Going on an adventure is more than just traveling; it’s all about exploring new terrains and trying things you’ve never done before. In the time of COVID-19, there are plenty of ways to go on an adventure without exposing yourself and others to potential virus exposure. Going on road trips is one of them.
If you want to take your road trips a step further, consider exploring off-roading, which is simply the sport or activity of driving any motor vehicle over rough terrains made of gravel, sand, riverbeds, snow, mudrocks, and other natural elements. If the idea sounds exhilarating, it’s because it is. Studies show that off-roading can be extremely therapeutic and can help drivers concentrate on important tasks. If you’re looking for ways to blow off steam without interacting with others, here are some basic things you need to know about this sport.
You can’t use just any car.
The kind of vehicle you need for off-roading will depend on what terrain you want to explore. Here are some tips on how to choose the right vehicle:
- Most crossovers and SUVs with two-wheel drive will be able to handle most kinds of dirt roads, but if you want to err on the safe side, go for an all-wheel drive, which can provide better traction for more slippery conditions or unexpectedly steep climbs.
- A four-wheel drive is good for remote locations that would require you to spend a few days in the wilderness, like an abandoned mine, a ghost town, or anywhere without cell service. A four-wheel drive will allow you to plow through loose rock and dirt as well as climb steep grades. It might help handle the increased weight, too.
- One of the most extreme off-roading forms is rock crawling, which is exactly as its name suggests. You will need a four-wheel-drive that can handle these extreme conditions for this terrain because you will need higher ground and low range clearance.
Now before you purchase a new vehicle from manufacturers (and there are plenty of vehicles built specifically for off-roading), many off-roading enthusiasts also opt to buy secondhand because they can incorporate their modifications, like stronger shock absorbers, bigger tires, and even lift kits. Caterpillar design engine maintenance, in particular, is more convenient since there are companies that cater to this need.
Don’t hesitate to explore the best components and options for your off-roading vehicles instead of going for the first car you see in the market. Reliability is the first thing that an off-roading vehicle needs to be, so consult with experts to know exactly what specifications you need for the kind of off-roading adventures you want to go on.
You can choose from various terrains in the United States.
Here is a list of the most popular destination terrains in the U.S. and some of their most loved features:
Death Valley National Park
Located in California, this park is the ideal destination during manageable temperatures, like spring or winter. The park provides stunning views of canyons, valleys, and mountains mined during World War II.
Moab
Located in Utah, Moab is known for its red rocks and one of the world’s best off-roading locations. It provides a gorgeous scenery of water, sand, cliffs, boulders, and slick rock. This terrain can be unforgiving for beginners since it requires many mechanical and physical skills, but it’s also gratifying.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Located in Idaho, this location gives off-roaders the most breathtaking sceneries in the country. The region offers other activities like whitewater rafting, fishing, wildlife watching, and hiking. It’s the ideal terrain for drivers who have a soft spot for animals because over 300 species call this forest home, including black bear, deer, coyote, elk, and beaver.
Hidden False Adventure Park
Located just an hour outside of Austin, Texas, this park is made up of picturesque scenery that provides drivers with views of natural springs and waterfalls. Mountain biking, hiking, and fishing are also popular activities in the park. Campers and people who love the great outdoors will also love the park’s camping offerings like tents, RVs, bunkhouses, and cabins.
We may still be in the middle of a pandemic, but it can’t hurt to plan your next great adventure now. Invest in your dream off-roading vehicle, keep yourself healthy, and do thorough research on the places you want to see the most; making plans is a healthy way to keep yourself optimistic and hopeful about what you can look forward to when the COVID-19 crisis is over.
