Half the fun of off-road excursions is planning the experience, and it can be a great way to spend time with your kids. A spur-of-the-moment trip is great, but planning a trip ahead of time ensures that it will go much smoother, especially with the little ones.
Explore these tips for planning an off-roading adventure to get the most of your trip.
Choosing a Trail
If you’re a seasoned off-roader, you probably already have a few favorite off-roading trials. And those are great, but if you’re looking for a new trail to explore, you’ll want to learn a little about it. There might be some interesting features you wouldn’t want to miss, like canyons, a waterfall, or a site with historical significance.
Some national parks have amazing off-roading trails. Check out some famous spots like the Joshua Tree National Park or Big Bend National Park along Old Ore Road, which takes you to abandoned ghost towns and gravestones.
Map Your Route
Once you’ve settled on a trail for you and your family, it’s time to plot your route. Google Maps is useful, giving you the ability to create your own map of the area. Google Earths, too, is helpful to survey the topography so that you know what kind of terrain you’ll be covering.
Be sure to take note of camping sites, gas stations, and ranger stations in the area. Planning your route ahead of time will help plan stops for bathroom breaks, meals, or even unexpected situations that could arise.
Pack Appropriately
Packing for the mountains will be different from packing for a romp in the desert. The length of your stay will determine the amount of gear you’ll need to bring, of course, but the different terrains will also dictate the type of supplies you’ll need for your family and your truck. A day trip means a small tool bag, but a weeklong foray means you might need to bring your full toolbox so that you’re ready for any kind of repair. No matter how long your trip is, you should always have tools in case of a breakdown.
Implementing these tips for planning an off-roading adventure will keep you and your family safe during a great time exploring amazing off-roading trails all over the country!
