A question we're frequently asked is, "Where can I go four-wheeling in my neck of the woods?" In the old days, it wasn't an easy question to answer sometimes, but nowadays, thanks to Internet databases and search engines, you can find literally thousands of cool destinations in the privacy of your own home. So that gave us an idea: What if we compiled a comprehensive listing of more than 100 premium four-wheeling spots around the country (and around the world), complete with tips, directions, and contact information? Well, it sounded like a great idea, until we realized that such a story would take up many more pages in the magazine than we could allow. So, we tapped into our own online resources, and you can find out all the details of the locations we've chosen at www.fourwheeler.com.
Naturally, the number of "best wheeling spots" are as numerous as the number of folks who enjoy driving the backcountry. But to get the ball rolling, here are five "gotta-go" spots that come immediately to mind for me:
1.The Rubicon. Yeah, I know, it's been written to death in all the magazines, but just ask anyone who has ever done it, and he'll tell you there's nothing else like it in the world for the Sierra scenery, the camping, and ultra-demanding four-wheel driving. And in mid to late summer, the weather's pretty nice, too.
2. Moab. For sheer variety of trails and destinations, you can't beat the place. My favorites? Pritchett Canyon for pure wheeling madness, Kane Creek for a relaxing drive, Moab Rim for the views, and Hell's Revenge for the best all-around fun.
3. Johnson Valley. There oughta be a sign at the entrance that reads, "Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here," for this is foreboding territory, a lunar landscape of desert rocks, hills, and dry lakebeds that's also home to some of the most genuinely insane "trails"-if you can even call them that-on the planet. And if you don't feel like testing your rockcrawling skills on the Hammers or Outer Limits, there are plenty of other less-hard-core trails and spurs throughout the complex. We run our Four Wheeler of the Year test there every year, so even stock rigs can find friendly places to play. Be sure to bring a spare tire or two-those JV rocks are just nasty!
4. Baja. Nope, we're not racers-well, some of us around here are-but we've always had a soft spot for Baja, simply for the pleasures of dirt driving in the footsteps of Granville King. The number of trails are as numerous as the peninsula is long, and truth to tell, there are even some "paved" roads in Baja where you'll need four-wheel drive.
5. Hollister Hills. We'd be remiss if we didn't give a shout-out for the home of Top Truck Challenge, a state OHV park that you can wheel any time of the year. It's located in a gorgeous natural setting, the weather's mild for a good nine months out of the year, and there are literally hundreds of trails you can drive, ranging in experience level from beginner to super-advanced.
Well, that's my short list. What about yours? Drop us a note and let us know if we've overlooked a "can't miss" destination (and I'm sure we have), or if you've got a favored spot you'd like to share with your fellow readers. For now, though, you can see what the rest of our staff and contributors came up with in this issue. Now get out on the trail, and enjoy the spring weather!
-Douglas McColloch