Desert Wranglers Trail Rating Guide

Where ever you go, the way you prepare can make all the difference.

ABOUT OUR RATING SYSTEM

1-10 Scale (1 = novice, stock Jeep Friendly Trail)

No Standard Scale/Rating System

While there is no standard scale, we choose to use a 1-10 scale simply because it’s what most of the clubs and groups use, and it’s more detailed when it comes to your level of experience. So, please keep in mind, a 3 rating for Desert Wranglers may not be the same as a 3 rating in another club.

Desert Wranglers Uses 1-10 Scale

Desert Wranglers uses the 1-10 scale rating to describe how technically difficult a trail is. Other sites or clubs may use the 1-5 scale, which is essentially the same, just halved.

When are Trails Rated

Ratings are decided during optimal sunny and dry conditions. Rain, snow, wind, etc. can quickly alter a trail's rating. Your trail leader will have information on the condition of the trail and may cancel a run should the weather not be optimal.

Weather Affects Trail Ratings and Scheduling

We don’t like to cancel or reschedule runs, but your safety, and the safety of our trail volunteers is of top priority. Generally, you can expect changes to scheduled runs during the summer months and monsoon season (Middle of June to end of September). Desert Wranglers Trail Leaders are out and about, frequently checking our trails during these times.

Bad weather the day of the run will mean the run will be canceled/rescheduled.

Pre-run Safety and Rating Check

When weather conditions have not been optimal in the preceding weeks/days leading up to the scheduled run, trail leaders pre-run the trail, just before the scheduled run. These pre-runs can change the trail rating as well as the scheduling of a particular event.

It is important to watch the weather and review emails sent from Meetup about the run you’ve RSVP’d for. Trail leaders will communicate the status of that run via Meetup.

Desert Wranglers Rating Descriptions: Scale 1 to 10

  • Trail Rating 1

    Stock Wrangler Friendly.

    Basically straight from the dealer to the desert. No need for any upgrades or modifications. The trail consists of graded dirt trail and no obstacles. High possibility of meeting someone using a GPS and a rental car.

  • Trail Rating 2

    Still Stock Wrangler Friendly

    Much like Rating 1 trails, except for a possible rut or loose gravel that might make things fun. Washboarding is likely, so airing down tires makes for a more comfortable ride. Possibility of desert pen-striping (overhanging brush leaving their mark). That rental car with a GPS may have turned back by this point.

  • Trail Rating 3

    Still Stock Friendly, but we are learning to use what’s on our vehicles now!

    4WD and slower speeds will be utilized. More loose gravel, some sand, and steep inclines are present, but most beginners should be good to go. No rocks to climb higher than 12”.

  • Trail Rating 4

    Here is where we require some slight modifications.

    These trails will have steep inclines and may require using 4 wheel low. There will also be deeper ruts, some off-camber sections and possibly some small/medium rocks that require climbing over (up to about 18”). 33” tires are required and a little more experience than a straight beginner, at least be comfortable with using 4 wheel low, and have some Rating 1-3 trails under your belt to feel how your Wrangler operates off pavement.

  • Trail Rating 5

    Requiring 33” tires.

    These trails will have even steeper and longer inclines, large rocks to climb/maneuver through (up to 24”) and there may also be some low water crossings, no deeper than 12”. Rating 5 is challenging, and requires prior experience on lower rated trails, and a good working knowledge of 4 wheel low. Damage to the undercarriage is possible.

  • Trail Rating 6

    This is the limit for Stock Jeeps. 35” tires required.

    These trails often have large rock formations (up to 3ft), off-camber sections, and deeper ruts. Spotting is likely needed to maneuver over obstacles. Lowering air pressure and disconnecting sway bars is a must. Lifts may be required at this point.

  • Trail Rating 7

    Stock Jeeps should NOT attempt!

    These trails are much like Rating 6, except with more obstacles, the need for expert spotting and some undercarriage scraping even with a lift. 35” tires and a lift required. Lockers may come in handy, and may be required at this point. Rock formations can be up to 48”.

  • Trail Rating 8

    These trails are not for the feint of heart.

    This is where those upgrades become necessary and not just for looks anymore. 35” tires, a high lift, winch, and lockers required. These trails are tough, and there is a possibility of not making it over obstacles and may need to be winched out. Damage is a high possibility as well as rollovers. Skill and nerves are a must.

  • Trail Rating 9

    These trails are reserved for the more buggy type Jeeps.

    Extreme climbing/Rock Crawling. 37” tires, lockers, roll cages, harnesses and other modifications required. This is about as extreme as they come. Damage is almost a guarantee, so do not attempt unless you have an extremely modified rig and willing to risk damage.

  • Trail Rating 10

    These trails are basically Rating 9 trails with “Impossible Obstacles”.

    Most attempts, if not all, will end up in failure, even by the most experienced driver and most modified rig. This is what Buggies Do!