There are 1.3 million miles of unpaved roads in the United States, many of which are stunning enough to put even the most grandiose of paved roads to shame. That fact alone is enough to want to take a dirtbike vacation and escape the humdrum, hitting the trail and taking a trip so epic, you'll tell your grandkids about it. Here's your guide.
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Arguably one of the most alluring off-road destinations in the world, Moab’s stunning scenery and variety of terrain makes it a mecca for dirt-loving motorcyclists. You can’t go wrong with hitting the slick rock trails, packing a tent and camping in Canyonlands National Park, or traversing any of the dozen or so motorcycle trails that cover this golden-hued terrain. Pro tip: Equip your bikes with extra night lighting because evening rides are particularly pretty out here.
This series of off-road areas cuts through multiple counties in West Virginia, and features advanced trails that are shared with ATVs and UTVs. The area is open every day of the year, but you’ll need a permit to legally access the region’s 500 miles of trails.
With 127,000 acres of undulating dunes, this 45-mile expanse of desert (also known as the Imperial Sand Dunes) sees about a million visitors throughout the year, with the local population swelling to more than 100,000 at New Years. Desolate and undulating, this desert landscape offers a thrilling rollercoaster ride for those bold enough to scale its massive dunes.
One of the inspirations behind the novel Dune, the terrain in this 31,000-acre region is varied enough to attract campers, hikers, fishers, and horseback riders. The main attraction for motorcyclists is, of course, the dunes, which can reach 500 feet in height. Best to visit this spot sooner rather than later, as environmental concerns are threatening to block access for recreational vehicles.
Home to locations seen in films like Avatar, Jurassic Park, and Pirates of the Caribbean, the island of Kauai is an otherworldly wonderland of natural beauty. While there’s plenty of epic riding throughout the island, Halele'a Forest Reserve offers the most stunning views and secluded locales. Bring your waterproof gear, as it can get muddy in these parts.
Linked by several groups of trails, this network of loops features creek crossings, forested canopies, and waterfalls. Stay at nearby Mount Magazine Park, which has lodging and campgrounds.
This lonely 135-mile stretch is barely a highway thanks to its pockmarked and washboard surfaces. The tradeoff is majestic views of the central Alaska range of mountains, and access to serious off-road trails.
Though much of the mile-deep, 277 mile-long canyon isn’t accessible to off-roaders, the Grand Canyon’s rim and surrounding area is replete with great riding trails. Start at either the North or South Rims, and you can tackle everything from short loops to multi-day rides.
The state of Colorado is chock full of outstanding off-roading options, but the king of them all is Taylor Park, a U.S. Forest Service area that encompasses Taylor Reservoir and Taylor River. You’ll want to acclimate your lungs before riding these trails, as altitudes can climb above 12,000 feet.
This nearly 7,500-acre state-run park is bordered by the rugged Atlantic coast, and features extensive opportunities to unwind after your ride, from hiking and swimming spots to camping areas.
The state of Montana is vast and majestic, but the trails surrounding Bozeman offer a distinct advantage to the hinterlands: They’re close to outstanding restaurants and luxurious accommodations, making this an excellent destination for those who like to pepper their adventures with doses of civility.
