Off-Road Routes

Off-Road Routes helps you go off-road prepared. Learn how to set up an SUV or truck, choose tires and recovery gear, navigate with offline maps, research trails through official land-management sources, follow trail etiquette and run pre-trip checks. We do not publish trail conditions or access claims we cannot verify; always check with the land manager before you go.

Off-Road Vehicles

How to prepare an SUV or truck for off-road driving: what 4x4 systems do, the recovery equipment a vehicle needs, and how tires and suspension change capability.

Off-Road Gear

The gear that makes trips safer and easier: navigation devices and offline maps, communication when there is no cell signal, auxiliary lighting, and roof racks, storage and portable power for overlanding.

Trail Planning

Plan trips through official sources: research routes with land-management agencies, check weather and terrain, prepare the vehicle and the group, and follow trail etiquette and Tread Lightly!

Recovery and Safety

Getting stuck is part of off-roading; getting hurt should not be.

Recovery Kits

Vehicle Maintenance

Off-road driving is hard on a vehicle.

Latest Guides

Research-based guides, newest first

Best Recovery Boards for Off-Road Travel: 6 Compared

MAXTRAX and TRED traction boards side by side: nylon, thermoplastic or polypropylene, length and weight, teeth design, load ratings, working temperatures and warranty.

Off-Road Routes Editorial Team Oct 26, 2026

Off-Road Vehicle Maintenance: Checks Before and After

Maintain a vehicle used off-road: pre-trip inspection, post-trip checks, cleaning to stop invasive species, tools to carry and when to see a mechanic.