5 Best Places To Overland Near San Diego
Explore Rugged Trails, Coastal Views & Desert Adventures Just Hours Away
At Solid Wood Worx, we live for weekends off the grid. Whether you're testing out a new drawer system, fine-tuning your rig, or just chasing sunsets, overlanding is about more than the drive—it’s about the freedom to explore on your terms.
Luckily for those of us based in Southern California, some of the best overlanding spots are right in San Diego’s backyard. Here's our go-to list of trails and destinations where your gear (and your spirit) will be put to the test.
1. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Drive Time: ~2 hours from San Diego
This is the crown jewel of SoCal overlanding. With over 500 miles of dirt roads, slot canyons, dry lake beds, and desert landscapes, Anza-Borrego is the perfect place to dial in your setup. Try routes like the Borrego Mountain Wash or Fish Creek Wash—accessible but rugged enough to feel like a real adventure.
Pro Tip: Camp at Blair Valley for epic stargazing, and pack recovery gear if you're heading off the beaten path.
2. Otay Mountain Truck Trail
Drive Time: ~1 hour from San Diego
A quick escape with big views, Otay offers a fun mix of wide fire roads and scenic ridgelines. The trail runs along the US-Mexico border and offers panoramic views all the way to the Pacific. It’s beginner-friendly with a few optional offshoots to test your traction.
Watch for: Border Patrol activity and occasional closures—always check conditions before heading out.
3. Corral Canyon OHV Area
Drive Time: ~1.5 hours from San Diego
Located in the Cleveland National Forest, Corral Canyon is a well-loved spot for off-roaders of all levels. With tight trails, steep inclines, and rocky sections, this area is ideal for rigs with solid clearance and a little off-road experience.
Bonus: There are primitive campsites like Bobcat Meadow and Corral Canyon Campground, so you can make a weekend out of it.
4. Laguna Mountain Recreation Area
Drive Time: ~1.5 hours from San Diego
Looking for cooler temps and pine forest vibes? Head to the Laguna Mountains for a mix of dirt trails, hiking access, and peaceful mountain air. The Thing Valley Road and Pine Creek Road are popular routes for a casual overland cruise with camp spots along the way.
Great For: Families, photography, and low-key weekend getaways.
5. Joshua Tree National Park (via Geology Tour Road)
Drive Time: ~3 hours from San Diego
Okay, it’s a bit of a drive—but worth every mile. Joshua Tree isn’t just for rock climbers and Instagrammers. The Geology Tour Road offers a 4WD-only loop with a taste of the park’s wild side. Combine it with BLM land camping just outside the park and you’ve got an overland-friendly weekend loop.
Note: Joshua Tree enforces strict rules on where you can camp—respect the land and plan ahead.
Bonus Gear Tip from SWW:
Make sure your rig is trail-ready with a dual drawer system that keeps your tools, camp kitchen, and recovery gear organized and secure. Whether you're bombing through the desert or climbing up to a lookout, keeping your setup dialed makes every trip smoother—and safer.
Final Thoughts:
San Diego might be known for its beaches and burritos, but drive a little inland and you’ll find some of the best overlanding terrain in the Southwest. With the right setup and a sense of adventure, you’re never far from your next escape.
Tag us in your build-out or trail photos—we love seeing how you put SWW gear to work in the wild.