Understanding Trail Ratings
Easter Jeep Safari trail rating guide
When searching out Trail runs, obviously we want to know ahead of time how easy or difficult that particular trail is rated. Is that trail a reasonable choice for our vehicle’s offroad capabilities and our driving experience? Just what in heck are we getting ourselves into?
There are three systems for rating our 4x4 trails.
Some OHV parks keep it simple: Easy, Moderate, or Difficult. They may utilize a color scheme, such as Blue/Green/Black (some parks go Green/Blue/Black — so read their guide); or single diamond/double diamond/triple diamond. Pay attention to the posted signs!
Another system that we have encountered uses numerical ratings from 1 through 5, with 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most difficult. We don’t see this system in use much, on account of it being easily confused with the more commonly used 1 through 10 numbering system — but do be aware, especially with older listings. Fortunately, this system is rare. Again, always read carefully!
However, by far the most popular rating system goes from 1 through 10. To attach meaning to these numbers, we have created a compilation of descriptions below.
Our sources include the Trail Rating guides from onX Offroad (GPS navigation software), along with two major regional 4x4 events: Easter Jeep Safari and Winter 4x4 Jamboree. Easter Jeep Safari is a world famous event that takes place in Moab, Utah — which is the mecca of offroad jeeping. The Winter 4x4 is held in Hurricane, Utah. These events attract hundreds of participants, along with major vendors. Attendees can select from dozens of trail runs per day, over the duration of the multi-day mass gatherings.
One caveat before we describe the trail ratings. Ratings are very subjective, since they are judged by numerous trail reviewers from all over the country. It’s like professors from different universities grading different batches of essays; the results will vary based on individual perspective along with the type of vehicle and the driver’s level of experience. For example, we have found that trails in Utah tend to be slightly more difficult than ratings would suggest, compared to our own local trails. Utah jeepers drive better rigs, and are used to harder trails. What we consider a little challenging, they consider easy.
Easter Jeep Safari map overview with trail ratings.
You also need to pay attention to how old a given trail’s rating is. Some trails that you find published online or in printed guidebooks may not have been recently scouted. The ratings will not reflect current road conditions that are always subject to change after every rainstorm. Rocks and stones get swept by water runoff, dirt paths erode and washout, steep hills can change dramatically. Look for recent trail reports that often accompany the general trail descriptions. You can also visit or call a local park Ranger station or BLM field office to verify trail status.
Club runs and major events will pre-run all of their scheduled trail runs to verify the final route and trail conditions.
Stock friendly indicates that standard equipped Jeep Wranglers and other 4x4 (showroom offroad ready) vehicles such as some 4-Runners, Broncos, etc) are okay for this trail. However, upgraded All Terrain tires are always strongly recommended due to the high risk of tire puncture from sharp stones and other terrain features.
Considering that the readers on this website are relatively new to offroading, we would recommend that beginners limit yourself to levels 2 and 3 for the first few runs; and until you upgrade your vehicle. Then gradually ease into a 4. Give yourself some more experience, and then try a 5 if you feel confident both in your driving skill and the capabilities of your upgraded vehicle.
Ratings icon artwork is courtesy of Winter 4x4 Jamboree (St George Jeepers). Description wording is compiled from onX, Easter Jeep Safari, and Winter 4x4.
Easy
ONE: Dirt or gravel road with gentle grades. Very often county maintained. Safe for most “high-clearance” (6+ inch ground clearance) 2wd or AWD vehicles. Roads are typically one or sometimes two vehicles wide. In adverse conditions (usually after a storm), these county dirt roads and unpaved park service roads may require 4wd. Stock friendly. Beginner friendly. Standard height tires okay (29-31).
TWO: Dirt or rocky road, typically unmaintained after rain or snow. You may encounter waterboarding, ruts, shallow water crossings and obstacles under 12” on the trail, including small ledges. Stones, loose rocks, sand, moderate hill climbs. Roads are typically one vehicle wide. County dirt road with infrequent or light maintenance after rain or snow, high clearance (8+ inch) 4wd required. Might be okay for some “offroad” AWD vehicles, but AWD generally not recommended, especially after a storm. Stock friendly. Minimum 31 inch tires, although 33 inch suggested. A bit more challenging for Beginners, but very do-able.
THREE: Uneven, rutted dirt trail with potential for loose rocks and sandy washes. Water crossings less than a foot deep. Potential for mud holes and trail obstacles up to 12”, including ledges and short, steep grades, sliprock. Possible narrow ledge roads and some off camber sections. Roads are typically one vehicle wide with places to pass. High clearance 4wd required. 2.5 inch or higher lift is recommended, though not required. Possibly some undercarriage scraping. 33+ inch tires recommended. Maybe not the best choice for first-timers, but okay for Beginners with a couple runs experience.
Intermediate
FOUR: Uneven, rutted dirt trail with loose rocks, sand, erosion, gulches, and washes. Potential water crossings up to a foot deep, mud holes, and obstacles up to 18”, including ledges and short, steep grades. Roads are typically one vehicle wide with places to pass. 35 inch tires (but at least 33+) and limited slip differential would be a plus; though lockers not required. A 2.5+ lift is recommended. 4wd is required. Enhanced suspension travel (sway bar disconnects) and good ground clearance are helpful. Good driving skills a plus. Not for Beginners. Expect some rock crawling and possibility of getting high centered on an obstacle (but getting pulled off of it). Challenging but not terrifying.
FIVE: Uneven, rutted dirt trail with loose rocks, sand, mud, erosion, and washes. Potential water crossings up to 18” deep, mud holes, and obstacles up to 2 feet, including ledges and short, steep grades, with considerable slickrock surfaces. Good ground clearance and driving skills are needed. 4wd, tall tires (35+ inch) and traction adding devices (locker, limited slip) are required. Above average driving skills are desirable. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and lifted ground clearance are also required. Skid plates and diff covers are a good idea. Definitely not for Beginners. Expect a lot of rock crawling, off camber, and obstacles requiring spotting & coaching.
ADVANCED!
SIX: Very rocky, rutted and off-camber trail with erosion, loose rocks, sand, washes and obstacles up to 3 feet tall, including ledges and short, steep grades. Potential for deeper water crossings with stronger currents. Trails are difficult with considerable erosion damage, loose rocks, dirt, and slickrock. Water in excess of 12” is possible with mud conditions. Steps not exceeding 36”. 4wd, tall tires (35+ inch) with two traction adding devices (lockers, limited slips) are required. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and 3.5+ inch lifted ground clearance are required. Excellent driving skills and experience are recommended. Getting into some serious rock crawling and advanced obstacles. Higher risk of vehicle damage, so maybe this shouldn’t be your daily driver.
SEVEN: Expect erosion, loose rocks, sand, washes, shelves, and deep mud holes. Trail consists of rock, sand and considerable slickrock with many steps exceeding 48”. Steep inclines and declines are prevalent. Enhanced off road equipment is required including locking devices (front & rear), 35+ inch tires, 3.5+ lift, maximum vehicle ground clearance, and really strong tow hooks. A winch is desirable. Excellent driving skills are required. Off-camber trail with deep holes and large rocks that may exceed axle height. Obstacles and ledges up to 5 feet, and near-vertical grades 8-10 feet tall. Potential for water crossings with strong currents. Caution: Vehicle damage and roll-overs are possible; this should not be your daily driver! Your vehicle should be beefed up with lots of aftermarket heavy duty mods for protection, power, and strength.
EXTREME!
EIGHT: Extreme trail similar to #7 except a bit more crazy & extreme. Same equipment required as #7. A winch is desirable and likely to be used. Excellent driving skills are required. Off-camber trail with deep holes and large rocks that may exceed axle height. Expect erosion, loose rocks, sand, washes, shelves, and deep mud holes. Obstacles and ledges up to 6 feet, and near-vertical grades 12-14 feet tall. Potential for deep water crossings with strong currents. Caution: Vehicle damage and roll-overs are very possible.
NINE: Extreme and beyond. The average well-equipped trail rig may have great difficulty in completing this trail; these rigs are so modified that they are trailered in. Steps exceeding 60". Steep inclines and declines with off-camber sections are prevalent. Enhanced off road equipment is required including locking devices (front & rear), tall tires (37+ inch), huge lifts, maximum ground clearance, tow hooks, and a winch. Minimum wheelbase 100 inches. Excellent driving skills (and some insanity) are required. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely. Rollover is very common. Spare parts and tools are recommended. These roads and trails are for the most advanced off-roaders only. Off-camber trail with deep holes and large rocks that may exceed axle height. Obstacles and ledges up to 8 feet and near-vertical grades 15-18 feet tall. Potential for deep water crossings with strong currents. Caution: Vehicle damage and roll-overs are likely.
TEN: Let the carnage begin! Buggy territory. Street driven 4X4s should not attempt this trail. Modified factory vehicles will not be able to complete this trail. Extreme caution! Recommended only for very experienced and certifiably insane off-roaders with heavily modified vehicles. Severe grades and off-camber terrain. Expect obstacles exceeding 10 feet and near-vertical grades over 18 feet. Caution: Vehicle damage and roll-overs are extremely likely.
