By Caleb MorganUpdated November 2026
Finding good jeep off roading trails is easier when you have a reliable guidebook in the glove box. Most drivers want route descriptions with difficulty ratings, clear directions, seasonal notes and a sense of what the terrain will ask of the vehicle. This list focuses on printed guides and a trip log, chosen by how well they cover trail difficulty, state-specific backroads, beginner-friendly technique and practical trip planning. The picks below are based on specifications, publisher focus, and patterns in owner feedback rather than hands-on testing.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallGuide to Moab UT Backroads and 4 Wheel Drive TrailsView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for Arizona routesGuide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails: Easy, Moderate, DifficultView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for Colorado high countryGuide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)View on Amazon - 4
Best for trip recordsOff Road Log Book: A Log Book to Keep of All Your Back Roads AdventuresView on Amazon - 5
Best for beginnersThe Complete Guide to Off-Roading for Beginners (Treads & Trails Book 1)View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Guide to Moab UT Backroads and 4 Wheel Drive Trails | Moab-area routes | Route-by-route Moab coverage |
| Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails | Arizona desert and mountain routes | Trails graded easy, moderate and difficult |
| Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails | Colorado high-country routes | Statewide backroad coverage |
| Off Road Log Book | Logging trips and vehicle notes | Dedicated pages for each outing |
| The Complete Guide to Off-Roading for Beginners | New off-roaders | Technique and vehicle basics |
Guide to Moab UT Backroads and 4 Wheel Drive Trails
guide to moab ut backroads and 4 wheel drive trails (FunTreks Guidebooks) If you want more background, see Off-Road Tool Kit: Tools and Spares for Trail Fixes.
Best for: Drivers planning a trip centered on Moab-area jeep off roading trails
This guide suits drivers who want a focused reference for one of the most visited off-road destinations in the western United States. Moab’s routes range from gentle sandy washes to rocky ledges, so a guide that grades each route by difficulty helps match the trail to your vehicle and experience.
Key specs
- Format: printed guidebook
- Region: Moab, Utah and surrounding backroads
- Publisher series: FunTreks Guidebooks
Pros
- Concentrated coverage of one high-demand region
- Route descriptions suited to planning a multi-day trip
- Easy to keep in the vehicle as a paper reference when cell service drops
Cons
- Coverage is limited to one area, so it is not useful for trips elsewhere
- Printed maps can age; check current trail status with land managers
Bottom line: The right pick for anyone whose main goal is Moab-area jeep off roading trails.
Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails: Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails: Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Best for: Arizona routes across desert, canyon and forest terrain
Arizona offers a wide range of terrain within one state, from low desert washes to pine forests at higher elevation. A guide that labels routes as easy, moderate or difficult helps drivers build up skill before attempting harder ground.
Key specs
- Format: printed guidebook
- Region: Arizona statewide
- Difficulty grading: easy, moderate and difficult
Pros
- Difficulty labels make it easier to choose routes that match your vehicle
- Covers varied terrain across the state
- Useful for planning trips that cross several climate zones
Cons
- Statewide coverage means less depth per area than a regional guide
- Trail conditions change with monsoon damage and seasonal closures, so verify before departure
Bottom line: A strong choice for drivers who want one book covering many Arizona routes at different skill levels.
Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)
Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails (FunTreks Guidebooks)
Best for: Mountain and high-country jeep off roading trails in Colorado
Colorado’s routes climb quickly, and many pass above treeline where weather can change within an hour. This guide suits drivers planning summer mountain trips and anyone who wants reference coverage across the state’s varied elevations.
Key specs
- Format: printed guidebook
- Region: Colorado statewide
- Publisher series: FunTreks Guidebooks
Pros
- Good fit for mountain routes with significant elevation change
- Statewide scope for drivers who move between regions
- Printed format works where signal is weak
Cons
- Many high routes are only open in summer, so check the season before buying a trip around a specific route
- Single-volume coverage is less detailed than dedicated county or forest guides
Bottom line: Best for drivers focused on Colorado mountain routes who want a single statewide reference.
Off Road Log Book: A Log Book to Keep of All Your Back Roads Adventures
Off Road Log Book: A Log Book to Keep of All Your Back Roads Adventures, 4-Wheel Drive Trails, Desert Byways, Hitting the Trails, Gifts for Off Roading for Men and Women.
Best for: Recording trips, routes and vehicle notes over time
This log book is not a route guide, but it pairs well with one. Drivers who want to track which trails they completed, conditions encountered and modifications that worked will find a dedicated log more useful than loose notes.
Key specs
- Format: printed log book
- Purpose: trip and adventure record
Pros
- Keeps trip records in one place for future planning
- Helpful for tracking maintenance and vehicle changes alongside trail notes
- Makes a practical gift for off-road enthusiasts
Cons
- Contains no route information, so it does not replace a guidebook
- Layout may not suit drivers who prefer extensive free-form notes
Bottom line: Pick this if you want a record of your jeep off roading trails rather than a guide to find them.
The Complete Guide to Off-Roading for Beginners (Treads & Trails Book 1)
The Complete Guide to Off-Roading for Beginners (Treads & Trails: Your Overlanding and Off-Roading Companion Book 1)
Best for: New off-roaders learning technique and vehicle basics
If you are new to off-roading, a route guide alone may not explain how to handle the trail once you arrive. This book focuses on the skills and preparation that come before the trail, which is why it ranks last in this list for drivers who already have experience.
Key specs
- Format: beginner guidebook
- Series: Treads & Trails: Your Overlanding and Off-Roading Companion, Book 1
Pros
- Covers fundamentals that route guides often assume you already know
- Useful companion to a region-specific trail guide
- Broad scope suits drivers still deciding what kind of off-roading they enjoy
Cons
- Not a route guide, so it will not tell you where to drive
- Beginners will still need to practice on easy terrain and build skill gradually
Bottom line: The best starting point for new drivers who want to understand technique before choosing jeep off roading trails.
Buying Guide
Route Coverage and Region
Decide where you plan to drive before buying. Regional guides like those for Moab or Arizona give more route detail per area, while statewide books cover more ground with less depth. Match the scope of the book to how often you travel and how far.
Good picks for this: Guide to Moab UT Backroads and 4 Wheel Drive Trails; Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
Difficulty Ratings
Look for clear grading such as easy, moderate and difficult. Difficulty labels help you pick routes that fit your vehicle’s ground clearance, tire size and your own experience. Start one level below what you think you can handle and work up.
Good picks for this: Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails; The Complete Guide to Off-Roading for Beginners
Seasonal and Access Information
Many high-elevation and desert routes close seasonally or after heavy rain. Check whether the guide notes seasons, and always confirm current conditions with the managing agency, such as the Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service, before you leave.
Good picks for this: Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails; Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
Beginner Technique Content
If you have limited off-road experience, a book that explains traction, approach angles, tire pressure and spotting will save you from learning those lessons on a difficult trail. Technique content is especially valuable before you attempt rocky or steep terrain.
Good picks for this: The Complete Guide to Off-Roading for Beginners; Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails
Format and Durability
Printed guides and logs work well in a vehicle, but they can get damp, dusty or bent. Look for a sturdy binding and a size that fits your glove box or map pocket. A spiral or lay-flat binding helps when you need to keep a page open on the dash.
Good picks for this: Off Road Log Book; Guide to Moab UT Backroads and 4 Wheel Drive Trails
Trip Logging and Record Keeping
If you drive the same routes repeatedly, or want to track tire wear, fluid changes and trail conditions, a dedicated log book keeps information organized. Pair a log with a route guide so both your planning and your records stay in one place.
Good picks for this: Off Road Log Book; The Complete Guide to Off-Roading for Beginners
Pairing Books with Trail Preparation
A guide tells you where to go, but preparation determines whether you get back safely. Pair your reading with a recovery kit and a checked vehicle. Our article on Off Roading Recovery Gear covers the basics, and the Off Road Recovery Gear Kit: 7 Essentials for Safe Trail Rescues article goes deeper on what to carry.
Good picks for this: The Complete Guide to Off-Roading for Beginners; Guide to Moab UT Backroads and 4 Wheel Drive Trails
FAQ
What is the best guide for jeep off roading trails?
The best choice depends on your destination. The Moab guide suits Utah routes, the Arizona and Colorado guides cover those states, and the beginner book is the best starting point if you are new to technique.
Do I need a guidebook if I use GPS or a mapping app?
Digital maps are useful, but signal can drop in remote areas and map data may not show closures or difficulty. A printed guide gives you backup route information and a reference you can read without a connection.
How do I know which difficulty level to choose?
Compare the route’s grade with your vehicle’s ground clearance, tire size and your experience. If you are unsure, start with an easy route and move up after you have handled several moderate trails without trouble.
Are these guides updated regularly?
Publication dates vary, and routes can change because of weather, washouts or land-management decisions. Always confirm current conditions with the land-managing agency before you travel.
Should a beginner buy a route guide or a technique book first?
Start with a technique book if you have little experience. Once you understand traction, spotting and vehicle limits, a regional route guide will be more useful.
What else should I bring on a trail?
Carry recovery equipment, water, a first-aid kit and a way to signal for help. Tell someone your route and expected return time, and follow the general principles of trail etiquette, such as staying on the designated route.
Conclusion
For most drivers, a regional route guide is the core purchase, since it provides the information needed to choose and plan jeep off roading trails. The Moab guide suits Utah trips, the Arizona and Colorado guides fit statewide planning, and the beginner book builds the skills to handle harder ground. The log book is a useful addition for anyone who wants to keep records of their trips. Choose the book that matches where you drive and how much experience you have, and confirm current trail conditions before every outing.
Sources
- Public land access rules, route closures and current conditions for Bureau of Land Management areas (blm.gov)
- Forest Service trail information, seasonal closures and travel management maps (fs.usda.gov)
- Park-specific road and backcountry guidance for national park routes (nps.gov)
Related reading
- Off Roading Recovery Gear: 7 Essentials for Safe Trail Rescues
- Top 5 Jeep Wrangler Rooftop Tent Options for Trail Camping
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.
