The Best Off Roading Trails in Texas Guide
From the rolling Hill Country trails to the rugged desert terrain of Big Bend, off roading in Texas provides an exciting experience unmatched anywhere else. The Lone Star State’s millions of acres of public land include diverse terrain like wetlands, deserts, mountains, and forests that draw people to the state for off-roading.
Whether you’re a Texas resident or just visiting, there’s something for everyone here. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best trails and off road parks in Texas to help you make the most of your next adventure.
The Texas Diesel Delete GuideTruck Accessories
Texas Off Roading Laws
Although there’s tons of open space here in Texas, the state doesn’t give you free reign to ride wherever you want. Before you head out on the trails, you’ll need to make sure you know the ins and outs of Texas off roading laws.
When you’re on public OHV land, you’ll need a valid off-highway vehicle decal. The vehicle, whether it’s an ATV, side-by-side, or UTV–must be designed for off-highway use, not for use on farm or lawn care. Additionally, the OHV must have:
- Brakes
- A muffler system
- A spark arrester (US Forest Service qualified)
- Head lights and tail lights
- An off road vehicle sticker from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
When it comes to driving your OHV on public roads, that’s highly regulated, mostly limited to very low-speed roads (35 mph or less) and only with the proper plate and licensing. On private property, the rules are more relaxed, but you’ll still want to check local and county laws before heading out.
How to Get a Texas Off Road Vehicle Sticker
Texas off road vehicle stickers are required if you want to go off roading in Texas on public lands or lands that have received OHV grants. The decals cost $16 and are good September 1 to August 31 of the next year. The state uses the revenue from OHV decals to improve off road trails in Texas and create new ones.
If you need to purchase a decal, you have a few options:
- You can purchase the decal online here from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
- You can call the TPWD service center at (512) 389-8917 to order a decal. The service center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.
- You can visit an authorized dealer to purchase a decal in person. Click here to find a dealer location near you. Some of the parks provide decals for sale, but you’ll want to check before heading out.
Although the decal allows you to access off road trails in Texas, it doesn’t give you access to all public lands. Make sure to only ride in areas designed for OHV recreation. Additionally, failing to display the decal when required could put you into trouble. You’ll face a Class C misdemeanor and fines of up to $500 for violations.
Diesel Trucks For Sale In Texas
Top Places Rated for Off Roading in Texas
Texas is home to an incredible variety of off-road trails, ranging widely from sandy desert tracks to forested paths and muddy backroads. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a scenic ride or an experienced driver searching for a technical challenge, here are some of the top off road trails in Texas.
Matagorda Beach
Located on the Texas Gulf Coast between Houston and Corpus Christi, Matagorda Beach offers some of the best extreme beach off-roading in Texas, as long as you have a 4×4 vehicle. Here you’ll find 23 miles of sandy trails through soft sand and marsh and past ancient ruins. Before heading out on the sand, you’ll need to pay for a Matagorda County Beach Vehicle Permit, which costs $10 and lasts for a year.
Katemcy Rocks
Known as the “Moab of Texas,” Katemcy Rocks offers a true rock-crawling experience on private ranch land. One of the most extreme off road parks in Texas, Katemcy Rocks features more than 800 acres of granite outcroppings, steep climbs, and technical lines for Jeeps and four wheelers. Trails range in difficulty, meaning everyone from beginners to seasoned crawlers can find a challenge. It’s only open on select weekends, so check their schedule before making plans.
Barnwell Mountain
Since 2000, Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area has been open to dirt bikes, UTVs, ATVs, and OHVs with over 1800 acres of pine forest trails. Located in East Texas just 120 miles from Dallas, the network of trails offers everything from mild dirt paths to hardcore rock climbs. The park is family-friendly, with well-maintained camping areas with showers and RV hookups as well as a number of cabins and bunkhouses for rent.
Hidden Falls Adventure Park
One of the most popular off road parks in Texas, Hidden Falls Adventure Park features more than 200 miles of trails for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and full-size 4x4s. Located an hour outside of Austin near Marble Falls, its terrain ranges from rock hills and creek beds to tight forest trails. Trails are well-marked and cater to a range of skill levels. And if you don’t own your own OHV, the park offers rentals. Additionally, Hidden Falls has camping sites, cabins, and guided rides, making it a great option for families looking to get away for a weekend.
Wolf Caves Off Road Park
Located in Hill Country, Wolf Caves Off Road Park is famous for its granite formations and rock-crawling routes that are similar to Katemcy Rocks. It’s privately owned and designed for off-road enthusiasts who enjoy technical driving. The park offers camping areas and caters to mainly Jeeps and modified off-road vehicles.
Xtreme Off Road Beach and Park
Located just outside Houston, Xtreme Off Road Park and Beach is a massive playground for mud lovers and thrill-seekers. The park has over 1600 acres of wooded trails, steep hills, mud pits, water crossings, and more. Plus, there’s a riverside beach area where you can relax after a long ride. The park also regularly hosts events, concerts, and night rides for a unique adventure away from the city.
Boca Chica Beach
Located just 45 minutes outside of Brownsville, Boca Chica Beach offers moderately difficult trails for 4x4s and high clearance SUVs on the northwest part of the beach. Although it has terrain similar to South Padre Island, Boca Chica Beach is less crowded. Check the Cameron County schedule before heading out, as SpaceX rocket testing sometimes causes the beach to close.
Abandoned Resort
Located near the Terlingua Ranch area near Big Bend, the Abandoned Resort trail is a hidden gem with beautiful desert terrain. The trail gets its name from a resort that was planned over a hundred years ago. After a dam broke, the resort was abandoned, leaving the remnants behind. The trail is mostly easy gravel two track, with some rocks between 4 and 8 inches and a couple steep hill sections.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park offers some of the top rated off road trails in Texas for street legal vehicles only. The region is made up of remote, rugged terrain with beautiful vistas and off-road challenges for drivers of all skill levels. Top of the top trains in Big Bend include:
- Black Gap Road: Probably the most well-known trail for off roading in Texas, Black Gap Road offers 16 miles of moderately difficult trails for 4×4 vehicles. The trail is stunning, with views of mountains and valleys along the way.
- Old Maverick: With over 12 miles of track, Old Maverick features gravel trails with steep banks and washboarded roads. You’ll need a 4×4 with a high clearance for this trail.
- Fresno Canyon Road: This scenic route follows the canyon on the western edge of the Solitario, including two miles along the creek bed. The trail isn’t particularly difficult, but high rains in the area can create more challenging conditions.
Off Roading in Texas Conclusion
With so many diverse ecosystems in the state, off roading in Texas offers some of the best trails in the country. Whether you prefer rock crawling or riding through mud, there’s sure to be a trail for you.
Before you head out to one of the fantastic off road trails in Texas, you need to make sure you have the right vehicle. At Tipton Ford in Brownsville, we have a huge inventory of vehicles, including 4x4s and high clearance SUVs made for adventuring. We serve customers in San Benito, Edinburg, and Weslaco, as well as customers from Houston and Corpus Christi! We can also help you with all your car and truck accessory needs, including window tints, custom wheels, and tires. Or if you need auto repair or service, we can do everything from changing your oil to repairing your transmission and air conditioning.
0 comment(s) so far on The Best Off Roading Trails in Texas Guide