ORN's Trail Rating System

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Trail conditions change, and something that is hard for one driver might be easy for another, even if they are driving the same vehicle. A rainstorm might make an easy trail impassable, or a hard one easy.

So rating trails is tough. Be aware that conditions can change and the experience level of the person doing the rating may be different from yours. While we've tried to make this system useful, take these or any rating methods with a grain of salt - use our ratings as guidelines only.

2WD Easy

Graded dirt or gravel road

Vehicles:

Any, including passenger cars

4WD Easy

unimproved dirt road, 4wd and extra clearance may or may not be needed, street tires ok

Vehicles:

Any 4wd, high-clearance pickup trucks with 2wd

4wd Easy +

4wd needed, some low range, suitable for novice drivers, street tires ok

Vehicles:

Any 4wd, including stock SUVs

4WD Moderate

4wd low range required, difficult terrain, some steep grades but no major rock obstacles, trail tires needed but stock suspension ok, challenge for novice drivers

Vehicles:

Any modified 4wd, stock SUVs with trail tires

4WD Challenging

Difficult trail, with obstacles, can be done with a stock vehicle with a very experienced driver but not recommended. This is the limit of a stock SUV. Occasional off-camber situations, some steep grades, may be water crossings or sand hazards.

Vehicles:

31 inch tires, at least a mild lift, rear locker or limited slip

4WD Hard

Difficult trail. Grades and off-camber situations may exceed 25 degrees, water crossings 2 feet deep, lots of rock crawling, body damage possible.

Vehicles:

Modified with lift, hard locker, 31 inch tires minimum

4WD Hard+

Tough trail. Lots of rocks, grades and off-camber situations may exceed 30 degrees, winch may be needed. Body damage or equipment failures likely.

Vehicles:

2 to 4 inch lift, 33" tires, locker in rear, limited slip or locker in front, winch, extra gears.

4WD Extreme

Very tough trail. Lots of rocks, grades and off-camber situations may exceed 30 degrees, winch may be needed. Body damage or equipment failures likely.

Vehicles:

4 inch lift or more, 35" or mre tires, lockers front and rear, winch, extra gears.

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