Two rating methods are used for the trails. Definitions follow
Easy
Graded dirt road with possible short stretches of rocks, ruts, and washed out
areas. Gentle grades. Water depths could reach mid-hubcap. Be more careful about
water depths during heavy run-off periods. Full single lane or wider with adequate
room to pass most of the time. Off-camber areas minimal. Four-wheel drive recommended
on most trails but some are suitable for two-wheel drive under dry conditions.
Read the descriptions carefully to be sure.
Moderate
Rutted dirt or rocky road suitable for stock Full Size Jeeps. Four-wheel drive,
low range, and high ground clearance required. Standard factory skid plates
and tow hooks recommended on many trails. Rocks or holes may cause undercarriage
to bottom out occasionally. Some grades fairly steep but manageable if dry.
Some off-camber areas will require caution. Minimal narrow shelf roads. Water
depths could reach bumper in a few situations. Be more careful about water depths
during heavy run-off periods. Backing may be necessary to pass. Mud holes may
be present.
Difficult
Generally suitable for more modified Full Size Jeeps. Lifts, differential lockers,
aggressive articulation, and/or winches recommended on some trails. Skid plates
and tow hooks required. Body damage possible on obstacles. Grades can be steep
with severe ground undulation. Off-camber areas can be extreme. Water depths
extremely deep. Shelf roads extremely narrow; full-size vehicles use caution
and read trail descriptions carefully. Passing may be difficult with backing
required for long distances. Brush may scrape sides of vehicle. Deep mud bogs
possible.
1/10 - Graded dirt road. Dry, or less than 3 in. water crossing depth. Gentle grades. 2WD under all conditions except snow. No width problems, two vehicles wide.
2/10 - Dirt road. Dry, or less than 3 in. water crossing depth. Some ruts. Slight grades, up to 10 degrees. 2WD under most conditions. Rain or snow may make 4WD necessary. Usually one and a half to two vehicles wide.
3/10 - Dirt road. Rutted, washes, or gulches. Water crossings up to 6 in. depth. Passable mud. Grades up to 10 degrees. Small rocks or holes. 4WD recommended but 2WD possible under good ocnditions and with adequate ground clearance and skill. No width problems for any normal vehicles, vehicle passing spots frequently available if less than two vehicles wide.
4/10 - Rutted and/or rocky road. No shelves but rocks to 9in. Water crossings usually less than hub deep. Passable mud. Grades moderate up to 15 degrees. Sidehill moderate up to 15 degrees. 4WD under most conditions. No width problems, vehicles passing spots frequently available if less than two vehicles wide.
5/10 - Rutted and/or rocky road. No shelves. Rocks up to 12 in. and water crossings up to 12 in. with possible currents. Passable mud. Moderate grades to 15 deg. 6 in holes. Sidehill to 20 degrees. 4WD required. No width problems.
6/10 - Quite rocky or deep ruts. Rocks to 12 in. and frequent. Water crossings may exceed hub depth with strong currents. Shelves to 6 in. Mud may require checking before proceeding. Moderate grades to 20 degrees. Sidehill may approach 30 degrees. 4WD necessary and second attempts may be required with stock vehicles. Caution may be required with wider vehicles.
7/10 - Rocks frequent and large (12 in. may exceed hub height). Holes frequent or deep (12 in). Shelves to 9 in. 8 in. deep mud, and mud may be present on uphill sections. Grades to 25 degrees and sidehill to 30 degrees. Water crossings to 18 in. and may have strong currents. 1-1/2 vehicles wide. 4WD required. Driver experience helpful.
8/10 - Heavy rock and/or severe ruts. Rocks exceeding hub height frequent. Shelves to 12 in. Deep mud or uphill mud sections. Steep grades to 25 degrees and can be loose or rocky. Water crossings may exceed 30 in. depth. Sidehill to 30 degrees. 1 vehicle wide. Body damage possible. Experience needed. Vehicle modifications helpful.
9/10 - Severe rock over 15 in. Frequent deep holes over 15 in. Shelves over 15 in. Mud Bog conditions (long, deep, no firm bottom). Over 30 in. water crossing with strong currents. Steep grades over 30 degrees. Sidehill over 30 degrees. May not be passable by stock vehicles. Experience essential. Body damage, mechanical breakdown, rollover probable. Extreme caution recommended.
10/10 - Severe conditions. Extreme caution recommended. Impassible by stock vehicles. Winching required. Trail building necessary. May be impassable. Impassable under anything but ideal conditions. Vehicle damage probable. Personal injury possible. Extreme caution necessary.