Bronco Nation

SEVEN THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN: OFF-ROAD TRAILS TO START YOUR ADVENTURE

Aug 24, 2020
By nicks
0

By Sue Mead:

Let’s say you just put a deposit down on the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco or 2021 Bronco Sport. Congratulations! Now, you’re likely thinking about where to go for a backcountry foray in it. After all, the Bronco has not only been crafted to be a comfortable and competent daily driver, but it’s also been engineered to be highly capable in the lands where the pavement ends and adventure begins. That’s its mission, and we’re hoping it’s yours, too.

If you’re a newbie to off-roading, we developed this short list of places to get you started. There are thousands of trails and dozens of 4WD playgrounds in the lower 48 and, hopefully over time, you’ll get to explore many of them. Almost everyone has heard of the Rubicon Trail in northern California, Moab in Utah, and desert playgrounds like Glamis and Johnson Valley in California; they’re amazing locations for four-wheeling, however we wanted to recommend settings that will allow you to get to know your Bronco and practice on different types of terrains and on a variety of trails. We selected seven that span the country; a couple are in national parks and others are off-road companies that have made it their business to help you get mud and dirt on your tires, ascend and descend hills, and motor safely along woodland trails or over dunes.

Speaking of safety, it’s top of our list. You’ve purchased a safe vehicle, however it’s critical that you be prepared to keep yourself and your fellow riders out of harm’s way:

*Research the location you’ll be traveling to: call ahead to check on special rules or whether permits are required; study maps and GPS data; ask about trail closures; and if there are special considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

*Even if you’re planning a day trip, bring extra food, water, and clothing for a minimum of two days. It’s also smart to bring a tarp and rope and/or a small tent for shelter.

*Always bring a first aid kit and extra medicine, if needed.

*It’s unlikely that you’ll need them, but always know where your spare tire and jack are located in the Bronco. Bring a piece of wood close in dimension to a floor mat or slightly larger to serve as a “jack base”, to keep your jack from sinking into mud and sand.

*We also recommend that you travel with another Bronco owner or an enthusiast(s) with a 4WD vehicle. It’s more fun and, in the event that you need a tug to get out of a “stuck”, or have anything go amiss, you’ll be thrilled you have another vehicle and helpers at hand.

*Practice Tread Lightly! Principals. This land-use organization, supported by Ford, encourages responsible use of the outdoors. Always stay on the trail and be thoughtful of fragile ecosystems off the trail, especially when picnicking, hiking, and camping. (treadlightly.org)

Death Valley National Park, California

Don’t be deterred by its ominous name; the early travelers across this region of diverse and unique topography would have loved a Bronco! With more miles of roads than any other national park, you’ll find endless opportunities for four-wheeling and to explore canyons, take in stunning vistas, and visit historical sites in the park’s 3.4 million acres, with 1,000 miles of paved and dirt roads. I like the Lookout Trail, just south of Panamint Springs, Wildrose Canyon, and Dumont Dunes, an Off Highway Vehicle Area (OHVA) just south of the park. Sites worth visiting include Scotty’s Castle, Rhyolite Ghost Town and the legendary Manson Ranch, where the notorious murderer Charles Manson hid out with his cult. Spring and winter are the best times to visit; be prepared for extreme summer heat. Check out the Backcountry & Wilderness Access Map; Death Valley Natural History Association and https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm for trip planning information. (760) 786-3200.

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

The Black Hills of western South Dakota offer more than 600 miles of trails for 4WD vehicles with scenery that ranges from woodland trails to technical rock-climbing tracks and grassy plains, with reservoirs, streams, and old mining sites to explore in an area that is home to buffalo, elk, pronghorn antelope, and mountain goats. Many trails in the forest are connected by 500 miles of “Roads Open to All Vehicles,” with a mix of difficulty and lengths. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Visitors to the Forest will find over 3,600 miles of roads and trails available for motorized travel. It’s a must-see swath of America! Check out the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), available free online and Forest Offices, and the Ride Responsibly forest brochure. Permits may only be purchased at the Black Hills and Badlands Visitor Center, online, from a local vendor or at any Black Hills National Forest Service office. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/blackhills/recreation/ohv

Windrock Park, Tennessee

Situated in the scenic mountains of eastern Tennessee, outside of Knoxville, is a noted off-road playground more than 300 miles of trail riding and hiking in a 73,000-acre-site that is the largest privately-owned riding area of its kind in the country. They’ll tell you they have the best off-road trails in the south, and we’ll tell you there’s a brilliant mix of easy, moderate and difficult trails to ‘wheel along that include tracks with gravel, dirt, rocks and ruts—and even boulder rock-climbing for those with a desire to challenge themselves and their vehicle. I recommend sampling all that you are comfortable with! Contact windrockpark.com; 865-392-1820.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Michigan

Located along Lake Michigan’s picturesque shore, The Silver Lake Sand Dunes of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula attracts off-road adventurers to play and develop their sand-driving skills on a 2,000-acre sand mountain. I enjoyed watching others try their hand at steep climbs as much as I liked practicing my own competence. Get to know your vehicle and your talent level! An ORV Permit, an ORV Trails Permit, and a Recreation Passport are required, along with a specified safety flag mounted to the front bumper of your vehicle positioned 10-ft. off the ground; these can be purchased at Duneland Off Road Center, outside the ORV entrance. Tires must be lowered to a max of 15 psi, which you’ll find aids in traction. Make sure to “air up" before heading back to the road! Early Season hours (April 1st–May 31st) are 9:00am–8:00pm daily; Peak Season hours (June 1st–September 15th) are 9:00 am–10:00pm daily; and Late Season hours are (September 15th–Oct 31st) 9:00am–8:00pm daily. Contact: Silver Lake & Hart Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce for brochures, maps, sand dune tour times and other local guidance. Also Michigan.gov, Department of Natural Resources. (231) 873-2247

Rausch Creek Off Road Park, Pennsylvania

One of my favorite four-wheeling playgrounds in the country, this park in Pine Grove is situated on of 3,000 acres of land, with easy, intermediate, and difficult trails, made up of hills, bowls, and technical tracks. There is a 2-vehicle minimum to drive the trails; a Programs’ page will help you find others to go wheeling with and you can even hire a trail guide ( Offroad Consulting). Of note, Offroad Consulting hosts monthly entry-level guided rides that teach the fundamentals of off-road driving; rides are geared toward stock or slightly-modified 4wd vehicles, with "101" (novice), "201" (experienced), and winch/recovery teachings, as well as instruction on everything from vehicle prep to technical terrain negotiation. Open year round, Fri-Sun and Thursdays by reservation, check out [email protected]; 570-695-3900.

Badland Off-Road Park, Indiana

Who knew that the Hoosier State had four wheeling? Corn, soybeans, and grains, yes-- but diverse 4WD trails with mud, sand, off-camber wooded sections, and stream crossings? Not me! It turns out that this 800-acre off-road park has been developed with a rich variety of trails that are color-coded nearby the Wabash River, in Attica, and boasts miles of demanding terrain for different skill levels, ranging from easy to expert; there are off-road obstacles and steep hills for challenge and enjoyment. I haven’t been, but I have friends that claim it’s a great location.

Badlandsoffroad.com;(765) 762-2981

Big Bend National Park, Texas I’ve only been once, but this patch of ground in the far southwest of Texas lures me to return. It’s a majestic and simple land of weather-beaten desert, with the Chisos Mountains as its centerpiece. You’ll be awed by ancient limestone canyons carved by the Rio Grande River, the rich diversity of cactus, and hundreds of bird species. There are a number of places to get off-the beaten path in your Bronco to explore the park: Old Ore Road, Glenn Springs Road, and River Road (the most remote) offer fascinating geology, pictographs, and historical sites. The best times to visit are spring and fall. Do your homework - be prepared and equipped. Pick up a copy of the Guide to Backcountry Roads of Big Bend National Park with GPS coordinates and mileage logs. There are a number of visitor centers and Rio Grande Village. Nps.gov/bibe; 432-477-2251.

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