Introduction
There’s something magical about Utah’s rugged landscapes—towering red rock cliffs, sprawling deserts, and winding canyons that seem to stretch into infinity. For overlanding enthusiasts, Utah isn’t just a destination; it’s an adventure playground. But to truly experience the best of this wild terrain, a day trip simply won’t cut it. Multi-day overlanding trips offer the perfect blend of challenge and discovery, where each sunrise unveils a new horizon and every dusty trail tells a story of those who’ve tread before. If you’re ready to put your rig to the test and make unforgettable memories, here are Utah’s best multi-day overlanding routes.
The White Rim Trail – A Journey Through Time
There are few places that capture the essence of Utah’s backcountry quite like the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park. This 100-mile loop, carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers, winds through ancient landscapes rich with history.
When I first tackled this trail, it felt like stepping into another world—massive mesas casting long shadows over deep canyons, the scent of desert sage carried by the wind. Every mile of the journey offered a new visual feast, from the sheer drop-offs at Gooseberry Camp to the striking red walls of Musselman Arch.
What makes the White Rim Trail truly special is its accessibility for a well-prepared overlander, yet its ability to humble even the most experienced drivers. The terrain varies from smooth, graded dirt roads to steep, technical switchbacks like the infamous Shafer Trail. It’s a test of vehicle capability and driver skill, but one that rewards you with some of the most stunning scenery in the country.
Route Details:
- Length: 100-mile loop
- Time Needed: 2-3 days
- Permit Required: Yes, overnight permits are required
- Difficulty: Moderate (high-clearance 4×4 recommended)
Pro Tip: Plan ahead—permits sell out quickly, and water sources are scarce. Be self-sufficient and carry more water than you think you’ll need.
The Maze – Ultimate Solitude and Challenge
If you’re looking for true off-grid adventure, The Maze in Canyonlands National Park is the place. Often considered one of the most remote and challenging overlanding destinations in the U.S., this area is as breathtaking as it is brutal.
On my first trip to The Maze, the isolation was both exhilarating and intimidating. Out here, there are no easy exits, no quick resupplies—only you, your rig, and the silence of the desert. The trails here are notoriously difficult, with deep sand, rock ledges, and some gnarly technical sections that will push your vehicle to its limits. But the payoff? Unparalleled solitude and landscapes that make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet.
Camping under the Milky Way’s glow in places like Doll House or The Land of Standing Rocks is an experience unlike any other. Just be sure to travel with a capable group and carry extra fuel, as help is not a phone call away.
Route Details:
- Length: Varies, but expect 150+ miles including side routes
- Time Needed: 3-5 days
- Permit Required: Yes
- Difficulty: Hard (experienced drivers only, high-clearance 4×4 a must)
Pro Tip: The Maze is no joke. Travel with at least one other vehicle, equip yourself with a satellite communicator, and know how to fix mechanical issues on the trail.
The Great Western Trail – A Long-Haul Expedition
For those who prefer an overlanding journey that covers vast landscapes over multiple states, the Great Western Trail (GWT) is a bucket-list contender. Spanning from Arizona to Montana, the Utah portion of the GWT is particularly diverse, blending alpine forests, high desert, and red rock terrain.
When I traversed sections of this legendary trail, the transition from dusty old mining routes to pine-covered mountain passages felt like stepping through different worlds. One day, you’re navigating slickrock outside Moab; the next, you’re climbing into the Uinta Mountains with crisp air filling your lungs.
Unlike the other Utah routes on this list, the GWT offers a mix of technical and non-technical terrain, making it friendly to a wider range of vehicles and experience levels. However, its sheer length means preparation is crucial—knowing fuel stops, resupply points, and potential road conditions can make or break your expedition.
Route Details:
- Length: 500+ miles in Utah
- Time Needed: 5+ days (depending on how much you tackle)
- Permit Required: No permit needed for most sections
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Pro Tip: If you’re not ready for an extended expedition, conquer the Utah section in chunks—each provides its own unique set of challenges and landscapes.
Utah Backcountry Discovery Route – The Ultimate Overland Sampler
For those who want a taste of everything Utah has to offer, the Utah Backcountry Discovery Route (UTBDR) is the perfect multi-day adventure. Designed as an off-pavement route from the Arizona border to Idaho, the UTBDR delivers a mix of high desert, mountain passes, and technical rocky terrain.
I remember my first UTBDR run vividly—the excitement of rolling through old ghost towns, the challenge of the Lockhart Basin section, and the sheer beauty of Utah’s high alpine roads outside of Moab. It’s a route where you can truly experience the diversity of Utah’s terrain in one ultimate trip.
Route Details:
- Length: 871 miles
- Time Needed: 6-8 days
- Permit Required: No, but camping may require permits in certain areas
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Pro Tip: Plan your fuel stops carefully—some portions of the route have over 200 miles between gas stations.
Conclusion
Utah’s wilderness isn’t just something to see—it’s something to experience, to conquer, and to cherish long after the dust settles on your rig. Multi-day overlanding trips here aren’t just about testing your vehicle’s limits; they’re about connecting with the land, pushing your own boundaries, and collecting stories you’ll tell for years. Whether you choose the grandeur of the White Rim Trail, the isolation of The Maze, the vastness of the Great Western Trail, or the variety of the UTBDR, each journey offers a chance to leave your mark—both on the map and in your own adventure legacy.
So, before you set out on your next Utah expedition, make it count. Grab a souvenir sticker or patch for each route you conquer—because every trail you conquer is a badge of honor, a tale of triumph, and a memory worth preserving.
