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Years ago we started a difficulty rating system with numbers 1 through 4. It evolved to add 4+ for the very hardest trails and to add finer gradations (½) when we couldn’t decide which number applied. We’ve had two problems: the heavily used trails are becoming more difficult, and aftermarket equipment that improves vehicle performance is becoming more common. We recently added a "5" rating for trails that often require five-wheel-drive (+winch). We have a team to review and revise our ratings every year. NOTE: Effective January 2008 all trail ratings were changed to a 1 thru 10 system

No system can accurately compare trails for all vehicles in any weather. We assign numbers based on the experiences of our trail leaders driving (and observing others driving) the various trails. Still, we have trails that are only moderately difficult for short wheelbase vehicles but are almost impassable to pickups, while some of our most difficult hills (e.g., White Knuckle, Double Whammy) are easier for long wheelbase than for short wheelbase. Rain changes sand from difficult to easy, but changes clay from easy to impassable. Sandstone "slickrock" gives good traction when first wet, but after it is tracked with sand, it can be like driving on tiny ball bearings. Finally, we have no way to factor in driver recklessness, and we are often amazed at what some drivers can do — if they intend to tow their vehicles home.

The rating number is based on the MOST DIFFICULT obstacle. DO NOT EXPECT OBSTACLES OF THAT LEVEL ALL DAY. The rating is not meant to be a challenge, but is often a warning about one or more difficult places on an otherwise easier, scenic ride. READ THE TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC DIFFICULTY INFORMATION for vehicles that may be long, wide, or having owner concern about the paint.

Trail leaders often calibrate their rating with the notion that 4 is the highest rating that should be attempted by a stock 4X4 on Easter Jeep Safari runs. There seems to be a trend, however, in many of the new Sport Utility Vehicle designs to make them longer, wider, taller, but closer to the ground. If you have one of those, be especially conscious of difficulty ratings and trail descriptions so that you don’t find yourself high-centered or, worse yet, creasing the beautiful flowing lines of your new SUV.

Guidelines for our difficulty ratings are as follows:

The following ratings are for Moab area roads in dry conditions. The effect of snow or rain varies greatly depending upon the altitude of the roads and the type of soil the bed consists of. Driver Beware!