Five Off-Road Trips in Texas and Three SUVs that Can Handle the Terrain

Most families own an SUV for the safety features, the high seating, and the ample space. But the best of these vehicles are also designed to handle off-road terrain better than regular vehicles. Now, you probably won’t be hitting the dirt road on your way to drop the kids off at school, but getting the most out of your SUV when you’re on vacation just adds to the value of owning one (not to mention the bragging rights).

Whether you live in Texas or are planning to vacation there in the near future, we’ve come up with a list of the five off-road trails we like best. You don’t need a rugged 4×4 to navigate these trail routes—an SUV will do just fine. While some SUVs are nothing more than large vehicles, many of the best ones can be used for off-road adventures like these.

Palo Duro Canyon

Some suggest that Palo Duro Canyon can be navigated by a regular sedan, but you’ll enjoy this off-road trail more if you tackle it with your SUV. The Toyota 4Runner is a good option for this trail because it’s packed with comfort features, safety features, as well as off-road capabilities that may surprise you.

As a resident, getting car insurance in Texas is advisable because taking your SUV for an off-road adventure is the norm for those who love driving (and it’s wise to stay covered). The trail itself is rugged enough to test the capabilities of your SUV but mild enough for you to enjoy it, too.

There are a lot of great views to be seen from the higher inclines of the trail. And plenty of rest stops that’ll remind you to check your tires along the way. You may discover some mud puddles along this trail, but only after heavy rains.

Huntsville’s Sam Houston National Forest

Since off-road vehicles have been banned at the Sam Houston National Forest, regular sedan cars and SUVs are still permitted. This is the perfect trail if you’re just starting to learn what your SUV is capable of on off-road trails.

It’s easy to navigate and has countless reasons to stop and admire the scenery. Filled with tall pines and large lake areas, the Sam Houston National Forest provides mostly level terrain for easy SUV driving.

Kennard’s Davy Crockett National Forest

If your goal is spotting wildlife, then the Davy Crockett National Forest is a great place to try out your SUV. This forest has an off-road trail that only allows sedans and SUVs, making it an easy trail to navigate without a full-on off-road vehicle.

We highly recommend the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 for this adventure since it’s the perfect vehicle for traversing up steep hills and uneven terrain along the Davy Crockett National Forest off-road trail. Keep your phone handy as you’re likely to see tons of different animals as well as some of the best views Texas has to offer.

Big Bend National Park

West Texas features the Big Bend National Park, which has an off-road trail covering Old Maverick Road and Grapevine Hills Road. The main off-road trail has recently been maintained to accommodate SUVs just like yours, making this the perfect off-road Texas trail for your next driving adventure. There are archaeological sites along the way, many of which are included in the tours offered by the park.

But feel free to run it yourself, especially if you have a Subaru Ascent, which seems to handle the twists and turns really well. The great thing about Big Bend is that you can veer off and explore various primitive sites and roads that are not as well-kept as the main off-road trail. You can choose how challenging you want your drive to be as you go, giving you the opportunity to test your SUV as well as your own driving skills.

Caprock Canyons State Park in Quitaque

If you’re looking for more of a challenging off-road adventure, Caprock Canyons State Park is a good option. Red rock canyons surround the off-road trail at this park, giving you ample opportunities to stop and admire the view.

The road is a rolling one, so your SUV will be put through its paces at times. Most drivers report the trail to be easy enough to traverse, but it’s wisest to slow down at certain points to avoid losing control.

Wrapping Up

Your SUV is more than just a family car. To experience the best of Texas, consider these five off-road trails for your next adventure. Your SUV is probably more capable than you think when it comes to handling uneven terrain and gravel roads. Do some research on the safety features of your vehicle, too, and make sure the trail you choose is conducive to the SUV you have. Take the family along, pack enough food and water, and don’t forget your camera!