Below is a description of the Trail Ratings as used in the OF4WD Trail Index. Please be advised the follow are simply guidelines. Trail conditions can change and difficulty level varies by driver experience and truck size. Always use your own discretion when choosing a trail.
1 Maintained Dirt Roads
These roads are graded or maintained year round. Less than 3” water crossing depth, hard bottom, 2WD under all conditions except snow. Stock vehicle, typical non-paved county roads.
1+ Semi-Maintained Dirt Roads
These roads are occasionally graded or maintained. They may cross sandy washes and sections may be rough (washboards). Less than 3” water crossing depth, 2WD except for snow, stock vehicle>
2 Easy 2WD/4WD
Features trails with obstacles that are easy to navigate. In optimum weather conditions, these trails may not require the continual use of four-wheel drive (4WD). Expect ruts, wash outs and water crossings to 6” small rocks and holes, stock vehicle
2+ Easy 4WD
Moderately demanding trails on which 4WD will be required. You may encounter a wide variety of challenges (Potholes, minor washouts, water crossing depth to 10”, medium size rocks, and mud holes) on these trails. Higher ground clearance and Off-Road tires are recommended. Simple recovery gear recommended for stock vehicles (recovery strap)
3 Standard 4WD trail
Demanding trails on which 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, water crossing depth to 15”, steep inclines 15 deg and large rocks to 10”, 8” mud filled ruts) on these trails. Possible with stock 4WD vehicle, however, recommend traction device (limited slip or locker) in rear differential, aggressive tread and low air pressure. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Low range gears used often. Moderate experience and driving skill advised. Possible paint and/or rocker-panel damage. Recovery gear recommended (Straps/ Hi-lift)
3+ Challenging 4WD trail
Challenging trails on which low range 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, water crossings to 20”, steep inclines 20 deg and large rocks to 12”, 12” mud filled ruts) on these trails. Not recommended with stock 4WD vehicle. Traction device (limited slip or locker) in rear differential, aggressive tread and low air pressure highly recommended. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Moderate experience and driving skill advised. Likely paint and possible rocker-panel damage. Hi-lifts, straps and winches recommended
4 Difficult trail
These trails traverse very rugged terrain ( water crossings 24”+, large rocks to 15”+, deep mud, steep inclines and side hills to 30 deg ) low-range 4WD and higher than stock ground clearance is required. Aggressive tread and low air pressure are required. Traction Devices (Lockers or limited-slip) in the differentials (front and rear), lift and larger tires (33”+) are recommended. These trails require above average Off-Road driving skills. Multiple attempts to clear obstacles will be required. There will likely be paint damage and possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage. Hi-lifts and winches recommended.
4+ Severe trail
These trails cross extremely rugged terrain with very steep inclines, large boulders, and potentially dangerous situations. These trails require modified vehicles, including lift, lockers, and over-sized tires (35”+). A High level of Off-Road driving skill is required. There are possibilities of rollovers. There will likely be paint damage, possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage. Winches are required.
5 Extreme trail
These trails are for the extreme four-wheeler only. These trails require highly modified vehicles, including lift, excellent articulation, lockers front and rear, large tires (38”+) with aggressive tread, winches, high lift jacks. A High level of Off-Road driving skill is required. Paint damage is virtually guaranteed, body and/or mechanical damage is very likely. Rollovers will be more common on these trails and winches will most likely be used.
5+ Impassable trail
Only for the most skilled, personal injury and equipment failure possible, not recommended unless very well prepared.