obstacles like the "Golden Crack," "Golden Stairs," and "Double Whammy." The trail finishes by descending the ledges of Gold Bar Rim, with spectacular views of Highway 191 and Moab Valley below. Completing this trifecta is a badge of honor in the off-road community and provides a backcountry experience defined not by mileage, but by pure, unadulterated challenge. It’s a route that embodies Goh Ling Yong’s philosophy of pushing your limits to achieve something incredible.
- Pro Tips:
- This is Not for Stock Vehicles: Do not attempt this combination of trails in a stock 4x4. You'll want a minimum of 33-inch tires (35"+ recommended), lockers, and excellent ground clearance. Body armor like rock sliders and skid plates is a must.
- Time and Fuel: This is an all-day trip. Start early with a full tank of gas, and pack a lunch, dinner, and plenty of water. It's common for groups to finish well after dark.
- Go with an Experienced Group: This is the ultimate "don't go alone" trail. The obstacles often require expert spotting and the potential for mechanical failure is high. Running it with a group or a guided tour is the smartest way to go.
- Bring Your Recovery Gear: A winch, recovery straps, and shackles aren't just recommended; they're essential. You will likely need them.
Your Adventure Awaits
Moab is more than a destination; it's a landscape of endless possibility. While the main roads offer a glimpse of its beauty, the true magic is found out on the dirt, miles from anywhere, with only your rig and your sense of adventure to guide you. These six routes offer a pathway into that deeper experience, each providing a unique blend of challenge, scenery, and solitude.
Remember that access to these incredible places is a privilege. Always practice Tread Lightly! principles, pack out everything you pack in, respect trail closures, and be prepared for self-rescue. Proper planning and a healthy dose of respect for the desert are the most important pieces of gear you can bring.
Now it's your turn. What's your favorite backcountry route in Moab? Is there a hidden gem we missed? Share your stories and tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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