Trail Rating Numbers
It's difficult to rate trails because it's subjective -- what you might think is a good trail for a stock Jeep Wrangler might not be what your neighbor thinks is acceptable. Still, ratings help you sort out what is a good trail for your vehicle and driving skill. They also help you know which trails to try when you're ready to step it up a notch or when you've bitten off more than you can chew.
With all that in mind, use the ratings as a guide and not as a true definition of the trail. Trail conditions can change many times over the years, and sometimes a rating is no longer accurate.
Rating of 1: almost any passenger car can complete this trail. However, we'd suggest cars with a bit more clearance than a sport coupe, and possibly one with All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive. These trails are often easy dirt roads with little or no rocks in them. Passing is usually easy.
Rating of 2: almost any SUV can complete this trail. A passenger car might not do as well because of clearance issues or lack of All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive. 2-Wheel Drive is usually fine for the entire trail, but mud or snow could make things more difficult. These trails are often dirt roads that may have rocks buried in them in places or cracks where the trail has eroded. Passing may be difficult and you may need to back up to a wide spot.
Rating of 3: almost any SUV with higher ground clearance can complete this trail. You probably won't need 4-Wheel Drive, but it would be good to have just in case. Because of rocks in the trail or whoopdeedoos in places, an SUV with lower clearance might have issues and might hit something on the undercarriage.
Rating of 4: a good challenge for a stock Jeep Wrangler. There will be smaller rocks and whoopdeedoos that might make 4-Wheel Drive necessary, so be sure you have it. There may be mud, hills or water that could pose additional challenges. These trails are probably the top end for standard SUVs.
Rating of 5: the highest challenge for a stock Jeep Wrangler without body damage, winching, or possible breakage. You may have to work on some of the bigger rocks and challenges, but you should make it through everything without too much trouble. You will need 4-Wheel Drive and you should not go alone.
Rating of 6: probably too much for a stock Jeep Wrangler, but perfect for one on 33" tires. These trails will provide challenges and fun for mildly modified vehicles as well as the bigger rigs, so they are perfect for mixed groups. There may be obstacles with many lines from easy to difficult.
Rating of 7: driver experience might make a big difference. Drivers new to wheeling a modified vehicle may want to learn on easier trails before moving up to ones with this rating. The obstacles may not be tougher if the right line is found, but a wrong line could be extremely difficult or dangerous. The possibility of rollovers and body damage is present, though almost all experienced drivers with modified vehicles should get through these trails without any issues.
Rating of 8: you may experience some body damage, and there is a high possibility of breakage. You may need to use a bit of momentum in an obstacle, and that often means a broken axle shaft or drive shaft. Experience will be helpful.
Rating of 9: you will probably get some body damage or breakage. At least one of the obstacles will push you against a rock or test your vehicle and your driving skills to the point that something will most likely give. Only the luckiest and most skilled drivers will make it through these trails in the same condition in which they started.
Rating of 10: an extreme trail for rock buggies only. Only the most modified vehicles will be able to complete these trails. Most vehicles will end up with some damage, and many will be too damaged to finish.
