4x4 Trails
Route Descriptions

My rating system given on trail difficulty is seat of the pants, subjective and in no way scientifically measured. My ratings are for each trail at the time of writing. Beware that recent weather can greatly alter any trail or section of trail, making it more difficult or impassable. Any major changes in trail condition will be noted on the applicable page if and when I become aware of it. Driver caution is urged with any trail to keep an eye out for rockfalls, bedrock protrusions, deep erosion, mud, deep water and the like.

Many 4WD publications and websites use a Class I through Class V (1 -5) system to rate trails and roads (an example is the Old Trailmaster's Death Valley website, complete with a photo of actual trails to graphically demonstrate what conditions are found in each class). My original scale used singular, descriptive words. However, I've recently annotated the descriptions to include the Class 1-5 system.

Basically my scale goes like this (annotated with the Class system):

Easy (Class 1 and some Class 2): Suitable for all stock 4x4 SUVs, 4x4s and likely small, crossover vehicles (such as Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback). Minimal off-road experience required. Generally these are maintained or semi-maintained roads. These trails have no particular hazards that would cause the vehicle to hang up on its underside. Two track trails do not have a center hump high enough to contact undercarriages or are soft dirt; upon which there is little or no sagebrush or other desert scrub brush which a low slung vehicle would scrape . No bedrock protrusions. Make sure your spare tire has air; your jack and tire changing tools are complete and working.

Moderate (Class 2-3): Suitable for most stock, truck based SUVs, having a low range transfer case. Exceptions are those of very low ground clearance and/or equipped with ground clearance reducing steps that come stock or as accessories on many SUVs, which are vulnerable to damage in rocky areas. Pickup trucks of the 4x4 variety should have no problems; except for certain stock, modern trucks that have close to the same specifications as their 2WD versions and have no underside protection. Some driver experience preferred or those new ones who like more of a challenge. Traction enhancements, such as limited slip differential or electronic traction aids good; a true differential locker better but not absolutely necessary. Trails may have some bedrock protrusions that might contact frame rails or skid plates on lower vehicles. Wash or stream crossings might pose a problem with low vehicles due to reduced approach/departure angles. I would highly recommend that the vehicle be equipped with LT (“light truck”) rated tires for puncture resistance. Carry tools to change flat tires; a shovel; a yank strap.

Difficult (Class 4 and some short stretches of Class 5 with driver skill): I'd suggest limiting these trails to stock 4x4 vehicles only if equipped with at minimum a factory off-road package (larger wheels/tires; suspension upgrades for added ground clearance; traction enhancements such as electronic or pneumatic locking differentials). Examples of off road packages are the “Z” package on GM trucks; “Off Road” package on Ford trucks; the “Sport - or better yet, the “Rubicon” - package on Jeep Wranglers; “TRD” package on Toyota trucks; “NIMSO” package on Nissan Frontiers and Xterras. Modified vehicles that have been lifted at least 3” and have larger wheels and tires will likely have no issues. Low range transfer case mandatory. A locking rear differential would be beneficial on these trails (a true locker – air, electrically switched or Detroit type – not simply a limited slip differential or electronic traction devices that clamp down on individual brakes to force power to the opposite wheels on either axle). Driver experience highly recommended. Bedrock sections with high outcroppings, off camber sections, deep erosion, rocky surfaces with large boulders, protruding tree roots, steep inclines/declines with bedrock protrusions and deep, staggered pockets. Driver skill recommended. Travel with more than one vehicle recommended.

Extreme (Class 5 and worse): Only modified vehicles here, equipped with lifts, larger wheels/tires (LT rated only, with extra sidewall plies), electric or pneumatic lockers (at least at the rear). A winch – and knowledge of how to use it and its accessories – could be helpful. Extraction equipment onboard highly recommended. Driver experience mandatory. Travel with more than one vehicle strongly recommended.

Due to the popularity of SUVs and cross-over vehicles, my ratings are primarily aimed at those with STOCK or relatively stock vehicles. Those who are driving modified vehicles, have off road experience and travel in a group should be able to tackle any trail here without danger as long as they are prepared and aware of the problems likely encountered – and have help or tools to get themselves out of trouble.

I highly recommend that all vehicles are equipped with LT (light truck) rated tires; today nearly all SUVs and light duty 4x4 pickups come from the factory with P rated tires (you can check by looking at the size stamped on your tire – if it starts with “P” it's passenger car rated; if it starts with “LT” then you have light truck rated tires). For rockier trails, I heartily recommend an all terrain type tire, with multiple sidewall plies to reduce the chances of a torn sidewall and destroyed tire.

I also recommend that your vehicle have some form of extraction equipment onboard (at minimum a long handled shovel and the vehicle's standard jack). A Hi-Lift Jack and accessories for it designed to lift modern vehicles is highly suggested (most modern SUVs and pickup trucks have plastic cladding and moldings for aerodynamics and appearance, which make it impossible for a Hi-Lift jack to work without attachments made for such). Snatch straps are easily stored and may come in handy if you get stuck or come across someone who has.

I also recommend that you carry enough supplies (especially water), clothing suitable for the weather (including extreme variables – it often snows during summer thunderstorms at higher elevations in summer in the Great Basin; while it might be over 100° a few miles away at a lower elevation) and emergency equipment to make a stranded or disabled situation as comfortable as possible over a long period of time, until help arrives or the weather becomes conducive to walk out.

Don't come unprepared thinking you can simply call for help if an emergency arises. Cellular phones, FRS/GMRS radios and CB radios are often unusable due to lack of coverage or no one nearby listening. I do make it a point to note the presence or absence of of a cellular phone signal and its strength while in the field and most of my trail pages have at least some comment on that aspect. 2-Meter HAM radios are better because there can be repeaters on strategic mountaintops, but HAM radios require training and licensing. Satellite phones are probably the best emergency communications device because they work nearly everywhere - unless you are deep in a narrow canyon or have fallen down a mineshaft – but they are expensive to own and use. There are stores in cities and online that rent satellite phones for whatever time period you need one for at a modest fee plus air-time.

And if you do get hold of someone – law enforcement, search & rescue or the auto club – you will likely get stuck with a large bill for their services. Especially if you are in a non-life threatening situation.

As an example, what I carry onboard in my personal truck at all times is shown HERE. Those who belong to off road clubs or who have years of experience have many ideas and modifications of onboard storage in their vehicles. If you come across a 4x4 club out in your travels, talking to the members and inspecting their vehicles can give you many ideas to implement in your own.

On each of my pages I generally show liberal trail photos, especially where they present obstacles. However, it is often very difficult to accurately portray with a camera the magnitude of most challenging sections of a trail. Often a very steep incline with high bedrock protrusions or large and loose stones may look flat and not particularly challenging when viewed in a photo.

On many of these pages I've traversed the trails numerous times or run them regularly. On some of them I've only made the trip once. On the vast majority of my photos there is a date stamp present and comparing the dates will give a clue to how often; as well as giving a portrayal of the trail condition at a particular time.

©2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 D.A. Wright
All Rights Reserved

Last Revision: 09/02/2008