At MELIPRON, we're passionate about overlanding and the adventures it brings. After publishing the suggested overlanding routes, many of our readers responded to us with their favorite trails and experiences. We have not only been inspired by such contributions but have also learned about some awe-inspiring and relatively unknown routes traversing the United States of America. Once again, in this article, we will go through all the detailed stories of our readers that tell not only the beauty of these tracks but also describe various difficulties met along the way. If you are already on your first overlanding adventure or a professional traveler, these routes are going to inspire you.
1. Chris Carrasco's Scenic Adventure: Burma Road-Garcia Falls to HoldUp Spur, New Mexico
Chris Carrasco’s recommendation takes us to the heart of New Mexico, through the rugged terrain of the Cibola National Forest. The route from Burma Road to Garcia Falls and onward to HoldUp Spur might not be the most technically challenging, but it rewards travelers with some of the most stunning views in the region.
Starting at Burma Road, the trail presents narrow, rocky sections that naturally limit the number of vehicles, creating a more intimate experience with nature. This portion of the route is perfect for those looking to enjoy a quiet drive, where the primary challenge lies in navigating the rough terrain rather than battling crowds. As you make your way toward Garcia Falls, you'll be treated to the sound of cascading water, a refreshing reward after the rugged ascent.
The biggest asset, however, is not even in the falls but after that. As you proceed to HoldUp Spur, the territory broadens in the most remarkable manner possible. Here you are presented with a vista that stretches from the Roque Ramos Peak in the south, through to the Casa Grande Peak in the east, and the Black Mountain range in the west. That’s a view so poignant with the amorphous wonder of the American desert, with the vast landscapes of ignorantly harsh terrains, towering peaks, and the spirit of desolation only those chunky parts of the country offer.
More to that, the Cibola National Forest is well endowed with camping styles for those who wish to have an elongated experience. Staying in the great outdoors in the red region and the mountains themselves proved to be a very memorable experience.
2. Slaten Cain Burney's Southern Gems: Talladega 600-1, 600-2, and the Georgia Traverse
Slaten Cain Burney brings us back to the Southeast, where overlanding routes are as rich in history as they are in natural beauty. Two of his favorite trails, Talladega 600-1 and 600-2 are located in Alabama’s Talladega National Forest. These routes are perfect for those who enjoy a mix of scenic drives and challenging terrain.
The Talladega 600 series provides overlanders with the flavor of the wild deep South with its foliage, serpentine roads, and occasional wildlife. There are various tracks with some parts quite challenging and sticky with steep inclines and declines, a good test, especially for rookies and professional drivers. The beauty of these routes is that these places are as close as one would like to be to a city’s neighbors, but still far enough to feel like one is getting lost.
Another noteworthy bicycle trail in the Southeast is the Georgia Traverse, a trail traversing northern Georgia and the foothills of the Appalachians. This drive is much more than just a trail; it is a tour through various terrains that include the forests and rocky outcrops. The Georgia Traverse also includes gravel roads, dirt paths, and some water crossings, making it a complete overlanding adventure. It is also a history lover's trail, as there are many possibilities of visiting old settlers' houses, mines, and even Civil War-related sites that are not rare on this trail.
For those wanting a taste of the South, these routes provide the best of both worlds—the scenic and the challenging—all with many great camping spots to soak up the peace and beauty of the South’s night skies.
3. Lostin Pine's Colorado Adventure: Tincup Pass, Buena Vista, Colorado
This is one of those trails that Lostin Pine would always love to recommend as it offers one of the most memorable overland experiences in the Rockies: Tincup Pass in Buena Vista, Colorado. This trail is located right in the center of Colorado high country and is a hard but incredibly memorable hike full of exciting moments.
Tincup Pass has a great history in that it was once used by miners during the period of the gold rush in Colorado. Today it is a very challenging road that has steep cliffs, sharp turns, and even rocks so that the driver and the vehicle are both challenged. The trail begins at St. Elmo, a genuine ghost town that helps to introduce Colorado’s mining era to people. It is impressive how, as you advance up the pass, there is a drastic change of scenery from the forested areas to meadowland, with every turn offering a better and better view of the rugged land of Colorado.
A stopping point of the trail is Mirror Lake—a beautiful alpine lake that is crossed on the route. It is a famous crossing for many overlanders, and this puts the extra challenge into the crossing, adding to the fun of the trip. The lake is also an excellent place to go camping because it affords a beautiful view, and you can wake up to the lovely cool mountain air.
Lostin Pine also explained his story of why this trail was personal to him—this was the first mountain pass he and his wife did in the Jeep they restored themselves. Such a connection is the essence of overlanding—the connection between people and nature as well as the memories gathered on the trail. Tincup Pass is that one trail that you actually endure, which gives you a stunning payoff while filling you with an experience that remains etched in your memory.
4. Mark Cabangon’s Cross-Country Journey: Yosemite to the Grand Tetons
Mark Cabangon’s overlanding experience takes us on a journey across the United States, from the granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park to the towering peaks of the Grand Tetons. This route is a dream for those who love long drives punctuated by some of the most iconic landscapes in the country.
Starting in Yosemite, one of the crown jewels of the National Park system, the route takes you through some of the most awe-inspiring natural scenery in the world. Yosemite’s dramatic cliffs, giant sequoias, and roaring waterfalls set the stage for an epic journey. As you leave the park, the landscape gradually shifts, with the rugged Sierra Nevada giving way to the wide-open spaces of the Intermountain West.
The drive past the Grand Tetons is a highlight in itself. Perhaps the best thing that one can say of the Tetons is that from the valley bottom, they are steep and high and stand tall against the skyline. Mark told me that the valley between the road and the mountain was lush with green and seemed to be like a carpet, and the sunsets which can be viewed here are absolutely breathtaking. And as the sun sets behind the range, the outlines of the Tetons become sharper and the view becomes peaceful but also majestic.
I also asked Mark, and he named the Sierra Nevada and especially Rubicon Trail for off-road biking around the Lake Tahoe area as well. Off-roading through the forest and nearby lake, especially in the winter, is an adrenaline rush to watch the quiet snow landscape from the top of the first hill.
Conclusion
These reader-shared routes show how diverse and attractive overlanding can be in the United States of America. The challenges vary from the hardly noticeable greenery of New Mexico to the steep mountains of Colorado. The trails through the protected areas such as Yosemite and the Grand Tetons vary in challenges and scenic views. If you want to have a lonely hike, learn about history, or get an adrenaline rush, these trails will not let you down.
To all our MELIPRON community who contributed to this post, we would like to express our appreciation for your stories and suggestions. And while they contribute to the development of our own overlanding experience, they also provoke others into thinking about their own paradigms and setting off to make their own history. That means stocking up your equipment, sealing your car, and hitting the dusty trail—and who knows, one might be in for a treat.