Your Ultimate Guide to Overlanding in Utah
Posted by West Valley Staff on 28th May 2025
Your Ultimate Guide To Overlanding In Utah
Why Utah is an Overlanding Paradise
Utah is a dream destination for overlanders. From the iconic red rocks of Moab and Arches to the high alpine forests of the Uinta Mountains and the wide-open desert valleys near Capitol Reef, Utah offers some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring terrain in North America. Whether you're embarking on your first overland trip or you're a seasoned explorer, the state's combination of public land access, remote routes, and epic scenery makes it a top-tier overlanding playground. You’ll find everything from quick weekend getaways on graded forest roads to multi-day off-grid adventures deep into BLM wilderness. With its mix of elevation, climates, and terrain, Utah challenges your rig and rewards your curiosity — offering rock crawling, water crossings, sandy washes, and high mountain passes all within a day’s drive.
And if you're just getting started or gearing up for your next expedition, there’s no better basecamp than Expedition Superstore — Utah’s largest overland gear hub, located in West Valley City Utah. From rooftop tents to recovery gear, we’ve got everything you need to travel further, safer, and with confidence.
What Is Overlanding?
Overlanding is more than just off-roading — it’s about self-reliant travel to remote destinations where the journey is the goal. It’s a lifestyle rooted in exploration, combining vehicle-based travel, backcountry camping, and the freedom to roam. Unlike traditional off-roading, which often focuses on technical trails and obstacles, overlanding is about covering distance and discovering places far from the beaten path — whether that's a desert overlook, a hidden alpine lake, or a quiet forest clearing.
It’s as much about preparation and mindset as it is about your vehicle. Some folks travel in bone-stock SUVs and sleep in the back, while others build out full adventure rigs with rooftop tents, dual-battery systems, fridges, and recovery gear. But the beauty of overlanding is that there’s no single “right” setup — just a willingness to explore, respect the land, and travel responsibly. Whether you’re plotting your first dispersed campsite or crossing state lines on dirt roads, overlanding opens up a whole new way to experience Utah’s wild spaces.
Must-See Overland Routes in Utah
Looking for the best overlanding trails in Utah? Here are a few of our favorite routes to get your tires dirty:
White Rim Trail (Canyonlands NP)
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Length: 100 miles (loop)
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Skill Level: Moderate
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Best Time: Spring/Fall
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Why Go: Jaw-dropping views, iconic desert scenery
Cathedral Valley (Capitol Reef NP)
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Length: ~60 miles
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Skill Level: Beginner–Moderate
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Best Time: Late Spring to Fall
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Highlights: Temple of the Sun & Moon, remote desert solitude
Skyline Drive (Wasatch Plateau)
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Length: 80+ miles
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Skill Level: Beginner
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Best Time: Summer
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What to Expect: High alpine forests, wildlife, and cool summer nights
Need help outfitting your vehicle for any of these trails? Stop by our brand new West Valley City showroom and speak with our overland experts.
Essential Overlanding Gear for Utah Terrain
The right gear makes all the difference, especially in Utah’s extreme conditions. Here's a quick checklist of essentials that we carry here at Expedition Superstore:
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Portable Refrigerators (We carry Dometic, ARB, and more)
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Recovery Gear (snatch straps, traction boards, air compressors)
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Off-Road Lighting (rock lights, area lights, headlamps)
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Navigation + Communication (Garmin Overlander, GMRS radios)
Pro Tip: Not sure what gear fits your build? Come see it in person — no guessing, no shipping delays. Our team will be happy to inform and assist you in finding the best overlanding gear for your specific vehicle or rig build.
Local Knowledge You Can Trust
At Expedition Superstore, we’re not just gear nerds — we live this lifestyle. Our staff runs Utah trails. We test the gear we sell. We partner with local trail organizations and run community events. Whether you’re new to overlanding or prepping for a two-week trip, we’re here to help.
Browse our full collection of overlanding gear or stop by our location in West Valley City.
Visit Utah’s Biggest Overland Store
Expedition Superstore is Utah’s HQ for all things overland. We stock top brands, offer rig installs and builds, and provide real trail-tested advice. We’re located at 2195 S Presidents Drive, Suite C, right in West Valley City Utah minutes away from the Airport, Downtown, and the Trails!
✅ Rooftop tents
✅ Camp kitchen gear
✅ Recovery tools
✅ Navigation & communications
✅ Wheels, racks, lighting, and more
Need help building your rig? Schedule a gear consultation with our team or swing by the showroom for a build consultation. Whatever you're looking for, we can help!
Final Thoughts: Start Your Next Adventure Here
Utah is waiting — and we’ve got everything you need to hit the trail with confidence. Whether you’re camping for the weekend or overlanding for a week, Expedition Superstore is your one-stop shop to gear up, learn, and go.
