AZ Ratings

General Off-Roading Tips/Etiquette

DO NOT RUN CLOSED TRAILS! If the gate is locked, don't bypass it. If it's posted, don't go there. Do your research, a number of historical trails are no longer open to access. If you can't find info on location, make friends with those that might. If it's not out there, don't post location/GPS info. There are a number of trails that are kept low-key to limit traffic and issues.

RIP Martinez Canyon, Coke Ovens, etc.

Don’t go alone. Some of these trails are remote and receive very limited use. Having another vehicle to help get unstuck/recover, is a good practice.

Keep the vehicle behind in view (check your mirrors semi-regularly). Make sure the vehicle behind you hasn’t had trouble/missed a turn.

Don’t follow too closely. On climbs/obstacles, wait for the rig in front to complete it. If they have to stop/back-up; you don’t want to be in the way or have to stop/lose your momentum. On the slow stuff, being able to see and pick your own line is helpful.

Use 4Low. The low range gear reduction improves control and reduces strain on the transmission and/or clutch. For the Manual Trans folks, try it and practice…yes, it tends to lurch forward initially, but then it usually slows down and crawls along. Get used to what to expect.

Air Down. Dropping the tire pressure increases grip, improves sidewall flex/grabbing of rocks, allows the tire to conform to the terrain. Many times the tire can move instead of tearing.

CB/Ham Radio – Communication is helpful and fun. Knowing if/why somebody has dropped back or having difficulty (or taking a pit-stop). Or why did the group stop (Is it a quick “move something” or “look-see” or should/can we all get out)? Not to mention the jokes/banter/trash talking you might be missing out on.

Spotting *Driver* - Pick/Decide on one person to lead you through a section. Get a plan of attack/line choice. What level of “damage” are you willing to accept? (Rub a lower bumper/Use the skids/sliders/Rub a wheel/etc.) Shit happens if/when rocks move/tires slide/clearances misjudged; we are hoping to avoid it-try to be positive. We are here to hangout/have a good time and the group will help when needed.

Spotting *Spotter* - Know what the driver wants to do. Give clear guidance. “Turn Driver/Passenger”, avoid “Straighten Out” (driver may not know where the wheels are pointed), Obvious/Visible Hand Direction when needed/used.

Spotting *Group* - Let the Driver/Spotter work together. Too many directions will confuse the driver. A Safety Full Stop is ok if you see something the spotter doesn’t.

Stay on the Trail/Remove Stacked Rock/Keep it Clean. Our access to these trails is always under scrutiny. Almost all of the rocky/wash trails are confined to the wash. If you’re planning to take dirt bypasses, they probably aren’t legal access and trying that trail should be reconsidered. If you stacked rocks to get up a ledge, remove them so the next group can experience the full challenge. A trail will eventually get easier/”paved” in if we don’t. (Until the next monsoon season of course). Don’t litter.

Disclaimer: Most of the ratings/reviews out there are Jeep biased. Short wheelbase/solid front axle/narrower body change the crawling ability/maneuverability, so realize that it might be more challenging in a longer Tacoma/4Runner, etc. Sliders are mandatory if you want to progress up the difficulty level in a truck.

It has also been a number of years since these trail rating numbers were set/posted. Monsoon/Floods move rocks/boulders/sand/dirt. What was hard may be easier and what was easier may be impassable.

1.0-Improved dirt road

2.0-Unimproved dirt roads. Potholes, minor wash outs, medium sized rocks and mud holes. Higher ground clearance helpful.

3.0-Difficult Trail. Loose gravel, large pot holes, steep inclines, medium sized rocks, 4 wheel drive required, aggressive tread and lowered tire pressure helpful.

3.5-Hard Trail. Same as above. Some rocky sections, go arounds at major obstacles. Body damage possible, mainly rocker panel or rear quarter panel.

4.0-Moderate rocky trail. Frequent ledges, crevices, large boulders, steep inclines and off camber situations. Body and or tire damage likely. Spotters may be needed for some obstacles. Low tire pressure required, good chance of loosing a bead. Possible component breakages.

4.5-Hard rocky trail. Same as a 4.0 rated trail but the obstacles are bigger, tighter squeezes and bigger risks to body and mechanical components. Few bypasses if any. Longer wheelbase vehicles may have problems with breakover angles, short wheelbase vehicles may have to use a winch or strap on some obstacles. Large vehicles will damage sheet metal. Spotter may be needed for all major obstacles. Rollovers possible. Plan for common component breakages (vehicle specific).

5.0-Extreme rocky trail. Same as a 4.5 rated trail but the obstacles are bigger, tighter squeezes and bigger risks to body and mechanical components. No bypasses. Body damage guaranteed. Spotters needed for most of trail. Rollovers likely. Some obstacles may require a winch for larger vehicles. Trail may be impassible when wet. Plan for major component breakages. Realistically these trails should be run with rock buggies.

5.5-Insane trail. Same as a 5.0 rated trail except all of the obstacles are bigger. Constant spotting required, vehicles will get hung up frequently, undercarriage will catch rocks. At some point a winch will be required to support the full weight of the vehicle.

 

I think id like to try Raw Deal again(as long as there isnt 15 jeeps ahead of us)

 

This is a awesome thread an will help many people find a answer fast good idea !!

 

Great thread idea OP!

 

Maybe add a closure section. A lot of the guides don't have that info.

Like Coke Ovens trail, Martinez Canyon etc

 

Damn good thread idea! If need be, I can give input on a lot of the Tucson area trails (Rug Road, Charouleau Gap, Chiva Falls etc).

 

you da man Ryan!! awesome thread!

 

omg, the thread picture is the VJC logo. make it stop!! its burning my eyes

I have a ton from Sunflower Mine and I can find some from LC

 

nice idea ryan!

 

I didn't think Jack Handle was all that bad, unless it has changed drastically since 2014. There were only a couple spots that were challenging.

I really want to run CK, Desoto, and Sunflower. Haven't ran Log Corral since I broke my rear axle housing and shredded a radiator, need a redo there.

 

There was one squeeze after a tight corner. Hardest obstacle on the trail that I could remember. Video of the obstacle here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cHMGwQTKWo

 

I did Jack Handle during a 4wheelparts customer appreciation run. Did the squeeze open/open without much trouble. Bro-tool behind me in a huge mall-crawled out Grand Cherokee wasn't so lucky; massive body damage. Very amusing that was

 

I'm liking this. Maybe I can dig up some old pics or post a few trail reviews.

 

Sub'd!

 

Wow, I need to edit my notifications or something because I didn't even see that I was tagged in the original post.

Awesome thread Ryan!

Here's a couple good photos of Elvis:
DSC_0206 by Connor Rhoades, on Flickr
10368218_10205552900252756_4457757167908248701_n by Connor Rhoades, on Flickr

Also a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76DD8ku1Qow

 

Just last night I was looking at trails to go off-roading in the near future. I've been to box canyon too many times! I even downloaded the AllTrails app haha. Great thread OP!

 

Cracks me up how tame it looks in pics

 

Watching that video makes me miss it haha

 

Im trying to get back but the weekend everyone is going is Jerome's bday. So maybe easter weekend a few of us can sneak up there