Off-road driving is making a lot of buzz since the last few years and more adventure travel enthusiasts are taking it up in a big way. Many types of off-road routes have also been identified in recent years that have only added to its charm. However, it is important that there should be sufficient training and skill while driving off-road. We take a look here at some of the best routes for an off-road driving experience that can feel awesome.
1. Sahara Desert
It completely engulfs the northern part of the continent and stretches from the eastern to the western rim. The inhospitable terrains of the desert can be a superb off-road journey and a driver can also experience the extreme heat and grueling circumstances. Women can take part in the off-road event, The Rallye Aicha des Gazelles that is organized in Morocco each year.
2. Cape York Track
This Australian off-road route is 848 km long and runs from Cooktown to Siesla Queensland. It has many tough river crossings like the Jardine River and the Gunshot Creek. Swimming holes like the Fruit Bat Falls and Twin Falls also fall on the way. There also some scenic stops like the Thursday Island and Chili Beach which can also be seen.
Off-road tours in this national park can be quite enjoyable as a lot of wildlife can be seen here. The park is situated in the Balaghat and Mandla districts of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It covers an area of 940 square km and many types of terrain can be expected on the route that can make it quite adventurous.
4. Hatfield-McCoy Trail System
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is an artificially developed off-road trail and will link nine counties along with 2,000 miles of the active trail once it is completed. The trail is open throughout the year for interested drivers who can enjoy it on dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles ATVs as well as utility vehicles UTVs.
There is something for everyone on this off-road trail as beginners as well as experts can try their hand and experience Utah's beautiful landscape. Drivers can pass through windswept rock towers, stone arches and the beautiful Utah desert that can also be a very good place for mountain biking and camping.
6. Birdsville Track
This 534-km long trail connects Marree in South Australia to Birdsville in Queensland. There are two versions of this track - the Inside and Outside track. While the Inside track is the original stock path, the Outside track is an easier and safer option due to the presence of gibber-covered sand.
7. Rann of Kutch
A trail on this white expansive desert and salt marsh in India can be quite enjoying for any off-road enthusiast. The trail is also comparatively easy and can be completed in any vehicle while getting to watch many types of bird species like the Common Crane, Aquila Eagles, harriers, etc.
8. Baja California
This off-road experience is specially developed for all adrenaline junkies as many types of vehicles are available here for participating in different types of races which are conducted. This peninsula in the Sea of Cortez can be quite attractive for many off-roaders due to the different types of races that are available.
9. Simpson Desert French Line
This 439-km long desert trail across the Simpson Desert connects Dalhousie Springs in South Australia to Birdsville in Queensland and can be a very challenging tour. The many dune crossings and the narrow tracks of this trail can make the journey quite harrowing and it is always advisable to fly a dune flag while moving on the route. Carrying a radio and continuously beeping warning signals is also recommended.
10. Grand Junction
For enjoying different types of off-road experiences, head straight to the Grand Mesa Trail near the Utah border in the US. For soft terrain or hill climbing, it can be one of the best places as Road 29 is specifically designed for it. For enthusiasts of rock crawling also there are ample opportunities. And if all of these are not enough, the most daring ones can head to the nearby Bangs Canyon that offers even more so that a skilled driver can enjoy off-road driving to the limit!
We have seen here some of the world's best routes for enjoying an off-road driving experience so that anyone interested in it can go ahead and plan a refreshing tour.
