By Caleb MorganUpdated November 2026
Anyone planning a trip on northern California backroads and 4×4 trails needs more than a general map. Forest roads change with snowmelt, washouts and seasonal closures, and a good guidebook tells you which routes suit a stock SUV and which need a built rig with lockers and recovery gear. This list compares six trail guides covering the region and the wider state. The selection criteria were route coverage in northern California, clarity of difficulty ratings, how current the information appears to be based on publisher and owner feedback, and how easy each book is to use on the trail. This is a research-based comparison of specifications, publisher reputation and patterns in owner feedback. We have not driven these routes or tested these books ourselves.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallGuide To Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive TrailsView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for statewide planningGuide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails: 100 Mountain & Desert TrailsView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for Southern California routesGuide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive TrailsView on Amazon - 4
Best for Colorado tripsGuide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive TrailsView on Amazon - 5
Best for northern Colorado mountain passesGuide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails (Funtreks Guidebooks)View on Amazon - 6
Best for Utah desert routesguide to moab ut backroads and 4 wheel drive trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Guide To Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails | Trips focused on northern California | Regional coverage of northern California trails |
| Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails (Funtreks Guidebooks) | Colorado mountain passes | Northern Colorado route detail |
| guide to moab ut backroads and 4 wheel drive trails (FunTreks Guidebooks) | Utah desert routes | Moab-area trail coverage |
| Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails: 100 Mountain & Desert Trails (FunTreks Guidebooks) | Statewide planning | Roughly 100 trails across mountain and desert terrain |
| Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails | Southern California desert and mountain routes | Southern California trail coverage |
| Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails | Statewide Colorado trips | Colorado backroad coverage |
Guide To Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails
Guide To Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails
Best for: Trips focused on northern California
This is the most direct match for someone planning routes north of the Bay Area, including Sierra and Cascade foothill roads. It suits drivers who want one dedicated regional book rather than a statewide survey.
Key specs
- Regional focus on northern California backroads and 4-wheel drive trails
- Printed guidebook format for use without cell service
Pros
- Concentrated coverage of the region named in the title
- Useful for trip planning before you lose signal
- Single-volume reference for a defined area
Cons
- Regional scope means less help for routes outside northern California
- Printed route information can age, so check current forest service notices before you go
Bottom line: The best starting point for anyone whose route list is mostly north of Sacramento.
Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails: 100 Mountain & Desert Trails
Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails: 100 Mountain & Desert Trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)
Best for: Statewide planning
Drivers who want to compare routes across the Sierra, the high desert and the coast will find this useful. It works well as a second book alongside a regional guide.
Key specs
- Covers about 100 mountain and desert trails, according to the listing title
- Statewide scope across California terrain types
Pros
- Broad coverage of mountain and desert terrain in one book
- Good for comparing trail difficulty across regions
- Helpful for planning multi-day loops
Cons
- Fewer routes per region than dedicated regional guides
- Broad coverage can mean less detail on individual trail conditions
Bottom line: Pick this if you want one California book that spans the whole state rather than just the north.
Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails
Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails
Best for: Southern California desert and mountain routes
This book serves drivers based in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas who plan trips to the Mojave, Anza-Borrego or the southern Sierra. It is a regional complement to the northern California guide.
Key specs
- Regional focus on southern California backroads
- Printed format for offline reference
Pros
- Strong regional match for southern desert and mountain trips
- Pairs well with a northern California guide for statewide coverage
- Easy to carry as a trip reference
Cons
- Does not cover northern California routes
- Route details may need updating against current land management notices
Bottom line: The right choice for southern California trips, and a logical companion if you plan to cover both halves of the state.
Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails
Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails
Best for: Statewide Colorado trips
For drivers heading to Colorado rather than California, this is a statewide reference. It is less relevant to northern California itself but useful for anyone comparing destinations.
Key specs
- Statewide Colorado backroad and 4-wheel drive coverage
- Printed guidebook format
Pros
- Covers the whole state in one volume
- Good for planning multi-region Colorado trips
- Clear focus on a single state
Cons
- Not relevant to California routes
- Broad scope means less depth per region
Bottom line: A good pick for Colorado trips, but not a California resource.
Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails (Funtreks Guidebooks)
Guide to Northern Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails (Funtreks Guidebooks)
Best for: Colorado mountain passes
Drivers focused on high-elevation passes and northern Colorado ranges will find this more specific than the statewide book. It fits the same audience as the Colorado guide but for a narrower area.
Key specs
- Regional focus on northern Colorado
- Part of the FunTreks Guidebooks series
Pros
- Deeper coverage of northern Colorado than a statewide book
- Series format is consistent with other FunTreks titles
- Useful for high-altitude planning
Cons
- Not relevant to California routes
- Regional scope excludes southern Colorado
Bottom line: A strong pick for northern Colorado mountain driving, but a different state from this article’s focus.
guide to moab ut backroads and 4 wheel drive trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)
guide to moab ut backroads and 4 wheel drive trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)
Best for: Utah desert routes
Drivers heading to the red rock country around Moab will find route detail here. Like the Colorado titles, it is useful for destination comparison rather than northern California itself.
Key specs
- Regional focus on the Moab area of Utah
- Part of the FunTreks Guidebooks series
Pros
- Specific coverage of a well-known desert trail area
- Consistent series layout with other FunTreks titles
- Helpful for planning desert routes
Cons
- Not relevant to California routes
- Desert terrain requires different preparation than mountain routes
Bottom line: A focused choice for Moab-area trips, outside this article’s regional scope.
Buying Guide
Regional Coverage
Check whether the book covers the specific area you plan to drive. Northern California terrain differs from the Sierra high country and from the Mojave, and a guide built for one may not help with the other.
Good picks for this: Guide To Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails: 100 Mountain & Desert Trails
Difficulty Ratings
Look for a clear system that rates trails by obstacle severity, clearance needs and whether a winch or lockers are advisable. Ratings should be explained in the front matter so you can compare routes consistently.
Good picks for this: Guide To Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails
Season and Access
High-elevation northern California roads can be snowbound from late fall into late spring. A guide should note seasonal closures, and you should always check current forest service conditions before departure.
Good picks for this: Guide To Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails: 100 Mountain & Desert Trails
Trip Scope
Decide whether you need a single-region book or a statewide overview. Regional books give more detail per trail, while statewide books help with comparing options.
Good picks for this: Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails: 100 Mountain & Desert Trails, Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails
Print Versus Digital
Paper guides work without cell coverage, which is common on backroads. Some owners pair a printed book with offline maps on a phone or GPS unit for navigation.
Good picks for this: Guide To Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails
Publication Currency
Route information changes as roads are rerouted, closed or improved. Check the publication date and cross-reference with current land management notices before you commit to a trail.
Good picks for this: Guide To Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, Guide to California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails: 100 Mountain & Desert Trails
FAQ
Is a printed guide still worth buying for northern California trails?
Yes, for many drivers. Backroads often have no cell coverage, so a printed book gives you route information without a signal. Pair it with offline maps for navigation.
Which guide covers northern California best?
The regional northern California book is the most direct match for trips north of the Bay Area. A statewide book is a useful second reference if your route crosses regions.
How do I know if a trail suits my vehicle?
Compare the difficulty rating with your vehicle’s ground clearance, tire size and drivetrain. A guide’s rating system should explain what each level assumes about equipment.
When is the best season for northern California 4×4 trails?
Mid-elevation roads are often driveable in late spring through fall, while high-elevation routes may stay snowbound longer. Check current conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Should I carry recovery gear on these trails?
Most owners recommend carrying basic recovery equipment on any backroad trip, including traction boards, a shovel and a tow strap. Consult a professional mechanic or an experienced off-road instructor for guidance on your specific vehicle.
Are the Colorado and Utah guides useful for California trips?
Not directly. They cover different states and terrain. They are useful only if you are comparing destinations or planning a trip that includes those states.
Conclusion
For trips in northern California, the regional guide is the clearest starting point. Drivers who want statewide coverage should consider the 100-trail California book, and southern California drivers will want the southern regional title. The Colorado and Utah books suit destination trips outside California. Match the scope of the book to the area you plan to drive, and always confirm current route conditions before you go.
Sources
- Forest Service guidance on road closures, seasonal access and travel management on national forest land (fs.usda.gov)
- Bureau of Land Management information on off-highway vehicle routes, permits and conditions in California and Utah (blm.gov)
- National Park Service trip planning resources for backcountry roads and seasonal conditions (nps.gov)
Related reading
- Northern California 4×4 Trails: A Route Guide to Difficulty, Season and Prep
- Top 10 Colorado Backroads and 4×4 Trails for Every Skill Level
- Telluride 4×4 Trails Near California (2026): Which Should You Choose?
- 7 Best 4×4 Trails in California (2026): Expert Picks
- 5 Best Arizona Backroads and 4×4 Trails Guides for Every Skill Level
About Caleb Morgan
Caleb Morgan is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our off-road trails & overlanding guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
