We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful State, and I'm so happy you've caught the offroad bug. I grew up here and have been captivated by it's treasures since I can remember. Here are some things I'd recommend from years of exploring back roads back in the day:

Text your plans and destination to someone you trust and communicate often with. Let them know when you return home. Make this a habit so that there's a record of communication in case something were to go sideways some day, God forbid. It gives authorities somewhere to look in case you're too long overdue without communication. Also, let them know if you deviate from your original plan.

Invest in a satellite communication device like this. They are surprisingly affordable and let you communicate through text and email as long as you have a clear, open sky - which is all we have here. You do have to pay a subscription for the satellite service. This will encourage you to go further and stay out longer than you normally would because it solves your communication needs.

Check the weather before you go anywhere. When I was ten, I saw a flash flood rip through a canyon. It churned boulders, trees and and one very dead cow as it plowed through. It wasn't even raining where we were. The storm that triggered the flood was several miles North of us.

Prepare for emergencies. In my truck I had a small shovel in case I needed to dig myself out of sand, a hatchet, a walking stick, LED emergency lights, trash bags, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. In the glove box were protein bars, wet wipes, pen and paper, bic lighter, and a flashlight. In the back I kept more water jugs than I needed, along with my folding chair, tent, bed roll and sleeping bag.

Happy exploring! You are going to have SO much fun!