Boasts semi-aniline leather–trimmed, 10-way power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front massaging seats.
NEXT-LEVEL ADVENTURE
PRO TIPS
MULTISPORT OPTIONS
WHERE TO STAY
WHEN TO GO
GETTING THERE
The Blue Ridge Mountains are only about an hour north of Atlanta—and a scenic hour at that. From downtown, take GA-400 N and GA-9 N to Amicalola. Savor this last bit: the roads wind through quaint North Georgia farm country and rugged national forest. Your finish line is the Springer Mountain trailhead, a small parking area just off Forest Service Road 42 (34.637522, -84.195078)
NEW OVERTRAIL MODEL
CAPABILITY
LUXURY
SOCAL DESERT DREAMS
EXTRAORDINARY SKIES
GEORGIA’S BLUE RIDGE PROVINCE
Explore temperate rainforest and soaring ridgelines at the headwaters of the Appalachian Trail
Georgia’s Blue Ridge Province
PRESENTS
Ready for a new perspective on exceptional outdoor opportunities? Target these seven hot spots that adventurous drivers across the country can live up to. And travel well-equipped with the all-new 2024 Lexus GX, because each region requires a
share of memorable off-road1 driving that unlocks a key activity to make your next weekend escape extraordinary.
EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES
Explore temperate rainforest and soaring ridgelines at the headwaters of the Appalachian Trail
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Located in Georgia’s northeast corner, the Blue Ridge Mountains are the gateway to ancient Appalachia. They’re lush and rugged, dense with vegetation and threaded with waterfalls and high-mountain streams. All this moisture is what gives the range its name. Over the course of the day, water evaporates from the creeks and from the leaves of the trees themselves; the forest breathes. Its exhaled vapor rises into the air, creating a haze that filters incoming sunlight. Late in the afternoon, this haze mutes the forest’s greens, and the peaks are a flat, layered blue. After a good rain, mist weaves through the valleys, and the mountains seem as serene as old men wreathed in pipe smoke.
But it’s not just the enchanting scenery that makes this place worth a visit. With peaks soaring more than 4,000 feet above sea level, the Blue Ridge offers a welcome escape from the Atlanta heat. And while the area is home to mountain biking and flatwater kayaking, the hiking really makes it worth the drive. Georgia, after all, hosts the starting line of the world-famous Appalachian Trail.
Start your journey here, at Springer Mountain. Take a peek at the roaring Amicalola Falls, then park near Springer’s base and hike the 1.8-mile out-and-back to the summit. Looking to escape the crowds? The Blue Ridge zone is also home to the southern reaches of the Benton MacKaye Trails, as well as quiet wilderness areas like the Cohutta Wilderness and Tallulah Gorge State Park. Each is a hiking epicenter in its own right.
You can hike the Blue Ridge Mountains all year round. That said, summers can be muggy, and while snow is scarce in North Georgia, winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing. For the best conditions, visit during spring or fall. Target early April through mid-May to catch the first spring blooms, and mid- to late October for peak fall color.
For luxury camping, head to Glamp Blue Ridge. Here, you can sleep in a geodesic dome tucked deep into the forest, right alongside a plunging waterfall. For more of a lodge experience, book a stay at Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals, a pair of homes perched on stilts within the deciduous forest canopy.
Hiking is just the start in this adventure zone. You can hit the trails on two wheels as well. The Jake and Bull Mountain trail system sports dozens of fast, flowy rides, ranging from the gentle three-mile Black Branch Trail to the 25.2-mile IMBA Epic Loop, a massive linkup reserved for expert riders. When you’re done riding, cool off in nearby Lake Blue Ridge. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the marina and spend an afternoon paddling the lake’s hidden inlets and coves.
Parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains lie within temperate rainforest and see up to 60 inches of rain per year. Follow these tips to stay safe and dry.
Pack a rain shell, rain pants, and a hat with a brim.
Avoid wearing cotton, which saps body heat when wet.
Bring a pack cover, and store your phone and other electronics in clear zip-top bags.
Remember to consider the drive. If you’re venturing onto forest service trails or dirt roads, make sure your vehicle is equipped to handle mud and slick terrain. (In particularly wet conditions, 4WD or AWD is recommended.)
Georgia’s fast-flowing streams make it a hot spot for trout fishing and whitewater rafting. Hire a fly-fishing guide to cast for brown or rainbow trout, or book a rafting outfitter and spend an afternoon punching through Class IV and V rapids on Georgia’s famed Chattooga River.
THE ESCAPE
Colorado Canyon Country
Explore some of Colorado’s finest mountain biking in this trail-laced adventure wonderland
Maine’s North Woods
Camp beneath ancient old-growth forest in the wilds of northern Maine
THE ECLIPSE
STARGAZING
Driver-First Cockpit
The high-definition Panoramic View Monitor2 provides a top-down, 360-degree view on the 14-inch touchscreen display to help assist with navigating tight spaces.
Elevated Interface
A Mark Levinson®3 21-speaker, 1,800-watt Premium Surround Sound system complements the Dynamic Sky™ panorama glass roof that can switch between transparent and opaque.
Sight and Sound
1 Off-roading is inherently dangerous. Abusive use may result in bodily harm or vehicle damage.
2 The Panoramic View Monitor does not provide a comprehensive view of the area surrounding your vehicle. Look around to confirm clearance. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
3 Mark Levinson is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
4 Ratings achieved using required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease. Horsepower may vary depending on accessories added to the vehicle.
5 2024 GX vs. 2023/2024/2025 competitors. Excludes GX 550 Luxury. Information from manufacturers’ websites as of 2/13/2024.
6 Rating based on testing requirements prescribed in SAE J2807. Rating referenced in Owner’s Manual may differ depending on testing standard used. Never tow beyond a vehicle’s published towing capacities. Towing capacity for vehicles equipped with five-, six- and seven-seat configurations may vary.
7 Torsen® is a registered trademark of JTEKT Torsen, Inc.
8 Crawl Control is designed for driving on difficult terrain at low speeds and assists the driver by controlling acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to focus on steering. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations.
9 Downhill Assist Control is designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control and speed on steep downhill descents and is not a substitute for safe driving judgment and practices. Factors including speed, grade, surface conditions, and driver input can all affect the ability of DAC to prevent a loss of control. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations.
LUXURY, MEET CAPABILITY
Explore the all-new Lexus GX’s blend of luxury and all-terrain performance. But don’t let the plush interior fool you—this rugged and legit off-roader is equipped and trail-ready for any adventure. Bonus: It’s ready for you to customize with overlanding extras as the first Lexus that’s been purpose-built to be modified.
Torsen®7 limited-slip locking center differential efficiently distributes power between the front and rear axles.
Traction Across Conditions
A redesigned hood plus a flat dash help you avoid obstacles and orient against the horizon, while enjoying 8-way power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats.
Cabin Comforts
Adaptive Variable Suspension enables you to customize your desired level of road feel. The new Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) reduces body roll while on pavement, then boosts off-road¹ traction by automatically disconnecting the sway bars for increased wheel articulation in extreme situations.
Advanced Suspension Control
The Multi-Terrain Monitor utilizes Underfloor, Side, Front, Rear and Overhead views on the 14-inch touchscreen multimedia display with dynamic gridlines to help you avoid obstacles.
The Big Picture
Wild Great Lakes
Explore open water and secluded ponds in this paddle-touring wonderland
Montana’s Alpine Escape
Link endless ridgelines and winding singletrack in an action-packed trail running paradise
Undiscovered Ozarks
Choose from hundreds of miles of trails in America’s overlooked adventure playground
Desert Dreams
Treat yourself to three days of riding bliss along Southern California’s epic bike trails
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02. Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas
A 355,000-swath of rugged mountains and lush cactus gardens, Big Bend Ranch is Texas’s largest state park—and one the best spots in the country for remote camping beneath undiluted starlight. Head the park’s Interior District, which offers a number of primitive drive-up campsites. While the Milky Way glitters in the clear desert sky all summer long, August brings a special treat: the Perseids meteor shower, which peaks on August 12.
The 6 Best Campgrounds for Stargazing in the U.S.
Planning an adventure takes you only so far. Eventually you just need to get behind the wheel and go, especially when it comes to exploring the far reaches of an extraordinary multisport destination like Joshua Tree National Park. Launching from a base camp at AutoCamp Joshua Tree, Freida Pinto and Cory Tran take full advantage of everything the surreal landscape has to offer, tackling off-road trails1 in the all-new Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ to access flowy mountain bike trails, scenic rock climbs, jaw-dropping hikes, and beautiful vistas for stargazing.
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Colorado Canyon Country
Explore some of Colorado’s finest mountain biking in this trail-laced adventure wonderland
NEXT-LEVEL ADVENTURE
PRO TIPS
HIKE + SWIM OPTIONS
WHERE TO STAY
WHEN TO GO
GETTING THERE
THE ESCAPE
Some of the region’s narrowest canyons are only accessible via rappel. Hire a canyoneering guide to take you through Bear Creek, a maze of slots and waterfalls, or Angel Creek, a beginner-friendly romp near the town of Ouray, Colorado. Nearby, you’ll also find a number of options for via ferrata. These cliff-scaling routes rely on a system of cables and iron rungs and a basic safety harness, allowing visitors to experience jaw-dropping exposure—no technical climbing experience required.
This is harsh country, and many of the trailheads here lie along remote dirt roads. With a little prep, however, you’ll be able to handle whatever the desert dishes out.
Pack plenty of water. A gallon per person per day is a good general guideline.
Dress in layers, and always bring sunscreen. Temperatures often swing from 30 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night to 80 or 90 in the daytime.
Wear sturdy footwear that can withstand rocky trails and cactus spines.
When you pick a trailhead, check to see whether 4WD is required. Rocky dirt tracks and washboard roads are common here, and a capable vehicle will ensure access to some of the zone’s best spots.
Summers can get toasty here, but the region’s swimming holes make it easy to beat the heat. Tack a swim onto the end of a ten-mile out-and-back hike by tackling the Big Dominguez Canyon Trail near Bridgeport. The route leads straight to a deep pool hemmed in by sandstone cliffs—an Instagram-worthy spot to practice your swan dive. Another great option: Cascade Creek in Durango. This short hike terminates at a waterfall-fed turquoise pond tucked within the walls of a narrow canyon.
A trip to this corner of Colorado provides the perfect excuse to stay in some of the state’s most unique digs. At CampV, just south of Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, you can choose from a gorgeously renovated historic cabin, an Airstream trailer, or a jupe (a futuristic take on the canvas glamping tent). If you’re adventuring closer to Grand Junction, book a stay at Two Rivers Winery Chateau, an upscale inn on vineyard property.
Colorado’s high desert tends to be most hospitable in spring, fall, and winter, when the heat index is low. Go in March through early May for mild spring temperatures (albeit a little more rain), or September through November for crisp fall weather.
Montrose is around an hour south of Grand Junction along US-50. About six miles past the town of Olathe, take a right onto West Jay Jay Road. Stay left at the next two junctures, following Jig Road and then 5850 Road to Kiowa Road. Take a right here. Kiowa dead-ends into Shavano Valley Road. Take a left here, then a right onto Rim Road, which will take you to your trailhead (GPS coordinates: 38.485310, -108.042272).
Colorado may be known for its mountains, but the real treasures lie to the southwest. Here, on the lesser-visited backside of the Rockies, the peaks give way to deep gorges, granitic ravines, and twisting sandstone slots. Colorado’s canyon country is among the state’s most wild and rugged adventure playgrounds—especially if you prefer to do your exploring from the saddle of a bike.
To sample some of the region’s best mountain bike trails, target the Dry Creek Canyon system near Montrose. This zone mixes rock gardens, grueling climbs, and swoopy singletrack. You can access the top of the canyon with a low-clearance vehicle, but come equipped with 4WD and you’ll be able to park at the canyon bottom, opening up twice as many trails—and eliminating the grueling climb at the end of each ride.
Closer to Grand Junction, you’ll find the Road 18 Trails, a tangle of flowy rides located on rugged BLM land just north of town. Farther south, the high-elevation trail system at Turkey Flats is one of the best places to escape the summer heat—and the crowds. (You’ll find the trailhead at the end of a long dirt road; 4WD is recommended, especially in sloppy conditions.)
If you have more time, pack your panniers for an enduro ride. The 140-mile Tabeguache Trail connects the two mountain-biking capitals of Grand Junction and Montrose, passing through the scenic Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area along the way. Another local favorite: the Paradox Trail, a varied 124-mile ride that traverses Montrose County from end to end.
Maine’s North Woods
Camp beneath ancient old-growth forest in the wilds of northern Maine
NEXT-LEVEL ADVENTURE
PRO TIPS
WINTER OPTIONS
WHERE TO STAY
WHEN TO GO
GETTING THERE
THE ESCAPE
All across the North Maine Woods, crystalline rivers roar with fresh snowmelt. Navigate them via canoe or raft with any number of the region’s outfitters. For a flatwater experience, book a canoe trip down the wild Allagash River. For a shot of adrenaline, hire a rafting guide and take on the rapids of the Penobscot.
Much of the camping in the North Maine Woods is accessible via logging trails, which are often in use. Heed these tips to navigate them safely.
Check for road closures. Many routes close during the winter.
Drive slow. Keep an eye out for logs, which trucks occasionally drop.
Watch for wildlife. Keep your headlights on, and switch to high beams in dim lighting.
You won’t need a 4WD vehicle for all roads, but it’s great to have the option in case of wet or muddy conditions.
Come winter, the North Maine Woods are a haven for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers. Head to Baxter State Park for human-powered adventure or Deboullie Public Lands for snowmobiling.
Katahdin Adventure Base Camp offers a lodge-like feel right at the gates of Baxter State Park. For car camping, head to Wilderness Edge Campground in Millinocket, which offers a mix of rustic cabins, canvas glamping tents, and RV sites.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Target late September through early October for peak fall foliage. To catch spring’s first blooms, aim for early June, when purple lupines carpet the open meadows.
To get to Baxter State Park from the town of Millinocket, take Millinocket Road north from downtown. Keep left to stay on Baxter Park Road, which will lead you straight to the park’s visitor center.
Leave Acadia National Park to the crowds and make like a local: venture deep into Maine’s backcountry and get the forest all to yourself. Maine’s North Woods cover about 3.5 million acres of landscape so wild that little of it is accessible by paved road. But hop behind the wheel of a capable off-road vehicle and you’ll enjoy a world of glacially carved cirques, shaded singletrack, and secluded campsites.
Start at the Millinocket area, a perfect launching point for off-road adventure. Here, you’ll find a web of forest service roads and logging tracks that lead to a vast array of remote campsites (4WD recommended). Baxter State Park, just north of Millinocket, offers scenic front-country campgrounds and primitive campsites. Our recommendation: reserve a spot at Chimney Pond, a coveted backcountry site in the shadow of Mount Katahdin.
Looking for more solitude? Try the Deboullie Public Lands, a remote patch of woodland speckled with lakes, primitive camping shelters, and secluded tent sites. Or, head south to Speck Pond, which lies along the Appalachian Trail near Mahoosuc Notch. The hike in—about three miles of pristine singletrack—passes through deep forest and open meadows that offer sweeping views across the Mahoosuc Range.
Wild Great Lakes
Explore open water and secluded ponds in this paddle-touring wonderland
NEXT-LEVEL ADVENTURE
PRO TIPS
WINTER OPTIONS
WHERE TO STAY
WHEN TO GO
GETTING THERE
THE ESCAPE
The Great Lakes Region and nearby Boundary Waters are famous for their multiday canoe routes. These trips offer a chance for immersive solitude in some of the Midwest’s wildest terrain. If you’re new to expedition-style canoeing, hire a local outfitter to supply your gear, itinerary, and/or a guide.
Stand-up paddleboarding can be tricky in the backcountry. Before you head into open water, make sure you’ve mastered these skills.
Be able to paddle efficiently, both standing and on your knees.
Know how to dress for the water temperatures, and always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and an ankle leash.
Practice getting back on the board when you fall off, especially in choppy water.
Get comfortable moving around on the board to grab snacks, layers, and gear.
On Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and fat-tire biking opportunities abound. Fat-biking, however, is one of the fastest and most beginner-friendly ways to access the winter woods. (Rentals are available from most local bike shops.) Target Marquette’s Noquemanon Trail Network, which offers dozens of miles of accessible fat-tire bike routes, or Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park, which caters to intermediate and advanced riders.
If your adventures start along the Lake Superior shoreline, book a stay at North Shore Camping Co., a swanky glamping retreat not far from Duluth. Closer to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, target Twisting Twig Gardens and Orchard, a rustic retreat that offers visitors homegrown fruit and a range of quirky accommodations, including cabins, yurts, and a geodesic dome.
This far north, summer is prime time. Target early June through mid-September for warm temperatures and plentiful sunshine. Intrepid paddlers can keep on SUPing into spring and fall, but wetsuits are recommended.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located just north of Lake Superior. From Duluth, Minnesota, trace the shores of Lake Superior until you get to Grand Marais, then take Gunflint Trail a little over an hour north. This road takes you right to Boundary Waters and the put-ins to Seagull Lake.
The Great Lakes region is a paradise for paddlers of all kinds, but particularly those who prefer to explore from a stand-up paddleboard or touring kayak. Your best bet: start in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters. With more than 1,000 miles of paddling routes and about twice as many backcountry campsites, this region is one of the best places in the world for backcountry paddling trips. While plenty of lakes are accessible via paved road (Seagull is perfect for beginners), the truly intrepid go much deeper: packing camping gear aboard for a multiday paddling trip, or using a 4WD vehicle to get the same remote experience without the overnight planning logistics.
If the latter sounds more your speed, try Isabella Lake or Kawishiwi Lake. Both are accessible via rough gravel roads and located near the Boundary Waters’ southern border. For even more solitude, head north. One option: connect a web of forest service roads to sample Picket Lake, Big Lake, and Meander Lake in a multiday off-road journey.
If you’re ready for colder temperatures and some slight chop, venture onto Lake Superior proper. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers breathtaking put-ins and long day trips that wrap Superior’s striped shoreside cliffs. Farther south, on Lake Michigan, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offer opportunities for quiet paddling on some of the most scenic reaches in the Midwest.
Montana’s Alpine Escape
Link endless ridgelines and winding singletrack in an action-packed trail running paradise
NEXT-LEVEL ADVENTURE
PRO TIPS
WINTER OPTIONS
WHERE TO STAY
WHEN TO GO
GETTING THERE
THE ESCAPE
Legs need a rest day? Find a local guide and book a day of rock climbing in Gallatin Canyon. This gneissic riverside cliff is home to dozens of classic climbing routes. Paid campgrounds and free dispersed camping are available nearby.
In the Montana high country, weather can change fast. Here’s how to prepare for temperamental alpine conditions when you’re on the run.
Pack plenty of layers. A lightweight puffy, windshell, hat, and gloves are all must-haves.
Start early. In the Rockies, afternoon thunderstorms roll in around 2 or 3 p.m. almost every day. Make sure you’re below treeline by the time they hit.
Bring a water filter. The Bridgers are covered with tiny mountain streams. Bring a lightweight filter to ensure you have enough drinking water.
Check the snow conditions. Late-season snow is common. Some routes will require underfoot traction—like spikes or chains—and an ice ax even into late June.
Visit Montana in winter and you’ll understand why this place attracts adventurers from all over the world. Hyalite Canyon, just south of Bozeman, is home to world-class ice climbing, and the surrounding Bridger Range is a treasure trove of backcountry ski lines. Hire a local guide to climb or tour, or snag lift tickets for nearby Bridger Bowl, an affordable nonprofit ski hill and beloved locals’ mountain. (Keep in mind that Montana winters are notoriously slick and snowy; 4WD and good winter tires are essential, especially in Hyalite Canyon.)
About 30 minutes north of Bozeman, Hardscrabble Ranch offers canvas glamping tents as well as comfortable bunkhouse accommodations—all nestled against the Bridger Mountains foothills. For a more upscale experience, try Gallatin River Lodge, a luxurious riverside retreat just outside Bozeman.
Montana may be known for its harsh winters, but summers here are second to none. Come between mid-May and late September for mild temperatures, vibrant wildflowers, and more hours of sunlight than almost anywhere else in the lower 48.
Bozeman is a great launching point for trail running, hiking, and camping adventures of all kinds. To get there, fly into the airport in nearby Belgrade, or drive: Bozeman is about ten hours north of Denver (via I-25 North and I-90 West) and about six hours north of Salt Lake City along I-15 North and US-20 East.
Montana’s Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the nearby Bridger Mountains offer some of the most runnable—and the most scenic—landscapes in the state. While many of the area’s trails are practically out the back door from accommodations in Bozeman or Belgrade, which can often mean crowds, a robust system of 4x4 roads makes it easy to snag a remote backcountry site to use as your trail running base camp.
If you’re new to the area, start in Gallatin National Forest, where you’ll find varied terrain for all skill levels. If you have a whole weekend, take the rough gravel road to Fairy Lake Campground (4WD recommended). This alpine tarn provides an idyllic launching pad for trail running in the Bridgers. One option: the 25-mile Bridger Ridge Traverse, which boasts more than 8,000 feet of vertical gain and tags six of the range’s most prominent peaks.
Only have a day? Try the unique 4.9-mile run up to Storm Castle rock, which terminates in a jagged outcropping with gorgeous views of the valley below. Or, go big with the classic 24-mile Gallatin Crest Run. The traverse traces the spine of the Gallatin Range and serves up near-constant views of Greater Yellowstone.
Undiscovered Ozarks
Choose from hundreds of miles of trails in America’s overlooked adventure playground
NEXT-LEVEL ADVENTURE
PRO TIPS
BIKING OPTIONS
WHERE TO STAY
WHEN TO GO
GETTING THERE
THE ESCAPE
Fast-flowing mountain streams and healthy forest make the Ozarks textbook trout habitat. Cast for browns on the Little Red River or rainbows and cutthroats on the White River, which flows clean and clear for nearly 80 miles. There are hundreds of prime spots; hiring a certified fly-fishing guide can help you track down the best ones.
The Ozarks are known for their rough and rugged charm. Bring your navigation know-how to stay on track.
Map out your route ahead of time. Have several bailout points in mind in case of an unexpected road washout or trail closure.
Pack a map and compass or handheld GPS.
Opt for a 4WD vehicle to access dirt roads and more remote areas.
Have an emergency plan. Cell service can be hard to come by in some places, so a satellite phone or personal locator beacon can help provide peace of mind.
Beat the summer heat by catching a breeze on two wheels. Head to Bentonville, Arkansas, sometimes called the mountain biking capital of America (no big deal). North of town, Blowing Springs Park and the Little Sugar Trails offer a range of longer rides for new to intermediate riders.
Sleep among the stars in a custom treehouse at Ozark Mountain Adventure, near Branson, Missouri, or book a stay in a rustic cabin or yurt at the Outpost, a year-round upscale campground within Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
The Ozarks can be muggy in mid-summer, but fall through spring offer prime conditions. Our recommendation: plan your trip for early October to make the most of the autumn color show.
White Rock Mountain is a little over an hour south of Fayetteville, Arkansas. From downtown, take Interstate 49 south to Mountainburg. Then, pick up Old Locke Road and Hurricane Creek Road to get to Bowles Gap Road, which terminates at the White Rock Mountain trailhead. (The route to the trailhead involves sharp switchbacks and about 2.5 miles of gravel road; bring a capable vehicle.)
Welcome to the hiking promised land—and one of America’s last true hidden gems. The Ozarks region, which stretches primarily across Missouri and Arkansas, encompasses vast forests, rocky bluffs, clear mountain streams, and an endless network of singletrack trails. Better yet, visitors get more than 34 million acres and hundreds of rustic 4x4 roads on which to spread out—making this the perfect destination for hikers in search of solitude.
Recently, the area has gotten its own long trail: the Ozark Highlands Trail, a 270-mile thru-hike that traverses some of the region’s most stunning terrain, including limestone gorges, hardwood forest, and sprawling river-split valleys. While it’s hard to choose just one day trip from the hundreds of possible segments, White Rock Mountain is a definite favorite. Start at the White Rock Mountain Trailhead and head to Shores Lake to make a 13.4-mile loop. Along the way, the trail traces the rim of a long line of rocky buffs, offering unparalleled views across the rolling mountainscape below.
If you’re looking for a shorter out-and-back, hike to one of the Ozarks’ numerous natural bridges or waterfalls. Glory Hole Falls—a free-hanging cascade that crashes through a porthole in the ceiling of a cave—is just a 1.5-mile trek. Neil Compton’s Double Falls—a pair of 40-foot cataracts near the Buffalo River—offers a breathtaking reward for just a two-mile hike. (Note that you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to reach the main parking area at each.)
Treat yourself to three days of riding bliss along Southern California’s epic bike trails
NEXT-LEVEL ADVENTURE
PRO TIPS
PADDLING OPTIONS
WHERE TO STAY
WHEN TO GO
GETTING THERE
THE ESCAPE
Warm, dry, dusty conditions are the norm here. Take these precautions for hot-weather riding.
Schedule rides for early morning and early evening, especially on hot days.
Budget at least a gallon of water per person, and sip constantly throughout the day.
Wear sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
Make sure you have the right vehicle to access dry or sandy trails. While many trailheads are accessible with 2WD, a 4WD vehicle will keep way more options open.
When the summer heat ticks toward triple digits, it’s time to hit the water. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from a local outfitter and head to the Salton Sea, a vast inland oasis within the Southern California desert. As you paddle along the shoreline, keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, cormorants, pelicans, and coyotes.
Why choose between a mountain bike trip and a beach vacation? Book a stay at The Holidays, a collection of retro seaside trailers in San Clemente, near Irvine’s plentiful trail riding. More of a mountain person? Book a swanky modern cabin at Getaway Big Bear, tucked into the woods just north of San Bernardino.
Thanks to SoCal’s mild temperatures and low rainfall, the local riding season lasts pretty much all year round. That said, summers can be hot and dry, which makes fall through spring a slightly better time to visit
To get to El Prieto Canyon, take CA-110 North from downtown Los Angeles to Pasadena. Here, get on CA-710 and go north to Exit 22B. From here, take North Windsor Avenue to the Windsor Boulevard Bike Parking Area on your left (GPS coordinates: 34.192976, -118.168592).
Southern California is blessed with rolling hills, surreal desertscapes, and more varied terrain than any state has a right to. It’s also home to a tight-knit community of local mountain bikers who work year-round to keep the region’s trails in pristine condition. Put all the variables together and you have the ingredients for a perfect weekend on the bike.
For your first taste of the classics, head to Pasadena. Just north of town, El Prieto offers flowy riding through a lush canyon, complete with rock gardens, fast switchbacks, and perfectly sculpted berms. Do the trail on its own (about two miles total) or link up with neighboring trails for a six-mile loop. Cap off the day at nearby Tapia Canyon, another local gem. Just east of Santa Clarita, this patch of rolling scrubland is packed with fun, swoopy trails. Connect G-Out, Sidewinder, Dogtag, and Karl’s for a full-value tour; including approach trails, it clocks in at about nine miles total.
On day two, head to Joshua Tree National Park, where rugged 4x4 roads plunge deep into the desert. While the park itself offers few technical bike trails, these dirt roads are ideal for touring—and serve up near-constant views of golden granite cliffs and iconic Joshua Tree forest. Looking for more challenging trails? Just outside the park’s borders, you’ll find the Desert View Conservation Area, where miles of singletrack wind around desert scrub and prickly pear cactus gardens. (Note: Most vehicles can navigate the dirt roads here, but 4WD is recommended to access the deeper trailheads and more advanced riding.)
When your quads are too sore to tackle another descent, pack up your rope and harness and head to Joshua Tree National Park, one of the birthplaces of modern American rock climbing. Here, climbers tackle classic granite lines amid a surreal desert setting. While there are some bolted climbs to be found, this place is known for its traditional style of climbing; if you’re new to the sport, it’s best to book a local climbing guide.
01. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison has to be seen to be believed. This unlikely gorge plunges more than 2,700 feet into the earth, forming a dramatic miles-long gash with sheer walls of marbled granite. But while it’s often called “the other Grand Canyon,” Black Canyon’s remote location makes it far less crowded—and much better for stargazing—than its celebrity neighbor to the south. Snag a site at the lesser-visited North Rim campground, which perches at the canyon’s edge and offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way.
03. Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina
Wild horses roam the shores of Cape Lookout, one of the most undeveloped stretches of coastline in the Southeast. This place is truly remote—to access car-camping sites on the beach, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle and an off-road beach driving permit. But with International Dark Sky status and more than 56 miles of shoreline to explore, it’s worth jumping through the extra hoops. Pitch a tent among the dunes, watch the sunset gild the Atlantic, and view the stars as they come out above the historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
04. Death Valley National Park, California
California’s deepest valley might be best known for its sweltering summer heat, but visit Death Valley National Park in fall or winter and you’ll be treated to cool nights, clear skies, and a heart-stopping celestial show. Grab a primitive site at Eureka Dunes Campground (only accessible with a high-clearance vehicle), and hike up into the dunes after sunset for a front-row seat.
05. Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Surrounded by wilderness and surging with whitewater, the Buffalo is one of America’s wildest rivers. By day, it attracts kayakers and rafters. But by night, it attracts adventurers in search of the stars. Established an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, the Buffalo River’s pebbled banks are among the best places in the Ozarks to see planets, constellations, meteors, and other celestial events. Target the Ozark Campground for access to a quiet swimming hole and unobstructed views of the sky.
06. Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho
The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is home of the darkest skies in the world. It’s also huge, encompassing the turquoise lakes and snow-streaked summits of the White Clouds Wilderness and the craggy jaws of the Sawtooth Mountains. To see the ridges silhouetted in starlight, grab a campsite along Redfish Lake. Be sure to keep your wishes at the ready: shooting stars abound.
Features go beyond blacked-out trim accents and increased ground clearance to include an engine skid plate plus 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain Toyo Tires®—the largest standard tires ever fitted to a Lexus—that enhance the Overtrail’s off-road¹ prowess.
Trail-Ready Exterior
Robust Full-Time 4WD
Desert Dreams
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THE ESCAPE
THE VIDEO
THE VEHICLE
Features Multi-Terrain Select with six settings, highlighted by Crawl Control8 for uphill performance, coupled with Downhill Assist Control (DAC).9 An electronically controlled locking rear differential also allows both wheels to turn at the same speed for more traction.
Powertrain Performance
Twin turbochargers deliver steady and consistent acceleration to easily control power on- and off-road, as the 3.4-liter V6 engine produces an improved 349
horsepower,4 with a torque output of 479 lb-ft4 that helps give the GX a best-in-class towing capacity5 of more than 9,000 pounds6 when properly equipped.
GX 550 Luxury+ shown
GX 550 Premium+ shown
GX 550 Overtrail+ shown
