Yuma 4X4 - Trail Ratings

Yuma 4X4 Trail Ratings

Just so you know...

First of all, no trail rating system is perfect, but ours is much simpler than most rating systems. Each rating has a good text description as well as a picture that shows you what to expect.

Vehicle damage or injury can occur at any time on any trail, no matter what the rating. It is each driver's responsibility to maintain their vehicle in good working condition, to be safe, and to drive within their abilities. Ask for help when you need it!

Remember, any rating system is subjective and ultimately, YOU must be the one to evaluate all roads or trails before you lock the hubs. Experience has shown me that one person's "EASY" could be another person's "DIFFICULT".

How we rate the trails:

Trails are rated by the most difficult obstacle within the trail. A trail could be easy except for one short section, which would raise the rating depending on how challenging the obstacle is.

Trail ratings are based on the last time I ran the trail. A hard rain can change a trail from easy to impassable overnight. Trails change all of the time by weather and use. A trail's rating can go up or down depending on the amount of recent rains, or amount of vehicle travel.

DIRT ROADS
DIRT ROADS - No challenge here. Might encounter some bumps and/or ruts. 4X2 under most conditions. As with any road in our area, flash flooding happens and that could make an easy road into a 4X4 advrnture!

EASY 4X4 TRAILS

EASY 4X4 TRAILS - The obstacles are easy as running over a speed bump at Wal-Mart!

Gravel, dirt, sand, or mildly rocky trails that may offer gentle grades (up to 10 degrees) and slight off camber situations. Low level water crossings (less than 6 inches). Passable in 4X2 under normal conditions. Full width, single lane, or wider, with adequate room for passing most of the time. These runs can be done in most stock 4X4's, with minimal required equipment.

MODERATE 4X4 TRAIL

MODERATE 4X4 TRAIL - This is what your 4X4 was designed to handle!

Rutted dirt, or rocky trail, or washes that may offer steep, but manageable grades, moderate off camber situations and moderate water crossings (less than 12 inches). Suitable for most stock 4X4's with no modifications with minimal articulation. Careful tire placement is often necessary. Undercarriage may make contact with some obstacles, so skid plates and tow hooks are recommended.

CHALLENGING 4X4 TRAIL

CHALLENGING 4X4 TRAIL - These trails can be trouble for anyone that is not paying attention! These trails can be done with a stock 4X4 vehicle and a very experienced driver.

Rutted, crossed axle terrain possible, with loose, steep climbs required. Deep sand possible. Some rock crawling possible on loose rocks up to 8 inches in diameter. Some larger rocks may be present, possibly requiring a spotter to negotiate. Small ledges possible, with larger embedded rocks present.

DIFFICULT 4X4 TRAIL

DIFFICICULT 4X4 TRAILS - This is the ultimate trail for the "daily driver"! IFS not recommended!

Rutted, washed out, rocky trails and washes suitable for slightly modified 4X4's (bigger tires and higher clearance). These trails offer obstacles like waterfalls and rocks bigger than 18 inched high; washouts that are 24 inches, or deeper; water crossings that are 24 inches or deeper; tippy, off camber situations. Suspension lifts (at least 3 inches) that offer better articulation, locking differentials, aggressive off-road tires 33 inches (or bigger), skid plates, rock sliders, and differential guards are highly recommended. Body and mechanical damage is highly possible! This is about the limit for street legal, daily driven vehicles. Body and mechanical damage is possible!

EXTREME TRAILS
EXTREME TRAILS - This type of trail is outside the scope of this 4X4 Club.

NOTE: Images on this page are property of Yuma 4X4. All images were taken on Yuma 4X4 events, except for the rock crawling image, which was submitted to our website from a former member.

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