Epic American Wilderness & Backcountry Road Trip

Paddle out across crystal clear waters to set up an island kayak camp. Secure gear in sealed dry bags and enjoy primitive island camping under dark skies.

Trek the scenic Lovers Leap Trail starting near the mountain ridge. Take time to dip in the clear mountain creek below to cool off after the ridgeline hike.

Explore unique geological rock pillars and high sandstone bluffs on the Pedestal Rocks & Kings Bluff loop trails in the Ozark National Forest.

Camp under the hardwood canopy in the Ozark backcountry. The area provides solitude, primitive fire rings, and easy access to tributary creeks.

Walk through a massive 130-foot natural sandstone arch and explore rock shelters and weeping caves hidden along this family-accessible loop.

Follow the rugged gravel backroads along the Big Piney Creek watershed for fishing, swimming holes, and remote dispersed camps.

Hike the giant pink granite dome for panoramic 360-degree views across Texas Hill Country. The creator recommends bringing cast iron to cook a rewarding camp dinner at your site.

Trek the Summit Trail or Loop Trail around the massive batholith. Early morning hikes offer cooler temperatures and softer golden light on the rock faces.

Wander through rolling, snow-white gypsum sand dunes. Hike the marked trail markers along the Alkali Flat Trail and stay for vibrant desert sunset hues.

Drive the scenic Dunes Drive into the heart of the gypsum field. Stop at designated pullouts for photography and dune walking.

Trek the Alkali Flat Trail loop out to the edge of Lake Lucero, where the gypsum crystals originate. Bring ample water as temperatures can rise quickly.

Pick up sleds and maps at the historic adobe visitor center before heading deep into the gypsum dunefield.

Base camp among giant saguaro cacti and ironwood trees in Tucson Mountain Park. The campground offers clean facilities and easy access to western desert trails.

Scout rugged dirt tracks and dispersed camping options across the sky island slopes of Coronado National Forest.

Hike the short interpretive loop to observe prehistoric Hohokam stone foundations dating back roughly 1,500 years.

Venture up Alamo Canyon toward Bathtub Tank for exceptional riparian scenery and rugged Santa Catalina mountain vistas.

Refuel with hearty creative dishes and regional wine in Tucson after a long day of canyon trail hiking.

Drive the scenic Catalina Highway up Mount Lemmon to grab giant fresh-baked mountain cookies and warm coffee in Summerhaven.

Stop by Tucson's premier independent gear outfitter to grab replacement water bladders, trail maps, and camp supplies.

Camp under the shadow of the world-famous red rock sandstone buttes with unbeatable sunrise vistas across the valley.

Drive the rugged 17-mile gravel loop weaving between towering isolated pinnacles, buttes, and mesas without the national park crowds.

Set up camp on free public BLM land overlooking the red rock canyons. Enjoy complete silence, star-filled skies, and endless desert horizons.

Hike the first two miles of the Copper Creek Trail to reach this roaring alpine waterfall nestled in a deep mountain gorge.

Camp along the high mountain passes between Paonia and Crested Butte in the Gunnison National Forest, surrounded by aspen groves and granite peaks.

Climb to the summit ridge on Trail 419 for staggering panoramic overlooks of the Elk Mountain Range and Rocky Mountain valleys.

Drive the iconic stretch of U.S. Route 50 across Nevada's basin and range province, taking in immense desert valleys and high mountain passes.

Pull off the highway onto public BLM ground for an unforgettable free off-grid desert camp under pristine, unpolluted night skies.

Stop in historic Eureka to top off fuel tanks, refill fresh water, and pick up local road supplies before the next long stretch of open highway.

Pause at the crest of Pinto Summit (altitude 7,376 ft) for striking vistas of alternating mountain ranges and sweeping salt basins.

Take an afternoon trek through the desert sagebrush and juniper-studded slopes at the base of the Diamond Mountains.

Wrap up the ultimate American wilderness road trip with campfire cooking in the quiet expanse of the Great Basin.