Trail Rating System
The Arizona State Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. has issued the following rating system to establish the relative difficulty of trails. It was prepared as a benchmark for the novice driver. Recognizing that trails are not constant in their degree of difficulty, the index requires that each trail be rated by the most difficult situation encountered.
Class 1: Passable by stock and two-wheel drive vehicles; improved dirt, gravel etc.
Class 2 - EASY: Ground clearance required for stock two-wheel-drive pickups, vans, etc. Some mud holes or rocks that would stop most vehicles. Four-wheel-drive makes travel easy where others would have problems.
Class3 - MEDIUM: Four-wheel drive required in places due to terrain and loose traction for safe, easy travel. Low-range gears used occasionally. Street tires unacceptable.
Class 4 - HARD: Four-wheel-drive required, usually in low range. Greatest amount of ground clearance is handy due to moderate-sized rocks and obstacles. Jacks and winches advised.
Class 5 - VERY HARD: Not advisable for novice drivers without experienced help. Potentially dangerous situations! Maximum ground clearance and lowest gears required. Jacks or winches indispensable when needed for large boulders, steep inclines, etc.