Trip Difficulty Ratings

I draw on the experience of Rick Russell, publisher of Sidekick Off Road Maps (909-628-7227) regarding trail difficulty classifications. Rick has far more hard-core miles on his roll bar than I do on my tires! See the Exploring Trip Policy for more details. I recommend you refer to your copy of Backroad Trips and Tips for additional trail classification information.

EASY TRIPS:

These are introductory-level trips. Rick defines these as passable with two-wheel drive with good ground clearance, but the Coyote requires 4WD for all trip and tour vehicles. Using four-wheel drive makes the trip safer and there will be less environmentally abusive tire spinning. Regardless of trail difficulty, companion vehicles are always recommended on all trips to the backcountry. Refer to Sidekick maps and calendars, or Backroad Trips and Tips for what to carry.

 

MORE DIFFICULT TRIPS:

These trips are designed to help improve your 4WD driving skills, but still revolve around using the 4WD as a means to an end. Four-wheel drive, lower tire pressure, and some 4WD driving experience is best.

 

MOST DIFFICULT TRIPS:

Most difficult trips focus on driving and are basically thrill and skill rides versus “tours.” Virgin beginners are discouraged. Four wheel drive with a closed differential (posi or locker) in the rear is helpful. Closed differentials in the front and rear are ideal. Low air pressure and 4WD driving experience are required.

Ecological 4-Wheeling Adventures
P.O. Box 12137
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
voice: (949) 645-7733
fax: (949) 645-7738
email: info@eco4wd.com

Other Ecological 4-Wheeling Adventures and Fourwheeling Academy Articles

Ecological 4-Wheeling Adventures Website

4X4NOW Feature Page
4X4NOW Trail Reports | Moab 4WD Trails
4X4NOW "How-To"  | 4X4NOW Buildups
4X4BOOKS | MAPNOW

get Garmin at GPSNOW - Order by 5pm and have it Tomorrow!
Choosing | for Laptop/Pocket PC | Basic | Handheld Mapping | 2-way Radio | Automotive | Motorcycle | RV/Truck/Bus | Land & Water
Accessories
eTrex H | Legend | Vista | Venture HC | Summit HC | Legend HCx | Vista HCx
GPS 18 DLX | 60
Mobile 10 | Mobile 10 for smartphones
GPSMAP 60 | 60Cx | 60CSx | 76S | 76Cx | 76CSx | 276C | 376C | 378 | 478
MapSource City Navigator North America | US Topo | BlueChart
nüvi 200 | 270 | 350 | 360 | 370 | 650 | 660 | 670 | 680
Quest | Quest 2
Rino 110 | 120 | 130 | 520 | 530 | 520HCx | 530HCx
StreetPilot 2820 | 7200/7500 | c330 | c340 | c530 | c550 | c580
Astro GPS dog tracking system
zūmo 450 / 550
© 4X4NOW