NOTE: This rating system is meant primarily as an aid to inexperienced off-roaders. A highly experienced off-road driver can take a bone stock vehicle many places an inexperienced driver has difficulty with, even in a highly modified rig. What is easy or hard is always subjective, try to keep that in mind.
A trail is rated by it's hardest obstacle (without a bypass). So the majority of a particular trail may be quite easy but, if one spot on that trail, which does not have a bypass, requires lockers, the whole trail is rated for that spot. A good example is The Little Boulder Road Trail. During the summer months (no mud/snow) you can drive all but a couple of sections in a 2 wheel drive with moderate clearance. However, there are a couple of spots where 4wd is needed to safely traversing it. So the trail is rated for the hardest of those spots.
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Trail Difficulty Rating:
Trail Level Ratings we use:
Class 1: Passable by stock and 2WD vehicles, improved dirt, gravel etc.
Class 2: Scenic, touring trail ride; four wheel drive required occasionally, some mud holes or rocks that would stop most other vehicles are traveled easily in 4WD.
Class 3: For novice and experienced drivers alike; the most fun four wheeling you can expect to have in a stock 4x4; low range may be required often; vehicle damage is a possibility.
Class 4: Novice drivers beware; potentially dangerous situations; extra ground clearance, low gears, and minimum tire size of 33 inches recommended; rear lockers or limited slips, winches, and jacks advised due to moderate to large rocks and obstacles, vehicle damage is likely. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.
Class 4+: Not advisable for novice drivers; potentially dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, and minimum tire size of 33 inches and one locker or two limited slips required; jacks and winches indispensable due to large boulders, steep inclines; vehicle damage is very likely. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.
Class 5: No novice drivers; dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, minimum tire size of 35 inches and two lockers or limited slips required; jacks and winches indispensable due to large boulders, steep inclines; vehicle damage assured. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.
Class 5+: For the hard core experienced driver; extremely dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, minimum tire size of 35 inches, two lockers, and winch are required. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.
NOTE: SNOW and/or ICE CHANGES EVERYTHING. The simplest trail becomes a 4+ when there is ice or the snow is 3 foot+ deep.
Wheel Safe!
By Richard Hiltz
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NOTE: We are simply describing a 4x4 route. We accept no responsibility for your decisions. 4x4 off-roading can be great fun but it can also be dangerous. People can get hurt and vehicles can get stuck and/or damaged. Trail conditions can, do, and will, change at any time. Road conditions may no longer be accurately reflected in this or any trail description. Only you can decide what trails or obstacles your experience and vehicle can safely navigate. When in doubt, turn around. Wheel Safe!!
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